Beginning December 2nd, the South American carrier LATAM Airlines will operate a brand-new, year-round service between Heathrow and Lima, Peru. The nonstop, direct flight will operate five days per week, making it the only airline that flies directly from the United Kingdom to Peru.

Peru has always been one of the most popular travel destinations in Latin America due to its abundance of natural marvels, including Machu Picchu, the towering Colca Canyon, and Paddington Bear’s home in the Peruvian Amazon. Recently, Lima has gained popularity for its Spanish colonial architecture and gastronomic scene, with local restaurant Central topping this year’s list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Stuart Whittington, head of product for specialist tour operator Journey Latin America, says, “Peru was one of the first countries we offered holidays to when Journey Latin America was founded in 1980, and we are thrilled by the news that travel to this all-time favourite destination is about to become easier.”

The 14-day Signature Peru: Classic Highlights of Peru is a suggested tailor-made holiday that explores the culinary capital of the Americas, Lima, before venturing to the Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the famous Machu Picchu. The vacation starts at £4,787 per person, based on two people sharing a room, and includes economy-class return flights with LATAM, domestic flights, transfers, excursions, and B&B accommodations at high-quality hotels.

Contact Journey Latin America (www.journeylatinamerica.com, 020 8747 8315) for additional information.