Useful Information for visiting Lima

Welcome to Lima

and captivating world of Lima, Peru's crown jewel

Lima, the radiant jewel of Peru, is a city that dances to the rhythm of its own captivating beat. Nestled along the arid coastline of the Pacific Ocean, this sprawling metropolis has earned its stripes as a unique destination and Food Capital of Latin America, where the past harmonizes seamlessly with the present. Lima is a treasure trove of experiences, a city that defies simple definitions and invites you to explore its multifaceted personality.

Lima isn't just a city; it's the heartbeat of Peru. It's a place where indigenous traditions blend with Spanish influences, ceviche is a way of life, and the sound of Afro-Peruvian rhythms fill the air. Whether exploring the ancient adobe pyramids of Huaca Pucllana, sipping pisco sour in a colonial-era tavern, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of a city that never sleeps, Lima promises an unforgettable journey.

Lima’s story: The Enigmatic Blend of Old and New:

Lima's story begins long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, rooted in the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. Today, the city's historic heart, known as the "Historic Center of Lima," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open-air museum of colonial architecture, and a testament to its storied past. Through its cobblestone streets, you'll encounter grand cathedrals, ornate palaces, and vibrant plazas that harken back to a bygone era.

But Lima is no museum piece frozen in time. It's a dynamic, ever-evolving city where the old and new harmoniously coexist. The bohemian vibes of Barranco, the upscale Miraflores' boutiques, and Callao's artistic enclaves all add to the city's modern flair. Lima's dining scene, which boasts more than a few entries on the "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list, epitomizes this fusion, melding traditional Peruvian flavors with innovative culinary techniques.

Lima main cathedral

A Feast for the Senses:

Lima is not just a treat for history buffs and foodies; it's a sensory feast for all who venture here. The city's sultry climate, with its sun-drenched days and sultry nights, creates an inviting backdrop for exploration. The intoxicating aroma of freshly grilled anticuchos (marinated skewered meat) wafts from street corners, inviting you to savor Peru's street food culture.

While Lima's urban charms are undeniable, the dramatic cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean offer breathtaking views, especially from the enchanting district of Miraflores. Here, you can stroll along the picturesque Malecón boardwalk, watch paragliders take flight over the cliffs, and catch the fiery sunsets that grace Lima's skyline.

How to get to Lima

Getting to Lima, Peru is relatively straightforward, as it's the country's major international gateway. Here's a guide on how to get to Lima from different locations:

Weather in Peru

Peru has many climates, from warm and arid desert climate to temperate, frigid, and polar mountain climate to hot and humid tropical rainforests and anything in between. There are three central climatic regions in Peru: the coastal region named Costa in Peru, where Lima is located, with an arid climate. The Andean highlands called Sierra (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Huaráz) with a mountain climate; and the Amazon rainforest or selva with a tropical climate.

Due to its diverse geographical and topographical conditions, Peru features 28 out of 32 world climates and a large variety of micro-climates. From desert climate to mountain climate to tropical climate and anything in between can be experienced in the country.

Weather in Lima

Lima's climate is usually described as "mild" throughout the year without noteworthy rain, making the Peruvian capital one of the driest capitals in the world. Generally speaking, Lima features sunny, moist, and warm summers from December to April (with January to mid-March being the hottest period), followed by cloudy, damp, and cool winters from May to November.

By the end of November, the mist and persistent clouds over the Peruvian capital lighten, humidity lowers, and temperatures increase. Around Christmas time, summer arrives in the capital of Peru. Besides some quickly passing early morning fogs, it's mostly sunny, warm, never too hot, but still humid.

From April onwards, temperatures slowly decrease, humidity rises, and cool air moves in from the ocean and condenses in the atmosphere. Lima is again covered in clouds, mist, and fog by May. There is morning or evening drizzle on many winter days, locally called garúa. Winter runs from May to November with June to September being the coolest, wettest and cloudiest months.

Real rainfall is sporadic in Lima, making the Peruvian metropolis the second driest capital in the world. However, while it never really rains in Lima, you still have precipitation in the form of mist or drizzles, especially in the winter months.

Coastline

Safety in Lima: A Traveler's Guide

Peru is a diverse country full of vitality and South American lifestyle. It’s a great country to visit. Peruvian people are very friendly. You should, however, know that you are visiting a country which certainly safety issues.

Lima, like any major city, has its own set of safety considerations that travelers should be aware of. While it's generally a safe destination, it's essential to exercise caution and be informed to ensure a secure and enjoyable visit.

Most crimes against foreign visitors and expats in Peru include petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, cheating, fraud, and theft, sporadically as well robbery. Lima, like many tourist destinations, has its share of scams. Be wary of overfriendly strangers offering assistance or trying to sell you something. Common scams include counterfeit money and distraction thefts, where one person distracts you while another takes your belongings.

You should and can - at least in large part - protect yourself against these offenses with knowledge, proper preparation, and a few simple steps. Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. In case of an emergency, the general emergency number in Peru is 911.

