dancing-santiago-mantaro-valley-peru
Cruz del Sur is the most widely recognized bus company in Peru. Over the last few years, it has also generally been one of the most recommended bus companies around. However, with the emergence of the increasingly popular hop on hop off bus service Peru Hop (started in 2013), and improvements made by other local bus companies such as Movil, Oltursa and Civa, is it still best option out there?
Cruz del Sur has the best domestic coverage of any Peruvian bus company. With terminals in almost all of the major cities in Peru going from Tacna in the far south to Tumbes in the north, along with more than 25 destinations in between. These include all of the main coastal destinations, as well as highland cities like Cajamarca, Huaraz, Huancayo, Ayacucho, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa.
| Company | Main Destinations (Updated 2023) |
| Cruz del Sur | Ica, Paracas, Cajamarca, Huaraz, Huancayo, Ayacucho, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa |
| Peru Hop | Ica, Paracas, *Huacachina (Peru Hop is the only direct bus to Huacachina in Peru. If taking a public/local bus, you would need to take a bus to Ica. Once in Ica, you would need to find a local taxi to then take you to Huacachina), Nazca, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. |
| Movil | Arequipa, Ayacucho, Chachapoyas, Cusco, Huaraz, Oxapampa, Trujillo, Puerto Maldonado |
| Oltursa | Arequipa, Cusco, Huancayo, Huaraz, Ica, Chiclayo, Huancayo, Mancora, |
| Civa | Amazon, Ayacucho, Cusco, Ica, Piura, San Martin, Apurimac |
*=Exclusive Stops
This round has to go to Cruz del Sur due to the number of destinations they go to.
Whilst their coverage is excellent, their reviews have not always been so favourable.
On tripadvisor they have the following reviews:
| Company | 5 Star Ratings | 1 and 2 Star Ratings | Overall Rating |
| Cruz del Sur | 350 out of 1,036 total reviews as of 12th April 2023 | 269 out of 1,036 total reviews as of 12th April 2023 | 74% |
| Peru Hop | 4,234 out of 5,097 reviews total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 167 out of 5,097 reviews total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 97% |
| Oltursa | 29 out of 131 total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 64 out of 131 total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 51% |
| Movil | 14 out of 103 total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 53 out of 103 total reviews as of 12th April 2023. | 48% |
Cruz del Sur also goes to more international destinations than any other Peruvian bus company. Heading north, buses run through Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador before heading to Cali and then Bogotá in Colombia. They also head south to Santiago in Chile, with two routes into Argentina, one through Córdoba and one through Mendoza, both terminating in Buenos Aires.
Although Peru Hop mainly goes to the south of Peru, they also have stops in La Paz and Copacabana in Bolivia with their sister company, Bolivia Hop.
Due to its international destinations, Cruz del Sur beats Peru Hop, Civa and Oltursa here.
It can never be said that Cruz del Sur don´t invest in comfortable buses. Their buses are amongst the top of the range, and whilst their safety levels have been questionable, especially on the routes to Cusco, their buses are always comfortable.
Because Peru Hop is a relatively new company which only started running a few years ago, all their buses are brand new and comfortable with reclining seats. They don’t have double-decker buses for safety reasons(the narrow, winding roads going up and down the mountains on most routes) which means that their buses aren’t as big and that they can’t get as many passengers on board. Unlike other bus companies, they don’t have different classes of seats on their buses so you don’t have to worry about paying extra for comfort either.
Both Civa and Oltursa have a variety of buses ranging from luxurious to average. It really depends on the length of the journey and the route it’s going on.
This round is a pretty close one between Peru Hop and Cruz del Sur, but due to the sheer number of buses owned by Cruz del Sur and the consistent standard of comfort across their fleet, this round just about goes to Cruz del Sur.
