Getting around in Peru
Navigate Peru with ease: from buses and colectivos to Machu Picchu trains.
Essentials
Domestic Flights
To cover the vast distances between Peru’s distinct regions, such as the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon, domestic flights are the most efficient and fastest method. They are particularly useful for connecting major cities like Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and jungle hubs.
Major Airlines & Routes
- LATAM Airlines
- Sky Airline Peru
- JetSMART
The primary hubs for these carriers connect the country’s main points of interest. You will most likely travel through Lima (LIM), Cusco (CUZ), Arequipa (AQP), and Iquitos (IQT) for Amazon excursions.
Booking & Baggage Allowances
- We recommend booking your domestic flights well in advance to secure better prices, particularly for the high-demand route to Cusco.
- It is important to carefully check the baggage rules for each domestic carrier. Their allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage can be stricter and smaller than those of international airlines.
- Please ensure the flights you book align with the start and end times of your tour itinerary to allow for smooth transfers and check-ins.
Navigating Peruvian Airports
- For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
- The check-in and security processes are standard, but can be slow during peak hours.
- Be aware that Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) can be exceptionally busy. We advise allowing extra time for check-in, security, and navigating the terminal.
Long-Distance Buses
Traveling by long-distance bus is the most common and economical way to move between cities in Peru. It offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the country’s dramatic and changing landscapes from the comfort of your seat.
Understanding Bus Classes
- Cama (160-180 degree recline): This is the first-class option, featuring seats that recline nearly or fully flat. Service often includes a meal, a blanket, and a pillow, making it ideal for overnight journeys.
- Semi-Cama (140-degree recline): The business-class equivalent, with comfortable, partially reclining seats suitable for shorter overnight trips or daytime travel.
- Económico: This is basic seating with minimal recline. For the long-haul or overnight travel featured in our itineraries, we generally do not recommend this class for our clients.
Reputable Bus Companies
- Cruz del Sur: Widely regarded as a top choice for tourists due to its excellent safety record, modern fleet, and high level of comfort.
- Oltursa
- Movil Tours
For your safety and a reliable journey, we strongly advise booking exclusively with these top-tier companies.
Safety & Booking Tips
- Book your tickets online and in advance, especially for popular routes like Lima to Paracas or Nazca to Arequipa, as seats can sell out.
- Always keep your valuables (passport, money, electronics) with you in your carry-on bag. Never place them in the overhead bin or in luggage stowed in the hold.
- Plan to arrive at the bus terminal, or ‘terrapuerto’, at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Tourist Trains
Peru’s train system is not a country-wide network for general travel. Instead, it offers spectacular, scenic journeys on specific routes, most essentially for reaching Machu Picchu.
Key Routes
- Cusco (or the nearby stations of Poroy and Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu).
- Puno (on the shores of Lake Titicaca) to Cusco, a breathtaking full-day journey across the Altiplano.
Please note that for most of our itineraries, the necessary train tickets to and from Machu Picchu are already included in your tour package.
Train Operators & Classes
- PeruRail: Offers several classes, including the Vistadome (panoramic windows), Expedition (standard comfort), and the luxurious Hiram Bingham service.
- Inca Rail: Provides options such as The 360° (tall, panoramic windows), The Voyager (standard), and The First Class (premium service).
The primary differences between these classes relate to the size of the windows for viewing the scenery, the level of onboard service (snacks or full meals), and overall comfort, which are reflected in their price points.
Urban & Local Transport
This section provides guidance for navigating within Peru’s cities and towns during your free time.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps
- Always use official, registered taxi companies. The safest approach is to have your hotel or a restaurant call one for you.
- It is critical to avoid hailing taxis directly from the street, especially in Lima. If the taxi does not have a meter, you must agree on the fare with the driver before you get into the vehicle.
- Ride-sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Didi are available. However, their availability can be limited outside of major cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
Colectivos & Combis
- These are shared vans or minibuses that operate on fixed routes, functioning as a form of public transport.
- While they are an authentic and very inexpensive way to travel, they can be crowded and their routes confusing for first-time visitors.
- This mode of transport is best suited for adventurous travelers on a strict budget. Most of our clients will find pre-arranged transfers or official taxis more convenient and comfortable.
Mototaxis (Tuk-Tuks)
- These three-wheeled motorcycle taxis are a common sight and a primary mode of transport in smaller towns, jungle cities like Iquitos, and on the outskirts of larger urban centers.
- They are useful for short distances. Always negotiate and agree upon the fare before your journey begins.
Renting a Car
We approach the topic of renting a car with a strong note of caution, as it is generally not recommended for the
Frequently Asked Questions
Peru offers exceptional birdwatching lodges across its diverse habitats. In the Manu region, the Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge is famous for sightings of Peru’s national bird, while the Manu Wildlife Center provides access to spectacular macaw clay licks. For those seeking remote wilderness, the Tambopata Research Center within the Tambopata National Reserve is a top-tier destination for rare Amazonian species.
In the northern Andes, the Abra Patricia Owlet Lodge is essential for spotting the rare Long-whiskered Owlet and other endemics. For a mix of comfort and biodiversity, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica near Puerto Maldonado is highly recommended. These lodges are distinguished by their strategic locations and expert birding guides, ensuring high species counts for visitors exploring Peru’s avian diversity.
Peru is a premier global destination for birdwatching, featuring diverse habitats that support over 1,800 species. Manu National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve are world-renowned for their Amazonian biodiversity and vibrant macaw clay licks. For those seeking high-altitude species, the Colca Canyon provides the best opportunity to see the Andean Condor, while Abra Malaga is a hotspot for unique Andean endemics. On the coast, the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands offer sightings of Humboldt penguins and numerous marine birds. Additionally, Northern Peru’s Abra Patricia reserve is a must-visit for rare species like the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird and the Long-whiskered Owlet.
The best time for birdwatching in Peru is generally from September to November. During these months, many species are in their breeding season, making them more active, vocal, and easier to spot. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, which significantly increases species diversity across various habitats.
The dry season from May to September is also a prime time, particularly for exploring the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Lower rainfall during these months ensures better trail conditions and easier accessibility to remote birding sites. For those interested in coastal species, the southern summer between December and March is ideal for observing shorebirds and seabirds. While Peru offers productive birding opportunities year-round, the transition between the dry and wet seasons typically provides the most rewarding experience
Yes, a mirrorless camera can withstand a trip to high mountains with subzero temperatures if it is designed for durability and weather resistance. Many manufacturers produce models with tough, weather-sealed bodies that can handle cold, moisture, and dust. However, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications for operating temperature ranges to ensure reliability in subzero conditions. Additionally, cold temperatures can affect battery performance, so carrying extra batteries and keeping them warm is advisable. Some users also carry silica gel packs to minimize internal condensation when moving between temperature extremes. Proper care and preparation can help ensure the camera functions well in high-altitude, cold environments.
Sharp, pointed mountain peaks are primarily formed by the processes of erosion and tectonic activity. When tectonic plates collide, they push the earth’s crust upward to form mountains, and peaks get sharper over time as erosion by wind, rain, and ice wears away the softer rock. This geological activity sculpts the dramatic, sky-pointing shapes seen in many mountain ranges.
