Getting Around in Peru
Getting from place to place in Peru is much different then traveling from state to state in the U.S. or even country to country in Europe. The rugged terrain that covers much of this beautiful country can make getting around – especially over land – quite difficult and public transportation is extremely limited in some cases.
By Plane
Those who have a budget that can sustain some in-country flights should definitely opt to travel from city to city by airplane. Getting around this way is also essential if you’re trying to cram a lot of stops into just a week or two.
Actually, flights from destination to destination can often be found at a fairly reasonable cost though fares do change according to season. July and August flights tend to be the most expensive as that is peak tourist time.
Cities that offer airports include Lima, Cusco, Iquitos, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Huaraz, and Puerto Maldonado. Airlines that fly to all or most of those destinations include LAN, AeroCondor, StarPeru, Taca Peru, and LC Busre. Lima has the most direct flights to these towns, so you may have to make a connection through the capital city. Cusco and Arequipa offer some direct flights as well.
Most of these in-country flights cannot be booked until you get to Peru but should indeed be booked as soon as you arrive if you know what your itinerary will be. Arrive early at the airport to insure that your seat is not given away.
By Train
There are but a few passenger train routes in Peru and they are quite popular, particularly during peak tourist season. Operated by Orient Express, these rail journeys travel to the top tourist destinations.
The most popular is the train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley. There are three “classes” of train that follow this route. The least costly and slowest is the Backpacker, followed by the Vistadome (first-class) and the very expensive Hiram Bingham, a true luxury trip aboard a magnificent train.
Other trains go from Cusco to Puno and from Lima to Huancayo in the beautiful Central Highlands. The latter runs only intermittently so check schedules carefully before you make your travel plans.
By Car
The U.S. State Department suggests that American tourists not travel Peru via rental car. The road system is often quite bad, crime against tourists on the road is not uncommon, and the tough terrain is very difficult to navigate.
The only time a rental car is feasible is when you are in a particular city – like Lima – and you want to use a car merely to get from place to place within that city. Once it’s time for you to leave the city, you should turn in the car.
Rental cars are not particularly cheap in Peru. Be prepared to pay some $50 a day minimum for a small vehicle.
By Bus
Peru does not have one central bus company that travels from one destination to another. Rather, there are several privately-owned companies that compete for business from the locals and the tourists. Bus travel is popular with Peruvians as many do not have cars and it is an inexpensive and convenient way to get around.
However, for travelers, the number of competing buses that travel the same route can be quite confusing. It may be hard to find a particular company’s station because each is different. The language barrier for those who don’t speak Spanish makes it even more difficult. On top of that, theft is rampant on public buses so travelers must beware.
If you’d like to travel long distance by bus, check out
the smattering of premium-class bus lines that offer luxury European-style
buses (with nice seats, air conditioning, and bathrooms). You’ll pay more,
but your travel – which can be very long – will be much more comfortable.
Return to Peru Travel Guide Main Page