Getting Around in Peru

By Plane

Peru is a long country, studded with the mountains of the Andes. These mountains make Peru less than ideal for a road trip, especially one that you have to negotiate yourself.

Planes are a popular way to travel between Peru’s cities, especially if you’re trying to see all of Peru’s sites in just a couple of weeks.

Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) in Lima is Peru’s largest international airport. There are also international airports in Iquitos, Arequipa, Piura, and Cusco.

By Rental Car

Rental cars are inconvenient for traveling around the country, especially between cities. Keep in mind that it can be dangerous to drive alone in rural areas, especially at night. Driving yourself around Peru is also difficult if you are unaccustomed to navigating several different types of terrain and seemingly abrupt weather changes (dependent upon your location).

Even if you’re staying within the city, keep in mind that driving attitudes are different in Peru, and drivers can be significantly more aggressive. Roads, especially the roads outside the city, are often not well maintained.

By Bus

Buses are some of the most common ways to get around Peru, and a good option for traveling between cities when you don’t want to take a plane. One of the main risks is luggage theft.

Buses take many forms in Peru. Larger buses that travel between cities are also called autobuses.

Urban buses are called combis or colectivos. Larger combis travel between cities. Micros are smaller versions of combis. Combis and colectivos are the cheapest way to get around Lima, and often also the quickest. Bring change—these buses do not have automated ticketing.

Luxury buses have assigned seating and bathrooms. They’re more expensive than regular buses, but still cheaper than renting a car.

By Train

Trains have the advantage of allowing you to take in more of the scenery.

Many visitors choose to take a train to Machu Picchu from Cusco. You can take luxurious train rides that come with live music and gourmet meals.

There’s also train line that runs between Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

By Taxi

Taxis can be quite expensive, and the price of a taxi ride is typically subject to some negotiation. You should agree on a price before getting into a taxi. They are notoriously expensive in Lima, and not subject to any kind of regulation.

Can you take public buses around Peru?

Yes. A wide network of long-distance buses connects almost every destination in Peru, most cities have a bus terminal, and the main routes run on well-maintained highways patrolled by highway police. Service levels vary a lot: the best coaches have reclining or bed-style seats, bathrooms, meals and onboard entertainment, and many run nonstop. In cities such as Arequipa and Cusco the companies share a single terminal; in Lima each company runs its own station.

Bus crashes are common, especially at night, so travel with reputable companies and avoid overnight journeys through the mountains where you can. Keep your passport and valuables on you rather than in the overhead rack; theft is more frequent on cheaper buses. Within cities, combis and colectivos are cheap but crowded and cash-only.

For comfort and flexibility, our Peru Insiders arrange private drivers and domestic flights for the long legs.

Is Peru bike-friendly?

In the countryside, yes; in the big cities, much less so. The best riding is in rural highland areas — the Sacred Valley, the hills outside Cusco and the canyon country around Arequipa — where you can rent mountain bikes or join a guided ride on dirt roads and single-track past villages and Inca terraces.

Cycling in Lima and other large cities is a different matter. Driving standards are poor: drivers often ignore stop signs and traffic lights, and fatal crashes are frequent, so we don't recommend riding in city traffic. At altitude, give yourself a few days to acclimatize before a long ride. Our Peru Insiders can build a guided cycling day with a support vehicle into your trip.