From big cities with tall buildings to small rural towns with farms, there always seems to be a way to get around here in Peru. However, sometimes it can be quite an adventure!
When I first arrived in Peru, I was overwhelmed by all of the traffic. I had to figure out how to get from the capital city to my small town, where I would live for two years. So I kindly asked someone, "Excuse me, how do I get from Lima to Chincha Baja?." They answered, "Take a taxi to Atocongo, get on a bus going south, get off in Chincha, take a mototaxi to the market, then take a colectivo to Chincha Baja, then you will arrive at your home." With my eyes wide open in shock, I was sure I would get lost. I had never heard of a mototaxi or a colectivo. Those were new words for me. But quickly I would learn how they all helped me get around Peru.
In our capital city of Lima, there are trains, taxis and minivans that are called combis; motorcycle-style taxis called mototaxis; small buses called micros; and large buses that travel hours away. Luckily, Peruvians are very friendly and always willing to give directions or advice on how to get to places. Since most people here do not own cars, everyone relies on public transportation. So normally, you can find a way to get where you need to go any time of the day.
