Arrival & Transport
By Plane
The international airport Jorge Chávez (LIM) in Lima-Callao is Peru's only international hub. All intercontinental flights land here.
Flights from Germany
There are no direct flights from Germany to Peru. The most common connections:
- KLM: via Amsterdam — often the cheapest option, approx. 14–16h total travel time
- Iberia: via Madrid — good connection, approx. 14–16h
- LATAM: via Madrid or São Paulo — the number one Latin American airline
- Air France: via Paris — approx. 15–17h
- Lufthansa: via Bogotá (Avianca codeshare) — approx. 15–18h
Flight Prices (Guidelines, Round Trip)
| Period | Price |
|---|---|
| Low Season (Oct–Apr) | 550–850€ |
| Shoulder Season (May, Sep) | 650–1,000€ |
| High Season (Jun–Aug, Christmas) | 800–1,400€ |
Domestic Flights
For a country of this size, domestic flights are often sensible:
- Lima → Cusco: 1h, from 50€ (20–22h by bus!)
- Lima → Arequipa: 1.5h, from 40€
- Lima → Iquitos: 2h, from 60€ (no road connection!)
- Lima → Puerto Maldonado: 1.5h, from 50€
- Cusco → Puerto Maldonado: 45 min., from 40€
Airlines: LATAM Perú (largest selection), Sky Airline (affordable), JetSMART (low-cost), Viva Air.
Tipp
Book domestic flights early! Prices rise sharply as the departure date approaches. LATAM offers a "South America Airpass," which is cheaper for multiple flights than booking individually.
Long-distance Buses
Buses are the backbone of long-distance travel in Peru and the most popular way to travel between cities. The bus network is excellently developed, and the quality ranges from basic to luxurious.
Cruz del Sur — Peru's Best Bus Company
The Mercedes among bus companies: Cruz del Sur offers luxury buses with fully reclining seats (Cama class), onboard entertainment, meals, and Wi-Fi. The first choice for night journeys.
- Cama: 180° fully reclining seats — almost like a bed. Ideal for night journeys.
- Semicama: 160° reclining seats — good value for money.
- Económico: Standard seats — sufficient for short distances.
Other Good Bus Companies
- Oltursa: Similar quality to Cruz del Sur, often slightly cheaper
- Ittsa: Good mid-range, extensive route network
- Tepsa: Solid service, good value for money
Important Connections
| Route | Duration | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lima → Cusco | 20–22h | 25–60€ |
| Lima → Arequipa | 15–17h | 20–50€ |
| Cusco → Puno | 6–7h | 10–25€ |
| Puno → Arequipa | 5–6h | 8–20€ |
| Cusco → Puno (Tourist Bus) | 10h (with stops) | 35–55€ |
Tipp
The tourist bus Cusco–Puno (e.g., Peru Hop or Inka Express) is highly recommended: For 35–55€, you travel 10 hours with spectacular stops at La Raya Pass (4,335 m), the Raqchi ruins, a church in Andahuaylillas (“Sistine Chapel of the Andes”), and the Pukara Museum. Better than any organized tour!
Train to Machu Picchu
The train journey to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Since there is no road to Aguas Calientes (the town at the foot of Machu Picchu), the train is the only access for most travelers.
PeruRail
The larger of the two providers with three classes:
- Expedition: The most affordable class. Comfortable seats, panoramic windows. From 70€ (round trip).
- Vistadome: Panoramic carriages with glass roofs, snacks, and a folklore show on board. From 120€ (round trip).
- Hiram Bingham: The luxury train — named after the discoverer of Machu Picchu. Brunch, cocktails, gourmet dinner, live music. From 450€ per direction (!).
Inca Rail
The alternative with often better availability:
- The Voyager: Standard class with large windows. From 65€ (round trip).
- The 360°: Panoramic carriages with open-air observation car (!). From 100€ (round trip).
- The First Class: Premium with gourmet service. From 200€ (round trip).
Departure Locations
- Poroy (near Cusco): Only PeruRail, 3.5–4h journey. Scenic beauty.
- Ollantaytambo: Both providers, 1.5–2h journey. The most used option — shorter and cheaper. Reachable by Colectivo or taxi from Cusco (1.5h).
Achtung
Trains to Machu Picchu are fully booked WEEKS in advance during peak season (June–August)! Book as early as possible — ideally 2–3 months before the trip. Especially the cheaper classes sell out quickly.
Colectivos & Taxis
Colectivos
Colectivos are shared taxis (minibuses or vans) that run fixed routes and depart when full. They are cheaper and faster than buses but less comfortable. Often the only option in rural areas.
- Cusco → Ollantaytambo: 1.5h, approx. 3€
- Cusco → Pisac: 1h, approx. 1.50€
- Arequipa → Chivay (Colca): 3h, approx. 5€
You can find Colectivo stations in every city — ask locals for the “terminal” or “paradero.”
Taxis
Taxis in Peru have no taximeter! ALWAYS negotiate the price beforehand. In Lima and Cusco, taxi apps (InDriver, Beat, DiDi) are safer and cheaper than street taxis.
- Short distance in the city: 5–10 Soles (1.50–3€)
- Airport Lima → Miraflores: 50–70 Soles (13–18€)
- Private driver for day tours: 150–300 Soles (40–80€)
Tipp
Be sure to use taxi apps like InDriver or DiDi in Lima and Cusco! You see the price in advance, the ride is recorded, and you avoid being overcharged. Never get into a taxi without agreeing on the price beforehand!
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