Transportation - Peru - page 1139

sleep on the boat while waiting if you want to save on hotel bills. Never leave your lug-
gage unattended.
Bring your own hammock, or rent a cabin for the journey. If using a hammock, hang it
away from the noisy engine room and not directly under a light, as these are often lit late
at night, precluding sleep and attracting insects. Cabins are often hot, airless boxes, but
are lockable. Sanitary facilities are basic and there's usually a pump shower on board.
Basic food is usually included in the price of the passage, and may be marginally better
on the bigger ships, or if you are in cabin class. Finicky eaters or people with dietary re-
strictions should bring their own food. Bottled soft drinks are usually available.
Bus
Buses are the usual form of transportation for most Peruvians and many travelers. Fares
are cheap and services are frequent on the major long- distance routes, but buses are of
varying quality. Remote rural routes are often served by older, worn-out vehicles. Seats at
the back of the bus yield a bumpier ride.
Many cities do not have a main bus terminal. For a rundown of major companies with
offices in Lima, Click here . Buses rarely arrive or depart on time, so the average trip
times quoted throughout this topic are best-case scenarios. Buses can be significantly
delayed during the rainy season, particularly in the highlands and the jungle. From Janu-
ary to April, journey times may double or face indefinite delays from landslides and bad
road conditions.
Fatal accidents are not unusual in Peru. Avoid overnight buses, on which muggings and
assaults are more likely to occur.
Classes
Luxury buses are invariably called Imperial, Royal, Business or Executive. These higher-
priced express services feature toilets, snacks, videos and air-conditioning. Bus-camas
feature seats which recline halfway or almost fully. For trips under six hours, you may
have no choice but to take an económico bus, and these are usually pretty beaten up.
Better long-distance buses stop for bathroom breaks and meals in special rest areas.
Luxury buses serve paltry snacks and don't stop. Rest areas feature inexpensive but some-
times unappetizing fare. Almost every bus terminal has a few kiosks with basic provi-
sions. While económico services don't stop for meals, vendors will board and sell snacks.