Lima, Peru - Travel Guide

Lima offers a captivating blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy, making it a dynamic South American capital. Renowned as the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America, it boasts an incredible culinary scene from fine dining to vibrant street food. Its rich history is reflected in its UNESCO-listed historic center, while its coastal location provides beautiful ocean views and opportunities for paragliding and surfing.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

PeruSouth AmericaCallaoMirafloresBarranco

🇵🇪 Country Information: Peru

CapitalLima

CurrencyPeruvian sol (S/.)

LanguageSpanish , Quechua, Aymara

Phone Code+51

Electricity220V (Type A, B, C)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common but not mandatory
In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard
For tour guides and drivers, tipping is appreciated and depends on the service quality
For hotel staff, a small tip for porters or housekeepers is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and tourist establishments, but less so in rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas
There is no official black market for cash, but some informal money changers might offer slightly better rates, which is not recommended

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is often flexible, especially in social settings
Dressing modestly is advisable when visiting religious sites or traditional communities
Bargaining is common in markets, but not in formal stores
It's considered rude to point with your finger; instead, use your whole hand

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights in Peru have been advancing, with anti-discrimination laws in place, but same-sex marriage is not yet recognized. Social acceptance varies, with urban areas generally more tolerant.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Possessing or trafficking pre
Columbian artifacts is illegal
It is illegal to deface historical monuments or natural sites
Respect for local customs and traditions, particularly in indigenous communities, is important

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Lima's climate is highly influenced by its coastal location and the Humboldt Current, resulting in a unique desert climate with high humidity and frequent mist/fog ('garúa') rather than rain.

Climate Zone: Arid Desert Hot

Best Time to Visit

Earthquake season: Lima is in an active seismic zone, so earthquakes can occur year
round

Getting There

Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) from major international hubs
Buses from within Peru via various companies like Cruz del Sur, Oltursa

Getting Around

Taxis (use official ones or pre
booked services like Taxi Directo)
Ride
sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Didi are widely available
Public buses (Metropolitano, Corredores Complementarios) are an option for longer distances

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap) are recommended
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are highly recommended
Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended for travel outside urban areas, especially to the Amazon basin
Altitude sickness is not generally a concern in Lima, but may be if traveling to higher elevations in Peru
Probiotics may be beneficial for digestive health due to new foods
Motion sickness remedies if prone to it on bus journeys outside the city
Malaria tablets are not typically needed for Lima itself

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Major providers include Claro, Movistar, and Bitel
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Ceviche must_try

Peru's national dish, this seafood delight features raw fish marinated in lime juice, spiced with Aji chili, and typically served with sweet potato an

Pisco Sour alcohol

The national cocktail of Peru, made with pisco (Peruvian grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. It is frothy, citr

Lomo Saltado fusion

A classic Peruvian-Chinese (Chifa) fusion stir-fry, combining strips of marinated beef sirloin, onions, and tomatoes. It is traditionally cooked in a

Causa Rellena snack

A cold potato casserole featuring layers of seasoned, mashed yellow potatoes mixed with lime and aji amarillo chili. The layers are typically filled w

Aji de Gallina regional_speciality

A creamy, mild chicken stew made with shredded chicken cooked in a rich sauce of aji amarillo peppers, ground walnuts, cheese, and bread. It is typica

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Maido Restaurant Reservation Dining

Book 2–3 months in advance

Maido is a world-renowned, high-demand restaurant, and reservations are required months in advance, especially for the tasting menu.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Lima Accommodation/Hotels Accommodation

Book 2–4 weeks in advance

Lima is a popular destination and hosts many events, causing accommodation to fill up quickly, especially the best rooms.

Flights from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ) Transport

Book 1–2 months in advance

This is a critical connecting flight for most Peru trips; booking a month in advance is advised during the high season (July–August) to secure preferred times/prices.

Fun Facts

1. Lima is the second-largest desert city on Earth, trailing only Cairo, Egypt, in population size while being situated in one of the driest deserts.
2. The city was once known as the “City of the Kings” because its founding date by Francisco Pizarro was near the Christian festival of Epiphany, which celebrates the Three Kings.
3. Lima rarely experiences rain and instead thrives on a cool, damp fog called "garúa."
4. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly because it sits atop over 400 ancient temples or "huacas" that predate the Spanish conquest.

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