Peru divides naturally into three regions: the coastal desert (costa), the Andes highlands (sierra), and the Amazon basin (selva). Each calls for different strategies.
By Air
Flying is the fastest way to cover Peru's distances and dramatic changes in elevation. Domestic routes fan out from Lima to Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Tarapoto, and Puno, among others. LATAM, Sky Airline, and Star Peru cover most routes. Book a day or more ahead during high season (June to August); fog in Lima mornings can cause cascading delays across the country, so build buffer time into connections.
By Bus
For the coast and between Andean cities, long-distance buses are comfortable and affordable. Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Movil Tours are the most reliable companies, offering modern coaches with reclining seats, A/C, and on-board service. The Lima-to-Trujillo run takes around eight hours; Lima to Cusco via Nazca and Arequipa is a two-day journey.
Avoid budget operators on mountain routes. The Andes roads are steep and winding, and safety records for cut-price carriers are poor. The extra cost for a reputable company is worth it.
Within cities, combis (minibuses) and colectivos (shared taxis or vans) are the local way to get around, cheap but chaotic. In Lima, the Metropolitano rapid bus system and the Metro line 1 are the easiest options for getting across the city.
By Train
Train options are limited but scenic. PeruRail and IncaRail both run services between Cusco's Poroy station and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) — this is the main tourist rail route in the country. Book tickets well in advance during high season. PeruRail also runs to Puno on Lake Titicaca. The Lima-Huancayo railway through the central Andes climbs to 4,782m and runs only once or twice a month; it is a spectacular ride for rail enthusiasts.
By Boat
In the Amazon basin, rivers are roads. From Iquitos, slow boats travel downriver toward Brazil and upriver into the Pacaya-Samiria reserve. Journey times are measured in days, not hours. Hammock class on cargo boats is a genuine experience; bring your own food and water and expect basic conditions. For wildlife lodges, speedboat transfers are standard.
Taxis and Mototaxis
All major cities have taxis. Always agree on the fare before you get in — meters are rare outside Lima. In Lima, app-based services (Uber, InDriver, Cabify) are widely available and generally safer and cheaper than hailing street taxis. In smaller Amazonian towns like Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa, the mototaxi — a three-wheeled motorbike rickshaw — is the standard short-hop transport.