Getting Around Peru

Peru is a vast country. For some perspective, it is the 3rd largest country in South America (behind Brazil and Argentina), and 2.5 times bigger than France. Domestic flights, train rides and car transfers are part of most Peru travel itineraries, while (very long) bus rides are an option for travelers with more time and an adventurous spirit to match.

Almost all visitors to Peru arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima and many travelers then connect to Cusco (usually by flight) on their way to Machu Picchu (by road and then on foot via the Inca Trail or other treks, or by train). 

In addition to the Cusco region (with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu) destinations worth visiting include Puno and Arequipa (in Southern Peru), Iquitos (the Amazon region), and Huaraz and Trujillo (Northern Peru).
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Map of How to Get from Lima to Paracas
How to Get from Lima to Paracas

Travel from Lima to Paracas is a transition from one of South America's biggest cities to one of its nearest major wildlife reserves. Paracas is the catch-all word for the... read more

Map of How to Get to the Nazca Lines
How to Get to the Nazca Lines

Nazca is the base from which most travelers choose to visit the famous Nazca Lines, the 300-odd geoglyphs mysteriously etching the desert nearby. The sight is undeniably one of... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Huaraz
How to Get from Lima to Huaraz

A top choice for travelers arriving in Lima is to set out for Peru's outstanding mountain hiking and outdoor activities center, Huaraz. The trekking trails here have photogenic... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Iquitos
How to Get from Lima to Iquitos

Iquitos is the best place from which to embark on an adventure into the Peruvian Amazon. It's not as easy to get to as Peru's other two jungle hubs (Puerto Maldonado and... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Mancora
How to Get from Lima to Mancora

Glorious sandy beaches and some of the fanciest resorts in Peru make Máncora the country's trendiest beach. From Lima, it is a long road journey north up the coast, or a flight... read more

How to Get to the Peruvian Amazon

The Amazon jungle, or Peru's Amazon Basin, covers a huge swathe of Peru: almost half of the country's land area in fact. To get to the Peruvian Amazon however, there are three... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Arequipa
How to Get from Lima to Arequipa

To get from Lima to Arequipa, the best option is to take a plane. The second option, also popular, is to take a private transfer or bus via road. Arequipa is connected by train... read more

Map of How to Get from Cusco to Arequipa
How to Get from Cusco to Arequipa

There are three main options for travel between Cusco, ancient Inca capital and gateway to the Sacred Valley, and Southern Peru's cosmopolitan colonial city, Arequipa. These are... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Puno
How to Get from Lima to Puno

There are two main means of approach from Lima to Puno, the gateway city to the mythical Lake Titicaca. One goes direct. But it is important to bear in mind that you may quite... read more

Map of How to Get from Cusco to Urubamba
How to Get from Cusco to Urubamba

Urubamba is one of the principal gateways to the Sacred Valley, guarding the road to Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. It's a town that you will inevitably need... read more

Map of How to Get to Rainbow Mountain
How to Get to Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain, a striking mountain ridge of multi-colored bands of rock, is today one of the Cusco region's most popular hikes outside of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Ica
How to Get from Lima to Ica

Ica is close enough to Lima (189 miles; 304 km) to make private transfer the easiest and most convenient means of getting here, ideally as a 2-3 day getaway. Taking the bus is... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Cusco
How to Get from Lima to Cusco

The most popular place to head from Lima is Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca and the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. For those with limited time, the easiest means of... read more

Map of How to Get to Huacachina
How to Get to Huacachina

Huacachina is an increasingly popular destination on the well-trod traveler route south from Lima on the way to Nazca and then east to Cusco. Sitting in the desert two miles... read more

Map of How to Get to Puno
How to Get to Puno

Puno sits along the shores of Peru's Lake Titicaca, the high-altitude freshwater lake known as a cultural treasure for its long-inhabited islands. Most travelers arrive in Puno... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Nazca
How to Get from Lima to Nazca

Nazca has a cachet that stretches well beyond Peru or even South America. One of the most internationally recognizable places in Peru, this is the base from which most travelers... read more

Map of How to Get to Arequipa
How to Get to Arequipa

Arequipa is the vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis of southern Peru, full of fabulous historic sights and great restaurants, and the base for visits into the famous Colca Canyon,... read more

Map of How to Get to the Sacred Valley
How to Get to the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is the name given to the valley of the Río Urubamba and the pretty tradition-rich towns and villages that cling to its sides amidst a clutch of Inca ruins. The... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Trujillo
How to Get from Lima to Trujillo

When traveling the 558 miles (898 km) between Lima and Trujillo, the easiest option is to fly. To see more of the land you are passing through, including some of the country's... read more

How to Get from Cusco to Pisac

Pisac, the popular Sacred Valley town with immense Inca fortifications and a fabulous handicrafts market, is 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Cusco. Most make the journey by... read more

Map of How to Get from Cusco to Puno
How to Get from Cusco to Puno

Its position on Lake Titicaca makes Puno a favorite travel destination in Peru—and because almost every visitor to Peru wants to see Cusco, the 387-mile (522 km) Cusco-Puno... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Urubamba
How to Get from Lima to Urubamba

Cusco might be perceived as the gateway to the Sacred Valley, but Urubamba is even more so, guarding the road to Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. It's a town... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Cocachimba
How to Get from Lima to Cocachimba

Cocachimba is the base from which travelers visit the spectacular Catarata de Gocta, one of the world's highest waterfalls. It has several quality lodging options. The nearest... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Tambopata
How to Get from Lima to Tambopata

The Tambopata National Reserve, or Reserva Nacional Tambopata, is the pristine and internationally important wildlife reserve on the Río Tambopata in southeast Peru. It is one... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Casma
How to Get from Lima to Casma

Casma is a quiet town on Peru's north coast between Lima and Trujillo. It would likely get bypassed by tourists if not for the stupendous archeological site of Sechín just a few... read more

Map of How to Get from Lima to Suasi
How to Get from Lima to Suasi

Suasi is a pristine privately owned island on the majestic Lake Titicaca, complete with a charming upmarket eco-hotel that makes for about as radical a contrast with the teeming... read more

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu needs little introduction—it's South America's most famous and most visited travel destination. Getting to this complex of Inca ruins, as almost every Peru-bound... read more