Getting Around Peru

One of the biggest surprises about Peru is just how big it is. A straight shot from the northern beaches to the southern border is over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) — about the same as driving from New York to Miami. Add in towering mountains and winding roads, and suddenly “just hopping between cities” becomes an adventure of its own. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get around, each with pros, cons, and stories worth sharing.

Flights

• Best For: Long distances like Lima to Cusco, Lima to Arequipa, or Lima to Iquitos (Amazon).

• Airlines: LATAM and Sky Airline

• What to Expect: Flights are generally affordable if booked in advance. Delays are common in the rainy season.
  

👉 Our experience: We only chose flights when time was short, like when we needed to cross the country in a single day. But keep a buffer if you’re catching a trek or a tour right after.

Buses

• Best For: Budget travel and/or soaking in Peru’s scenery.

• Companies: Cruz del Sur and Civa are the most reliable for long distances.

• Overnight Buses: Surprisingly comfortable if you book the premium “cama” seats. Some even recline to 160–180 degrees.
  

👉 Our experience: Our overnight ride from Arequipa to Cusco was cheaper than a hotel stay, and the views in the morning were incredible.

PeruHop

• What It Is: A hop-on, hop-off bus service designed for travelers.

• Why We Like It: Safe, flexible, and it stops at sights along the way (like Paracas and Huacachina). It’s pricier than public buses but great for first-time visitors.
  

👉 Pro Tip: PeruHop is especially handy if you’re traveling the Lima–Cusco route and want to build in experiences without planning every leg yourself. Also, by taking the bus and stopping a few nights in between, it helps you adjust to the the altitude gradually.

Trains

• Routes: Limited to certain destinations, but iconic. The train to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience. There’s also the luxury Andean Explorer connecting Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa.

• What to Expect: Expensive compared to buses or flights, but the scenery is unforgettable.

Rideshares & Taxis

• In Cities: Apps like Uber are safer than hailing taxis off the street. Uber will give you a 4-digit pin that you will say to your driver in order to start the ride (it helps to know your numbers in Spanish, but you can always just show them instead).

• Between Cities: Not recommended, since distances are long, and buses or flights are better options. The only exception we ran into is taking an Uber from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. Even though it is an hour drive, the cost was very reasonable ($30 USD).
  

👉 Pro Tip: In smaller towns, official taxis often display a small sign in the window. If it doesn’t feel right, wave it on and wait for the next one. Better yet, use Uber for an added layer of safety.

DayTrip (Private Transfers)

• What It Is: A service connecting travelers with vetted local drivers for intercity trips.

• Why Use It: More expensive than buses, but you can stop at attractions along the way. Perfect for couples or small groups who value flexibility and comfort.
  

👉 Our experience: We used DayTrip between Puno and Cusco and loved being able to stop at ruins and viewpoints.

Renting a Car

• Reality Check: While it sounds adventurous, driving in Peru is not for the faint of heart. Cities have chaotic traffic, mountain roads are narrow and winding, and rules are loosely followed.

• When It Works: Renting can make sense for short trips in the Sacred Valley or for northern beaches, but we don’t recommend it for most visitors.

✨ Bottom Line: Flights save time, buses save money, PeruHop simplifies logistics, and trains create memories. The best way to get around Peru depends on your priorities (speed, budget, or adventure).

👉 Our favorite way? We loved using PeruHop for the classic Lima-to-Cusco route (their itineraries make the planning easy) and booking DayTrip transfers when we wanted the flexibility to stop at ruins, markets, or scenic viewpoints along the way. Both gave us more than just transportation. They turned the journey itself into part of the adventure.