Getting around Peru is fairly straightforward, whether you’re sticking to public transport or renting a car. The country has a wide range of transportation options, from buses to rideshare services, so you can navigate Peru’s cities and beyond with ease. But it’s important to understand the specifics so you can make the right choice that fits your budget, safety concerns, and itinerary.
Public Transportation in Peru
If you’re traveling in Peru’s cities, like Lima or Cusco, public transportation is the cheapest way to get around. Buses and combis (shared vans) are the primary options. Both are affordable, but comfort varies.
Buses
Buses are the most common way to travel in urban areas. They are cheap, often costing less than $1 USD per ride, but they can get very crowded, especially during rush hour. The routes can be confusing at first because there’s no standardized map system. You’ll need to ask locals or check apps like “Moovit” for help figuring out routes and stops. Most buses don’t have a set schedule, so expect to wait sometimes if you’re traveling outside peak hours.
Safety can be an issue, especially in the more crowded cities. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid buses late at night, especially if you’re unfamiliar with an area. The cheaper the ride, the crazier the driving can be, and there are usually no seat belts.
Combis
Combis are similar to small buses or shared vans. They follow set routes and stop anywhere passengers need to get off. You’ll hear the driver’s assistant shouting the destinations out the window. Combis can be even more chaotic than buses, with fast driving and sudden stops. These are cheap, but again, safety and comfort can be hit or miss. It’s also easy to get lost if you don’t know the exact route.
Taxis
Taxis are very common in Peru and are a good middle ground between comfort and price. However, there are some things to keep in mind for safety and to avoid getting overcharged.
Negotiating Fares
Most taxis don’t have meters, so you’ll need to agree on the fare before hopping in. If you don’t speak Spanish well, it can be tricky to haggle a fair price. In cities like Lima, you can expect to pay around 15-30 PEN ($4-8 USD) for a short ride within the city. For longer trips or from the airport, it’s more expensive.
Safety
Take licensed taxis whenever possible since they are considered safer. You’ll recognize them by the official sticker or checkered marks on the side of the car. However, unlicensed taxis are also common, especially in smaller towns. If you have a strong safety concern, ask your hotel or a trusted local to help call a reputable taxi service. At night, avoid flagging down taxis off the street in unknown areas.
Taxi Apps
If you’re in a big city like Lima, then apps like Easy Taxi or Beat are the safest way to get a taxi. These apps work just like Uber and can track drivers. They also allow you to pay with a card, which can be handy if you’re avoiding cash transactions. The fare is fixed by the app, so you don’t need to negotiate before the ride.
Rideshare Services
Uber is available in Lima and a few other large cities. It’s a convenient option because the price is set in the app, so no need for negotiating fares. It’s one of the safer ways to get around since both the passenger and driver are tracked through the app. This service also eliminates the language barrier if you don’t speak much Spanish.
However, don’t expect Uber to be everywhere. Once you’re outside of cities like Lima or Arequipa, you won’t find rideshare services that easily, so you’ll need to rely on taxis or other forms of transport.
Car Rentals
If you’re looking to explore more remote areas or simply enjoy having more freedom on your trip, renting a car could be the option for you. But driving in Peru comes with its own set of challenges.
How to Rent a Car
Renting a car in Peru is straightforward. Most major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate at airports and the main cities. Rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $30-50 USD per day for a basic economy car. You’ll need to have your passport, a driver’s license, and a credit card to rent a vehicle.
If you only have a basic driver’s license from your home country, that will usually be fine for most car rental companies, but having an International Driver’s Permit is a good backup. Always check with the rental agency first before you travel.
Driving Conditions
Driving in Peru is manageable but can be stressful if you’re not used to aggressive driving. In large cities, the traffic is chaotic. People don’t always respect traffic rules, and it’s common to see cars cutting each other off or motorcycles weaving between lanes. Be prepared for this if you’re planning to drive in cities like Lima.
Outside of the cities, driving is more relaxed, but be cautious when traveling to rural or mountainous areas. The roads can be narrow, with sharp turns and less frequent signage. Some roads are unpaved or in poor condition, especially on more remote routes. Make sure your car rental comes with a spare tire and emergency tools.
Tolls
Peru has toll roads, particularly on the highways between major cities. Tolls are relatively cheap, usually between 5-10 PEN (about $1.50-3 USD), but you should keep some cash handy, as not all toll stations take cards.
Gas Stations
Fuel is widely available across Peru, but stations become scarce in more rural areas. Make sure to fill up your tank when you have the chance if traveling outside the main cities. Gasoline costs about 5-7 PEN per liter, roughly $6 USD per gallon.
Tips for Driving in Peru
– Always rent a car with insurance. Road accidents are more common here, and insurance will save you a lot of headaches if something happens.
– Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Roads are poorly lit, and some drivers ignore basic traffic rules like speed limits or signals.
– Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for navigation. They tend to be more reliable than trying to rely on road signs.
Long-Distance Travel
For long-distance travel between cities, flying and buses are your best options. Renting a car might be tempting for exploring the countryside, but for long journeys, these options tend to be more practical.
Buses
Peru has an extensive network of long-distance buses, and this is usually the cheapest way to travel between cities. Companies like Cruz del Sur or Oltursa offer comfortable bus services with reclining seats and air conditioning. You can book these buses online or at the bus terminals. Prices depend on the route and the level of service but generally expect to pay around $30-50 USD for long trips, for example from Lima to Cusco.
Flying
While buses are cheaper, internal flights between cities can save you a lot of time—especially if you’re traveling to Cusco or Arequipa from Lima. The two main airlines operating domestic flights are LATAM and Sky Airlines. Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book, but you can usually find flights for around $50-150 USD if you plan in advance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose public transport, taxis, rideshare services, or renting a car, getting around Peru doesn’t have to be difficult. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on what’s most important to you: budget, safety, or convenience. For day-to-day transport in cities, public transport or taxis should suffice. But if you want to explore more of the country, renting a car or taking a long-distance bus could be a great way to experience Peru’s diverse and scenic landscapes at your own pace. Safe travels!
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