There are several ways to travel in Peru: personal vehicle, taxi, plane, bike, and of course, bus. The bus is the key for travel in Latin America. It is how most of the local travels and it is usually the most affordable mode of transportation-making it popular in the backpacking circuit.
It is entirely possible to travel across Peru by taking the bus. Take note, however, that Peru is divided by the Andes, and the windy journeys through the mountains can be slow, bumpy, and not always 100% safe. However, they do offer great scenic views and allow you to see parts of the country you might not see otherwise during you Peru travel experience. In general though, bus travel in Peru is convenient, inexpensive, and relatively easy to master. One some bus lines, travelers can pick between different classes of tickets, the best includes seats the fully recline, meals onboard, blankets, and movies.
Here are several of the main bus companies that operate throughout Peru.
Cruz del Sur is the nicest bus option in Peru. Most of the buses are newer and the company has a good safety record. There are double-decker buses. The bottom level is the luxury part where seats recline all the way down. The seats at the top are nice as well, and partially recline. You’ll get blankets onboard and usually a small meal. You can book your tickets online. To take a bus from Lima to Cusco, the price is about 67 US dollars.
TEPSA is the second best bus company in Peru. Its services are similar to those of Cruz del Sur, but not as polished. For Cusco travel from Lima, expect to pay about 53 US dollars.
Then there are several lower class bus options. Peru Bus is one such example. This bus is better for journeys under 6 hours. The services are rather basic, but it is fine for a few hours. Not the most recommended for overnight journeys.
All bus lines pass through Lima. Unlike many major cities, Lima doesn’t have one major bus terminal, rather each company has its own terminal. This can make it tricky to figure out which bus is going where when. Lucky, many of them are located next to each other on the road Javier Prado. Most bus drivers will know where specific terminals are if you ask them. Remember if you’re traveling by a bus to pack a sweater-both the high altitudes in the Andes and the always-on-high bus air conditioning can get chilly.