World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
With no urban train system in Lima, the cheapest and most colourful way to get around is to take a municipal bus, a privately owned microbus or a collective minibus (known as a combi or colectivo). The distances between the historic centre and suburbs, such as Miraflores or Barranco, make walking difficult.

Buses cover every part of the city and most services run between 0600 and 2300 (some until 0100). There is no specific bus service provider, however, the Municipality of Lima (tel: (01) 427 6080) is responsible for overseeing transport in the city. Municipal buses and microbuses charge a flat rate of approximately PEN1.50/US$0.40. Tickets are purchased from the driver. The combis – small vans converted for passenger use – are faster and cover the main routes but charge slightly more (PEN2.20/US$0.60) and have a poor safety record.

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed from the street. These don’t have meters, so the fare should be agreed before the prospective passenger gets in. Street taxis usually have a red and white sticker in the window – some are private cars being used to generate extra income. There are also some 24-hour licensed companies that accept advance reservations, such as Moli Taxi (tel: (01) 479 0030; fax: (01) 479 0030). It is a good idea for passengers to lock their doors when going through rough areas. If travelling as a single woman at night, an officially registered taxi probably is the safest option. Licensed taxis are usually yellow and will cost more than unlicensed taxis.

A trip to the city centre from Miraflores costs about PEN7-11/US$2-3 and to the Gold Museum about PEN14.50/US$4. Licensed taxis charge approximately PEN36-43.50/US$10-12 to the airport. Tips are not expected.

Limousines
ALF Limousine (tel: (01) 446 8368) hires out Lincoln Limousines. Rates are PEN323/US$90 for two hours, PEN610/US$170 for four hours and PEN897/US$250 for six hours and include champagne and a chauffeur.

Driving in the City
Driving around Lima is a stressful experience, mainly because traffic moves at terrifying speeds and does not respect the road lanes. Traffic lanes and even traffic lights also seem to mean very little to these impatient drivers, who use their horns at every opportunity. One tip for drivers is to keep a wide berth between cars, as shunts from behind are extremely common and often costly.

There is 24-hour parking available in most parts of the city – usually an open-air yard (playa). Rates are usually about PEN2/US$0.60 per hour. Parking meters are common in the suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, costing approximately PEN1/US$0.30 per half-hour.

Car Hire
Most car hire companies have offices at the airport, where everything can be arranged and the car picked up and dropped off. Drivers must be at least 23-25 years old. A valid driver's licence, identification and a credit card are required. The insurance policy may cover only minor damage and not major accidents. Extra cover, for approximately PEN20/US$6 per day, is usually available.

The three main companies are Avis, Avenida Javier Prado Este 5233 (tel: (01) 434 1111; website: www.avisperu.com), Budget, Avenida Canaval y Moreyra 569, San Isidro (tel: (01) 442 8706; website: www.budget.com) and Hertz, Jiron Cantuarias 160, Miraflores (tel: (01) 445 5716; website: www.hertz.com). Car hire is expensive, reflecting the high costs of driving and accident rates. Hire of a small car costs approximately PEN1084/US$300 per week.

Bicycle Hire
With accidents an everyday occurrence on Peru’s anarchic road system, cycling in the Lima area is rare and bike hire is not readily available.