Discover the 4 top road trips in Peru

Peru boasts many hidden pre-Incan archaeological wonders, lush rainforests, and peaceful beaches waiting to be explored – a car is essential to access these gems.

Although car rental rates in Peru can be high compared to bus fares, the freedom to make various stops on these amazing road trips makes it a worthwhile expense.

Before setting off on a road trip in any region, remember some key driving tips for Peru: tourists may find the traffic in major cities hectic, and locals often overlook standard rules on interregional highways (such as speed limits and turn signals).

By avoiding nighttime driving and taking a relaxed pace, your road trip will be both safe and unforgettable.

Explore the top road trips in Peru.

1. Southern Coast Expedition

The ultimate route for thrill-seekers

Lima to Nazca; 450km (280 miles); plan for 2-3 days

Departing from the vibrant capital of Lima, head south along the arid Pan-American Highway, passing by popular weekend spots like San Bartolo (surfers should make a point to visit Cerro Azul, a charming fishing village favored by local surfers).

Travel another 90 minutes through Peru’s expansive southern desert, where the Pan-American finally meets the distinctive coast of Paracas.

Stopping in Paracas lets you stretch your legs along the rugged beaches while observing wildlife such as sea lions, or take an exciting boat trip to the locally famous 'poor man’s Galapagos Islands,' Islas Ballestas, to see Humboldt penguins.

From the Pacific shores of Paracas, Ica is just an hour inland and is surrounded by vineyards and pisco distilleries. Just 10 minutes beyond the city center lies the desert oasis of Huacachina, where a natural pool is encircled by stunning dunes, making it a prime location for dune buggy rides and sandboarding.

After an exhilarating day filled with adventures, return to your vehicle and make your way to the final destination of this southern road trip: Nazca.

Here’s your opportunity to switch things up with a six-seater plane ride over the enigmatic geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines. Just two miles from the town, you’ll find the twisting stone canals constructed by the Nazca civilization (around 200 CE and 700 CE), called the Cantalloc Aqueducts.

Detour: Make a stop in Palpa before reaching Nazca to view the Palpa Lines, lesser-known yet equally remarkable geoglyphs that can be seen from a lookout 8km (5 miles) south of Palpa. For an even better experience, consider combining this viewing with the flight over the Nazca Lines.

2. Central to High Jungle

Ideal for exploring coffee plantations and German-Austrian heritage

La Merced to Pozuzo; 157km (98 miles); plan for 4-5 days (excluding stops)

La Merced serves as the gateway to Peru’s central jungle, marking the starting point for this picturesque road trip that leads to the serene selva alta (high jungle) of Oxapampa, accessible only by land.

As you depart La Merced, make sure to visit the native Ashaninka Pampa Michi community to gain insight into their history and culture. Continue north on Av Castilla along Route 22B, eventually merging onto Highway 5N, which traverses the northern jungle.

At the junction of Puente Paucartambo, turn right to head towards Villa Rica (the left will take you to Oxapampa, where you'll circle back later to continue your road trip). This warm region of Peru is renowned for its exquisite coffee.

When it's time to return to Puente Paucartambo, take the exit towards Oxapampa. The scenic drive to the charming high jungle will take less than two hours, making you feel far removed from the previously visited tropical towns.

Austrian-German settlers arrived in this remote area in 1853, leaving an enduring influence on its architecture, culture, and cuisine. Designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this distinctive town is adjacent to the flourishing Yanachaga Chemillén National Park.

After wandering the tidy and peaceful town of Oxapampa, enjoying some chicken schnitzel and refreshing yourself at El Tigre waterfall (a quick 10-minute drive from the plaza), get back on the road and head north for nearly two hours to reach Pozuzo.

On your journey, you can make stops at two additional waterfalls: Torre Bamba and Rayan Tambo. The reward for navigating the narrow dirt road to Pozuzo is a refreshing pint from the town's German-style brewery, Dörcher.

Planning Tip: Schedule your jungle road trip between April and October to steer clear of the rainy season.

3. High-Altitude Cultures of Southern Peru

Ideal for exploring archaeological sites

Cuzco to Puno; 389 km (242 miles); plan for 3-4 days

Trains, planes, and buses connect the imperial city of Cuzco to Puno, but taking a car to the folkloric capital of Peru allows you to explore the highlands and cultural highlights at your leisure.

Stick to Highway 3S for the entire route, making a stop at the pre-Incan site of Pikillacta. Established by the Wari culture around 650 CE, this archaeological site remains a captivating mystery, remarkably well-preserved. Just 15 km (9.3 miles) further south, you'll encounter the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas,' Iglesia de San Pedro in Andahuaylillas.

Less than two hours down the road is another archaeological treasure, Raqchi, featuring a two-story temple dedicated to Viracocha, the principal Inca deity. Make sure to avoid a heavy lunch before crossing La Raya Pass, the highest point of your journey at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level.

Capture those postcard-perfect moments and return to your vehicle before the high-altitude chill sets in. A few hours later, you'll arrive in Puno, your final stop and the gateway to Lake Titicaca.

After a winding drive, treat yourself to a dish of trout ceviche or chupe de quinoa (quinoa stew) to celebrate, but remember to take it slow as Puno sits at an altitude of 3,822 m.

Detour: Just before reaching Puno, veer off Highway 3S to explore the chullpas (funerary towers) of Sullistani, which soar up to 12 m high.

4. Beaches and Mangroves of the Northern Coast

Ideal route for a relaxing escape

Piura-Tumbes; 287 km (178 miles); plan for 3-4 days

This journey along Peru’s northern coast offers the perfect opportunity to surf and bask in the sun. You'll visit charming beach towns, each enhancing the laid-back atmosphere of your road trip.

Starting in Piura, a vibrant city adorned with colonial architecture around its Plaza de Armas, explore the Casa Grau museum, which honors the renowned naval hero. Then, take the Panamericana Norte Highway to reach Organos.

With its turquoise waters and sandy shores, Organos is just 15 minutes from the popular surf town of Máncora, yet offers a more tranquil experience. Enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, or a leisurely stroll along the coast, lined with cozy bungalows and stylish cafes.

As you continue your journey north, you'll zip past Mancora. This coastal drive will lead you to numerous beach towns, but after about an hour and a half, you can look forward to stretching your legs in Zorritos.

Benefiting from the Humboldt Current, this fishing and surfing village enjoys a mild climate and comfortable water temperatures year-round. Just 25 minutes outside Zorritos, you'll find El Tubo, a natural hot spring.

Visit in the evening with a cold drink in hand and soak in the tranquil desert surroundings. Another great option is to indulge in the healing mud baths at Los Hervideros.

Drive along the coast for one more hour to reach your final stop: Tumbes. Known for its rich biodiversity, this small region in northern Peru houses the remarkable Mangroves National Sanctuary. Take a break from driving and paddle through these coastal wetlands.

Planning Tip: Plan your trip between July and October to take advantage of whale-watching opportunities near Organos.