Getting Around Peru
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses and Metropolitano in Lima. Rural: Rent a car for coastal highways. Andes: Long-distance buses or trains to Machu Picchu. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lima to your destination.
Train Travel
PeruRail Network
Limited but scenic train services connecting Cusco to Machu Picchu and Arequipa to Puno.
Cost: Cusco to Machu Picchu $60-150 one-way, journeys 3-4 hours on tourist routes.
Tickets: Book via PeruRail website or app, advance purchase required for peak season.
Peak Times: Avoid June-August dry season for crowds, book 2-3 months ahead.
Tourist Rail Passes
PeruRail Expedition or Vistadome passes for Machu Picchu access, bundled with entry tickets.
Best For: Inca Trail alternatives, significant savings for round-trip scenic travel.
Where to Buy: Official website, Cusco stations, or authorized agents with e-tickets.
Highland Routes
Hiram Bingham luxury train for premium Machu Picchu experience, connecting to Lake Titicaca.
Booking: Reserve early for luxury options, discounts for off-peak November-March.
Cusco Stations: Poroy or Ollantaytambo as main hubs, with connections to Sacred Valley.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring Nazca Lines or northern beaches. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at Lima Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for mountain roads, verify theft protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Pan-American Highway has tolls ($1-5 per section), pay in cash or card.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow Andean passes, buses have right-of-way.
Parking: Street parking free in suburbs, secure lots $2-5/day in cities like Cusco.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $1.00-1.20/liter for gasoline, $0.90-1.10 for diesel.
Apps: Use Waze or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas like the Amazon.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Lima rush hours, caution for potholes on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Lima Metro & Metropolitano
Modern metro lines and bus rapid transit system, single ticket $0.80, day pass $3, 10-journey card $7.
Validation: Use rechargeable cards at stations, fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: ATU app for Lima routes, real-time tracking, and digital fares.
Bike Rentals
Bike Rentals
Mi Bike or urban sharing in Lima and Cusco, $5-12/day with stations in historic centers.
Routes: Bike lanes along the coast and in Miraflores, safe for short urban trips.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours in Sacred Valley, including visits to ruins.
Buses & Local Services
Colectivos and city buses in Arequipa and Trujillo, operated by local companies.
Tickets: $0.50-1 per ride, pay cash to driver or use card at terminals.
Intercity Buses: Cruz del Sur or Oltursa lines connect cities, $10-30 for long hauls.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, Miraflores in Lima or San Blas in Cusco for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (June-Aug) and festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for altitude-related travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, hot water, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G in cities like Lima and Cusco, 3G in rural Andes and Amazon regions.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Claro, Movistar, and Entel offer prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Major bus terminals and plazas offer free access.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, slower in highlands but sufficient for basics.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Peru Time (PET), UTC-5, no daylight saving time observed year-round.
- Airport Transfers: Lima Airport (LIM) 15km from city center, taxi $10-15 (30 min), bus $1, or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals ($2-5/day) and services in major cities like Arequipa.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains vary, many sites like Machu Picchu have steps; seek assisted options.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on some buses (small free, large $5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for $3-5, allowed on trains with space in off-peak times.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Peru
Lima Airport (LIM) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Jorge Chávez International (LIM): Primary gateway in Lima, 15km from center with bus connections.
Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ): Cusco hub 6km from city, taxi $5 (20 min) for Andean flights.
Rodrigo Rodríguez Ballón (AQP): Arequipa airport 10km out, serves southern domestic routes.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bogotá or Santiago and bus to Peru for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air serve domestic routes from Lima to Cusco and Arequipa.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and altitude acclimation when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee $3-6, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural markets.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, Apple Pay and Google Pay in major hotels.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and tips, keep $50-100 in small soles denominations.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants optional, $1-2 for porters or guides in tourist sites.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.