Thursday, May 23, 2013

What Visitors Should Know About Peru Travel

By Bertulda Zerna


Peru travel takes visitors to one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in the world. This nation has attractions that are man-made as well as natural. Visitors may choose to spend time in the remote Amazon jungle, bustling cities or on snow capped mountains. While it is possible to make many life long memories in one's adventures here, it is also important to know how travelers will arrive at their destination and get around once they are there.

Navigation in a country this size with the divisions made by natural features can be difficult. Limited opportunities exist for traveling by rail and what is available only serves the most popular tourist routes. Ground transportation can be very uncomfortable and require several days. Flying is one option but in certain places the only real choice is to take an intercity bus.

There are commercial airports at several major destinations within the nation which allow travelers to cover great distances and other barriers in a limited time. All Peruvian cities are not directly connected by the air. Some destinations may require a tourist to fly to the closest airport and take a long boat ride in the jungle. Many of the airlines connect in Lima. Tourist should book their flights several days before departure. Always arrive at the airport a minimum of 45 minutes before the scheduled flight to ensure the airline does not bump you.

PeruRail provides four routes by train along some of the more popular and scenic paths. Travelers can use the train to visit Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. There are two newer train carrier offering routes that connect Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Within cities, visitors have the option of traveling by bus or taxi. Taxis are convenient but expensive. Tourist should be familiar with the customs in the various cities before hailing a cab. In Lima, they are unregulated. The cab has no meter and passengers must negotiate the price before entering the vehicle or suffer the consequences. In Cusco, drivers are required to use a standard pricing code.

Buses offer a popular and cheap form of transportation. For many locals, they are the only means of getting around other than walking. There are many lines that compete and operate their own stations. Making connections can be frustrating to those unfamiliar with the system. Passengers should be aware that luggage theft is an issue on many bus lines.

Although renting a vehicle can provide more independence for the traveler, it is not always the best option. It can be expensive and when traveling between cities one may encounter difficult terrain. Regulations for rental vehicle require drivers to be a minimum of 25 and have a passport and driver's license. A credit card is often required for deposit.

Peru travel offers many fun and exciting options, but can also cause problems. As a part of the planning for this trip of a lifetime, take time to know how to move from one location to the next. The US State Department offers warnings to help ensure travelers safety.




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