Did you know that not all vehicles in Peru are licensed and insured to carry passengers as a taxi or transportation service? Quite a high percentage of vehicles, even those often times working with the most renowned hotels and tour companies, use what we refer to here as "private cars." Basically, this just means a vehicle someone has purchased for personal use but has never registered it with the right entities in order to use it as an official means to work. When a vehicle is registered properly, they are then held to stricter regulations, additional insurance requirements and more frequent inspections to ensure the protection for the passengers within. Unfortunately, this is not only the case in Lima, but in reality, many companies use private passenger cars to send their clients down south along the Pan American Highway in order to save costs. As these vehicles do not meet size and safety regulations, they are not permitted to carry tourists, thus transporting you illegally. In addition, these vehicles are not properly insured to cover you in the event of an accident. If you've ever spent time on the Pan American Highway, you will concur that this is one place that you definitely want to be insured! When you book with us, you can rest assured that you will not only ride in comfort but in security as well. All of our vehicles are registered and have permission (represented by the orange stripe on the license plate) to carry tourists throughout Peru. Our units are 100% insured and equipped with global positioning systems for your security. This is the smallest sized vehicle that can take you legally down the Pan American Highway. Passenger cars and SUVs are not able to get the permissions needed to transport passengers and should never be used during a service outside of Lima. If you are quoted for something smaller, you had better ask for their paperwork ahead of time!
When all else fails... simply check the license plate. If it is entirely white, then is a private car and you should not even consider the option. The following color-coded plates are what you should look for: ORANGE STRIPE - This vehicle is used for inter-provincial services and is acceptable. YELLOW STRIPE - This vehicle has permission to transport you only in Lima as a taxi service. GREEN STRIPE - Similar to the yellow, but found on vans, and is for use in Lima only. PURPLE STRIPE - This vehicle is used in tourism and can take you anywhere!
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