Lima, founded on January 18, 1535, with the Spanish name Ciudad de los Reyes, respects its past and has achieved a perfect harmony and contemporary architecture. While strolling through its streets, you can admire churches, archaeological sites, and houses with Spanish-style balconies that coexist with modern buildings. In 1992, its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site.
Lima has one of the best airports and seaports in Peru, as well as overland transportation. It is the main center for international, national, and bus flights in the country. If you are planning to visit this wonderful city, here are some options for getting to Lima:
Like the majority of cities in Peru, Lima has different attractions to enjoy; the following are the most outstanding ones:
Here are some important festivities in the city of Lima:
Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America due to its culinary heritage of magnificent pre-Hispanic cooking traditions, which nourish the best Eastern and Western cuisine.
Like in any large city, it’s important to take safety precautions when traveling to Lima. In general, Lima is considered safe for tourists, but it’s recommended to avoid displaying valuables, be cautious with public transportation, and use safe taxis. Additionally, it’s advisable to inform yourself about the less safe areas of the city and avoid them.
In Lima, you can get around using different transportation options. The bus system and the Metropolitano (a rapid bus transit system) are popular and economical options. You can also choose to use safe taxis and transportation services like Uber or Cabify. If you want to explore specific areas, walking can be a good option, especially in the districts of Miraflores and Barranco.
Lima offers a wide variety of shopping options. In the historic center, you’ll find commercial galleries like Jirón de la Unión and the Central Market. For crafts and souvenirs, the Indian Market in Miraflores and the Surquillo Market are good choices.
Restaurant prices in Lima can vary depending on the type of establishment and location. In general, you can find dining options starting from around 20 soles (6 US dollars) at average restaurants. However, prices can be higher at luxury or renowned restaurants.
Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Peru as tourists, as long as their stay does not exceed 183 days. However, it’s important to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling and ensure you have a valid passport.
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). In Lima, you’ll easily find currency exchange offices and ATMs where you can exchange your currency for soles. Additionally, many tourist establishments also accept international credit cards.
While the official language of Peru is Spanish, it’s common to find people who speak English in the tourist areas of Lima, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. However, outside of these areas, English knowledge might be limited, so it’s helpful to know some basic phrases in Spanish.
While it’s not strictly necessary to make an advance reservation for a Lima tours, it’s recommended to do so to ensure availability on the desired date and time. Some tour companies offer discounts for bookings made in advance.
It’s not necessary to hire a travel agency for a Lima tour, as there are options available for travelers who prefer to organize their own visit. However, it’s important to consider that a travel agency can offer several benefits, such as the convenience of having everything organized in advance, a tour guide to accompany you during the visit, and personalized recommendations about places to visit in Lima, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
The duration of a tour of Lima can vary depending on the interests and activities included in the itinerary. Generally, Lima tours last either half a day or a full day. A half-day tour can last approximately 4 to 6 hours, while a full-day tour can extend from 8 to 10 hours.
However, it’s important to note that there are different types of tours in Lima, each with its specific duration. Some tours focus on exploring the main historical and cultural attractions of the city, while others may include visits to museums, gastronomic experiences, or tours of iconic neighborhoods.
Yes, evening tours are offered in Lima for those who want to explore the city from a different perspective. These tours provide the opportunity to enjoy the illuminated beauty of Lima at night and discover its nighttime charm.
During an evening tour in Lima, you can visit iconic places like the Plaza de Armas, the Parque del Amor in Miraflores, the Magic Water Circuit in the Reserve Park, and other points of interest. It’s also common to include a gastronomic experience at a local restaurant to taste delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Puno
Accommodations included
Transfers included
Activities and excursions
Breakfast included
Daily departures
Lima, Cusco and Puno
Accommodations included
Transfers included
Activities and excursions
Breakfast included
Daily departures
Lima and Cusco
Accommodations included
Transfers included
Activities and excursions
Breakfast included
Daily departures