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City Guide - Lima - Road | ||
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Road Driving in Peru can be hazardous due to reckless driving and the state of the roads - many of which are dirt tracks. However, much of the Pan-American Highway that connects Ecuador to Chile via Peru's coastal desert is in good condition, as are the main routes into the Andes. Speed limits on motorways are 100kph (62mph) for cars. Several roads are tolled, including many on the Pan-American Highway between Tumbes and Lima, Pativilca-Huaraz, Lima-Pucusana and the highway around Lima. Toll fees vary from US$0.50 to US$1.50. The drive from Ecuador to Chile costs around US$18. Motorcycles are exempt from tolls. Speed limits on smaller roads vary - either 80kph (50mph) or 45kph (28mph) - but few Peruvians seem to stick to these limits. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory in certain areas of Lima; it is easier for drivers to always wear seatbelts - the fine for not wearing one in required places is US$70. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. On-the-spot fines, which start from US$80, are applied for drink-driving, speeding and other traffic offences, such as driving through a red light. The minimum age for driving is 18 years. To enter Peru in a private vehicle the driver needs an International Driving Permit; proof of customs payment (libreta de pago por la aduana) and a registration document in the name of the driver. Proof of insurance - best arranged in the visitor's home country - is also needed. A non-extendable 90-day transit permit (Formulario 015) is available at land borders and allows travellers to bring a vehicle into Peru. There is no charge. The Touring and Automobile Club of Peru, Calle Cesar Vallejo 699, Lince (tel: (01) 441 0345), with offices in most provincial cities, is helpful. There is no general emergency breakdown number in Peru, but most rental agencies have their breakdown arrangement agreed with the particular insurance company. Routes to the city: The main road artery of Peru, the Pan-American Highway, runs the length of Peru's coastline. Most travellers choose to fly to other provincial capitals. Approximate driving times to Lima; from Cusco - 24 hours; Puno - 24 hours; Arequipa - 14 hours. Coach services: Ormeno, Avenida Javier Prado Este 1059, La Victoria (tel: (01) 472 1710; fax: (01) 470 5454) is one of the few reliable bus companies that offer regular weekly services to Bogota (80 hours), Quito (30 hours) and Santiago (54 hours). Many intercity buses leave from one of the main bus terminals between the Hotel Sheraton and Parque Universitario in the centre, or in the district of La Victoria along Avenida 28 de Julio and Prolongacion Huanuco. Other bus stations and companies are located in the suburbs. Cruz del Sur, Avenida Javier Prado 1109, San Isidro (tel: (01) 431 5125), offers good, regular services to Cusco, Puno and Arequipa and other major destinations. |