How to get around in Peru by bus, plane or train

In between the Pacific Coast and Amazon Rainforest is a patchwork of contrasting regions, each with their own unique landscapes.

It's an exciting country to visit, but it's also a challenge to navigate. Most flights need a connection through the capital city and the railway network is sparse. Don't be discouraged, explore this country is a real adventure and worth every minute of planning. We have a guide to getting around Arequipa.

Public transport

Most travelers arrive in Peru via the main international airport in the country, and are quickly introduced to the public transport scene in the country. There are some road safety concerns and a lack of organization that make it hard to find a set schedule for public transport. It is an easy and cheap way to travel.

It is possible to commute by bus to the other side of the city for less than $1 in metropolitan cities. Travelers shouldn't expect a quick arrival to their final destination with constant drop-offs and pick ups. The bus ride from Comas district to Chorrillos in the south can take two hours.

combis are fast- driving, overly packed vans that turn into discos at night and illuminate the streets with their fluorescent lights.

The cobrador is the person who assists the driver by receiving each passenger's fare and can tell you where to go.

Bus

Various companies offer coach services for long distances. This is one of the most economical and visually appealing ways to travel around the country, but you need to research your choice of service as they are not all created equal.

One of the most well-known bus companies in the country isPeruHop, which caters to tourists rather than locals. Travelers can choose how long they want to spend in each destination before continuing their journey with the service. The bus routes are only available to the south of the country.

If you want to go north to the beaches of Mancora or Oxapampa, you can take a bus that will take you to either of those places.

During the rainy season, buses can be delayed in the highlands and the jungle.

Car

Getting around by private car is a real challenge, but should only be done by those with time on their side, a budget and the ability to be unperturbed by the traffic.

Carretera Panamericana is the most important highway in the country and is part of the Americas' Pan- American highway. When heading south, you can stop for fresh-out-of-the-oven pan a la lea or discover a secluded beach if you want to.

Renting a car is more suited to a 2 or 3 day trip than a full tour of the country. It's a good idea to rent a model with four-wheel-drive because of the rough terrain.

Taxi and moto taxi

Tourists can use taxis to get from place to place quickly and cheaply. If you want to avoid paying the foreigner's special, be sure to ask the locals about standard pricing. Taxis are incredibly cheap in the US and Europe, and an average fare is usually no more than US$4, making it the most affordable city in the country.

Taxis can be waved down from the street in major cities of the country, and can also be ordered through rideshare apps.

moto taxis are cheaper than conventional taxis in the smaller jungle and highland towns. It's a good sign that the place has yet to be gentrified if you see a lot of moto taxis when you arrive. Most rides will be free.

Train 

There are only a few destinations within the country that can be reached by train, but the landscapes along these routes are so beautiful that they are worth a visit.

The scenic journey to the citadel of the Incans is one of the most popular train rides in the country. Passengers departing from Ollantaytambo can take in the views of the Vilcanota River and see the Amazon Rainforest as they approach the final stop, Aguas Calientes. It takes 30 minutes to get to the Unesco World Heritage site from here. There are two rail companies that offer different price points for this route.

If you're looking for a scenic commute to Lake Titicaca, as well as a luxurious train ride between Cusco and Puno, you're in the right place.

The Ferrocarril Central Andino was once the world's highest train route, but it hasn't been open to the public for over a decade. The train goes through the mountain range to reach a height of over 15000 feet above sea level. The train operates just once or twice per month, so it's important to plan in advance.

Plane

Planes are one of the most efficient ways to travel to all regions of the country. LatAm is the main airline in the country. It is possible to find cheaper flights with small domestic airlines though the dates are limited and destinations are not plentiful.

Is there anything worse than flying in Arequipa? Planes are a good way to get from one city to another, but they don't have the same atmosphere as buses or trains. They are even more harmful to the environment.

It's a good idea to book a hotel ahead of time if you're arriving in the wee hours. Airport Express has a shuttle service with stops all over Miraflores. There isn't a bag limit and it has free wi-fi.

Accessible travel in Peru

Inclusive access and conveniences for travelers with vision or physical impairments are a long way from being a reality in the country. In the last few years, ramps and elevators have become more common in shopping centers. Smooth, wide sidewalks, signs in braille and phones for the hearing impaired are few and far between in other regions and provinces.

There is a law that requires fellow passengers to give preferential access to those who are disabled. There are 26 stops in the ride and it is a smooth ride.

The Conadis agency is a governmental agency that provides information and advocacy for people with disabilities in the country. A free accessible travel guide can be downloaded.

About 6 hours ago, this article was updated.