There have been incidents on Cruz del Sur involving hijackings (which can be googled or read on their tripadvisor page) and from what we have read, their response to such incidents leaves a lot to be desired. As tourists in Peru, there is not a lot you can do, and Cruz del Sur know this, so are inclined to fob you off. They tend to not be very helpful towards their customers after such incidents have occurred, leaving people stranded for hours and not offering any sort of compensation. Traveling with a reputable company dedicated to tourists, such as Peru Hop or Inka Express, is probably a much better option for those more safety inclined. This round would go to Peru Hop hands down, with a tie between Cruz del Sur and Oltursa for 2nd.
ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostels Chain for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bars is free even for non-guests
As you can see, Cruz del Sur offer more coverage and international services but, Peru Hop wins based exclusively on tripadvisor tourists (again showing they are more focused on the tourism market than any other company) and for safety, which can’t be emphasised enough. If you want to read some of these reviews, you can see more here.
Anyway, this isn’t an advert for Cruz del Sur or anything like that. The idea is to allow our readers to get a more insightful view into what is supposedly the best bus company in Peru.
In general, Cruz del Sur drivers tend to be responsible, their terminals respectable and the onboard food is surprisingly edible. The bingo is annoying, that’s for sure, but it’s not exactly a deal breaker.
If you are a first time traveler to Peru, Peru Hop is probably a much better way to see Peru given their extra stops and ease of pickup and drop off service. For continuing travel in South America, Bolivia Hop and Ecuador Hop are also great options.
If you’re a local living here looking to go from city to city for business or to visit family, then Cruz del Sur might be a quicker option.
But remember, as with everything on our site, this is just an opinion, and we recommend you use travel blogs or tripadvisor to help you make your choice as to the best way to get around this amazing country, or read our post about The Best Bus Companies in Peru.
Long-distance Peruvian bus companies range from the luxurious to the downright dangerous. You’ll probably be hopping on a few buses during your travels in Peru, so it’s handy to know which companies you can trust (or, if you prefer flying, read about the major Peruvian airlines).
Did you know: Peru Hop was setup by 2 Irish guys in 2013 and has been voted #1 Travel Company in Peru for 2023 – Click here for more info!
Below is a quick, side-by-side summary of each of the most popular and reliable bus companies in Peru. To jump to a more in-depth analysis you can click the name of the company and it will take you to its section.
| Bus Company | Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| Peru Hop | 5/5 | 97% | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cruz Del Sur | 3.5/5 | 73% | 2.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Oltursa | 4/5 | 51% | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Civa | 4/5 | N/A | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tepsa | 4/5 | N/A | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Movil | 3.5/5 | 48% | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
The following are all top-end to mid-range Peruvian bus companies, starting with some of the best and working down towards the ones that are probably best avoided. The order is by no means scientifically proven, but it will give you an idea of the bus companies you can rely on to get you from A to B with minimal fuss and more importantly, safely.
Quality costs, so expect to pay more (but not too much) for the upper end of the scale. Click on the company name to go directly to its website (English version where available, all links open in a new window and some of the websites have really annoying music).
A relatively new and refreshing bus service in Peru which started in October 2013, but already has over 5,000 excellent reviews on their Tripadvisor page, which is quite impressive.
Being the first and only hop-on, hop-off bus system in Peru, the company covers the Lima to Cusco route. It offers a flexible bus pass (50+ options from long distance to short day trips), in which you can stay however long you want in any of the destinations, letting you enjoy travel at your own pace. Apart from this, there’s onboard bilingual assistance on all their busses, as well as discounts on accommodation and restaurants in all the destinations.
They tend to stick to 1 floor buses which definitely seems to be the safest option for any bus and take the safer route through the south of Peru (Nazca/Arequipa/Cusco). They pick-up passengers at hotels and hostels in all destinations which is a huge bonus here in Peru (no getting unsafe taxis or going to dangerous bus terminals).
