🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Peru
✈️ Flying to Peru
Main Airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) - Peru's main gateway, located in Callao, 12km from Lima city center. Modern terminal serving all international flights. Named after Peru's first pilot.
Major International Airlines:
- LATAM Airlines - Peru's largest carrier, extensive routes
- Avianca - Connects through Bogotá and San Salvador
- Iberia - Direct flights from Madrid
- Air Canada - Toronto connections
- Aeromexico - Via Mexico City
💡 Insider Tip
Most international flights arrive late evening/night. Factor in Lima hotel before early connections to Cusco. Lima-Cusco flights leave from 5am—give yourself time.
🚗 From Lima Airport to City Center
Airport Express Bus (Best Value)
Official bus service to Miraflores. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Ticket: S/10 ($2.60 USD). Departs every 30 minutes, 24/7. Safe, reliable, air-conditioned.
Taxi/Uber
Fixed-price official taxis at airport counter. Journey time: 30-45 minutes (traffic dependent). Cost: S/60-80 ($16-21 USD) to Miraflores. Uber/Cabify slightly cheaper—order outside arrivals hall.
Private Transfer
Pre-booked transfers: S/90-120 ($24-32 USD). Recommended for late arrivals or if carrying lots of luggage. Driver meets you at arrivals with name sign.
🚌 Other Ways In
Overland from Bolivia—Bus from La Paz to Cusco or Puno. 10-12 hours. Around S/60-100 ($16-26 USD). Cruz del Sur, Bolivia Hop are reliable operators. Border crossing at Desaguadero or Copacabana.
From Ecuador—Bus from Guayaquil or Quito to northern Peru (Tumbes, Piura). 8-14 hours. Around S/80-150 ($21-40 USD). Multiple crossings available at Tumbes, Aguas Verdes.
From Chile—Bus from Arica to Tacna (southern Peru). 2-3 hours. Around S/30-50 ($8-13 USD). Easy border crossing. Connect to Arequipa or Lima from Tacna.
From Brazil—Boat from Manaus/Leticia to Iquitos on Amazon River. 2-7 days depending on boat type. Around $150-300 USD. Adventure route, bring hammock, food.
No train connections—Peru's rail network is tourist/freight only (Machu Picchu trains, Lake Titicaca). Long-distance buses are the standard overland transport.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Peru offers visa-free entry for most tourists. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 183 days (6 months).
2026 update: Extended stay from 90 to 183 days for US travelers. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond entry date. Make sure immigration stamps your passport with correct number of days.
Check visa requirements for Peru →🚗 Getting Around Peru
Domestic Flights
LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline operate routes between Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos. Lima-Cusco: 1h20min, S/150-400 ($40-105 USD) depending on season. Book early for cheaper fares. Essential for reaching Amazon or saving time.
Long-Distance Buses
Peru's primary transport. Companies: Cruz del Sur (luxury), Oltursa, Movil Tours. Overnight buses common. Lima-Cusco: 21 hours, S/100-200 ($26-53 USD). Lima-Arequipa: 16 hours. Choose cama (bed) seats for night routes. Reliable, comfortable.
Tourist Trains
PeruRail and Inca Rail connect Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. The only passenger rail. Scenic routes through Andes. Must be booked in advance (2-4 weeks high season). S/200-800 ($53-210 USD) depending on class.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
No rail pass exists for Peru. For buses, pay per trip. Cruz del Sur offers loyalty points. For multiple domestic flights, book LATAM multi-flight passes for slight savings.
🚕 Local Transportation in Lima & Cusco
Lima: Uber, Cabify, DiDi work well. Metro de Lima (Line 1) runs north-south. Metropolitano BRT system requires card. Local buses chaotic—avoid unless experienced. Taxis need negotiation (or use apps).
Tickets & Fares (Lima)
- Metro: S/1.50 per ride (rechargeable card)
- Metropolitano: S/2.50 per ride (rechargeable card)
- Uber/Cabify: Varies by distance—short rides S/8-15 ($2-4 USD)
Cusco: Walk everywhere in historic center. Taxis S/5-10 ($1.30-2.60 USD) within town. Buses to Sacred Valley S/10-20 ($2.60-5.30 USD) from Pavitos terminal.
🚙 Renting a Car
Possible but not recommended in Lima (chaotic traffic) or Cusco (narrow colonial streets). Useful for exploring northern coast, Paracas, or Arequipa surroundings at own pace.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Valid international driving permit recommended
- Driving in Lima is aggressive—not for nervous drivers
- Speed limits: 60 km/h (cities), 90-100 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at Lima airport
⚠️ Mountain Driving
Andes roads are narrow, winding, often unpaved. Altitude sickness affects driving ability. Landslides common in rainy season (Nov-March). Consider hiring driver instead.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Peru
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights early: Prices double closer to travel date
- Use buses not planes: Much cheaper, overnight saves accommodation cost
- Download Uber/Cabify: Avoid taxi negotiation hassles and overcharging
- Cruz del Sur bus sales: Check website for promotions on long routes
- Train to Machu Picchu: Book direct with PeruRail/Inca Rail (not via agencies)