The same spectacular topographical features that make Peru such an appealing place to vacation, also present some unique challenges when it comes to getting around. This is a country that has rugged mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers, and impenetrable forests. All that natural wonder can play havoc with roads and railways, so here are a few tips for getting around in Peru.

Travel in the Cities

Yellow taxis in Peru

Peru recently licensed all of its cabs, so keep an eye out for the right kind of taxi. Licensed taxis are either yellow or white, look clean, and have official documentation. Many have visible GPS so the taxi company can monitor the cab’s whereabouts. These cabs will be more expensive than an unlicensed taxi, but they will also be more reliable and safer. Cab drivers do not speak English, so have a few Spanish phrases ready, and know where you’re going. Don’t travel alone at night. Keep your valuables with you. Never get into a taxi that has another person already in it.

There are also “micros”, or microbuses, which you can catch by flagging down on the side of the road. When you want to get off, just shout “Bajo”, and the driver will stop at the next location. These microbuses are often crowded, and can be less than safe. Female travellers should take a cab.

Travel by Bus
Most locals travel from city to city by bus, and in many cases, it could be the only way to get to certain areas. Buy your ticket in advance at the bus terminal, and make sure your luggage is waterproof, as it may be stored on top of the bus. There are some excellent first-class express buses, which offer meal service and checked luggage. Do not buy bus tickets that are sold away from the official bus stations, as these unregulated buses are dangerous and accident-prone. If you need help, ask at your hotel or at the local tourist information booth.

Train Travel

Train service is fairly limited in Peru, covering only the major tourist routes. While the trains can be slow, tickets are cheap, and the views can be spectacular. Buy a first class or buffet class ticket, so you’re not totally cramped for space. The train ride from Machu Picchu is a beautiful trip. The route from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca is one of the prettiest and most popular journeys in Peru.

Train ride to Machu Picchu

Renting a Car

This is probably the least advisable option for getting around in Peru. The terrain is tricky, the roads are not good, and there are a lot of accidents. The U.S. State Department warns its citizens not to drive in Peru, especially not at night or in the countryside. It’s also very expensive. Skip the car, and take a cab or the train.

Fly!

The Amazon from the air

Flying is becoming an increasingly popular way to get around in Peru. Considering the geography and vast distances, hopping a flight can be the fastest, most cost-effective, and safest way to travel. As well, many parts of Peru are only accessibly by plane, particularly when you’re traveling to the Peruvian Amazon. You can buy tickets on any number of airlines at any travel agent or airline office in the major towns and cities. Book a few days in advance.

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When you’re getting ready for your trip to Peru, having the best travel clothes for women and men can make your trip easier and more comfortable. Pack your bags, and enjoy your trip!
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Amazon river jungle in the morning

There are lots of different ways to explore this dense and lovely forest, and experience the world’s last great wilderness first hand.

Amazon eco-lodges

Wild parrots in the Amazon

There are many eco-lodges in the Peruvian Amazon, many of them located in the Tambopata Candamo Reserved Zone. This protected area was created in 1990 to protect this corner of the forest, and covers an area the same size as Connecticut. There are more than 200 species of mammals and 32 different kinds of parrots living in this area alone.

From basic accommodations to luxury resorts, there are many options when it comes to choosing the perfect eco-lodge for you. Every eco-lodge encourages tourism to the region, and the money they generate is put back into conservation projects and the local population.

Amazon river cruises

Of course, one of the best ways to experience this region is by travelling on the river itself. There are many options for Amazon River cruises, which will take you travelling hundreds of miles down the Amazon and some of its spectacular tributaries. Your comfortable river boat will chug past manatees and crocodiles, as you experience the river the way it has always been explored.

Amazon guided treks

A hike into the Amazon jungle

You can also arrange to go on a guided trek through different parts of the jungle. There are several tour operators who lead treks through Iquitos, which is the northern gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. You’ll hike for several days, camping or staying in jungle lodges, and spotting wild spider monkeys, giant river turtles, and giant otters.

Many of these treks also offer the chance to see the jungle from a bird’s eye perspective on a canopy tour. Canopy tours are conducted along a series of suspended walkways, high up in the jungle canopy. More than half of the incredible species found in the rainforest live high up in the trees, closer to the sunlight, and walking along the canopy walkways is your only chance to glimpse this beautiful world.

Many tours, cruises and treks also offer stops at local native villages, where locals are happy to show you a little of their daily life and barter for handicrafts. This region of Peru isn’t travelled enough for this experience to have become too touristy, so it is actually a lovely chance to see a little of a lifestyle very different from your own. People are friendly and welcoming, and these tours are a helpful part of their economy.

The pretty South American country is home to mountains, deserts, beaches and the Amazon rainforest, offering an incredible variety of vacation options, but also making it a little tricky to figure out the best time to visit Peru. — So when is the best time to go to Peru?

Seasons in Peru

The first thing to keep in mind is that Peru sits south of the equator, so the seasons are reversed. Summer in Peru runs from December to March, winter is June to September. It’s located near the equator, so you may tend to think of it as a hot tropical country, but the reality is quite different. Peru’s incredible geographic diversity means that there are a number of regional climates in the country.

Summer in Peru runs from December to March, winter is June to September.

There are three distinct regions in Peru: coastal, mountain and jungle. The best time to visit will depend on where you’re going, so determine what you want to do on your trip.

Street scene in Lima, Peru

When to visit the Coastal region of Peru

Lima and Trujillo sit on the coast, which is mostly a desert region. The Nazca lines are also in the desert, in the southern part of Peru. In this region, summers are hot and sunny, with cool evenings. April to September is the coolest time of year along the coast.

If you’re planning a surf vacation, you’ll want to go during the Peruvian summer (December to March) when it is hot and sunny. You can swim all year round here, but April to October often sees misty mornings on the coast, and it can get cold.

When to visit the Andes in Peru

In the Andes, there are two distinct seasons. The rainy season runs from November to March, and afternoon rain can last for several hours. The mountains put you high up into the cloud, which also keeps the temperature cool. The dry season features bright blue skies and comfortable temperatures, though it can get cool in the mornings and evenings.

If your dream is to hike the Inca Trail to the world heritage site of Macchu Picchu, the best time to go is in the dry season, from June to September. However, that is when it is the most crowded. Consider going in May, which is slightly off-season, but worth risking the occasional rainfall for fewer people. Do not plan to go from December to March, when it is too wet for anyone but hard core trekkers.

When to visit the Amazon in Peru

Beautiful day on the Amazon River

In the Amazon, there are also two seasons. The rainy season runs from November to May, and it rains every day, for many hours. The dry season runs from June to October, but don’t be fooled by the name! It still rains during the dry season, but usually only for short periods of time. You can’t have a rainforest without rain!

If you are planning a jungle excursion, plan to go after the rains, from June to September. It is still very humid and hot in the rainforest, even in the dry season, but it will be less rainy.

Whatever you plan on doing on your trip to Peru, whether you want to visit the ancient and mysterious Nazca Lines in the southern desert or see the historic churches of Cuzco in the Andes, Peru is a stunning country of dramatic landscapes and history. Figure out your ideal vacation itinerary, and then plan the perfect time for your visit accordingly. With a little research and good packing, you can be sure you will have the trip of a lifetime in breathtaking Peru.

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Whenever you visit Peru and wherever you go, the best travel clothes and accessories can make your trip easier and more comfortable. Have fun!
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