They do not cover the North of Peru yet, but definitely a service that is recommended for people wanting to travel safely and discover Peru! For continuing travel in South America, Ecuador Hop and Bolivia Hop are also great options. If you want to check out some of the reviews of Peru Hop, then you can see their review page here.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 5/5 | 96% | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Cruz del Sur is over 50 years old and Peru’s most-known bus company. It is one of the recommended companies in Peru by local people looking to get from A to B. They are said to be reliable, comfortable and have excellent coverage throughout much of Peru. Not always reliable (like most local companies) and delays are frequent. Check their Tripadvisor page for more independent reviews about them or read more about Cruz del Sur. If traveling North they are recommended, however if going South to Cusco, be careful as they cross the Andes (as do most other Peruvian companies) where hijackings and robberies are infamous.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 3/5 | 72% | 2.5/5 | 4/5 |
A Peruvian bus company that seems to divide opinion. When it’s good, it’s good; when it’s bad, it’s a big waste of money. The Oltursa fleet runs from Tumbes in the north to Arequipa in the south, rarely straying from the Panamericana highway. As with most Peruvian bus companies, the general consensus is that Cruz del Sur is better (perhaps because it’s slightly cheaper), but Oltursa still has a lot of loyal supporters.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 4/5 | 58% | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
Reliable and reasonably priced, Civa is also a good option. The company has excellent coverage along the coast, all the way from the Ecuadorian border in the north to Chile in the south. Also runs to places further inland such as Tarapoto and Puerto Maldonado.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 4/5 | N/A | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
One of the oldest existing Peruvian bus companies, TEPSA has been going up and down the coast of Peru since 1953. It’s a solid option for coastal destinations and trips further inland to Cusco.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 4/5 | N/A | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Looking to travel Peru? Now is the perfect time to start planning your trip to Peru! And it seems like for many, the perfect start to their trip is one of the Day Trips from Lima operated by Peru Hop!
A reliable company (although negative reviews are not uncommon), which also offers a variety of options regarding price. Movil is arguably the best choice if you are heading to the north of Peru, or to Peru’s biggest inland cities (Huancayo, Tarapoto, Cajamarca, etc). However, like mentioned before, they do get negative reviews so make sure to take a look at their tripadvisor page.
| Safety Rating | Tripadvisor Score | Customer Service | Bus Quality and Seat Comfort |
| 3.5/5 | 51% | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
If you are planning to travel around the South of Peru (Lima – Arequipa – Cusco) without any fixed itineraries, then Peru Hop is the only company we recommend after reading their Tripadvisor page, Facebook page and other online reviews. Their extra stops allows tourists to see more of Peru rather than public buses who just bring you from A to B. The hotel and hostel pickups are a nice bonus to avoid waiting in bus terminals and trying to haggle prices with taxi drivers. If you want to compare bus prices then Redbus is your best option.
How to get from Lima to Machu Picchu in 2023? This is a question we get asked by readers of this blog and so we thought we might as well help travelers find the best way for them to get from Lima to Machu Picchu.
Lima is a city 100% worth spending a couple of days in, something we showed in another one of our posts and if flying from Lima, it is worth doing 1 or 2 day trips around the city to Paracas and Huacachina Desert Oasis (must be seen to be believed!)
From Lima, it is necessary to stop in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu as there are no direct flights, trains or buses to Machu Picchu.
How To Peru Expert Tip: Do NOT miss Huacachina Oasis on any trip to Peru. This place must be seen to be believed and is Peru’s fastest-growing destination outside of Machu Picchu. Companies like Peru Hop run day trips to Huacachina for those who plan to fly within Peru.!
There are really only two ways to get from Lima to Cusco which are plane and bus. Unfortunately, train is not an option because the only tourist train that leaves Lima goes to a city called Huancayo which is about one-third of the way to Machu Picchu and really not a viable option
The flight time from Lima’s airport to Cusco is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Ticket prices vary depending on the airline you choose but we recommend LATAM based on the quality of their planes and reliability. The downside of traveling by plane is that you will miss the sights and some of the different landscapes that Peru has to offer. Also, a flight over the Andes will take you from 0 to over 10,000ft above sea level. This is sudden change in altitude is the main reason why many tourists experience altitude sickness on their first days in Cusco.
