Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on motorways and vary on smaller roads - either 80kph (50mph) or 45kph (28mph). Even so, few Peruvians seem to stick to these limits. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. On-the-spot fines 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. International driving permits are technically only valid for 30 days in Peru, after which a permit from the Touring y Automóvil Club del Peru is required. In practice a UK or US photo licence is generally accepted without question.

The Touring and Automobile Club of Peru (Touring y Automóvil Club del Peru) (tel: (01) 441 0345), with offices in most provincial cities, is helpful.

Emergency breakdown services
There is no general emergency breakdown number in Peru. Most rental agencies have breakdown arrangements agreed with a particular insurance company.

Cusco has a long distance bus terminal, Terminal Terrestre, 2km (1.25 miles) southeast from the city centre, at Avenida Vallegos Santoni, on the way to the airport. Buses from and to most major cities leave and arrive from this station, although smaller towns in the Cusco region are still serviced from other stops, so check carefully in advance.

There are two options from Lima. Most direct buses now follow the route via Abancay and Nazca (journey time 18-23 hours), although this can be a rough, punishing drive in bad weather. The longer, more comfortable alternative is to travel via Arequipa (journey time 25-30 hours). Ormeño (tel: 84 227 501), Cruz del Sur (tel: 84 221 909), Expreso Molino (tel: 84 249 512) and Palomino (tel: 84 222 694) all ply these routes. Companies with bus services to Juliaca (journey time 5 hours) and Puno (journey time 6 hours) include Ormeño and First Class (tel: 84 223 102). Buses to La Paz and Copacabana in Bolivia, and Tacna on the Chilean border also leave from Terminal Terrestre.