New direct flights expand international travel options to and from Peru. SKY Airline will launch a connection between Lima and Rio de Janeiro at the end of 2026. This will be followed by a direct route between Cusco and Santiago de Chile in early 2027. Additionally, the connection from Lima to Puerto Maldonado will return.
The new route from Cusco is particularly interesting for international travelers to Peru. It allows for direct onward travel to Chile without having to fly back to Lima first. The new Brazil connection also expands the international route network of Jorge Chávez Airport. The Peruvian Ministry of Transport confirmed the new connections on August 24, 2026.
New Direct Flights between Lima and Rio de Janeiro
The new connection between Lima and Rio de Janeiro is scheduled to start on December 28, 2026. SKY initially plans one daily flight between the two cities during the South American summer season. For SKY, Rio de Janeiro is the second destination in Brazil to be served directly from Lima. The airline already connects the Peruvian capital with São Paulo.
This provides travelers with an additional option to combine Peru and Brazil. The route is also interesting for visitors from Brazil. Peru is one of the important South American travel destinations, while Rio de Janeiro is one of the best-known Brazilian destinations for travelers from Peru.
The direct connection eliminates a stopover via other South American hubs. This can significantly reduce travel time between the two cities and simplify the combination of both countries.
Lima Becomes More Important as an International Hub
The new connection also underscores the growing importance of Jorge Chávez International Airport. With the new terminal, Lima has had significantly larger capacities for international and national connections since 2025.
SKY has been expanding Lima as an important location within its South American network for several years. From the Peruvian capital, there are connections to various destinations within Peru and to other South American countries. Rio de Janeiro expands this offering with a particularly attractive tourist route.
Travelers from Europe, for example, can combine a stay in Peru with onward travel to Brazil. For Peru itself, the connection is also interesting. Direct international flights not only facilitate travel abroad but can also bring additional visitors to Lima and then to other regions of the country.
Directly from Cusco to Santiago de Chile
Even more interesting for many travelers to Peru is likely to be the second announced international route. From January 3, 2027, SKY plans to connect Cusco directly with Santiago de Chile. This connection is also expected to be offered daily during the summer season.
This creates a direct international connection between one of Peru's most important tourist destinations and the Chilean capital. Travelers will no longer necessarily have to fly via Lima for this route.
Especially for round trips, this opens up new possibilities. Those who visit Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, for example, can then continue their journey directly to Chile. The previously often necessary return flight to Lima is eliminated with appropriate travel planning.
Cusco Receives Another International Connection
While Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco has international connections, its flight offerings are still heavily dominated by domestic traffic. The majority of travelers reach Cusco via Lima. The new connection to Santiago therefore strengthens the region's international connectivity.
Not only foreign visitors can benefit from this. Travelers from Cusco and the surrounding regions also gain an additional direct connection abroad. For tourism, the route is particularly interesting because Santiago is an important South American air traffic hub.
From Santiago, there are numerous other connections within Chile and to international destinations. At the same time, Cusco becomes more easily accessible for travelers from Chile. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the historic city of Cusco are among Peru's most important travel destinations.
What the Connection Means for Peru Round Trips
International direct connections outside Lima are particularly interesting for travel planning in Peru. Many international journeys still inevitably pass through the capital. This sometimes leads to detours for round trips.
Anyone wishing to travel to another South American country after a stay in Cusco often has to fly back to Lima first. With Cusco–Santiago, another option arises to organize a trip to Peru differently.
One route could, for example, start in Lima and then lead via Arequipa to Cusco. From there, direct onward travel to Chile would be possible. The connection also works in the opposite direction. Travelers from Chile can begin their Peru trip directly in Cusco and later travel on to Lima via other destinations.
Thus, the route becomes interesting not only for classic round trips but especially for round trips through several South American countries.
Tickets for the New SKY Connections are Already Available
SKY has already started selling tickets for the new routes. For the Cusco–Santiago connection, round-trip prices starting from approximately 283 US dollars or 963 Soles were quoted at the start of sales. For Lima–Rio de Janeiro, prices starting from approximately 471 US dollars or 1,601 Soles for a round trip were published.
