The following list indicates the main access routes for the country's major cities. These travel times and routes are provided for informational purposes only, as they strongly depend on weather conditions, the season, and the state of infrastructure.
Arequipa
- Overland: Via the Pan-American Highway South from Lima (approx. 1,020 km).
- By air: Daily flights from Lima (approx. 1h flight). Connections also exist to Cusco, Juliaca, or Tacna.
Ayacucho
- Overland: The most recommended route from Lima (approx. 500 km / 9h) takes the Los Libertadores highway. Other access routes are possible from Cusco (597 km / 12h) or from Huancayo (316 km / 9h).
- By air: Regular flights from Lima (approx. 45 minutes).
Cajamarca
- Overland: From Lima via the Pan-American Highway North, with a detour after Trujillo (approx. 865 km / 15h).
- By air: Daily flights from Lima (approx. 1h15 to 1h45).
Cusco
- Overland: The classic bus route goes through Arequipa (Lima-Arequipa-Cusco, approx. 1,494 km / 24h), although a more direct route now exists via Nazca and Abancay.
- By train: A historic line connects Arequipa, Juliaca, Puno, and Cusco (735 km). Note: Today, this line is exclusively reserved for a luxury tourist train and is no longer a regular public transport option.
- By air: Very frequent daily flights from Lima (approx. 1h).
Huancayo and Tarma
- Overland: From Lima via the Central Highway (Carretera Central), crossing The Andes at the Ticlio pass at 4,818 meters above sea level (approx. 6h drive). Note: Contrary to an old belief, Ticlio is a mountain pass and not the highest inhabited place in the world (a title belonging to La Rinconada). Tarma is 240 km from Lima, via La Oroya.
- By air: Regular flights to the nearby Jauja airport (approx. 30 minutes from Lima).
Huánuco and Tingo María
- Overland: The most recommended journey from Lima passes through La Oroya (410 km / 8h). Huánuco is then 120 km (approx. 2h30) from Tingo María.
- By air: Air connections exist, although the regularity of small flights depends on active local airlines.
Huaraz
- Overland: The recommended route from Lima takes the Pan-American Highway North to Pativilca before ascending into the mountain range (approx. 408 km / 7 to 8h).
- By air: Commercial flights to the local Anta airport are very sporadic or often suspended.
Ica, Paracas and Chincha
- Overland: Easily accessible from Lima via the Pan-American Highway South (Lima-Chincha: 202 km; Chincha-Pisco: 34 km; Pisco-Ica: 67 km).
- By air: Aerodromes exist in the department (notably in Pisco and Ica), but they are primarily used for tourist overflights of the Nazca Lines or by air taxis.
Iquitos
- By air: Since the city is isolated in the heart of the jungle, daily flights from Lima (1h45) are essential. Connections also operate from Tarapoto.
- By river: From Pucallpa (La Hoyada), via the great Ucayali River, with possible stops in Contamana and Requena. Expect 2 to 3 days in a speedboat, or 4 to 7 days in a cargo boat (lancha), depending on water levels and currents.
Piura
- Overland: From Lima via the long Pan-American Highway North (approx. 1,035 km / 15 to 16h).
- By air: Daily flights from Lima (approx. 1h30). Most flights are now direct, without the mandatory former layovers in Trujillo or Chiclayo.
Puno
- Overland: The classic road itinerary from the capital is Lima-Arequipa-Juliaca-Puno (1,335 km / 24h).
- By air: Flights land at the Inca Manco Cápac airport in Juliaca (45 mins from Puno), with daily connections from Lima (sometimes with a stopover in Arequipa).
Trujillo and Chiclayo
- Overland: Lima-Trujillo via the Pan-American Highway North (561 km / 8 to 9h). Chiclayo is further north along the same route (Trujillo-Chiclayo: 209 km / 2 to 3h).
- By air: Frequent daily flights between Lima and Trujillo or Chiclayo (approx. 1h direct flight).
