What should I know before visiting Lima?

Direct answer

Lima is Peru’s bustling coastal capital—great food, seaside districts, and rich history. Know entry rules, safety precautions, transport options, local customs, and best times to visit to make the most of your trip.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Many nationals (US, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) enter Peru visa-free for tourism (usually 90 days). Check Peru's immigration site or your embassy for current rules before travel.
• Passport should be valid for the duration of stay (some airlines may require 6 months; confirm before travel).
• Return or onward ticket recommended; immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.
• Customs: typical allowances for personal items; declare large amounts of cash and certain agricultural products. Check SUNAT/Peru customs for limits.

Best Time to Visit

• High season: December–April. Warmest and sunniest—best for beaches and outdoor sightseeing. Expect more crowds and higher prices.
• Shoulder season: May and November—milder weather and fewer tourists.
• Low season: June–October. Cool, gray, humid (garúa) in coastal Lima; good for lower rates but not beach weather.

Safety Tips

• Lima is generally safe in tourist areas but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatchings) occurs.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, use a theft-resistant bag, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or jewelry.
  • Use hotel safes for passports and extra cards.
• Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets at night, especially in some neighborhoods on the city outskirts.
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Beat, Cabify) rather than hailing random cars. Agree on a fare before getting into an unmetered taxi.
• Keep copies of important documents and emergency contacts. Know the local emergency number (105 for police, 116 for ambulance—verify current numbers locally).

Local Customs & Etiquette

• Greeting: a handshake is common; close friends may greet with a single cheek kiss. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to use first names.
• Dining: meals are an important social activity. It’s polite to wait for the host to start eating. Tipping of ~10% is customary in restaurants if service isn’t included.
• Dress: casual city wear is fine; smart-casual for nicer restaurants. Respectful clothing for religious sites.
• Language: Spanish is the primary language; a few Quechua speakers exist. Learn basic phrases—locals appreciate any Spanish attempts.

Currency & Money

• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Cash is widely used; small shops and markets often prefer soles.
• ATMs: available across the city; use ATMs in banks or malls for safety. Notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
• Credit cards: widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and shops. Carry small bills for taxis, markets, and small vendors.

Transportation

• Airport: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Callao. Expect 30–90+ minutes to central Lima depending on traffic.
• Metro & buses: Lima has a limited metro line and an extensive but complex bus system. Buses can be crowded and routes confusing for visitors.
• Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Beat, Cabify): most convenient and safer option for most travelers.
• Taxis: use radio taxis called by hotels or apps. If hailing, agree on price first or ensure meter is used.
• Walking: Miraflores and Barranco are very walkable; central Lima has wide plazas but uneven sidewalks—watch your step.

Must-Know Tips & Local Insights

• Food: Lima is a culinary capital—try ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos, causa, and Nikkei fusion. Eat at reputable places; street food is flavorful but pick busy stalls with high turnover.
• Altitude: Lima is at sea level—no altitude sickness here. If you plan to travel to Cusco/Arequipa, acclimatize accordingly.
• Weather: mornings can be foggy and cool during winter; bring layers and a light jacket even in summer evenings.
• Neighborhoods to visit:
  • Miraflores: parks, coastal cliffs (Malecón), upscale dining, shopping.
  • Barranco: bohemian arts district, nightlife, street art, museums.
  • Centro Histórico: Plaza Mayor, cathedrals, colonial architecture and museums.
  • San Isidro: business district with parks and upscale dining.
• Museums & sites: Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art), Museo de la Nación (history), Huaca Pucllana (pre-Incan ruins in Miraflores).
• Day trips: Pachacamac ruins, Palomino Islands (sea lions), and Paracas/Ica if you want desert and wine/ pisco tours (requires more travel time).

Final Practical Advice

• Carry a small photocopy/photo of your passport and keep the original secure.
• Have a local SIM or roaming plan for maps and ride apps; free Wi‑Fi exists in many cafes and hotels but can be unreliable.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases and the numbers to handle transactions and taxis.
• Embrace the food scene—book at least one highly rated restaurant in advance if possible.

Enjoy Lima’s food, culture, and coastal charm—stay aware, use common-sense safety, and you’ll have a rewarding visit.