Driving in Peru?
 

Is it safe to rent a car and drive oneself and one's family in Peru? This is what we have done in every other country but I notice that no one mentions this in their posts. We are planning to visit Cusco and MP, and not sure where else yet. We are confident drivers but don't want to be stupid...

It isn't possible to drive to Machu Picchu (Agua Caliente). There are no roads to it only a train.
Also, you would be crazy to drive in Peru, particularly in Lima. You might attempt to drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and around. However, you will likely pay more for a rental car than you would for taxis.

RBCal,
Thanks for the warning. Can you say a bit more? Why crazy? Due to drivers, roads, crime, cost?

First, I have not driven in Peru. I have been twice, so I am speaking with some experience... like I have seen the roads and watched how folks drive in Peru; yet neither my husband nor I have driven in Peru.

IF you drive in Lima, do so on a Sunday when traffic is very light. (Here's an excerpt about Lima traffic from the trip report my husband wrote after our first trip to Peru in 1999. Lima is an even bigger city with more cars and people today:
<i>

Lima traffic was more intense than anything I have encountered in the USA, with the possible exception of New York City. Gridlock on the major Avenues was quite common, and whenever possible, the bus driver used side streets. The rules of the road seemed reasonably simple:

1. When a space appears ahead of you in traffic, fill it before someone else gets there first.
2. Pay attention to the traffic lights when it’s convenient.
3. Keep your left arm and hand free for gesturing.
4. Honk at anything that moves or looks like it might move.

The din of horns was constant once in the main traffic area. All the vehicles used them for almost any situation. The sound was so incessant it seemed to be difficult for drivers to gain the attention of other vehicles. Vehicle operators have resorted to installing custom horn noises on their cars to distinguish their audible signals. I heard cars that sounded like Star Trek phasers, among other weird sounds. I observed a police car trying to make its way through the traffic jams to some emergency, pathetically sounding its siren, and flashing its lights to no avail. I would not like to have need of an ambulance in this town.
However, I observed no vehicular accidents while there, so I guess the system works. </i>

Last year 2005, we happened to be in Lima on a Sunday and the traffic was quite light.

You might want to read the traffic safety and road conditions section of the US Dept of State's Consulor Info Sheet on Peru...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...s/cis_998.html

If you do drive, you will for sure have to watch out for llamas, pigs and other livestock on the roads. The roads in the Sacred Valley area are in good condition. I am not sure about the roads between Lima and Cusco. (I'd advise flying Lima to Cusco because of the great distance). I checked Hertz.com for you and they only rent in Lima.

In Cusco, the sights are all located within easy walking distance of the Plaza. (If you call walking at 11,500 feet easy!). The ruins at Sacsayhuaman are also walkable from Cusco. It's an uphill hike, but a doable one once you are acclimated. You could also easily arrange transportation to Sacsayhuaman with the hotel you stay at.

- Sharon

Sharon,
those are very helpful thoughts and links - thanks so much.

broklandsbuttercup,

You are welcome. It is somewhat difficult to get information on Central &amp; South America and I am glad to share my knowledge and experiences.

- Sharon