FAQ

1. How do I get an Express Airport Taxi to or from the Lima Airport or Cruise Port

We can help you to fulfill your bucket list by allowing you to schedule a Lima airport express taxi to wherever you need to go in Lima. It’s simple, fast and safe. And many of our driver’s are English-speaking. Simply go to our arrivals or departures pages

2. Is there public transportation from the Lima Airport or the Callao Cruise Port?

Not exactly. It is possible to take a bus from the front entrance of the airport, however this is considered dangerous. As most international flights to Lima arrive late at night, and standing out in the street with your bags is NOT recommended.

Public transportation to and from the Lima airport or Cruise port is poor and even locals would advise you not to do it. Both locations are located in Callao which is one of, if not the most dangerous part of the city.

3. Does Uber work in Peru or Quito Ecuador? Is Uber Legal in Peru? What taxi apps can I use in Peru?

Yes, Uber does work in both Peru. You can use your same account. However Peruhop one of the premier tourist buses in Peru, advises against using Uber for airport transfers. Other taxi applications that work in Peru are, Didi and Cabify.

Using taxi apps at the Lima airport is complicated, and there’s no designated point for pick up. Things to consider when using an app are, that the driver may very well leave you at the main gate with your luggage. Apps are not allowed to operate inside the Lima airport. All legal taxis must be registered with ATU and few if any of the App are. We are a legal and registered business with permission to operate at the Lima Airport. A “business” can operate even if they are not legal. Uber has been doing that for years. 

That said, if your searching to find out if Uber is safe in Peru, you’re concerned about safety. And we have a stellar track record with “certificate of excellence” on TripAdvisor with a 4.7 star rating, Uber is around 3.5 stars.

4. Are street taxis safe in Lima

Generally speaking, street taxis are safe to use. However, a small percentage of taxi drivers are criminals who rob passengers. This usually happens with accomplices who get into the vehicle unexpectedly, or by the driver taking you to a different location where they’re waiting to strike.

If you choose to take a street taxi in Lima, pay close attention to the vehicle. Can the windows be rolled down? If you get in the back seat, check to make sure you can open the door immediately after closing it. If neither your doors nor your windows open, you should demand the driver fix that, or insist on getting out of the car. You should always negotiate the price before boarding. Ask locals what a reasonable price would be, if it’s too good to be true, then it might just be a trap.

5. How do I use the buses in Lima?

There are two types of buses in Lima: Municipal buses operated by the city, and private buses with licenses to run specific routes. The private buses are typically dilapidated and uncomfortable. You pay in cash for these and can board them almost anywhere on their route. Fares range from 50 cents for short trips to 3 soles for a trip across town. 

The municipal buses are silver and have an accent color according to their route (blue, purple, red, etc). These require a card to board, called the Lima Pass. Look for workers in yellow or blue vests near the official bus stops who can provide you with a card. You can recharge this card at some bus stops or with us at Gringo Taxis. These buses are far cleaner and safer to use. 

6. Can I rent a car in Lima? (repeat for Cusco)

Yes, you can rent a car in Lima. Hertz and Budget offer car rentals. There are also some smaller businesses that provide this service. However, due to the dangerous driving conditions in Lima, you will be forced to buy extra insurance coverage, even if your credit card includes it. This can make renting even a cheap car in Lima out of the question.

In Cusco, there are no major international car rental companies, but you can find several highly-rated businesses online. Some specialize in renting 4×4 vehicles, which is a must if you intend to drive well outside the city. Be aware that the terrain in Cusco is quite mountainous, and you should drive with caution. In Either case you may want to rea up on getting an International Drivers License.  You also may want to consider Drunk Drivers, and if you’re worried at all about crime, you may want to rethink about driving here.

7. When is rush hour in Lima?

Heavy traffic in Lima starts at 7 AM and continues until around 9:30 AM. In the afternoon, traffic heats up shortly after 5 PM and will continue to be brutal until about 8:30 PM. Plan on trips from Miraflores to the Lima Plaza de Armas taking between 30 – 60 minutes. 

 Taxi-specific questions

1. Do you accept USD or PEN?

We accept most forms of payment, our drivers accept cash in USD. We can also accept PEN at current exchange rates. Ora credit of debit card used on our site

2. Can I be picked up at a Miraflores or Barranco Hotel or Hostel?

Yes! we can  pick you up from any Miraflores hotel, Barranco hostel, or any other lodging in Lima. Just let us know exactly where you are and we’ll do the rest.