Apart from having the benefit of acclimatizing yourself to the altitude, you will get a chance to explore Peru when choosing to go by bus. A direct bus trip to Cusco can take from 22 hours to 27 hours. The reason for the long trip is the mountain chain known as… you guessed right! The Andes. Most roads are winding, curvy and steep. However, we recommend taking the route that passes through Arequipa as it is the safest option and the most popular among travelers. There are a bunch of places to see along the way.
There are mainly 2 ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu: Trekking all the way to Machu Picchu or going by a combination of bus and train.
Treks can last 3 to 5 days and you will usually have to book in advance, especially for the Official Inca Trail. Nevertheless, almost all treks will include the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. The most popular treks are Salkantay trek; great for the sightseeing lovers, Inca Jungle; a more action-packed option and the Official Inca trail; arrive to Machu Picchu just in time to watch the sunrise. To have a great trekking experience, avoid scammers by buying from a recommended and trusted tour agency. Make sure to check out FindLocalTrips.com, a search and comparison website for tours and treks around South America.
Recommended tour operators
Our recommendations to complete this part of the trip are:
Going to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience you surely do not want to miss. We will keep you updated if anything changes in the near future. So, keep checking our blog and take a look at our other articles too to gather all kinds of tips and information you need before embarking on journey to Peru!
ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If in Cusco looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostel for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to the bars is free even for non-guests.
So, your flight arrived in Peru’s capital city and you’ve got some time to kill before your connecting flight departs. You can either stay at the airport and scroll your Instagram feed for 7 hours sipping slowly on your overpriced Starbucks coffee (unwillingly purchased after you drained the measly 15 minutes of free Airport Wi-Fi), or you can venture out and explore the city of Lima for a few hours. Not convinced yet? Below we’ve listed the best ways to spend your time during your layover in Lima.
How To Peru Expert Tip: Discover Peru in just a few hours with a hands-on cooking experience at Luchito’s Cooking Class! Prepare some of the most traditional and delicious dishes of the country and learn about the history of each of them.
Like in any big capital city, Lima’s roads suffer from heavy congestion. Lima’s traffic however is particularly bad, especially during peak hours. It is important to consider your travel time, what to do with your luggage and where to exchange money before deciding to venture out into the city during your layover.
Once you have factored in this information, you’ll be able to work out how much time you can spend in Lima.
NOTE:
You don’t want your bags weighing you down when you’re off exploring the city! Once you’ve passed immigrations, luggage collection, and customs, take your baggage to the first floor (public area) at the domestic arrivals area to store your luggage.
Cost: 4 soles per hour per item ($1.20 USD), and 24 soles per 24 hours per item (the more hours you store items, the more economical the price). CASH only (USD and PEN accepted).
If you have smaller items, lockers are also located on the first floor.
Cost: 8 soles per hour, or 38 soles for 24 hours. The prices becomes more economical the more hours you store items. The size of the lockers is 45cm (w) x 60cm (l) x 75cm (h), for all you can fit in.
When in Lima, you’ll need either Peruvian Soles (PEN) or Dollars (USD). Cash can be withdrawn at the ATMs in the airport, or currency changed at the Money Exchanges. You can change at the airport or exchange in Miraflores at a better rate.
Once in Miraflores, you can change currency at a Casa de Cambio. There are several located along Jose Larco, one of the main streets. You’ll also find Cambistas (people who work on the street changing money) who can offer a slightly better rate. However, it is more secure to go to a Casa de Cambio.
The most reliable and comfortable way to travel is with Airport Express Lima, the official bus service of Lima Airport. This bus will take you safely and quickly from the airport to the Miraflores district and back (taxis can be expensive and dangerous). Miraflores is the most popular area of the city to visit, and the nicest place to spend your time in Lima. Their buses have free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and A/C.
