HOW TO TRAVEL WITHIN PERU

1.  Which transport alternatives are best for non-residents visiting Peru?

The choices are NOT similar to those in Europe, North America, Australia, or let’s say Chile or Mexico.  In Peru, roads, most cars, public buses and traffic are not as organized as in some other parts of the world. In addition to well managed tourist group services that use small and large buses and scheduled airline services, we recommend:

1. For Long distances

2. For safe, in-city transport and for comfortable, safe personal service within a radius of up to 600 km around Lima and certainly for all rides to and from the Lima International Airport (Jorge Chavez Airport): Use an official limo service (“remisse”): 

Notes:

• Q: Should you take city buses?  
  
  A; In the largest Peruvian cities, you will also see local public bus services, mostly in smaller buses, and locals also use services in vans (“collectivos”).  However, for most tourists it is not advisable to use these services (uncomfortable, risk of pick pockets, etc).
  
  
• How about renting a car?  Car rental and gasoline are up to 50% more costly here than in the USA.  The law of the jungle (the strongest wins) applies in much of Peru’s traffic.  Driving in Peru is an adventure that may come with too many risks for visitors: At highway speed, you may “bump” into “traffic” that should not be there: Animals like donkeys and goat; drunk drivers; vehicles without lights; cars or trucks with poor brakes or without insurance; and in some areas even assaulting robbers.   Ramifications of being in an accident as a foreigner can be complex.  Often it is best for non-residents not to drive in Peru, certainly NOT outside major city roads at night.

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2.  Which taxi or limo services exist in Peru?

There are informal street taxis, radio taxis and taxi companies or associations, and there are limo services also known as “remisse” services.  For tourists and businessmen, official Limo / remisse services are often the most cost-effective secure way of transport in and around Lima  There are obvious pitfalls to just using “any taxi”.

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3.The Pitfalls of using "Just any" taxi

Limo services are known in Peru as "remisse services". They operate "better looking" regular cars (NO "stretched" limos like in the USA). Remisse cars in Lima are generally "better looking" in Peru than shoddy looking street taxis and they are mostly "based" at parking spots near major hotels or at the airport. Often hotel staff will refer to "remisse cars" as "taxis". Remisse services generally charge more than common "informal street taxis" or "radio taxis". Still, most remisse drivers are small informal operators. Some of them are "quite informal" and not really any better than informal street cars.

"Radio taxi companies" almost always charge much more than "informal street taxis". Taxis with taxi-meters are extremely rare, in fact almost non-existent. Radio taxi's are a step up from informal street taxis.

"Informal street taxis" are at the "lowest end". They should be avoided as many of the vehicles do not meet safety standards (e.g. no breaks) and insurance is often very limited.

Remisse (Limo) and taxi services are "low cost" in Peru, at least for international standards.

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Here are seven FAQ’s to help you select the best transport in Peru for your needs:

1. Which transport alternatives are best for non-residents visiting Peru?

2. Which taxi or limo services exist in Peru? 

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