Guide · 25 Places

Lima

Peru

Before You Go

When to Visit

December to April offers sunny, warm weather with temperatures from 20-28°C (68-82°F) - perfect for beach neighborhoods. May to November brings the garúa (coastal fog and drizzle) with overcast skies and cooler temperatures 12-19°C (54-66°F), though it rarely actually rains. Summer is peak season for beaches, winter is better for exploring the city's museums and restaurants.

Visa

Check requirements

US, Canadian, EU, Australian, and many other nationals can enter Peru visa-free for up to 183 days as tourists. You'll receive a stamp on arrival - keep your passport safe. Check requirements at consulado.pe.

Getting There

Transportation

By Air: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the main gateway to Peru, located in Callao, 11km northwest of downtown Lima.

By Bus: Luxury buses connect Lima to destinations across Peru and neighboring countries, though flights are often comparable in price for long distances.

Language

Communication

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in upscale restaurants, hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro, and tourist agencies, but is limited elsewhere. Basic Spanish is very helpful for navigating the city.

Currency

Money matters

Peruvian Sol (PEN). Exchange rate roughly 3.7-3.8 PEN per USD. Cards accepted at most restaurants and shops in tourist neighborhoods like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Cash needed for markets, street food, and taxis. ATMs widely available - withdraw soles directly rather than exchanging USD.

Getting Around

Local transport

Metropolitano: BRT system with dedicated lanes running from north to south. Fast and affordable (2.50 PEN). Requires a card purchased at stations.

Taxis/Uber: Uber is widely used and safe (10-20 PEN for most trips). Street taxis exist but negotiate price before getting in. Beat and Cabify are also popular.

Mirabus/BarrancoBus: Tourist buses connecting coastal neighborhoods.

Walking: Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are pedestrian-friendly. Don't walk between neighborhoods - take Uber.

From the Airport

Arrival info

Uber/Taxi: To Miraflores 25-40 PEN (30-45 min depending on traffic). Use official taxi desks inside airport or Uber from designated area.

Airport Express: Shuttle bus to Miraflores (45-60 min, 8-12 USD).

Metropolitano: Possible but not recommended with luggage - requires walking and transfers.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel

Accommodations

Hotel B (Barranco)

Accommodations

Hotel B

Accommodations

Miraflores Park

Bars and Rooftops

Bars and Rooftops

Hotel B Bar

Bars and Rooftops

Carnaval Bar

Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and Libraries

Gran Biblioteca Pública de Lima

Bookstores and Libraries

Librería El Virrey

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and Tea

Demo

Coffee and Tea

El Pan de la Chola

Cultural and Artistic Venues

Cultural and Artistic Venues

Museo Larco

Cultural and Artistic Venues

MALI

Cultural and Artistic Venues

MALI (Museo de Arte de Lima)

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness

Bamford Wellness Spa (Miraflores Park)

Health and Wellness

Spa at Hotel B

Health and Wellness

Bamford Wellness Spa

Markets and Shopping

Markets and Shopping

Mercado de Surquillo

Markets and Shopping

Mercado Indio

Markets and Shopping

Mercado Indio (Miraflores)

Places to Work

Places to Work

WeWork (Lima locations)

Places to Work

Selina Cowork (Miraflores)

Places to Work

Selina Cowork

Places to Work

WeWork

Restaurants and Food

Restaurants and Food

Maido

Restaurants and Food

Central