Peru Transport

Coming and Going

AeroPerú and Faucett, Peru's international airlines, are indefinitely shut down. There is talk of reopening AeroPerú in some form. For the time being, you must use a non-Peruvian airline for international flights. Lima's international airport, Jorge Chavez, is the main hub for flights to the Andean countries from North America and Europe, and has plenty of connections to neighboring countries. Some international flights land at Iquitos, in Peru's Amazon region. There is a departure tax of approximately US$25 on international flights.

There are overland border crossings between Peru and Bolivia at Desaguadero and nearby Yunguyo on the shores of Lake Titicaca; between Peru and Chile at Tacna; and between Peru and Ecuador at Tumbes. It is possible to travel by river from Colombia and Brazil to Iquitos.

Getting About

Domestic flight schedules and ticket prices change frequently. New airlines open every year, as those with poor safety records close (check out www.airsafe.com). Most cities are served by modern jets, while some smaller towns are served by propeller aircraft. A useful website is www.traficoperu.com, which details flight schedules and fare quotes between major cities.

Mountain-biking can be safe and enjoyable in Peru, and it's often better than driving on the chaotic roads. Rent one here or bring your own.

While there's no passenger service along the coast, boat travel is of major importance around the Amazon Basin and in the Andean highlands on Lake Titicaca.

Driving can be a hassle in Peru and it's a long way to get anywhere from Lima - consider getting a taxi. Car and motorcycle rental is possible.

Hitchhiking is not practical, or entirely safe in Peru - there are much cheaper and more convenient methods of travel.

In most towns and cities, it's usually easy to walk or take a taxi. Using local buses, micros and combis, can be tricky, but is less expensive than taxis.

There are limited train services available in Peru. Train buffs should get themselves onto the historic railway between Lima and Huancayo.