Best Apps for Peru Travel at a Glance
Getting around Peru can involve long-distance buses, rail services, Lima’s urban transit, and remote mountain routes, making the best apps for Peru travel useful for planning routes, transport, bookings, and more.
| Category | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
Intercity Transit |
redBus |
Rail Transit |
PeruRail |
Urban Transit |
TuRuta |
Ride-hailing |
InDrive |
Offline Navigation |
Maps.me |
Luggage Storage |
Bounce |
Dining Reservations |
Mesa 24/7 |
1. redBus
Planning long bus trips across Peru is easier when you can compare schedules and reserve your seat in advance. This redBus app gathers regional bus companies in one place so you can reserve top-deck seats on overnight routes and save your tickets straight to your phone.
Use a payment method accepted by redBus and complete your booking before departure when possible. Keep access to your email and any required payment verification method.
- Seat Selection: Choose an available seat when the bus operator provides seat-selection options.
- Digital Tickets: Stores your booking confirmation or e-ticket on your phone, but boarding requirements vary by bus operator. Some operators require a printed ticket or ticket exchange at the terminal.
- Passenger Identification: Some bus operators require your passport or other valid identification at boarding, so make sure the passenger details on your booking are accurate.
2. PeruRail
Traveling through the Andes is easier when you can check train schedules and keep your digital ticket on your phone. PeruRail lets passengers access their travel tickets digitally and check their trip details before departure.
- Seat Inventory Tracking: Displays real-time seat availability for trains heading into mountain valleys.
- Digital Ticket: Lets you display your PeruRail ticket on a mobile device. Save or open the ticket before departure in case you lose signal.
- Passenger Identification: Your ticket information must match your valid identity document, such as a passport for most foreign travelers.
3. TuRuta
Navigating Lima traffic means figuring out local buses, the Metropolitano, Line 1 of the Tren Eléctrico, and the city's corredores, making TuRuta a useful app for getting around Lima. This app maps out exact street corners, transfer spots, and expected fares across town.
Keep in mind that the app cannot top up transit cards or take contactless phone payments directly, so you will still need to buy physical smart cards at station kiosks or pay cash on local buses.
- Multi-Modal Navigation: Combines Lima's buses, Metropolitano, Tren Eléctrico, and corredores to help you plan routes around the city.
- Real-Time Transit Information: Shows bus and transit information to help you plan your route and track arrivals.
- Transfer Information: Shows the stops and transfer points needed to complete your route.
4. InDrive
In cities where InDrive operates, passengers can agree on a fare with drivers before the trip starts. The InDrive app lets passengers and local drivers suggest, counter, and agree on cash or digital fares before setting off.
- Peer Price Matching: Propose your own fare and negotiate directly with local drivers in real time.
- Driver Profile Inspection: See vehicle details, license plates, and driver ratings before hopping in.
- Account Verification: Complete any required account verification before relying on the app during your trip.
Fast local data, zero roaming surprises. Order your SimCorner eSIM or SIM card before you fly.
5. Maps.me
Heading off the beaten path into high mountain trails requires maps that work completely off-grid, making Maps.me one of the top Peru travel apps for hikers. This app uses your phone's built-in GPS to show trail paths and topographic maps without needing mobile data.
Just be sure to download regional map packs over Wi-Fi before heading out, as trying to download large maps without a signal can freeze the app.
- Offline Maps: Lets you download maps for offline use, including points of interest and walking routes in supported areas.
- Trail Route Tracing: Calculates clear walking directions along dirt paths and high mountain switchbacks.
- Custom Waypoints: Lets you drop custom pins for campsites, water stops, and scenic viewpoints.
6. Bounce
PeruRail allows passengers traveling to Machu Picchu to bring one bag or backpack weighing up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and measuring no more than 115 cm (45.3 inches) in total dimensions.
Using specialized apps in Peru for tourists like Bounce helps connect you with vetted local hotels and shops where you can drop heavy bags securely while exploring high-altitude regions.
- Vetted Storage Partner Maps: Shows nearby storefronts and hotels offering secure luggage storage.
- Bag Protection: Eligible bookings may receive compensation for lost, damaged, or stolen belongings, subject to Bounce's terms and conditions.
- Pre-Booking Spot Reservation: Reserves your storage spot in advance during peak travel seasons.
7. Mesa 24/7
Finding popular local restaurants is easier when you book your table in advance.
- Real-Time Table Booking: Reserves open dining tables instantly without making phone calls.
- Dining Experiences: Highlights restaurant menus, photos, and selected dining experiences.
- SMS Instant Verification: Sends instant confirmation codes and booking vouchers right to your text inbox or email.
Power Your Apps for Peru Travel with SimCorner
Staying connected while traveling across coastal highways and mountain valleys keeps your transit and navigation apps working properly. A local connectivity package gives your device direct access to regional cell networks without high roaming fees, while keeping your home SIM active for security texts from your bank.
- Flexible Allowance Options: Select prepaid data packages matched to your travel length without entering long-term contracts.
- Dual Hardware Formats: Pick between instant digital eSIM downloads or physical SIM card units delivered to your door.
- Local Network Access: Connects to supported Peruvian carrier networks to provide mobile coverage across major travel regions.
- Simple eSIM Top-Ups: Add extra data through the SimCorner App when you need more allowance.
Set up your connection before you travel by buying your mobile plan from SimCorner before departure. Install your eSIM or insert your SIM card before boarding your flight. When you arrive, simply activate your data to connect to the local network right away. You can also buy your plan directly from the SimCorner website.