3. Do you provide service to the beaches in Peru?

Yes we can, we have recently added beaches south of Lima Such as Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra, San Bartolo to our ever expanding area of coverage.

The best beaches are located about an hour outside of Lima to the south.  

4. Which airports in Peru do you operate at?

We currently provide service to both Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport and Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. 

5. Are all your drivers English-speaking taxi drivers?

No, however many of our driver’s speak English. We issue an English test and in-person interviews in English to all of our drivers. 

6. Do you provide rides on demand?

All of our local services are scheduled in advance on our website. If a location is not listed please use our contact page or send us a WhatsApp/Messenger message and we work something out for you.

7. Do you charge per person, per mile, per vehicle?

Our fares are fair! We only charge extra for the type of vehicle you choose, either a sedan, SUV or van. Otherwise, the fare is determined by district. So pile in with your friends and don’t worry about extra charges. Just keep the number of passengers to no more than the limit allowed in the vehicle.

 Lima/Cusco Questions

 1. How long does it take to get from the Lima International airport  to my hotel? 

If you are staying in a Miraflores Hostel or Barranco hotel, then the ride from the Lima airport should take a little under an hour if you arrive late at night. If you’re leaving the airport when there is traffic then the trip could take around an hour and a half.

2. How long does it take to get from the Cusco international airport to my hotel?

Cusco is a much smaller city than Lima, and the Cusco airport is not very far from the center. You should arrive at your hotel in under half an hour. 

3. How safe is Lima, Peru?

Although robbery and petty theft is common in Lima, violent crime rates are fairly low. While approximately 1.2% of Lima’s residents experienced a robbery in 2015 (most recent data), Lima’s murder rate and violent crime rates do not put it in even the top 50 most dangerous cities. Brazil, Mexico, and the United States have much higher rates of violence in their cities. So is Lima safe? Our opinion is it’s not any more dangerous than most major cities in the world.

4. How safe is Cusco, Peru?

Cusco, compared to Lima, is remarkably safe. Peru understands that tourism is a major industry and goes to great lengths to protect tourists in the region. However, you should still keep an eye on your belongings at all times. An item like a laptop or a camera could represent more than a few months’ wages for most people.

5. Where can I find good Peruvian food in Lima?

Everywhere! The best restaurants with the best Peruvian food in Lima are listed on websites such as Tripadvisor, and you can also use Google Maps to find great places near you as you walk around. If you need some recommendations, ask our drivers! As locals, they know where to go. 

6. How much does Lima international airport luggage storage cost?

Lima’s airport has a luggage storage service called “Left Luggage”. Rates vary depending on the size of the item and the time that you leave it there. You can contact them here info@guardianiaequipajes.com for a quote. This service can be found on the International Side of the Lima Airport. Walking straight to the back of the building from door number 3, you’ll see a place called “Left Baggage” 

 7. What are the best places to visit in Lima?

Visit Miraflores, particularly the Malecon in Miraflores. The long chain of parks and beautiful views should not be missed. Barranco is a great district to explore during the day, and even more fun at night. 

The center of Lima is the perfect way to spend a day. Visit the Cathedral de San Francisco, with its catacombs and incredible artwork. All of which is a stones throw away from the Plaza de Armas.

After the sun sets you absolutely have to take a trip to the Parque de las Aguas to see the world-record holding park. With a large amount of illuminated fountains, you’re sure to come out with some amazing pictures. Just don’t get your phone wet!

Lima also has many great museums, some of which are private and charge entry, but are well worth it. Definitely see the Museo Larco in Pueblo Libre, the National Museum in San Borja, and the historic ruins of the Huaca Pucllana and Pachacamac.

8. Should you tip you in Peru?

Tipping is not a Peruvian custom, however it’s never unwelcome. A 10% tip at a restaurant would be considered generous in Peru. 

As street taxi prices are negotiated beforehand, there is generally no tipping. However, if you feel the service was good leave a little extra with the driver, we’re sure that it’ll be appreciated.

9. Is English common in Peru?

The English level in Peru is quite low. According to the English Proficiency Index, Peru is in 59th place out of the 88 countries measured. Although English is a mandatory part of public education, the quality of the teaching is low. Many Peruvians, however, can understand some basic English and may know some phrases.

In Lima, you’ll find more English used in Miraflores and Barranco, where most tourists congregate. 

In Cusco, the English level is higher, as tourism is a much more important source of income. It’s common to find qualified English-speaking tour guides, waiters, and concierges at hotels.