Airport Express Lima – Official Airport Bus
Go to the Airport Express Lima counters, located in the ground transport zone after the baggage claim area (in both International and Domestic Arrivals). Here you can purchase your ticket. You can also check the current traffic conditions with the staff.
Tickets can also be purchased online, by visiting Airport Express Lima’s website.
Hours: Hourly departures every hour from 7am to 10pm.
Stranded in Lima during a layover? It’s your lucky day! Lima has so much to offer and in so little time. To keep your venture into Lima short and practical, we have put together a list of activities in Miraflores and Barranco, which are the main tourist districts of Lima and have a good connection to the airport.
We have prepared our top pick of activities to do in under 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. For more details on our suggestions, please read further down!
To help you get an idea of the distance, we have picked Kennedy Park (or Ovalo de Miraflores) in Miraflores as our central point. This is an easy reference point to navigate from.
Sick of bland airplane meals? Don’t want to fork out for overpriced airport food? Venture out into the city and enjoy Lima’s incredible cuisine. Whether you’re on a budget, have a craving for junk food, or want some fine dining with a view… Lima has it all.
The city of Lima offers all sorts of tasty grub, with prices to suit any budget. There are plenty of “menu” places dotted around, where you can get a starter, main, and drink for a set price. In Miraflores, expect to pay 13 to 15 soles. San Isidro is a little more expensive but still delicious!
We recommend trying ceviche (raw fish in a citrus juice), the flavour will blow your taste buds away! Opt for a well-reputed restaurant in order to avoid cheap and poor-quality food, which could make you sick.
Excellent ceviche in Lima
Another popular choice for Limeños (the people of Lima) is Chifa – this is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. You can find these on every street.
ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostels for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bars is free even for non-guests
3 of the world’s top 50 restaurants are found in Lima!
IMPORTANT: You’ll need to contact the restaurant to make a reservation way in advance!
If you have a long layover in Lima and are looking to relax for a bit of time before starting your next adventure in Peru, going to Pool Paradise Lima to relax by the pool in the sunshine for a couple of hours is the option for you. This new hostel located in the heart of Miraflores is perfect for all travellers whether it be for a short, relaxed visit or an extended stay for a couple of days during your time in Lima. The hostel also has a barbeque and lounge area by the pool to help you make the most of your time in the sunshine relaxing.
There are several companies based in Miraflores which operate bike tours in Lima, visiting Miraflores, Barranco, and other neighbourhoods. See FindLocalTrips for a number of options. Make sure you are wearing comfy clothes, suitable footwear, and bring sunscreen if necessary. It’s advisable to make an advanced booking, but there’s no problem in turning up in case they have availability.
Want to stretch your legs and get some fresh air? The walk from Miraflores down to Barranco along the coast is the perfect opportunity. Catch the amazing ocean views and watch the world pass by.
The view from the cliffs
Lima is the best place in Peru for all kinds of shopping. It might not be the cheapest, but there’s plenty of international retail stores, local Alpaca boutiques and Artisan Markets out there to keep you busy for a few hours.
Larcomar shopping centre with seaside views
The Barranco district is known as Lima’s artistic hub. Visiting the area, it won’t take you long to find street art and feel Barranco’s typical bohemian atmosphere. If you are interested in the local art scene, the following two modern art museums will definitely merit your approval.
Miraflores and San Isidro have many parks and they are all well-kept, green and breezy. Lima can get crowded, but there’s always a way to take a mini-vacation from all the madness by stepping in one of these quiet refuges.
Parque de Amor
Lima has several city beaches, most are within easy reach, but they all require some effort as you have to walk down from the cliff. Lima’s beaches around Miraflores are usually not that busy, and so are perfect for a walk or just a nice place to enjoy the view.
