By Air
Most major Peruvian cities can be reached by air, although connections are often necessary. Flying to major destinations, including Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, is relatively inexpensive. Puno (Lake Titicaca) does not have its own airport; the closest is in Juliaca (45km/28 miles), but Casa Andina offers very reasonably priced transportation to and from the airport to Puno (write us to travel@casa-andina.com).
Peruvian airlines include Lan and Taca, all with regularly scheduled itineraries and confirmed regular departures. Other less-expensive carriers include LC Busre and StarPerú.
Peruvian airports have greatly improved in the quality of their services in the past several years. All those in the north of Peru have become privately operated, and their infrastructure now approaches the standards of the more-trafficked airports in southern Peru. Lima, Cusco, Arequipa y Juliaca airports are considered very dependable and safe.
By Land
Because of the country’s immense richness in landscapes, towns and indigenous cultures, traveling around Peru is best approached by land – even though there are significant geographical barriers, considerable distances and highways lacking in some services. Although travel time increases, travelers are amply rewarded by the experience of seeing multifaceted Peru from up close.
Buses are the least expensive form of transportation in Peru, but only a few long-distance companies have premium-class buses comparable in comforts to European models (bathrooms, reclining seats, and movies). Top bus companies for long-distance treks include: Cruz del Sur and Ormeño. Accidents are, sadly, a not uncommon occurrence on Peruvian highways; for this reason, we strongly recommend using only these two highly regarded companies. It is further preferable to travel during the day, avoiding overnight trips (when a greater number of accidents occurs) if possible.
The entire Peruvian coast is linked by the Pan-American Highway. Most of the coast, however, is extremely arid desert, and the 2,000 km. (1,240 mi.) -highway traverses a series of small valleys. Traveling through the Andes is, understandably, complicated by the extreme curves and steep inclines and descents as buses and cars climb vertiginous heights.
Some areas of the country – principally the Amazon Basin of the north and south – are virtually impossible to cover by land. Travel to these regions is for most travelers a matter of flights to the gateway and then boat travel by river.
By Car
Depending on the amount of time one has to travel in the country, we recommend visiting certain destinations by renting a vehicle. In many cases, an all-wheel-drive (4x4) is preferable. Cost per day is approximately $80-$100.
By Train
Peru Rail operates all passenger trains connecting Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Puno. There are no Peru Rail train passes at this time.
The legendary Lima-Huancayo train trip, known as the “highest train in the world” (as well as “El Tren Macho”), operated by Ferrocarril Central Andino, is again running after years of interrupted service. The route is simply magnificent: the 12-hour train traverses 535 km (315 mi), 69 tunnels and 58 high-altitude bridges, and the highest point it passes is 15,686 ft./4,781 m.
For additional information on Getting Around Peru, you can write to travel@casa-andina.com
