Summary
Ormeño was founded in September 1970, establishing itself as one of the oldest bus companies in Peru. The company initiated its first international route in 1975, providing scheduled service between Lima and Buenos Aires.
In 1995, Ormeño made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for operating the longest scheduled bus route in the world, covering the distance from Caracas, Venezuela to Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is approximately 6,002 miles (9,660 km).
Ormeño Bus Company Details:
- Full Name: Expreso Internacional Ormeño S.A
- Coverage: Extensive destinations along the coast of Peru along with limited inland destinations, including Cusco and Puno; various international routes across South America.
- Website: http://www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe/ (please note that there may be occasional technical difficulties on the website)
Ormeño Domestic Coverage:
Ormeño provides excellent coverage along the coastal regions of Peru; however, its inland coverage is mainly limited to the southern cities of Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco.
Operating along the coastal Pan-American Highway, Ormeño connects major destinations from Lima, stretching north toward Ecuador’s border and south to Tacna, close to the Chilean border. The service also encompasses smaller coastal cities such as Talara and Chepén in the north, as well as Cañete and Chincha just south of Lima, which are often overlooked by other major bus companies in Peru.
Ormeño International Coverage:
Ormeño outperforms other Peruvian bus companies in terms of international destinations. Key destinations include:
- Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil
- Colombia: Cali, Bogotá, and Cúcuta
- Venezuela: Caracas
- Chile: Santiago
- Argentina: Buenos Aires
- Bolivia: La Paz
- Brazil: Sao Paulo
Traveling by bus from Lima to the capitals of Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador is reasonably manageable; nonetheless, it is essential to be prepared for the demands of long-distance bus journeys. For instance, trips to Colombia or Buenos Aires can take several days, presenting a significant test of physical and mental endurance. Therefore, breaking long trips into stages is advisable unless direct travel with Ormeño is necessary.
Comfort, Bus Classes, and Safety:
Ormeño offers three classes of bus service: Royal Class, Business Class, and Económico (economy class). Royal Class buses, being the most luxurious, rival the top-tier buses utilized by competitors like Cruz del Sur. Meanwhile, Económico Class buses provide comfortable transportation similar to mid-range alternatives such as Movil Tours.
Onboard entertainment aligns with that of major competitors, featuring a selection of movies (typically new releases) throughout the trip, albeit not late at night. Meals are provided during longer journeys, either onboard or at designated stops, such as one of the Ormeño terminals. While the food may not stand out, it is generally acceptable for consumption.
With a fairly good safety record, Ormeño is considered a reliable option among bus companies in Peru. The fleet of buses is modern and well-maintained, particularly in the Royal and Business Class categories. Additionally, Ormeño implements safety measures, which include bus monitoring and regular driver rotation, akin to other significant domestic bus companies.
Ormeño Bus Terminals:
Ormeño operates terminals—varying from larger hubs to smaller stops—in all its domestic service areas. Some notable terminals are:
- Av. Carlos Zavala 177, Central Lima
- Terminal Javier Prado, Av. Javier Prado Este 1057, La Victoria, Lima
- Terminal Terrestre de Cusco, Ambiente Stand 41, Santiago District, Cusco
- Av. El Ejército 233, El Molino, Trujillo
