Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Peru.

PeruRail & Inca Rail — Two main operators run scenic routes: PeruRail connects Cusco to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley; Inca Rail offers similar routes with different schedules. Book weeks ahead during peak season (May–September) as trains fill quickly.
Hiking the Inca Trail alternative — Train tickets to Machu Picchu are expensive; consider taking a local train to Ollantaytambo then hiking or taking a minibus. Standard trains (not tourist trains) are cheaper but slower and less comfortable.
Strikes occasionally disrupt rail schedules, especially around labor disputes in June–July. Check operator websites 48 hours before travel and have backup transport plans.

Lima's Metro Line 1 & 2 — Lima's metro is fast, safe, and cheap (around 2.5 soles ≈ $0.70 per ride). Use contactless cards at stations; cash is not accepted. Lines 1 and 2 cover major areas, though the network is limited compared to other capitals.
Inter-city buses — Companies like Oltursa, Cruz del Sur, and Movil Tours operate long-distance routes across Peru. Book online or at terminals; premium (cama) seats cost more but offer recline and meals on overnight trips.
City buses in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are crowded and frequent targets for pickpockets. Keep bags in front, avoid displaying phones or valuables, and use taxis/apps after dark.
Bus routes change without notice and signage is minimal. Ask locals or your hotel for current routes; apps like Google Maps are unreliable for real-time city bus updates in Peru.

Uber, Didi & Bolt — Ride apps operate in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and other major cities. Fares are transparent and safer than street taxis; apps are available 24/7 with driver ratings visible.
Unmetered street taxis in Peru are common and prone to overcharging foreigners. Agree on fares before entering or use ride apps; avoid hailing taxis on the street at night.
Official taxi stands — Hotels, airports, and official taxi ranks (paraderos) offer metered cabs or fixed rates. Tip is not expected but rounding up is appreciated; most taxis do not accept cards.
Kidnapping scams ('express kidnapping') are rare but documented in Lima. Use registered apps, avoid displaying cash, and do not accept rides from unmarked vehicles.

Road conditions outside Lima and Cusco are poor, with unpaved sections, landslides, and minimal signage. Hire a local driver or use buses instead; night driving is dangerous due to lack of streetlights and reckless drivers.
International Driving Permit — Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your passport and home license; Peru technically requires it. Fines for missing documents can reach 500+ soles.
Traffic police may stop drivers for minor infractions and demand on-the-spot fines. Remain calm, ask for a receipt, and avoid handing over your license; corruption is possible, though improving.
Car rental agencies — International companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) operate at Lima and Cusco airports with better insurance options. Local agencies are cheaper but offer less protection; always purchase full coverage.

Jorge Chávez International (Lima) & Alejandro Velasco Astete (Cusco) — Peru's main hubs are Lima (connects to most international flights) and Cusco (gateway to Machu Picchu). Domestic airlines include LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline, and Viva Air; book in advance for cheaper fares.
Airport transport — Use official taxi ranks at airport exits, book Uber/Didi via app, or arrange hotel pickup in advance. A taxi to central Lima costs 30–50 soles; airports are 15–25 km from city centers.
Baggage handlers and unofficial 'helpers' at airports may demand tips for assistance; politely decline and keep luggage in sight. Overpacking can result in excess fees, and security screening is slow during peak hours.
Altitude in Cusco — Cusco airport sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft); take it slow upon arrival to avoid altitude sickness. Many flights from Lima arrive mid-afternoon, giving you time to acclimatize before activities.

Lake Titicaca tours — Boats from Puno (Peru) and Copacabana (Bolivia) cross the world's highest navigable lake (3,812 m). Tours to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island operate daily; book through hotels or agencies.
Amazon river cruises — Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado are the main access points; companies like Delfin and Anakonda offer multi-day cruises. Budget lodges cost $100–200/night; luxury cruises exceed $1,000, often booked from home.
Private boat operators on lakes and rivers vary widely in safety standards. Choose companies with established reputations, verify life jackets and safety gear, and avoid traveling with unmarked vessels.

Tourist Bracelet (Pulsera Turística) in Cusco — A combined ticket grants entry to 16 regional sites including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac ruins, and Ollantaytambo for 130 soles (about $35). Valid 10 days; purchase at the Cusco visitor center or site entrances.
Machu Picchu tickets — Book online at machupicchu.gob.pe weeks ahead; on-site sales are limited and sell out by mid-morning. Tickets include a 3–4 hour entry window; arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
Some tour operators sell counterfeit or duplicate tickets online. Purchase directly from official sites or through reputable agencies; screenshots and email confirmations are your receipt.
Lima City Pass — Tourism bureaus offer multi-attraction passes covering museums and sites, though individual tickets often cost less. Calculate costs per site before purchasing a bundle.

Local SIM providers — Movistar, Claro, and Entel are the major carriers; buy SIM cards at airports, kiosks, or convenience stores for 5–20 soles. Prepaid data plans are cheap (10–30 GB for $10–20/month) with decent 4G coverage in cities.
WiFi availability — Most hotels, hostels, and cafes offer free WiFi, though speeds vary widely. Peru has widespread internet in urban centers but spotty coverage in rural areas and the Amazon.
Public WiFi networks, especially at airports and malls, are not encrypted; avoid banking or sharing sensitive data on them. Use a VPN if accessing personal accounts on public networks.
Offline maps — Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline for regions with poor signal, especially when trekking or visiting remote areas. Data-heavy apps like translation tools should be cached before travel.