Saving $4K in spring award travel to South and Central America

Val had a week off from her residency program, so we trekked across the southern hemisphere to take our minds off work. 

Leaping across Latin America

Like many of our past travels, we arrived in Peru when the country was on a national holiday (their version of Labor Day). Being the Type A person I am, I’ve already planned out a lineup of activities for the week, including:

• Free Lima Walking Tour: A friendly guide gave us an overview of historical Jirón de la Unión Street, Plaza de Armas de Lima (Main Square), and the country’s colonial struggle
• Couples Massage at Vita Lima: We relaxed with the package that included the herbal massage, bamboo therapy, reflexology, and Chinese spheres.
• Michelin Dinner at Central: We embarked on “Experience Mundo Mater” (explored 14 world ecosystems at differing elevations with impeccable wine pairings).
• Macchu Picchu Excursion: The Circuit 4 entrance gave a stunning visual welcome to the majestic sanctuary (UNESCO), and we also hiked Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain).
• Rainbow Mountain Tour: The sheer elevation alone will incite (literal) breathtaking views of the Andean mountain range.
• Panama Canal Tour: I booked a tour service that shuttle use from/to the airport and we explored the Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo (UNESCO), and ​​Miraflores Visitor Center.

Together, we saw the architectural feat of Machu Picchu, heard lively music from the Lima Main Square, felt some of the softest textiles ever of llamas/alpacas, inhaled clean air from hiking Rainbow Mountain at 17K feet above sea level (the most challenging summit I’ve ever completed to date), and tasted the best Peruvian cuisine I’ve had at Central (#2 Michelin restaurant in the world)! View our photo album to see more of our moments abroad: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yKa4fBUfbPTY2kVM6.

After a handful of days in Peru, we ended our trip with a layover in Panama. Via an IMAX documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman, we learned about the economic impact of the Panama Canal and even saw a ship pass through its waterway. Check out more in our recap video.

Running the numbers

My points hobby netted us $4,040.51 USD in added value and enabled us to travel in style this spring. As a frequent flyer veteran of r/churning, I made sure that all of my award redemptions yielded more than 2 cents per point (CPP). The formula I used to calculate CPP is:

• CPP = 100 * (Cash Prize - Expenses) / (Award Prize)

Flights for two people (60,000 total Delta Sky Miles redeemed for LATAM flight; 80,600 total Chase UR points transferred 1:1 to United Mileage Plus Rewards):

• Economy on LatAm from JFK to LIM retailed for $1,614.
• Redeemed via 60,000 Delta SkyMiles (and $42.00 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (1,614 - 42) / (60,000) = 2.62 CPP
• Business class on Copa Airlines from PTY to JFK retailed for $1,927. Our configuration on the Boeing 737-800 did not fully recline as expected, so that was a bummer (fortunately, its stellar business class airport lounge made up for it).

• Redeemed via 80,600 United MileagePlus Rewards (and $100.38 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (1,927 - 100.38) / (80,600) = 2.27 CPP

Hotel for two people (24,000 total World of Hyatt points):

• 3 nights in Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima retailed for $540.
• Redeemed via 5,000 World of Hyatt points (and $0 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (540 - 0) / 24,000 = 2.25 CPP

Beyond the point redemptions, I secured a cozy one-night Airbnb stay in the Tika Wasi Valley Hotel at Ollantaytambo for two people (redeemed $42.25 of Airbnb employee credit—so free for us). Val and I loved our stunning view from this accommodation, and just like its listing in its photos, our bed had a swan towel upon entry. Continuing our tour across the Sacred Valley, I also booked a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Cusco. My Diamond status gave us a free upgrade to their best available suite (with its doors adjourned with decorations fit for a high priest). I also used Airbnb employee credit ($59.64) to pay for a tour of Rainbow Mountain. I’ve also attached the receipts below to help more travel hackers plan for a similar weeklong trip to Latin America:

From Peru's peaks to Panama's canal, each adventure sparked our hearts and nourished our souls.