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An update from Evaneos
Peru

Thinking about public transport in Peru

In a country about five times bigger than the UK, journey times are often long. When you're on a road leading up into the Andes or heading deep into the Amazon rainforest, the journey can quickly turn into a never-ending maze, uncomfortable and chaotic.

Travel in urban areas

During your trip to Peru you will find, in all the towns and villages, various inexpensive means of transport. Even though towns like Cusco, Trujillo and Arequipa can be easily visited on foot, as long as you take care to avoid certain less safe areas, it's not the same in the capital, Lima. The rules are simple: only go out on foot in the historic centre of the city. As for the rest, not only is the town very stretched out but more importantly it's highly unsafe. Sometimes just crossing the road is enough for the atmosphere to change completely. Don't hesitate, therefore, when going from one area to another, to take one of the many city buses. Say where you are going before boarding the bus. A journey costs about 30p. More expensive but to save time and be safer still, take a taxi. A journey generally costs less that £2 but can be much more in Lima. In Peru, for obvious safety reasons, always choose an official taxi. None of them have a meter, so always bargain firmly and agree the price before getting in.

A Cessna at the Nazca Lines

Travelling between two towns

Distances between towns are very long in Peru. To reach another town, the most common solution is to take the bus. There are plenty, all the time, going from anywhere to everywhere. It's the cheapest and most practical solution. You'll find various levels of comfort during your holiday in Peru, from local bus companies that pack you in like sardines to national companies, more expensive but much more comfortable, when you are setting off on a journey over 20 hours long. Some companies even propose reclining seats or sleeping berths and have toilets on the bus. For journeys to tourist destinations it's better to book your ticket in advance.

Forget the train completely. There are only three rail lines in Peru and they are incredibly expensive. Only tourists take the train: that says it all really. The line that leaves from Cusco to Machu Picchu is run by a Chilean company and the price per mile makes it the most expensive train journey in the world. If you have time, follow the Inca path on foot. The hike, done over a few days, is superb.

Going by plane is the ideal solution if you have little time to spare. Some companies offer attractive fares. This is the best means of transport to reach Iquitos for example.

David Debrincat
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