By Isabel Prontes
Peru is a breathtaking South American nation that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination due to Macchu Picchu (mountaintop Inca landmark), its many ancient temples and magnificent jungles. It's important for tourists to Peru---before their trip---to research their transportation options for their stay in the country. The more you know about Peruvian transportation, the easier it will be for you to get around the large country.
Trains
Trains are not easily accessible in Peru, except in the southern region of the country. If you want a scenic train route through Peru's Cusco region, there are a lot of options available to you. The Cusco train goes to one of Peru's most popular landmarks, Macchu Picchu. Peruvian trains also travel to Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, which are Sacred Valley towns. There are also train routes that travel through the Andes Mountains. However, it should be noted that train tickets in Peru are often hard to book, so they should be done so in advance, if at all possible.
Flying
Flying is probably the most suitable and effective transportation option in Peru. This is because the nation is full of natural borders. There are five main domestic airline companies in Peru that offer frequent flights within the country. Though airline travel is more costly than other forms of transportation, it generally is also significantly more reliable. For certain destinations (like Iquitos, the city in the Amazon jungle), flying is the sole choice for transportation.
Bus
Buses are the most common and cost-effective transportation method in Peru. They are a very good choice for those who need to travel from cities to smaller towns. Local buses are often very busy and can get extremely crowded, but they are often very cheap as well. There are also some higher end, upscale bus choices available if you look. If at all possible, try to steer clear of traveling on Peruvian buses at night, because that is the time frame when most of the bus thefts happen.
Car Rental
Car rental in Peru is possible, though many people tend to avoid it, as it can be rather dangerous and hazardous for those who are not used to driving on the Peruvian streets. Car accidents are on the common side in Peru, and the locals are often seen to be somewhat aggressive drivers. Also, car rentals in Peru can be very expensive and not practical if you want to do a significant amount of traveling within the vast country.
Resources
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
