Overview
Peru is an amazingly diverse country that is unparalleled as a travel destination. Magnificent mountain ranges, vast deserts, beautiful beaches and tropical rainforest, not to mention the rich history, archeology and wildlife, as well as the many indigenous tribes, make a visit to Peru absolutely worthwhile. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and the mysterious Nazca Lines in the desert are astounding. There are also numerous other, even older archaeological sites to explore. Sports activities also have their place, from sandboarding and surfing to extreme mountain biking and whitewater rafting. Hot springs, rousing music, well-stocked museums, a rich culture and unusually friendly people make Peru a country that has something for everyone. See other countries in South America on aristmarketing.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Attention: Since March 16, 2020, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been suspended until further notice. An extension of this measure is not excluded. Latam Airlines (LA) connects Frankfurt/M. via Sao Paolo (Brazil) with Lima. Lufthansa (LH) offers non-stop flights to Sao Paolo as well as feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. from Vienna and Zurich. To the Latam flights from Frankfurt/M. feeder flights are also possible from Vienna with Austrian Airlines (OS) and from Zurich with Swiss (LX). Lima is also served by Aeroméxico (AM), Air France (AF), American Airlines (AA), KLM (KL), United Airlines (UA) and Delta Airlines (DL), among others.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Lima: 20 hours 5 minutes; Vienna – Lima: 22 hours 40 minutes; Zurich – Lima: 23 hours 45 minutes. The travel times vary considerably, depending on the length of the stay.
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
The Pan-American Highway, the main international road link, runs north-south from Tumbes to Tacna through the desert areas of the Peruvian coast. The Andes Road connects Peru, Chile and Bolivia. This new tourist route runs from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile through Bolivia to Arequipa in Peru. Another road leads from La Paz (Bolivia) to Puno on Lake Titicaca in southern Peru. Long-distance buses: Bus companies such as Ormeño, El Rápido, Tas Choapa Internacional and Lineas de los Andes offer connections to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Toll: The Panamericana is subject to a toll for cars on some sections. The fees are to be paid at tollbooths. Documents: National driving license is valid; however, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
Callao is the country’s most important port, which is also visited by cruise ships.
Cruise ships
Hapag Lloyd Cruises and Plantours call at the port of Callao on their cruises departing from Hamburg. Cruises from other European cities with a stopover in Callao are offered by Phoenix, MSC, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Costa, among others.
Ferry provider
River ferries connect Tabatinga (Brazil) and Leticia (Colombia) with Iquitos (journey time: 8 hrs 30 mins each).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Airlines such as Latam (LA), Viva Air Perú (VV), Atsa Airlines, Star Perú (2I) and Sky Airline (H2) serve Peru’s domestic air traffic. Main hub for domestic flights is Lima.
Traveling by car/bus
The country’s main road is the Carretera Panamericana, which crosses the country along the Pacific coast from the Ecuadorian border at Tumbes to the Chilean border at Tacna. East of Lima, another important connecting road leads across the Andes via Huancayo, San Ramon and La Merced to Pucallpa. Toll: The Panamericana is subject to a toll for cars on some sections. The fees are to be paid at tollbooths. Gas stations: The gas station network is well developed; Fuel is available everywhere.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Despite the rapid development and asphalting of roads in and through the Andes, landslides in these regions often make driving difficult and breakdowns are common. During the rainy season (December to March), roads are closed in some areas, particularly between the coast and the mountains, due to landslides. In general, off-road vehicles are recommended.
Car rental
International rental car companies can be found in all major cities and at the country’s major airports. The minimum age for drivers is 21 years.
Taxi
Taxis can be found outside hotels and at the airport. Basically, travelers should only use the registered yellow taxis and pre-order them by phone or book taxis via apps from Cabify or Beat. Peruvian taxis are not metered, so the price should be agreed before the trip.
Bicycle
Bike and motorbike rentals can be found mainly in larger cities such as Lima, Cusco or Huaraz.
Coach
Buses are inexpensive and widely used as a means of transport. Buses run regularly and at short intervals between the cities and with a certain regularity even in remote areas. Bus companies such as Peru Hop, Ormeño, Cruz del Sur, Ittsa Bus, Enlaces, Perú Bus and Oltursa offer nationwide service. Also recommended are the so-called Bus Cama, modern sleeper buses in which longer distances can also be covered.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – The permit issued by the customs authority, which is issued upon entry, must be clearly visible on foreign vehicles. – Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰ – Lights are compulsory all day outside of built-up areas. – Motorcyclists must wear a helmet and safety vest; both marked with the number of the motorcycle. – In the event of an accident, always call the police. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 40-60 km/h (observe the signs!); near schools and hospitals: 30 km/h; – extra-urban: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first. The Automobile Club Touring – Automóvil del Perú can help you plan your holiday and sell maps of the different parts of the country.
Documentation
The national driving license is valid; however, it is recommended that you carry your international driver’s license or a certified Spanish translation of your national driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
Lima has a metro, city buses, taxis and shared taxis, so-called colectivos. Shared taxis serve fixed routes to the suburbs. You pay a standard price and can get on and off anywhere.
Locally on the way by train
The Peruvian Railway connects Cusco to Machu Picchu and Puno to Lake Titicaca with Expedition and Vistadome trains. Another connection exists between Arequipa and the Cola Canyon. A side route runs from Juliaca and Puno to Cusco, another short route to Macchu Picchu (journey time: approx. 4 hours). Since both routes are not connected, travelers not only have to change trains, but also change stations. Belmond operates the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train daily on the tourist route between Poroy and Machu Picchu (journey time: 3 1/2 hours) and the Andean Explorer from Cusco over the Andean plateaus to Lake Titicaca.
Traveling by ship
The Henry ferry company connects Pucallpa with Iquitos once a week (journey time: approx. 2 days 19 hours). Ferries operated by the Consorcio Fluvial del Amazonas operate between Iquitos and Caballococha on the border with Colombia (journey time: 9 hours) and to Leticia on the border with Brazil (journey time: 12 hours).
