We have mentioned the harrowing taxi rides, in Lima. Let me explain. First of all going from point A to point B apparently requires a minimum of 25 turns. I think one trip we took I felt like we turned 50 times. Most of the roads are one way streets, however they are not marked, at least not that I can tell, and narrow. There are numerous traffic circles and all hell breaks loose in them, cars criss cross, changing lanes all the while honking horns. There is so much honking it is hard to know who is warning you they are coming through. There are signs everywhere stating 'NO HONKING'.
We have mostly walked in Cusco but the following is true of both cities. Pedestrians cross where ever they like, many times stopping traffic and the honking goes crazy. There are, at the busiest intersections, pedestrian lights however the folks around here do not wait. There are also traffic cops with bright lime green gloves and whistles. The cars will stop for the cops but not the pedestrians they just try to weave through the cars. When there is no traffic light or cop we usually wait until there are a few others waiting to cross and then join the group (safety in numbers). It works well if you ignore the honking.
Traveling by foot has been adventurous, we have averaged 3 to 5 miles a day.
Posted by Sandra
