Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Lima (LIM): 16 km from the city.
• Cuzco (CUZ).
• Full list of airports in Peru with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Peru has a fairly extensive domestic air network, with flights linking Lima to Andahuaylas, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Iquitos, Piura, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto, Tumbes and other cities.

Transportation by river boat is available from Iquitos to the border with Brazil and Colombia (2 to 3 days), and between Pucallpa and Iquitos (5 days). However, this type of travel can be long and uncomfortable.

Peru is home to the highest railroad in the world. Train services operate from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (which takes approximately 4 hours) and between Puno and Cusco. There are also 3 major passenger services in Peru; these run between Lima and Huáncayo; Arequipa, Puno and Cusco; and between Cusco and Machu Picchu. There are no connections between Lima and Cusco.

The roads in Lima are in reasonable condition but can be affected by landslides in the rainy season (December to March). The Central Highway connects Lima with La Oroya and Huancayo, and from there to Cerro de Pasco, Huánuco, Tingo María and Pucallpa on the Ucayali River. Car hire is available from international firms in Lima and other main cities.

Intercity buses are common, with quality of service varying according to prices. Buses and minibuses (combis) also operate within cities, although visitors should avoid using these at night.

There is an extensive and safe taxi service available in the main cities. Taxis do not have meters and fares should be agreed before departure; tipping is not expected. Visitors to Lima should always use the bright yellow taxis registered with the Metropolitan Lima Taxi Service, and avoid unlicensed taxis companies (these usually have a red and white sign on the windscreen). Taxi fares increase by 35-50% after midnight and on holidays.