As a large country with a lot of ground to cover, it’s critical that this Peru travel guide cover the best, safest, and most cost-effective mode of transportation. I’ve tried and tested various methods.
Use the Peru Hop Bus – The Best Bus Travel in Peru
While researching how I would get from Lima to Cusco and see everything from sand dunes to colonial cities and manmade habitable lake islands in between, I mostly came across stories of dodgy local bus rides and rip-off taxi drivers.
It is no longer difficult to travel within Peru. During my research, I discovered a fantastic and relatively new bus service in Peru called Peru Hop, which provided me with a pass to use during my two-week journey from Lima to Cusco.
Peru Hop offers a multi-stop Flexi ticket in either direction between Lima and Cusco (as well as one to La Paz, Bolivia), with stops in Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, and Puno in between. It is more than just a transportation service; it is a flexible experience that allows you to tour Peru independently, according to your interests and itinerary. Along the way, there are even additional, exclusive stops and Peru tours.
It means having a single ticket, a simple online booking system, maximum flexibility, and not having to deal with rogue travel agents or the hassle of local bus stations.
You can easily and safely visit major cities and hotspots (everyone who boards the bus must have a valid seat reservation, from which their passport details are logged), be picked up and dropped off at your hostel, and have the assistance of an onboard local guide who speaks English and Spanish.and also Explore the Amazon. Living in a Native American Community. Guide, accommodation, and food are all included. With This Iquitos amazon tours, You Can Experience A Unique Ecosystem.
Flights to Peru and Travelling to and From Lima Airport
The cheapest flights to Peru usually take you to Lima, which serves as the main departure point for the majority of visitors. The Peru Hop company also operates the Airport Express Lima bus, which makes several stops in the city centre.
You can book online or just show up and hope for the best. This is a less expensive option than many hostels’ taxi pick-ups, though I preferred the organised taxi option late at night.
Travelling in the North of Peru
Peru Hop currently does not provide bus service in the country’s north, which is unfortunate and something I hope will change in the future. Many of the travellers I met on their way to northern Peru for grand treks like Laguna 69 took local buses (with many citing there were enough gringos riding them not to feel too sketchy and isolated).
Peru Hop currently does not provide bus service in the country’s north, which is unfortunate and something I hope will change in the future. Many of the travellers I met on their way to northern Peru for grand treks like Laguna 69 took local buses (with many citing there were enough gringos riding them not to feel too sketchy and isolated).
Flights in Peru – Travelling from Lima to Cusco / Cusco to Lima
If you want to travel directly from Lima to Cusco (or vice versa), an internal flight is the best option. Many people fly to Lima from their home city and then to Machu Picchu, making it a more popular route.
While Peruvian Airlines may offer a good deal, I recommend Latam, which has a good safety record, is a more established pan-South American airline, has regular routes between cities, and isn’t too expensive. If you’re lucky, you can get a flight for around $60.