Here are some tips for staying safe in Lima:

• Be Cautious in Crowded Areas: Lima's bustling markets, public transportation, and tourist attractions can be crowded, which can create opportunities for petty theft. Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and buses. Consider using a money belt or concealed pouch for your valuables. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, use machines located in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks. Avoid withdrawing large sums of money in one go. Be discreet when handling cash in public.
• Use Reputable Transportation: Stick to registered taxis and rideshare services like Uber for transportation. Avoid hailing taxis off the street, especially at night. Registered taxis have a logo on the door, and Uber provides both a record of your driver and vehicle details.
• Stay in Safe Neighborhoods: Lima has a variety of neighborhoods, some safer than others. Miraflores and Barranco are known for being tourist-friendly and relatively safe. It's advisable to research your chosen neighborhood and choose accommodations accordingly. As in any city, it's advisable to exercise caution when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and use registered taxis or rideshares to get around after dark . Some of Lima’s districts with a poor reputation : San Juan de Lurigancho, La Victoria, San Martin de Porres, Villa El Salvador, Comas, El Agustino.
• Be Prepared for Traffic in Lima: Lima's traffic can be chaotic, and drivers can be aggressive. Exercise caution when crossing the street, and be aware that pedestrian rules may not always be followed.

Money exhange in Lima - Peru

Internet in Lima: the Digital Landscape in the Peruvian capital

Lima, as the capital and largest city of Peru, offers a relatively robust internet infrastructure. Generally speaking, Lima provides a good level of internet connectivity, especially in the more developed areas and among the major providers. While you can expect decent Wi-Fi access in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, it's a good idea to inquire about the quality of the internet connection at your specific accommodation, especially if a reliable connection is crucial for your visit. Additionally, for those on the move, local SIM cards and co-working spaces offer convenient options to stay connected while exploring the city.

Internet Speed and Quality

In the more developed and tourist-centric areas of Lima, such as Miraflores, San Isidro, and parts of Barranco, you'll find good-quality internet connections. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants in these areas typically offer free Wi-Fi to patrons, and the speeds are generally sufficient for browsing, streaming, and staying connected with friends and family.

However, in some older or less developed neighborhoods, the internet infrastructure may not be as good. It's a good idea to check with your accommodation provider about the quality of their internet connection if this is essential for your stay.

While the prevalence of internet cafes has diminished with the rise of mobile data and affordable personal devices, you can still find some internet cafes in Lima, especially in the downtown area and near universities. These cafes offer computer rentals and internet access for a fee.

Mobile Data and SIM Cards

If you prefer to stay connected while on the go, purchasing a local SIM card for your unlocked mobile device is an excellent option. Peru has several mobile carriers, including Claro, Movistar, and Bitel. These carriers offer prepaid and postpaid data plans that provide good coverage in Lima and across the country.

• Claro: Claro is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Peru and offers various internet plans for homes and businesses. They have broad network coverage in Lima.
• Movistar: Movistar is another major provider offering internet services in Lima. They provide a range of plans, including fiber optic connections in certain areas.
• Bitel: Bitel is known for offering competitive pricing and has been expanding its coverage in Lima and other urban areas.

Digital Nomads in Lima & Co-Working Spaces:

For digital nomads and remote workers, Lima has a growing number of co-working spaces. These spaces offer high-speed internet, office amenities, and a professional environment. Some popular co-working spaces in Lima include Urban Station and La Maquinita.

Money in Lima

The official currency of Peru is the Sol, denoted as S/. It's divided into 100 centimos, with coins available in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 centimos, as well as 1 Sol, 2 Soles, and 5 Soles. Peru's current banknotes are not only visually striking, featuring famous Peruvian figures on the front and stunning representations of the country's remarkable archaeological sites and unique flora and fauna on the reverse, but they also incorporate advanced security measures, reflecting the nation's unfortunate reputation as a hub for counterfeit currency production.

Regrettably, Peru has grappled with counterfeit money issues for several decades. Consequently, exercise caution when exchanging currency on the street or receiving change in Soles. It's advisable to decline damaged banknotes, even if they've been mended. Attempting to use these notes for payment may pose challenges, as they are often rejected at various establishments. While certain tourist-related businesses, such as travel agencies and hotels, may accept US Dollars, local shops, taxi drivers, supermarkets, and restaurants typically only transact in the local currency. Therefore, converting your Dollars to Soles when dealing with day-to-day transactions is essential to ensure smooth and hassle-free payments.

Always carry some small change, preferably in your pockets. Particular taxi drivers can't or don't want to change, and the same happens in smaller shops, kiosks, or street vendors. If you keep some coins in your pocket, you don't have to open your wallet in a crowded street and can quickly pay small amounts.

Money in Lima - Peru

Tipping in Lima

Giving tips to taxi drivers is not a common practice in Peru, and at budget-friendly lodgings like hotels, hostels, or backpacker accommodations, tips are not expected. However, in mid-range to upscale hotels, you'll typically encounter a service charge of 10% automatically included in your invoice. When it comes to tipping, it's advisable to do so in cash rather than adding the tip to your credit card statement.

You don't have to leave a tip in modest, small local restaurants, cafes, food stalls within markets, or street vendors. However, in fine-dining establishments, you can consider adding approximately 10% as a gratuity unless a service charge has already been incorporated into your total.

Health Tips for Travelers in Lima

Travel out of Lima

If you plan to travel to the Andes (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, Huaraz, Ayacucho), be aware of altitude sickness. Allow time for acclimatization and stay well-hydrated. If you plan to traveling to the Amazon (Manu, Tambopata, Iquitos), inform yourself about malaria pills an yellow Fever. Consult with a healthcare professional about medications the necessary vaccinations or supplements that can help prevent or alleviate altitude-related symptoms.

Clinica Ricardo Palma

Public Holidays in Lima, Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, celebrates a range of public holidays throughout the year, each offering a unique glimpse into Lima’s rich culture and history. Some businesses and government offices may be closed on these dates