How Does Driving Rules Work in Peru?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the right, an international driving licence is valid, but roads in the Andes can be extremely dangerous and driving in Lima is chaotic and not recommended for tourists.
2What You Need to Know
Traffic drives on the right in Peru and an international driving permit alongside your national licence is accepted. Lima's traffic is notoriously chaotic with aggressive driving, minimal lane discipline, and heavy congestion — renting a car in Lima is inadvisable for most tourists. Andean mountain roads can be spectacular but genuinely dangerous: narrow with sheer drops, no guardrails on many sections, and deteriorating significantly in the rainy season (November–April). Four-wheel drive is essential for jungle and some highland routes. Drivers should acclimatize to altitude before attempting mountain driving as it affects concentration and reaction time.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If self-driving in the Andes, drive only in daylight — roads in the highlands are unsafe at night and the risk of altitude-related fatigue is significant.
- 2Check road conditions before travelling during the rainy season (November–April) as landslides can close routes for hours or days with no warning.
- 3For the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, hiring a local driver or using buses is far safer and more practical than self-driving the mountain roads around Cusco.
Important Warning
Andean mountain roads regularly see fatal accidents — they are narrow, frequently lack guardrails, and conditions deteriorate sharply in rain; exercise extreme caution or hire a local driver.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right; watch for unmarked topes (speed bumps) everywhere, and avoid driving between cities at night.
Drive on the right, an international driving license is valid, but avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas and be prepared for chaotic urban traffic and highly variable road conditions.
Drive on the right, use metric speed limits in km/h, and know that winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December to March.
Traveling to Peru?
You might also need:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for travelers worldwide. Covers emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Send and spend money abroad using real mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees.
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
More About Peru
Tip around 10% at tourist restaurants and tip guides generously (50–100 PEN per day), but always check whether service is already included on your bill.
Updated 2025-06
Lima has the Metropolitano BRT and Uber/InDriver for safer city travel, while intercity travel relies on reputable bus companies and pre-booked trains to Machu Picchu.
Updated 2025-06
Lima has good private clinics, but outside the capital medical facilities are limited and altitude sickness is a serious risk at Cusco (3,400 m) and Lake Titicaca (3,800 m).
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are extremely strict — cocaine possession carries severe penalties — and Machu Picchu has rigorous rules including no drones and mandatory time-slot entry.
Updated 2025-06
Call 105 for police, 117 for ambulance, 116 for fire, and the free iPeru tourist helpline on 0800-11-0000 for tourist-specific assistance.
Updated 2025-06
Dress modestly at churches, pack warm layers for the highlands where temperatures swing dramatically, and bring rain gear for jungle and wet-season travel.
Updated 2025-06
🚗 See Driving Rules rules in all countries
Compare all countries →