How to Get Around Peru: Tips for Traveling Within the Country

If you’re wondering how to get around Peru, you’re not alone. We’ve traveled the country twice, once in 2019 and again in 2025, using very different methods each time. Both trips gave us a clear picture of what it’s like to move around Peru as a traveler.

Getting from place to place can be part of the adventure, but it definitely helps to know what to expect before you go. The country is big, diverse, and filled with incredible places that are worth the effort to reach.

This Peru transportation guide is here to give you all of the details, and help you navigate your trip with more confidence so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

How to Get Around: a Brief Intro

Before diving into all of the details of how to get around in Eswatini, let's go over some of the basics.

 Getting to Peru

Before learning how to get around Peru, let's look at the options to get you there in the first place! 

Being centrally located in South America, Lima is actually one of the biggest hubs in the Americas, making Peru an easy and affordable destination for your trip.

Here are the different options for getting to Peru:

• Fly into Peru: Lima is the cheapest and most convenient city to fly into, and has options from all over the Americas and Europe!
• Take a bus to Peru: You can get buses to Peru from plenty of cities in the surrounding countries such as Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia.
• Drive to Peru: South America is super fun for a road trip! Distances are long, but if you have time it can be a fun option - just make sure to check the documentation necessary!

 The Different Options for How to Get Around Peru

Wondering how to get around Peru once you're there? Here are the different options you can look at:

• Rent a car (or van) and drive around Peru
• Use the train (for Cusco and Machu Picchu)
• Take public transportation (buses, colectivos, metro, and tuk tuks)
• Use private transportation (taxis or ride share)
• Hire a guide or join a group trip

 What is the Best Way to Get Around in Peru?

There isn't a "best way to get around Peru", but it totally depends on your travel style, your budget, the amount of time you have, and the number of people you are traveling with.

As an adventurous couple who work and travel, renting a car is our preferred method, but in this Peru transportation guide we're going to go over all of the options, so you can choose which one is best for you! 

How to Get Around Peru: Comparing the Different Options

Now that you have a better idea of what traveling in Peru is like, let's go over the different options for how to get around the country.

 Traveling in Peru by Plane

Peru is a BIG country, so the easiest way to explore different areas of the country if you're short on time is by plane. 

Actually, many cities in Peru actually only can be reached by flying to Lima first, so for those planning a trip to Cusco for example, traveling by plane will be your easiest option, and also typically isn't too costly.

Search for a flight inside Peru:

 Exploring Peru by Car

When we first started traveling we were only getting around by public transportation, which was the case for our first trip in Peru. As hidden-gem seekers though, getting around by public transportation sometimes made us take 3-4 times longer!

If you love traveling off-the-beaten-path, exploring places for sunrise, or having flexibility in your schedule, than renting a car in Peru is definitely our recommendation.

Our second time visiting Peru we rented a car, and we were able to visit the Rainbow Mountains without crowds, stop at scenic viewpoints, and save a ton of time. Since we are always working while traveling, renting a car this time around was a true game-changer.

 How to Get Around in Peru by Car

Renting a car in Peru is easy - you just need a valid driver's license, and you can get a car from almost any major city and airport. Prices are pretty affordable, especially if you are traveling with a few people, and the roads are not crazy confusing or crowded (with the exception of Lima).

If you think renting a car in Peru is something you'd like to do, we'd recommend reading our dedicated guide to driving in Peru.

 How to Get Around in Peru Without a Car

If you don't feel comfortable renting a car and driving on your own, are on a really tight budget, or just plan on visiting some highlights in a short amount of time, then that's okay too!

There are actually plenty of other ways for how to get around Peru. You can either take public transportation, private transportation, or have your own special driver.

How to Get Around Peru with Public Transportation

The three different options for getting around in Peru with public transportation are trains, buses, and colectivos (mini buses).

 Traveling by Bus in Peru

Buses are the most affordable way to get around Peru, and there are so many options, especially for long distances.

Here are some popular bus routes that you can book in Peru (and most of the ones we booked while in Peru!):

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Traveling by Colectivo in Peru

While traditional buses do the longer routes within Peru, there is another popular mode of transportation used for shorter distances- they're called 'colectivos' and are essentially shared vans.

Colectivos operate in both big cities and smaller towns alike, typically covering places right outside the city, or within a few hours away. Unlike the longer bus routes, these vans leave whenever they are filled. They can be a bit crammed at times, but are a budget-friendly alternative to getting around Peru.

Make sure to have cash on you though, as colectivos only accept soles!

Traveling by Train in Peru

Traveling by train in Peru is definitely the most comfortable option, but it certainly isn't the cheapest. There are actually only a few trains that run commercially in the country, and they are for touristic purposes in Cusco.

The different train stations include Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Hidroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu.

If you'd like to learn more about how to get around Peru by train, then check out our guide for how to get to Machu Picchu, which dives into all of the details!

 How to Get Around in Peru within Cities

When traveling within cities of Peru, there a few different options for getting around, which include:

• Public buses: the most affordable, with set schedules
• Metro: fast, reliable, and affordable - but only available in Lima
• Colectivos: more frequent and leave when they fill up - they're paid in cash.
• Taxi: typically overpriced and should use a meter, but you'll have to negotiate.
• Ride Share: convenient and a bit more expensive but also not too pricey - you can use Uber, Cabify, Didi, or Yango
• Tuk Tuk: the most affordable and fun option - paid by cash and you'll need to negotiate. Never get in without agreeing on a price first!

 Traveling with a Guide in Peru

If you're a solo traveler or group looking for all comfort and expertise, then you may want to consider booking a multi-day trip! There are tons of options for group experiences or private tours that you can take all around the country. This will give you more time, less stress, and the insight of a local guide all in one.

Check out some of the multi-day tours in Peru:

😍 Did you know? We actually can fully plan our your itinerary, and find you a local guide to bring you around on a customized itinerary! Simply email us for your free consultation to see how we can build your dream trip!

How to Get Around Peru: Conclusion

Now you know all about how to get around Peru! Here's a bit of a recap:

• Renting a car or camper van is a fun way to explore to the country, and allows you to experience hidden gems.
• You can rent a car in Lima, Cusco, or other major airports and cities.
• The cheapest option for getting around within cities is by public bus.
• Public buses are more for longer distances, while colectivos (mini buses) are better for shorter distances)
• A great way to travel long distances on a budget is by the overnight buses.
• Within cities you can use buses, colectivos, tuk tuks, or ride-share apps.
• Tuk tuks and colectivos are cash-only.
• You'll have to negotiate prices for tuk tuks and taxis. Make sure to agree on a price before getting in!
• Uber operates in Peru, but you canalso use Cabify, Didi, or Yango.
• Hiring a private driver is a good option for solo travelers or groups wanting to relax and have a hassle-free trip.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to get around Peru, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting! Here are some of our top guides we recommend to help you getting acquainted with this incredible country:

 Preventing altitude sickness in Peru: Tips for a Healthy Adventure

 The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Peru

 12 Unbelievably Unique Experiences in Peru

...and more coming each week!

So are you ready to explore all over Peru? We hope our transportation guide has helped you learn all about how to get around Peru, so that you can confidently plan an amazing trip.

Want to learn more about traveling in Peru? We have plenty of other Peru travel guides, as well as new ones coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for article updates, as well as exclusive content we send out!

Ready to start planning the most unforgettable trip around Peru? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, bringing you the best flights, hotels, and transportation for the perfect getaway. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for a free consultation!

Here are some other articles you'll find helpful: