MileHacker Logo
Best Time to Visit Lima

Best Time to Visit Lima

Lima Lima Province, Peru Travel Guide

Visa & Entry

Peru maintains straightforward entry policies for a lot of nationalities. Many enjoy visa-free entry for tourist purposes, typically up to 90 or 183 days within a 180-day period. For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Peruvian embassy or consulate well in advance.

Required documents include a valid passport, a completed visa application, passport-sized photos, a flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of sufficient funds.

Entry Requirements

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.
  • Proof of onward/return travel (flight ticket).
  • Proof of sufficient funds (credit cards or bank statements).
  • Upon arrival, a digital Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) is processed.

Visa-Free Nationalities

Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union (Schengen Area countries), Australia, New Zealand, and most From South america countries do not require a visa for tourist stays.

Peru does not impose general entry fees for tourists. No special permits are generally needed for tourist activities within Lima Province itself.

Visa Application Services

For those needing a visa.

Travel Insurance Providers

Cover your trip's uncertainties.

Flight Compensation

Get compensation for delays/cancellations.

Health-Related Entry Requirements

General Entry

Currently, Peru does not have specific health-related entry requirements for travelers from most countries. This comprises no mandatory vaccinations for general entry into Lima.

Jungle Travel

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is recommended, and sometimes mandatory, if your itinerary includes travel to jungle areas of Peru. This vaccination is not usually mandatory for admission to Lima only. Consult a travel doctor well before you travel to discuss recommended vaccinations based on your complete itinerary.

Travel Doctor Advice

  • 4-6 Weeks Before Trip

    See a travel physician.

  • Routine Vaccinations

    Confirm MMR, DTP are up-to-date.

  • Hepatitis A & Typhoid

    Often recommended.

  • Yellow Fever

    For jungle areas, not Lima only.

  • Full Itinerary Review

    Discuss all destinations with your medical practitioner.

Important Note on Yellow Fever

  • Not mandatory for entry into Lima itself.
  • Consider if traveling to specific jungle regions.
  • Always consult your physician for personalized advice.

Travel Tip

Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Peru. Confirm your specific requirements with your country's embassy or a Visa service like iVisa before your trip.

Budgeting Your Trip

Lima offers experiences for every budget, from frugal backpacking to luxurious escapes.

Currency & Exchange

Peru's currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN), denoted as S/. Always check current exchange rates before your trip.

Money Management

  • Exchange foreign currency at banks or "casas de cambio" for better rates than the airport.
  • ATMs are widely available in commercial and tourist areas for local currency withdrawals.
  • Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • American Express and Diners Club are less common.

Tipping Culture

Gratuity customs in Peru differ from some Western countries.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Restaurants: 10% tip for good service; optional if a 10% "servicio" is already on the bill.
  • Taxis: Not customary; round up the fare for exceptional service.
  • Hotel Staff: Small tips (S/. 5-10) for bellhops or housekeepers.
  • Tour Guides: S/. 15-30 per person for a full-day tour.

Money-Saving Strategies

Local Dining & Transport

  • Eat "Fixed-price lunch": Fixed-price lunch menus at local restaurants for good value.
  • Utilize Public Transport: Metropolitano and public buses are very cheap.
  • Walk: Miraflores and Barranco are highly walkable, saving transport costs.
  • Bargain at Markets: Gentle bargaining is acceptable for souvenirs or produce.

Smart Choices & Apps

  • Visit Free Attractions: Parks, Costa Verde beaches, and some cultural centers.
  • Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber, Cabify, and Didi often transparency and better pricing than street taxis.
  • Research Prices: Look up typical prices for common items and services to set expectations.
  • Budget for Souvenirs: Allocate a specific amount for shopping to avoid overspending.

Cost Breakdown Estimates Daily

  • Budget traveler: S/. 80 - S/. 150 (US$ 20 - US$ 40) for hostel, local meals, public transport, free attractions.
  • Mid-range traveler: S/. 200 - S/. 400 (US$ 55 - US$ 110) for mid-range hotel, casual restaurants, ride-sharing, several museums.
  • Luxury traveler: S/. 500+ (US$ 135+) for 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive tours.
  • These are approximate costs and vary based regarding personal preferences.

