In the Lima and Pacific coast region, internal travel is organised in several modes. In Lima, the Miraflores quarter is compact and done on foot. For other neighborhoods, use Uber, Cabify or InDriver — reliable, affordable (PEN 10-25 per typical Miraflores-Centre ride, PEN 5-15 intra-Miraflores-Barranco). Avoid unofficial taxis. Metropolitano (rapid bus on dedicated lane, single north-south line) links Miraflores-Barranco to the centre (PEN 3, 30 min, clean and reliable). Linea 1 metro does not serve tourist neighborhoods. No reliable urban bike rental system.
From Jorge Chávez airport to Miraflores/Barranco/centre: official Green Cab or Taxi 365 taxi (book at indoor counter after arrivals hall, PEN 60-90 i.e. €15-22, 40-60 min depending on traffic — up to 90 min at peak time), Uber/Cabify/InDriver (PEN 35-55 i.e. €9-14, order at upper-level departure parking), Airport Express bus (to Miraflores PEN 25, reliable, 1h-1h15). NEVER take an unofficial taxi near the airport.
For the southern desert coast (Paracas, Ica/Huacachina, Nazca), the main mode is premium long-distance bus. The Cruz del Sur company operates the best services (160° reclining seats, meals, films, sealed hold luggage safety, Wi-Fi). Lima → Paracas (Pisco): 4h, €25-40 return, departure Javier Prado Terminal. Paracas → Ica: 1h, €8-12. Ica → Nazca: 2h30, €12-18. Nazca → Lima (return): 7h, night bus €30-50. Several agencies offer 3-4 day organized circuits Lima-Paracas-Huacachina-Nazca-Lima (€250-450/person all-inclusive bus + hotels + Ballestas Islands + Nazca flight).
Alternative: car hire from Lima (€35-50/day, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar at LIM). The Panamericana Sur highway (Panamericana Sur) is in good condition to Nazca (450 km, 6-7h non-stop). €50-80 tolls return. Total autonomy, ideal to stop at Ica pisco wineries or explore deserted beaches. Acceptable local driving outside Lima.
To reach Cusco from Nazca, two options: (1) long-distance bus Nazca → Cusco (24h, spectacular but exhausting Andean road via Abancay, Cruz del Sur or Civa €60-90) — for travellers with time and resistant to long trips; (2) return Lima by bus (7h) then Lima-Cusco flight (1h30, €80-200) — option recommended to save time.
To reach Arequipa from Nazca: Cruz del Sur bus 9h (€40-60), accessible and comfortable. Arequipa then Colca-Titicaca constitutes a logical continuation of the southern coast before going back up to Cusco.
Read also
- Lima — The world culinary capital, Miraflores, Barranco and the UNESCO historic centre.
- Ica and Huacachina — The Peruvian desert oasis, sandboarding in the dunes and pisco capital.
- Peru — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Cusco and Machu Picchu — The former Inca capital and the lost citadel — Peru's absolute must-see.