Still half asleep and bleary eyed from your flight? Wake yourself up by paragliding over the Malecon and see Lima and the Pacific from above.
Huaca Pucllana is an impressive adobe and clay pyramid from the ancient times (200 to 700 A.D.). A guided visit is included in the admission fee, the tour is conducted in English and Spanish.
Huaca Pucllana ruins
Kennedy Park is the most popular starting point for the nightlife in Mirafores. The park itself is beaming with life, and often has artists performing on the weekend. If you’re more of an indoorsy type and you don’t want to miss the latest release, you can catch it at Cinerama “El Pacifico” in front of the park. You can find movies in their original language (so no worries for those who don’t speak Spanish!).
You can’t visit Lima without trying Peru’s famous Pisco. Their national drink is the Pisco Sour, a cocktail containing lime juice, egg white, syrup, and of course Pisco liquor. A more refreshing – but just as typical – option is a Chilcano, which uses ginger ale. Try one… Or three… Just don’t miss your bus back to the Airport!
The delightfully addictive Pisco Sour
Use your short layover in Lima to learn how to prepare a top class Peruvian dish! Lima is considered as South America’s gastronomic capital, so there’s no better place to pick up some culinary skills whilst learning to cook with a top chef, and later impress your family and friends back home.
The “Gringo Trail” is the name given to the classic and well-trodden tourist route in Peru, an understandably popular itinerary that takes in all of Peru’s most famous attractions. Most backpackers will find themselves traveling along this route, at least in part, at one time or another. And for anyone planning a trip to Peru with limited time but wanting to see most of the major sights, a trip along the Gringo Trail is a good way to cram in as much as possible.
Did you know: Peru Hop was setup by 2 Irish guys in 2013 and has been voted #1 Travel Company in Peru for 2023 – Click here for more info!
So what exactly is the Peruvian Gringo Trail? Where does it go and what are the main attractions along the route?
Well, let’s say you’re flying into Lima, the standard starting point for anyone arriving in Peru by air. From Lima, the classic Gringo Trail is a roughly U-shape route (easily turned into a circle) that lies entirely in the southern half of Peru. Major attractions along the Gringo Trail include:
Congratulations, you’ve now completed the Peruvian Gringo Trail (well, kind of: plenty of other interesting attractions lie along the route — the ones mentioned above are just the most popular). You can return from Cusco to Lima by bus via the above route or take a shorter, more direct route to the west. If you’re short on time, you can quickly fly back to Lima from Cusco.
Two weeks is enough time to pack everything in, especially if you don’t stop off at all the above destinations (some people just do Lima, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Titicaca, and Machu Picchu). One week is just about enough if you only do a day or two in, for example, Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu (no Inca Trail).
But, in a perfect world, you’ll be able to set aside a month so that you can really explore each destination along the route, as well as having the option to stray off the Gringo Trail when you feel like it. While the classic Gringo Trail is great for a whirlwind tour of Peru’s major attractions, Peru obviously has much more to offer and the Gringo Trail only scratches the surface.
It is, however, a popular Peru itinerary for good reason. The sites are fascinating, the tourist infrastructure is good, the route is relatively easy to navigate and importantly it allows you time to acclimatize before Machu Picchu.
We always recommend this route to our friends coming to visit we strongly suggest they check out Peru Hop. They are a relatively new hop on hop off bus company that have about a zillion passes that go down along the coast and up to Cusco. The passes are completely flexible and are valid for over a year giving you plenty of time to acclimatise to the thinner air and help prevent any issues upon arriving to Cusco. They have hotel and hostel pick ups and drop offs included too which helps when you have a heap of luggage and some new Alpaca scarves! If you want to read a little more from others, you can check out their reviews page here.
If this has attracted your attention, and you intend to make plans for a trip to this trail we suggest you check out FindLocalTrips.com a tour comparison website with heaps of info and all the different options for taking that trip of a lifetime.