Actual ticket prices can vary significantly depending on travel date, demand, fare, and additional services. Especially with a low-cost airline, only the initially displayed base price should not be compared.
Checked baggage, seat selection, and other services can incur additional costs. The prices mentioned are therefore not permanently guaranteed fares, but the introductory prices published at the time of the announcement.
Lima–Puerto Maldonado Also Returns
In addition to the two international routes, SKY has announced another important connection within Peru. From March 1, 2027, the Lima–Puerto Maldonado route is scheduled to be offered again. A daily connection is also planned.
This gives the capital of the Madre de Dios region another flight option to Lima. Puerto Maldonado is one of the most important starting points for trips to the Peruvian Amazon. From the city, visitors can reach numerous lodges and protected areas in the rainforest.
For international travelers, the flight connection is particularly important because it can avoid long overland journeys. Many visitors also combine Puerto Maldonado with Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Interesting Combination of Cusco and the Amazon
The resumption of the route to Puerto Maldonado is therefore more than an additional domestic connection. It improves the possibilities of combining different regions of Peru within a single trip.
Cusco and Puerto Maldonado are geographically relatively close to each other, but they differ significantly in terms of landscape. Within a single trip, the Andes and the Amazon can thus be combined.
Whether SKY will also offer direct flights between Cusco and Puerto Maldonado depends on the respective flight schedule. Travelers should therefore check the current connections when planning and not automatically assume a direct flight.
Competition in Peru's Aviation Market Continues to Increase
The new routes also show how strongly the Peruvian air transport continues to develop. LATAM still holds a strong position in national and international traffic. SKY and JetSMART compete particularly with low fares for passengers.
For travelers, this competition can bring advantages. New connections create additional choices and can provide more competition on highly demanded routes.
However, the total price remains crucial. With low-cost fares, not all services that travelers are accustomed to from classic flight tickets are always included. Those traveling through Peru with larger suitcases should therefore consider baggage costs when comparing prices.
What Travelers Should Consider with the New Connections
The new international connections will only start at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027. Flight schedules may be adjusted until then. Seasonal routes do not automatically have to be offered with the same frequency throughout the year.
For Lima–Rio and Cusco–Santiago, it is particularly important that the initially announced daily connections are planned for the summer season. Those who wish to travel at a later date should therefore check the then current flight schedule.
For round trips, however, an interesting alternative may already arise. Especially the direct flight from Cusco to Santiago enables travel plans that eliminate the previously necessary detour via Lima. With Rio de Janeiro, another important international destination is added to the route network from Lima.
Together with the return of Puerto Maldonado, SKY thus expands both its international and national connections in Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Flight Connections
When does the direct flight from Lima to Rio de Janeiro start?
SKY plans to start the new connection on December 28, 2026. During the summer season, the route is initially scheduled to be served daily.
When does Cusco–Santiago start?
The first flight between Cusco and Santiago de Chile is scheduled for January 3, 2027. SKY initially plans daily connections during the summer season.
Do you still have to transfer in Lima between Cusco and Santiago?
No. The new SKY connection is a direct flight between Cusco and Santiago de Chile.
When will SKY fly to Puerto Maldonado again?
The Lima–Puerto Maldonado connection is scheduled to return on March 1, 2027. A daily connection is planned.
Are tickets already available for booking?
Yes. SKY has already started selling the announced connections. Prices may vary depending on travel date, fare, and booked additional services.
Are the new international flights year-round?
The initially announced daily frequencies for Lima–Rio and Cusco–Santiago refer to the summer season. For later travel periods, the current flight schedule should be checked.
Why is Cusco–Santiago interesting for round trips?
The connection allows for direct onward travel from Cusco to Chile. Travelers do not have to fly back to Lima after a stay in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Sources
Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones del Perú, announcement on new international flight connections, August 24, 2026.
Agencia Andina, information on the new routes to Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile.
Gestión, details on flight schedule, sales launch, and introductory prices of the new SKY connections.
SKY Airline, route and booking information.