The best ways to get around Peru

14.11.2023 - 15:39 / lonelyplanet.com

Squashed between the Pacific Coast and Amazon Rainforest, with the Andes Mountains running down its spine, Peru is a patchwork of contrasting regions, each with its own unique landscapes and ecosystems.

While this geography makes Peru an exciting country to visit, it also makes it a challenging one to navigate. Paved roads between regions are often absent, the railway network is sparse, and most flights require a connection through Lima, the capital city.

But don’t let the logistics discourage you – exploring this country is a real adventure and worth every minute of extra planning. Here’s our guide to getting around Peru.

Most travelers arrive in Peru via Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. They are then quickly introduced to the country's public transport as micros (buses) and combis (vans) barrel down the avenues and residential streets of the capital.

Public transport in Peru is a developing service. Hence, there are some road safety concerns (erratic driving and speeding top the list), as well as seemingly little organization – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a set schedule. However, it is an extremely cheap and easy way to get around.

In metropolitan cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, and Trujillo, passengers can commute by bus to the other side of the city for less than S/4 (nearly US$1). With constant drop-offs and pick-ups, however, travelers should not expect a swift arrival to their final destination.

For example, a 40km (25-mile) bus ride from Comas district in the north end of Lima to Chorrillos in the south can take around two hours.

For an exceptionally local (albeit nail-biting) experience, combis are fast-driving, overly-packed vans that turn into discos at night, blaring reggaeton and illuminating the streets with their fluorescent lights.

There is no set schedule for micros or combis, and the routes are not readily available online, so ask locals waiting at the bus stop for timing and destination details. Alternatively, the cobrador (the person who assists the driver by receiving each passenger’s fare) can tell you where to get off.

For longer, interregional routes, various companies offer organized coach services. This is one of the most economical ways to get around Peru. But research your choice of service first as they are not all created equal.

One of the most reputable bus companies in Peru is Peru Hop, which caters to tourists rather than local families and business travelers.

The service allows passengers to hop on and off along the route, with travelers deciding how much time they want to spend at each destination before continuing their journey. Keep in mind that the bus routes are largely limited to the south of Peru.

If you’re itching to head up north to the beaches of