Travel Guide Lima
Because of the garua (fog) that envelops the city for a good part of the year, it has earned the nickname of " Lima the gray". However, this meteorological peculiarity does not prevent the 9 million limeños (inhabitants of Lima), evolving through the 2,644.67 km² of the city - which makes it the largest city in the world on a desert, before Cairo - from developing ardor and vitality. The visitor will be struck by the cohabitation of islands of striking wealth with slums without water or electricity. The former have developed on the coastal plain (Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco), while the pueblos jóvenes, where the younger generations from the rural exodus live, have risen up the scruffy dirt hills bordering the river (Rio Rímac). Starting with the famous Plaza de Armas, the Lima tourist guide will take you to discover this city with a great energy, in perpetual ebullition. Gastronomy in mind (UNESCO heritage), it is becoming more and more an essential stop for its architectural and cultural richness, its new projects, its museums too. The World Travel Awards have made Lima the leader in the South American region as a destination for a weekend. Bienvenidos!
What to visit Lima?
Suggested addresses Lima
When to go to Lima?
When to go to Lima? There are two seasons to take into account to know when to go to Lima: if the high international tourist season extends from May to November, the great Peruvian school vacations run in January and February, when Lima is less populated than usual. If you are looking for some peace and quiet in the big city, the best time to go to Lima is from December to April, the lowest tourist season, although at the peak of the summer (December-March), it can be very hot in Lima, so aiming for November-December and April-May is not a bad idea.
Weather at the moment
The weather in Lima varies: from December to May it is rather hot and dry, while from May to November the sky tends to be overcast. Lima's temperatures are quite pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 25°C throughout the year, with some peaks of 30°C between January and March.
The currency of Peru is the nuevo sol( pluralsoles ) and is symbolized S/. Even though the cost of living has increased considerably in Lima recently, a trip to the capital is still affordable. A double room in an ordinary hotel costs about 15 € and a night in a palace a little less than 100 €, while on the food side, you can find in the restaurant breakfast formulas at very low prices.
For a tourist stay of less than six months in Lima and Peru, no visa is required and a valid passport is sufficient. In general, you will be granted a 90-day visa, unless you specify otherwise at the time of customs clearance and at the discretion of the customs officer. The maximum per year is 183 days. The visa is obtained once on the territory and can be valid from 30 to 183 days. There is no more immigration form, everything is computerized.
If you plan to stay longer than six months, you should apply for a long-stay visa at the Peruvian Embassy in France. Attention: it is no longer possible to extend your stay with the Migration Department. However, if your situation changes during your stay, you can now change the type of visa without leaving Peru.
Health conditions and medical infrastructures are very modest in Peru (except for private clinics), and the further you move away from the two poles of Lima and Cusco, the more difficult it will be to receive effective care for diseases that you may contract during your trip. The local diseases are different from those which prevail in Europe and a minimum of precautions is necessary. If the water is a priori drinkable in Lima, we nevertheless recommend to hydrate yourself with bottled mineral water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Lima? Our advice & tips
Peru is obviously a destination perfectly known by the tour operators and other specialists of tourism. The city of Lima in particular is however very often only a stage before leaving to the assault of the wonders of the country. Nevertheless, it is possible to focus your trip on the capital alone, by orienting your trip (honeymoon, family, solo) on the gastronomy, the history, the architecture... Or all at the same time.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationFrom France, the average price of a flight to Lima in July (high season) is about €1,000. From about 700 € in low season. It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure!
As in many capitals, there is no shortage of means of transport in Lima: "combis" (these colourful local minibuses that hold about twenty people), buses, the metro (Line 1 offers an air trip that can be interesting to see this popular Lima and its districts built on the hills of the desert where you will not necessarily have the opportunity to venture), taxis as well as many applications such as Uber, Easy taxi, VIP Taxi, Cabify....
