Chile Peru
Chile 
PeruLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The crossing at Tacna–Arica is the main coastal route on the Pan-American Highway.
Driving rules in Peru
- Aggressive city traffic — defensive driving essential.
- High-altitude routes (Cusco, Puno) affect engine performance.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry original documents at all times.
What to see when you arrive in Peru
- Machu Picchu
- the Inca capital of Cusco
- the Nazca Lines
- Lake Titicaca
- the Sacred Valley
Once you're driving in Peru
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Tourists may drive on a valid home licence for their authorized stay (up to 183 days). An IDP is required alongside it if the licence is not in Spanish/Roman script, and most rental firms require or strongly prefer an IDP or certified Spanish translation.
Tolls & road charges
Main highways (Panamericana and others) have frequent manned toll booths (peajes), typically a few soles each; many do not accept cards, so carry small-denomination soles in cash.
Parking in the cities
Avoid street parking; use guarded paid lots (playas de estacionamiento or 'cocheras') in cities like Lima and Cusco, both for security and to avoid towing/clamping in restricted central zones.
Fines & camera enforcement
Fines (papeletas) are graded by severity as fractions of the UIT tax unit; speeding, no seatbelt and phone use are penalized. Do not pay cash to officers on the roadside; legitimate fines are processed officially and rental firms pass camera/towing charges to the renter.
If you have an accident
Call the police on 105 (SAMU ambulance 106); do not move vehicles if there are injuries until police arrive. SOAT (compulsory insurance) covers only personal injury, not the rental car, so file a police report for the rental insurer.
Driving in the capital
Lima traffic is heavy and assertive; the central Cercado de Lima has restricted/pedestrianized areas and the Vía Expresa ('El Zanjón') and Javier Prado are notorious bottlenecks where lane discipline is loose.
Sources: remitly.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com · theonlyperuguide.com