How to Visit Lima in Peru?

Lima is the capital of Peru, and one of the most important cities in Latin America, visited by millions of tourists each year. With its vibrant mix of history, culture and modernity, it is justifiably a top destination to explore on a South American trip. From gorgeous colonial architecture to delicious cuisine, there is so much to see and do in Lima that it can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time visitor.

Here is a guide to help you plan your visit to Lima and make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Getting to Lima

Lima is well connected with several airports in the region which makes it easy to get to. The Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the largest, with direct flights from most South American countries as well as Europe, the U.S. and Australia. The J. C. Mártir International Airport (TRU) and the Piura Airport (PIU) are two other alternatives for travelers coming from other countries in South America.

You can also reach Lima by ferry from the nearby Pacific Islands, although this is not as common and there are not as many options as with flights. Check out Naviera Armas, which offers a weekly ferry from Tenerife to Callao (the port near Lima), which takes approximately 15 hours.

Accommodation Options

There are several accommodation options for all budgets in Lima, so don’t worry – there is something for everyone! The following are some of the most popular options:

• Budget Hotels/Hostels: For travelers on a budget, there are several options. Hostels usually offer shared or private rooms at very affordable prices, and there are many centrally located hotels with great ratings and facilities. Some examples of popular hostels: Lusitania Hotel, Hip Hostel Peru, Casa Nazca Backpackers.
• Apartments: For those looking for more privacy, the most popular option is to rent an apartment or house for the duration of your stay in Lima.
• Hotels: If you are looking for comfort and luxury, there are many 5-star hotels in Lima offering luxurious rooms and suites at competitive prices, such as Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Ritz Carlton Lima, Miraflores Park Hotel.

Additionally, Airbnb is a great option that offers a variety of accommodation alternatives ranging from rooms in shared or private apartments to entire homes according to your budget and needs. You can use Airbnb discount coupons to save up on your stay.

Getting Around Lima

The public transportation in Lima is considered one of the best and most efficient in the region, offering several options depending on your needs and budget. Buses are probably the most popular option as they are cheap and can take you almost anywhere in the city – and they don’t need any kind of transit pass. Taxis and Uber are also quite popular alternatives and good for short distances, but you should always double-check that the taxi has a working meter and ensure you are getting charged a fair price before you jump in it!

For visitors wanting to explore Lima from a different perspective, bikes are becoming more available, although there are not as many options as other cities so keep that in mind when planning your trip. There are also several tourist hop-on hop-off buses – a great option for first-time visitors who want an overview of the city in a short amount of time – such as the City Tour Lima.

Things to Do in Lima

There is so much to see and do in Lima that sometimes it’s hard to decide where to start! Here are just some of the must-do activities that should be in your itinerary while visiting Lima:

• Visit the Historic Centre of Lima: Get lost wandering through the colonial streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site with historic buildings, churches and plazas dating back to the 16th century.
• Eat Delicious Peruvian Food: Peru has a variety of delicious traditional dishes you must try while in Lima, from ceviche to cuy (guinea pig), freshly made chocolates and more! Make sure you try them at some of the top-rated restaurants such as Artesano Pescaderia.
• Explore Parque del Amor (Love Park): Located in the Miraflores district, this park is the perfect romantic spot for couples flying off to Peru.

Finally, don’t forget that Lima has plenty of beaches to choose from – after all, it is located on the Pacific coast! From Playa La Pampilla in Miraflores to Playa Redondo in Chorrillos, these beaches offer great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying a range of beach activities.

As you can see, whether you want to explore colonial architecture or relax at the beach, there is something for everyone in Lima! With its vibrant cityscape, amazing cuisine and incredible culture, Lima is one of the top destinations worth visiting during your trip to Peru