Bus Travel

Two types of buses—regular-size micros and the van-size combis—patrol the streets of Lima. Fares are cheap, usually S/1-2 for a ride, but the drivers are madmen and they resemble rolling sardine cans during rush hours, when there is a danger of pickpockets and bag slashers. A quicker and safer way to travel between Barranco, Miraflores, and El Centro is El Metropolitano, a modern bus that runs down the middle of the Paseo de la Republica to the underground Estación Central, in front of the Sheraton Lima Hotel. El Metropolitano runs from 6 am to 9 pm and each trip costs S/1.50. The system uses rechargeable electronic cards that you can buy from a vending machine, or a person wearing a red vest at any station for S/5. Stations on Avenida Bolgnesia in Barranco and Avenida Benavides in Miraflores are walking distance from hotels, but the route is rather far from most San Isidro lodging.

Contacts

Metropolitano (1/203-9000. www.metropolitano.com.pe.)