Lima Peru Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Lima					Peru

Lima Travel Information

Lima

Lima is the capital of Peru, located along the mouth of the Rímac River, on the central coast of the country, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 1,150 Km. (714 mi.) to the northeast of Cuzco. The areas of greatest interest and tourist development are located Downtown and in the residential neighborhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco (see map of Lima).

Lima stands out for its Historic Downtown Area, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The area around the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), is home to the Cathedral, the Government House, the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo and of San Francisco. The casonas (old, large houses) of Lima depict the magnificence of Colonial life (see photos of Lima).

Restaurants, stores, recreation centers and the best hotels in Lima are concentrated around the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Barranco is located to the south, where one can enjoy the splendor of nightlife in night clubs, bars, and casinos.

Lima offers vast beaches along Costa Verde Avenue, which are perfect for taking a break, walking or doing surf and hang gliding.

Hotels in Lima

Hotels in Lima, located in the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, offer modern and large facilities and provide quality services. Many of them belong to international chains.

Hotels in Lima in the Downtown area have improved their facilities, providing better category and comfort services. There are also low-priced hostels and lodgings for tourists (see reference prices).

Most of the hotels in Lima offer accommodation with breakfast included.

Tours in Lima

Tours in Lima offer visits to Pre-Columbian ruins and colonial buildings, a chance to enjoy the local gastronomy and share its traditions.

The Historic Downtown Area features places of interest, such as the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop Palace, Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martín (Main Square and San Martín Square), the convents and churches of Santo Domingo, San Francisco, and San Pedro.

The casonas of Lima are traces of the opulent colonial Viceregal period. The Casa Aliaga, the Casa de Pilatos, the Casa Goyeneche or Rada and the Palacio de Torre Tagle (Palace of Torre Tagle) stand out among them.

The Great Sanctuary of Pachacamac and the huaca Pucllana (Andean deity or sacred place), in the district of Miraflores, are some of the Pre-Incan archaeological treasures.

There are two National Reserves (Lomas de Lachay and Pantanos de la Villa), a few miles away from the city of Lima, where the local flora and countless bird species can be seen.

Callao is the main port of Peru and it is located 15 Km. (9 mi.) to the northeast of Lima. From this port, tours leave to the islands of San Lorenzo, The Frontón (former prison) and Palomino, natural refuge of sea lions and guano-producing birds.

Airport Transfer and Car Rental in Lima

Car rentals in Lima can be found at the stores located in the airport terminal or in downtown agencies. Driving with extreme caution is advisable because traffic is chaotic, roads are not in good condition, and there are few road signs.

Air access to Lima is through Jorge Chávez International Airport, in the District of Callao, only 30 minutes away from the Historic Downtown Area (see map of Lima). Transportation to hotels is carried out in Transfers or authorized taxis.

Taxi service offers three options: remises (cars with driver), painted in black, which are found at the airport and outside hotels; radio-taxis, which can be ordered by phone; and taxis, painted in yellow. Rates are negotiated before getting on the vehicle.

Use of transport on urban buses (either shuttles or vans) is not recommended because they travel fast all along the city and have no fixed stops. Interurban buses are the most inexpensive way to travel within Peru. Each company has its own terminal.

Tourist Information in Lima

Tourist information in Lima can be obtained 24 hours a day at Iperú Información y Asistencia al Turista (Iperú – Tourist Information and Assistance), tel.: (01) 5748000 or by E-mail: iperu@promperu.gob.pe. Other units are located in Jorge Chávez International Airport and in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro.

Credit cards Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners, as well as American dollars, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and large stores in Lima.

Transactions with foreign currencies can be made more safely in banks and exchange offices.

There are also automatic teller machines to withdraw cash.

In Peru, services and sales are subject to the Impuesto General a las Ventas (IGV) (General Sales Tax), which amounts to 19% on the consumption or purchase price, except for tourist packages bought abroad. In restaurants and hotels, 10% is added as service fee. The law requires merchants to show customers the final price including taxes.

Tips in restaurants and night clubs is 10-15 % on the total consumption price, unless already included in the bill. Haggling is commonly used to agree on the rate of a taxi journey, or prices of products in markets and handicraft shops.

In Lima, like in any other big city in the world, there are unsafe places. Avoid walking along poorly lighted areas or far from public places, and especially wearing expensive jewelry or flashy objects; call radio-taxis, and take good care of your belongings.

Water is drinkable Downtown and in residential areas, but drinking purified bottled water is recommended. As regards food offered in street stands, it is not advisable to buy any or to eat them moderately due to the seasonings used in their elaboration.