Everything you need to know before traveling to Lima

09.11.2023 - 00:21 / lonelyplanet.com

Fronting onto a rugged stretch of shoreline, Lima is often used as a stepping stone to reach bucket-list sites such as Machu Picchu, but the capital of Peru has become a destination in its own right.

This bustling city more than makes up for its chaotic traffic and humdrum weather with out-of-this-world cuisine, dramatic coastal views and outstanding museums.

We'd say the capital of Peru has a lot going for it — an almost overwhelming amount. To help you make the most of your trip to the City of Kings (and simplify your trip planning) here are a few useful things to know before traveling to Lima. 

Lima is one of the less well-known cities in the Americas, so it helps to know what to expect. Here are some tips for planning a trip.

This is a heads up for those who suffer from seasonal mood swings in drab weather – don't assume this coastal Latin American capital is the land of sunshine.

For every month of the year outside of Peru’s summer season (January to March), the skies over Lima are consistently gray. This can be a huge disappointment for unsuspecting visitors – and can wear down even those prepared for this quirk of the Lima weather.

Keep this in mind when planning the timing of a trip to Lima. On the plus side, the Peruvian capital is dry nearly all year round and you can stay active on the malecón (waterfront esplanade) to keep your energy levels and mood up.

If you are in dire need of Vitamin D, consider a day trip down south to Pachacamac or a weekend trip to Reserva Nacional de Paracas where the sun is more likely to make an appearance.

Lima sprawls over numerous widely-spread districts, so you may spend a good chunk of time commuting. Though there are a handful of cheap and accessible ways to get around Lima, your best bet is to rely on a respectable rideshare app such as Uber or Cabify.

Even if you have a decent level of Spanish or are traveling in a group, the risk of theft or getting scammed when taking an unmarked taxi off the street in Lima is not worth the few soles (Peru’s official currency) difference in price.

There are so many great neighborhoods in Lima, each with its own unique personality and attributes, and with the sprawling nature of the city, it pays to stay close to the things you want to see.

Do a bit of research to discover the best neighborhood in Lima for you – some areas are better for people traveling with children, while others appeal to travelers looking to keep to a budget or those seeking a taste of local nightlife.

Most tourists stay in the hip district of Barranco or centrally-located Miraflores, and for good reason. But less-visited districts such as Pueblo Libre or Magdalena del Mar can also woo you with their top museums and authentic vibe.

Sprawling across more than