Price Ranges for Individual Expenses

These specific price ranges offer a clearer picture of individual expenses.

Accommodations & Meals

  • Hostel Dorm Bed: S/. 30-60 (US$ 8-16)
  • Mid-range Hotel: S/. 120-250 (US$ 32-67)
  • Menu del Día (set lunch): S/. 15-30 (US$ 4-8)
  • Fine Dining: S/. 150-500+ (US$ 40-135+)

Transportation & Attractions

  • Public Bus/Metropolitano: S/. 2.50-4 (US$ 0.70-1.10) per ride
  • Taxi (airport to Miraflores/Barranco): S/. 50-80 (US$ 13-22)
  • Museum Entry: S/. 10-35 (US$ 3-9)
  • Organized City Tours: S/. 100-250 (US$ 27-67)

Budgeting Pro Tip

Always carry small denominations of Peruvian Sol for purchases and taxi fares, especially from street food sellers.

Health & Safety

This section covers important medical and security advice. Prioritize your well-being by staying informed and taking precautions.

Common Health Concerns

Awareness of common health issues and how to prevent them helps stay well during your trip.

Traveler's Diarrhea is common. Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid unpeeled fruits and raw vegetables washed with unsafe water. Eat at reputable, busy establishments. Carry Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication.

Prevention & Caution

  • Dengue Fever/Zika: Less common in Lima, but use Insect repellent in green areas.
  • Altitude Sickness: Not a concern in Lima (sea level), but prepare if visiting the Andes.
  • Sunburn: High UV index even on cloudy days. Use High SPF sunscreen, hats, and Sunglasses.
Hosp

Healthcare Access

Lima has several modern private hospitals and clinics, notably in Miraflores and San Isidro. These facilities often have English-speaking staff and deliver good quality care. Public hospitals have longer wait times and limited English communication.

Private hospitals offer modern care.

Public hospitals may have longer waits.

Water

Water & Food Hygiene

Tap water in Lima is generally not safe for drinking. Always drink bottled or purified water, which is widely available. Be cautious with street food; choose vendors who appear hygienic, use fresh ingredients, and have a steady stream of customers.

Always consume Bottled water.

Avoid raw or undercooked foods from questionable sources.

Crime

Safety Concerns

Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs commonly in crowded areas. More serious incidents like "secuestro express" and armed robberies occur, especially at night or in less secure areas. Your safety is of utmost importance.

Safer areas: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco.

Avoid poorly lit areas after dark.

Emergency Contacts & Procedures

Service Number Notes
Police 105 For crime or public order issues.
Ambulance (SAMU) 106 For medical emergencies.
Fire Department 116 For fire-related incidents.

Natural Disaster Risks

  • EarthquakesLima is in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with "Drop, Cover, Hold On."
  • TsunamisCoastal city risk. Tsunami warning systems are in place. Move to higher ground after strong coastal earthquakes.
  • Landslides (Huaicos)Rare in Lima, but heavy rainfall in the Andes can impact supply routes and roads.

Travel Insurance

  • RecommendationHighly recommended for all travelers.
  • CoverageMedical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, misplaced baggage, personal liability.
  • Policy ReviewCarefully review policy details for specific needs.
  • Emergency LineContact your insurance first for medical guidance.

Important Safety Tips

  • AwarenessBe aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • ValuablesAvoid openly displaying expensive items.

Emergency Action

  • If RobbedDo not resist; your safety is paramount.
  • TransportUse licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
  • Night WalkingAvoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark.

Safer Neighborhoods

MirafloresWell-policed, lower crime rates.
San IsidroWell-policed, lower crime rates.
BarrancoWell-policed, lower crime rates.
San BorjaWell-policed, lower crime rates.
SurcoWell-policed, lower crime rates.

Health & Wellness Summary

  • Speak with a travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid).
  • Always drink bottled or purified water and exercise caution with street food.
  • Petty crime exists; practice general urban safety measures.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.
  • Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures.