Ok, since we have reached our sixties, my girlfriend and I have decided to fly to Lima, Peru, rent a car and hit the road to spend three weeks exploring. After two nights in Miraflores, we thought we would would change the stereotypical image of the senior taveler..Back packing.. no; luxuries hotels.. maybe here and there; but adventure, YES! So we are leaving Feb 10th and will be back on March 3rd... Thought we would start with the Gringo Trail then onto lake Titicaca with a side trip to Bolivia and onto Cusco, SV and finally the Manu National Park... all Without Reservations, just stopping along the way anywhere that catches our fancy. We have decided to document our travels to give encouragement to other seniors who dare to do something different... Any advice??

Yeah, don't rent a car unless a driver comes with it.

Well wouldn't that put us at the mercy of tours and the such ..I have driven all over Central America, Europe and Africa, LOVE THE CHALLENGE... but would like to learn more about the problems ...We don't plan on driving around Lima ...

Of course there are options between tours and self driving.

It's called the bus. Also, in many places a taxi with driver is the same cost or less than a rental car.

The challenges are bad drivers, bad roads, and robberies.

At the Salar de Uyuni, the challenge is that there isn't a road.

You can check my id for a recent trip report that included Peru (Arequipa thru to Titicaca, La Paz and Uyuni).

I did read some of your post and your experience on the bus in Bolivia makes me think driving may be a little safer but then again ...I will have to look in to the option you have presented me with ... I will be reading about your trip... Thanks

Some of the roads are really too rough for passenger cars, as well. And in rainy season, too dangerous even for busses. So #1 rule is don't drive or take a bus when it's raining, if you have a choice!

As far as that bus trip from hell, a better option is to take a day bus or to book a private 4wd transfer. Bolivia has some of the worst roads in the country, but the stretch between Puno and La Paz is pretty good. The problem arises when you get into La Paz!

Good luck with your planning.

Umm, should read "Bolivia has some of the worst roads in the continent.."

adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/168/itinerary/23.aspx
Driver guides from $50 per half day way cheaper than rental car EXPENSIVE you cannot cross borders they mark you for shakedowns theft did carrentals.com just around LIM for business for a week years back spent over $1K mostly insurance which was sky high. Grupo Ormeno Bus is nice also great downstairs Cama seats pretty cheap and they go to Bolivia. boliviabella.com Check on Visa do careful homework.