Top Ways to Navigate Peru

Nestled between the Pacific Coast and the Amazon Rainforest, with the Andes Mountains running through its heart, Peru is a vibrant tapestry of diverse regions, each showcasing its own distinct landscapes and ecosystems.

This varied geography makes Peru a thrilling destination, but it can also pose navigation challenges. Many paved roads between regions are missing, the railway system is limited, and most flights involve a layover in Lima, the capital.

However, don’t let logistical hurdles hold you back—discovering this country is a true adventure and justifies every moment spent planning ahead. Here’s our comprehensive guide to traveling around Peru.

Navigating Public Transport Can Be Complex

Most visitors to Peru fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, where they quickly encounter the local public transport scene, featuring micros (buses) and combis (vans) speeding down the city streets and residential areas.

Peru’s public transport system is still evolving. As a result, there are some safety issues (like erratic driving and speeding) and a lack of organization—finding a fixed schedule can be quite a challenge. Nevertheless, it remains a very affordable and accessible way to travel.

In major cities like Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, and Trujillo, passengers can travel across town by bus for under S/4 (almost US$1). However, with frequent stops for pick-ups and drop-offs, travelers should be prepared for longer journeys.

For instance, a bus journey covering 40km (25 miles) from the Comas district in northern Lima to Chorrillos in the south can take approximately two hours.

For a truly local (if a bit nerve-wracking) experience, combis are rapid, overcrowded vans that transform into lively dance parties at night, blasting reggaeton and lighting up the streets with neon lights.

There’s no fixed schedule for micros or combis, and their routes aren’t easily found online, so it’s best to ask locals at the bus stop about timing and destinations. Alternatively, the cobrador (the fare collector) can inform you where to disembark.

Choosing the right bus company is essential

For longer, interregional trips, several companies provide organized coach services, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to travel around Peru. However, it's wise to research your options as not all services are equally reliable.

One of the most well-known bus companies in Peru is Peru Hop, which focuses on tourists rather than local families and business commuters.

This service allows passengers to hop on and off at various points along the route, giving travelers the freedom to choose how long to stay at each location before continuing their journey. However, note that the bus routes primarily cover the southern regions of Peru.

If you’re eager to travel north to the beaches of Máncora (a 15-hour bus ride from Lima), the charming jungle town of Oxapampa (10 hours), or towards Huaraz (8 hours) for some trekking in the Andes, recommended bus companies include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Movil Tours.

Travel Tip for the Highlands: Expect buses to face significant delays during the rainy season (from January to April), especially in the highlands and jungle areas.

Traveling by car can be expensive, but it offers greater flexibility.

Exploring Peru by private car is quite the adventure, best suited for those with ample time, a flexible budget, and a tolerance for hectic traffic conditions.

The most significant highway in Peru, the Carretera Panamericana, runs north and south and is part of the Pan-American highway network across the Americas.

While long stretches of coastal desert may feel monotonous at times, you can look forward to sampling freshly baked pan a la leña (wood-fired bread) when heading south or uncovering a hidden beach on your journey north.

Renting a car in Peru can be costly, making it more suitable for short trips of 2 to 3 days rather than a full country tour. If you plan to venture into the jungle or Andes, choose a four-wheel-drive model to handle the rough terrain.

Taxis and moto-taxis provide an affordable and fun way to get around the city.

Taxis are an efficient way for tourists to travel between locations within a city or town at a relatively low cost. Be sure to consult locals about typical fares to avoid the 'foreigner's special' (an inflated price for tourists).

Lima stands out as the most expensive city in Peru for transportation and many other expenses, yet in comparison to the US and Europe, taxi fares remain remarkably low, typically costing no more than US$4.

In major cities, taxis can be hailed directly from the street or, for added safety and consistent pricing, booked through rideshare apps like Uber, which operates in Arequipa, Cusco, and Lima.

In smaller jungle and highland towns, moto-taxis take the place of traditional taxis and are significantly more affordable.

Seeing a cluster of moto-taxis (similar to Thailand's tuk-tuks) when you arrive is a great indication that the area has maintained its authentic charm. Most rides cost no more than S/4.

Experience breathtaking scenic views aboard the train.

Although the train network in Peru covers only a few destinations, the stunning landscapes along these routes are so remarkable that they could easily dictate your travel plans.

The most renowned and sought-after train journey in Peru is the picturesque ride to the Inca site of Machu Picchu. Departing from either Cusco or the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, passengers are treated to views of the Vilcanota River and lush hills that start to blend with the Amazon Rainforest as they approach Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, it's just a 30-minute bus ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two train companies servicing this route are PeruRail and Inca Rail, each providing different price ranges and comfort levels.

For travelers eager to experience every change in Peru's landscape, PeruRail’s Andean Explorer features luxurious sleeper trains between Cusco and Puno (for a scenic trip to Lake Titicaca), as well as a Cusco-Puno-Arequipa route that takes passengers to the 'Ciudad Blanca' (White City).

Though it has been operating since 1999 and remains largely unknown to many travelers, the Ferrocarril Central Andino offers an exhilarating journey – it was once recognized as the world’s highest train route. This train connects Lima to Huancayo, a town nestled in the central Peruvian Andes, reaching an altitude of 4782m (15,689ft) above sea level as it navigates the mountain range.

With a travel time of around 12 hours, be sure to plan this train journey in advance as it runs only once or twice a month.

Travel swiftly between regions by air.

In addition to buses, planes are a popular and efficient option for travelers exploring various regions of Peru. The primary airline in the country is LatAm, which operates both internationally and within major domestic cities.

Smaller domestic airlines provide lower fares but have limited schedules (typically three to four days a week for most flights with VivaAir), and destinations can be quite limited. For instance, StarPerú flies only to Cajamarca, Huanuco, Iquitos, Lima, Pucallpa, and Tarapoto.

The biggest drawback of flying within Peru? Most flights between cities, except for Lima, are not direct and will require a connection in the capital.

While flying offers a quick solution for those pressed for time, it lacks the unique charm found on Peru's long-distance buses or trains. Additionally, air travel is significantly more detrimental to the environment.

Tip for arriving in Peru: Many international flights land in the early morning hours, so jet-lagged travelers should consider booking a nearby hotel in advance. The Airport Express provides a fast and safe shuttle service with hourly departures to seven stops across Miraflores, featuring no baggage restrictions and complimentary Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and restrooms on board.

Travel accessibility in Peru

Peru still has significant progress to make in ensuring inclusive access and accommodations for travelers with mobility challenges. In recent years, Lima has improved its infrastructure, with ramps and elevators becoming increasingly available in places like shopping malls.

However, basic features such as wide, even sidewalks, braille signage, and phones for the hearing impaired remain scarce, particularly in other regions and provinces where they are virtually absent.

In Lima, the light rail system is wheelchair accessible, and the law requires fellow passengers to offer priority access to individuals with disabilities. The service offers a smooth journey with 26 stops throughout the city.

Helpful resources for disabled travelers in Peru include Conadis, a government agency dedicated to providing information and support for people with disabilities, and Apumayo Expediciones, one of the few adventure tour companies that organizes trips for travelers with mobility challenges to Machu Picchu and other historical sites in the Sacred Valley.

For more details, download Dinogo Planet’s free Accessible Travel guide.