at a glance
Best time to Visit
How to get there
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
Lima at a Glance
Book your trip today and discover why Lima is a must-see destination when traveling to Peru. The city is a bustling metropolis and among the largest cities in South America.
As Peru's national capital, Lima is at the epicenter of the country's vitality. The city buzzes with energy. Commuters hitch rides on combis to get to work, taxis, and motorcycles whiz around central plazas, and families gather on long stretches of lush parks along the Pacific coast. Meanwhile, in Lima's downtown area, travelers can experience a glimpse of the past as they walk among the Spanish colonial architecture of the Plaza de Armas and the ancient Huaca Pucllana pyramid. By booking a trip with Zicasso, you will experience the very best of Peru's history, culture, and effervescent city life.
Best Time to Visit Lima
You should plan your trip to Lima with special attention to annual festivities and weather patterns to ensure the most enjoyable vacation possible.
The best time to visit Lima is between December and April. Since Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, these months are the summer season. During this time, the city experiences its mildest weather, and temperatures average in the mid-70s to 80s degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Travelers who also hope to visit Cusco should be aware that December through April constitutes the rainy season in the Andes.
The biggest festivals in Lima include the Dia de Santa Rosa (August) and Mistura Culinary Festival (September). Travelers can join in on local culinary traditions and cultural celebrations during these times of the year but should also expect the downtown streets to be crowded and the lines to be longer for major sightseeing venues.
How to get to Lima
You can use these tips to make travel in and around Lima simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
To Lima: International travelers can arrive at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport before boarding a private shuttle or taxi service into the city. Ground transport takes approximately 45 minutes.
Around Lima: Lima is easy to get around when using a private shuttle, a taxi, or public combi transportation. In areas like Miraflores or Lima's downtown area, it's easy to explore on foot or to rent a bike in order to travel up and down the Pacific coastline.
Day Trips from Lima: To travel outside of Lima, it's suggested to plan private transportation services in advance.
Essential Experiences in Lima
You should try to fit these essential experiences into your vacation in Lima for some of the very best that Peru has to offer.
Barranco District and Scenic Bike Ride:
You can stroll through the opulent neighborhood of Miraflores and admire the white skyscraper that rises into the air. You can smell the sweet flowers in the Parque del Amor and ride on a bicycle along the coast to the neighborhood known as the Barranco District. Here, colors of every hue burst from the facades of colonial-style buildings, and street art pops around every corner. You will cross the iconic Puente de los Suspiros bridge to admire the views before sitting down at a trendy restaurant-bar for some ceviche and a glass of pisco sour.
Exploration at the Larco Museum:
You can travel back in time when exploring Lima's rich history and cultural heritage. You'll begin the day alongside your expert guide and meander through the Plaza de Armas. You can explore the subterranean catacombs beneath the basilica and step inside the nearby cathedral to learn more about Lima's colonial era. Then, you can visit the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, which was built between the years 200 to 700 AD. You can conclude the day at the Larco Museum, which features the city's most impressive ancient relics, including pottery and jewelry.
Nature Excursion to the Ballestas Islands:
You can escape the hustle and bustle of city life to explore some of Peru's most fascinating marine life at the Islas Ballestas. A lovely day trip due south of Lima will allow you to board a private boat and set out to sea. With a pair of binoculars in hand, you will spot some of the region's most fascinating animals, including the Humboldt penguin, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. If you are lucky, you may even spot a Humpback whale as it migrates north to warmer water. In the evening, you will enjoy a seaside dinner as the waves lap gently against the shore.
Travel Considerations
You should consider these travel tips so that you can easily pack the essentials on your trip to Lima, Peru.
Weather
The best time to visit Lima is between December and April. Since Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, Peru experiences summer weather during these months. Temperatures average in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit during the day. Unlike the Andean region of Peru, which experiences rainy weather during this time of year, Lima is generally dry.
Transportation
Transportation in and around Lima is simple. International travelers can fly into the Jorge Chavez International Airport. From there, tourists can board private shuttles, taxis, or public buses into the city. Lima is walkable, especially in neighborhoods like Miraflores. Here, an afternoon bike ride along the Pacific is also possible.
Packing
When packing for Peru, you should consider bringing a backpack rather than a roller bag because downtown streets are often uneven or lined with cobblestones.
Weather Considerations
You should pack clothing that is light and comfortable. Temperatures are mild in Lima during Peru's summer months, meaning no especially warm clothing is required. If you are traveling to the Andean region, you can expect dry weather.
Electrical Considerations
Peru operates on a 220-volt, 60-hertz system. Most outlets take a two-pronged plug, meaning that North American travelers do not require special outlet converters.
Pharmaceutical Considerations
Travelers should bring all necessary medications with them. In the event of a medical emergency, pharmacies are readily available throughout Lima.
Cultural Considerations
Bartering is common in Peru, but tourists should exercise caution when they are approached by young children selling trinkets, souvenirs, and candies on the street. This is usually a sign of illegal and poor working conditions. By engaging these children, tourists can perpetuate these circumstances.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
Making sure that you carry the appropriate travel documents is essential when visiting Peru. For this reason, you should pack the proper paperwork to ensure the most pleasant and problem-free travel experience. Listed below are some of the most important documents to have on you while traveling in Peru:
- Personal medical information
- Pertinent information regarding any condition(s) from your doctor, especially any medication that you are taking
- Emergency contact information
- Passport
- Visa (if necessary)
- Proof of airline tickets and reservations
- Customs forms and documents
- Hotel/accommodation reservations
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist will be able to provide requirements that are specific to your trip, although responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can change often with little to no notice, so all are wise to stay updated as your trip nears.
Finances & Tipping
In Peru, most restaurants will include a 10% gratuity to the bill, especially in large cities like Lima. In smaller cafes or when visiting small towns, the 10% gratuity may be excluded from the bill. In these cases, it's customary to leave a few soles behind.
Bartering is common and even expected in local markets. It's an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish and get to know the local life.
While major restaurants and hotels will accept credit cards, it's wise to travel with a small amount of cash (in small coin and cash denominations). ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
You should be aware of these simple safety tips about the accessibility of medical resources when planning your trip to Lima, Peru.
Travelers should feel safe traveling by day and in well-visited parts of Lima; however, crime does occur in Peru. Tourists should always be aware of their surroundings. If you have concerns, you can speak with your Zicasso trip specialist for the best advice.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Peru is at a moderate level. Tourists should be aware of their belongings at all times and carry only a nominal amount of cash with them. Travelers should be especially aware when traveling by night or beyond the city center.
Things to look out for
Petty thefts, such as pickpocketing, are somewhat common in Peru, especially in heavily touristed areas. Travelers should travel with their belongings in a money belt or an inner coat pocket.
Travelers should also be careful when boarding taxis. In Peru, it is common for drivers to operate as a taxi service without any obvious indications on the car or license plate. Visitors should only board well-marked taxis and can call the national taxi service in advance if traveling at a particularly congested time.
Medical & First Aid
Medical assistance and first aid are readily available throughout Peru, especially in Lima. Travelers should bring all prescribed medications. Some medical staff will speak English, but travelers should expect a language barrier.
Water & Food Safety
Travelers should avoid street food and raw produce that may have been washed with tap water. Travelers should stick to bottled water or water that has been boiled prior to consumption. The tap water can contain contaminants and may make you ill.
Travel with Zicasso
Make travel planning a breeze when you book your trip with Zicasso.
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising of the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
