Transportation: How I Get Around

With my mom's visit to site in the beginning of March, I was reminded how different and therefore interesting the forms of transportation here can be. Below are the forms of transportations I use regularly. While on vacation with visitors to Peru, I have also traveled by airplane and train, though those are not usual for me.  

Omni-Buses - Omnibuses are the double-decker buses that go between major cities. There are numerous companies. Movil Tours, Cruz del Sur, America, ITTSA, Linnea, Emtrafesa and the list goes on. These bus trips usually take between 3 and 24 hours, depending on where you're going. And they can be smelly and disorganized or rather luxurious depending on how much you're willing to spend. I take a mediocre to cheap bus for the 3-4 hour trip between Trujillo and Chiclayo but am willing to splurge fora nicer bus line for any of the overnight 10-12 hour trips I take. 

Bus and Mini Bus - Minibuses are what I would think of when I think of a tour bus.  They are usually a bit dirty and not in top condition. These run busy routes between frequented areas. For example, I take a minibus between my site of Cartavio and Trujillo. It is a 33-seat bus though they pack us on like sardines with up to 15 more standing in the narrow aisle and maybe 8-10 more children infant to 8 years old sitting in their parents lap.  This hour trip costs S/ 3 (or about $1).  

Inside of a Combi from Cartavio to Chocope (20 min)

Colectivos / Combis - Colectivos and Combis are smaller forms of transportation for around an urban area or between smaller commu I ties up to maybe a 2 hour trip. Combis can be larger vehicles, close to the size of an omnibus though they have a different type of seating, but usually Combis are hollowed out vans with more seating installed to fit between 14 and 20 people when filled to capacity. Combis pick up and drop off people at they go.  You pay depending on how far you travel and prices are usually S/ 3.50 or less, depending on the trip.  

Contrarily, Colectivos have one starting place and one final destination with a fixed price for the ride. They are usually vans that seat 7 people or cars that seat 5 (not including the driver). A colectivo goes between my site of Mocupe and the capital city of Chiclayo for S/ 3.50 

Paradero (bus stop) for combis and colectivos in Cartavio

Taxi - Taxis are available in the major cities.  While there are taxi companies who are more reputable to use, any car can be a taxi.  Taxi signs are sold right on the street.  The biggest difference in the taxis of America and the taxis in Peru is how we pay.  In America there is a meter that calculates the cost depending on how long the ride takes.  And so taxi drivers will occasionally take longer routes, drive a little more slowly, or sit through lights to try to run the meter higher.  Instead, in Peru a price is agreed upon before going and does not change.  And for those who know the area, there are guidelines to follow.  For example, any taxi within central Chiclayo should be S/ 3. Taxi from Trujillo to Huanchaco should be S/ 12 - 15 and so on.  

Mototaxi - A mototaxi is a rickshaw of types, created by taking a small motor bike and attaching a covered two-person seat to the back.  It is amazing what you can fit on a moto.  3adults and 2 children; a stroller riding in the back; a mattress fastened on top; and the list goes on and on.  There are no limits to what they are willing to try. 

In any of these forms of transportation, it is possible and not uncommon to run out of gas, break down, or have an accident.  All part of the thrill of transportation in Peru.