Lima: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Lima Travel Guide

Why Lima

For years Lima was treated as a stopover on the way to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Today it is a destination in its own right, celebrated as one of the great food capitals of the world. Built on clifftops above the Pacific, Peru's capital combines a UNESCO-listed colonial centre, pre-Inca adobe pyramids in the middle of the city, bohemian seaside districts and restaurants that regularly appear on international best-of lists.

When to Visit

Lima has a desert climate with very little rain, but its seasons are distinctive.

• December to April (summer): Sunny and warm, the best beach weather and the liveliest time on the coast.
• May to November (winter): Mild but often overcast, with a persistent coastal mist known as the garúa. It rarely rains properly.
• Combining with the Andes: The dry season in the highlands, roughly May to September, is the most popular time for Machu Picchu, so many travellers pass through Lima then despite the grey skies.

Top Experiences

1. Historic Centre – Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Monastery of San Francisco, with its catacombs. Ornate wooden balconies line many streets.
2. Miraflores clifftop – The Malecón walkway runs along the cliffs, passing Parque del Amor and Larcomar shopping centre. Paragliders often launch from here.
3. Barranco – Lima's artistic district, with colourful mansions, galleries, street art, the Bridge of Sighs and lively bars.
4. Huaca Pucllana – A large adobe pyramid built long before the Incas, sitting surprisingly in the middle of Miraflores.
5. Larco Museum – A fine collection of pre-Columbian art and ceramics in a colonial mansion with lovely gardens.
6. Magic Water Circuit – A park of illuminated fountains, popular in the evening.
7. Day trips – The Palomino Islands for sea lions, the ruins of Pachacamac, or the oasis of Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands further south.

A City to Eat In

Lima's food blends Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese and Japanese influences. Ceviche, raw fish cured in lime juice with chilli and onion, is the signature dish, traditionally eaten at lunchtime. Try lomo saltado (a stir-fry born from Chinese-Peruvian chifa cooking), ají de gallina, causa (layered potato), and anticuchos from street grills. Nikkei cuisine fuses Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Vegetarians can enjoy causa, vegetable tamales, quinoa dishes and the city's many vegetarian cafés. Wash it down with chicha morada, a purple corn drink, or a pisco sour.

Getting There and Around

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is Peru's main gateway, with domestic connections to Cusco and beyond. The airport is in Callao, some distance from Miraflores, and traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time. Use official airport taxis, pre-booked transfers or airport bus services.

Within the city, ride-hailing apps are the easiest option. The Metropolitano bus rapid transit links the centre with Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores and Barranco are walkable, and there are cycle lanes along the clifftop.

Where to Stay

• Miraflores: The most popular base, with ocean views, restaurants and good safety.
• Barranco: Boutique hotels and nightlife, next to Miraflores.
• San Isidro: Business district, quieter, with an olive grove park.
• Historic Centre: Close to the sights, best for short visits.

Budget Tips

• Look for a "menú" at lunchtime, a set meal of starter and main at local restaurants.
• Walking the Malecón and exploring Barranco's streets costs nothing.
• Use the Metropolitano rather than taxis for longer journeys during the day.
• Book top restaurants well ahead, or try their more casual sister cafés.
• If flying on to Cusco, compare domestic airlines and times, as fares can vary greatly.

Practical Information

• Visa: Requirements depend on your nationality. Check the official Peruvian government or consulate website.
• Currency: Peruvian sol (PEN).
• Language: Spanish, with Quechua spoken in parts of the country.
• Safety: Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro are generally safe; be careful with valuables in crowds and in the centre after dark.
• Health: Drink bottled or filtered water. If heading to Cusco, read up on altitude sickness before you go.
• Plugs: Types A and C.

Plan Your Trip

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