Why You Should Skip the Rental Car in Lima, Peru—and Just Use Uber Instead

If you’re planning a trip to Lima, your first instinct might be to rent a car and explore the city on your own schedule. After all, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road. But when it comes to Lima—one of South America's largest, most chaotic, and densely populated cities—that “freedom” might quickly turn into frustration.

Having traveled extensively through Peru and spent weeks navigating Lima’s sprawling neighborhoods, I can say with confidence: you really don’t want to drive here. From gridlocked traffic to confusing street rules and unpredictable drivers, Lima is best experienced from the backseat of an Uber.

Here’s why you should skip the rental and open the app instead.

1. Traffic in Lima Is No Joke

Let’s start with the biggest red flag: traffic. Lima’s traffic is notoriously dense, especially during rush hours (which can feel like they last all day). Getting from Miraflores to Barranco—a distance of about 10 minutes in theory—can easily take 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours. Major avenues like Javier Prado, Arequipa, and the Via Expresa are constantly clogged, and intersections are often a chaotic free-for-all.

Local drivers tend to play by their own rules: merging without warning, ignoring lane markings, and treating red lights as suggestions. The level of aggression on the road isn’t something most tourists are used to, and it can be downright stressful behind the wheel.

2. Parking Is a Nightmare

Even if you do manage to survive the traffic, good luck finding a place to park. In districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco (where most tourists spend their time), street parking is extremely limited. Public garages are few and far between, and many residential or commercial buildings do not offer visitor parking.

If you're staying in an Airbnb, there’s a high chance your rental won't come with a dedicated parking spot—and leaving your car on the street overnight isn’t always the safest option.

3. Gas and Insurance Costs Add Up

Fuel in Peru isn’t cheap. Combine that with high rental fees and insurance costs, and suddenly your “budget-friendly” car rental becomes more expensive than expected. Add in parking fees (when you can find parking), tolls on certain expressways, and possible charges for accidents or damage, and you’re looking at a pretty hefty tab.

Uber, on the other hand, is incredibly affordable in Lima. A ride across town might cost you the equivalent of $3 to $5 USD. Even longer trips from Miraflores to the airport usually land around $10–$15 USD depending on the time of day.

4. Uber Is Safe, Reliable, and Widely Available

Lima has a large pool of Uber drivers, and the app works just as smoothly here as it does in the U.S. or Europe. Whether you're heading to a museum in the city center, the cliffs of Barranco, or the oceanfront in Miraflores, you’ll never wait long for a ride.

Plus, by using Uber, you avoid the risks that come with driving in an unfamiliar city—like getting lost, getting pulled over for unknowingly breaking a traffic law, or dealing with minor fender benders (which are super common in Lima).

Uber also allows you to stay flexible and spontaneous, hopping between restaurants, bars, and attractions without worrying about where you parked or whether you need a designated driver.

5. Local Driving Rules Can Be Confusing

Even if you're a seasoned traveler, Lima’s road rules may trip you up. There are unwritten norms and local driving habits that don’t always align with what you might expect. For example, yielding is a foreign concept in many parts of the city, and honking is a constant (and often meaningless) soundtrack to the road.

Additionally, police checkpoints are common, and if you’re not fluent in Spanish or unsure about Peruvian regulations, you may find yourself in an awkward or costly situation.

6. Walking and Biking Are Great for Exploring

Neighborhoods like Barranco and Miraflores are pedestrian-friendly, safe during the day, and full of hidden gems best discovered on foot. The Malecón (cliffside park) is perfect for walking or biking, and you’d miss out on a lot of that charm if you're stuck behind the wheel.

Many travelers also enjoy renting scooters or bikes for a day to cruise along the coast—something far more relaxing than navigating a car through the chaos of city traffic.

7. Day Trips? Hire a Driver Instead

What about trips outside the city? Even then, renting a car isn’t your best option. For destinations like Pachacamac, Lurín, or even Paracas and Huacachina, it's better to hire a private driver or join a tour group. It’s safer, less stressful, and often not much more expensive when you factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and wear and tear on your nerves.

Lima is an energetic, sprawling metropolis with world-class restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and rich history. But it’s not a city built for visitors to drive themselves. Renting a car might give you the illusion of independence, but in reality, it will likely slow you down and add unnecessary stress to your trip.

Instead, ride with Uber. It’s affordable, convenient, and allows you to actually enjoy the city—from the passenger seat.

You’ll thank yourself later. Trust me.