Lima, Peru Travel Guide
Lima is the second largest city in South America and an incredibly diverse place. For the majority of visitors, Lima is the first stop on their trip to Peru. Our Lima travel guide includes the best things to do in Peru's capital, top attractions, activities, how to get, tours, and tips on accommodation.
Our first impressions of Lima were a little bit mixed, but there is no denying that the capital city of Peru has its charm. With 9 - 10 million inhabitants, Lima is after Sao Paulo, the second largest city in South America.
This is a really cool fact, but it brings plenty of hindrances from the practical point of view. The taxi ride was painfully slow, and it took us almost an hour just to get from the airport to our accommodation in downtown.
Then there was the question of safety. Once the taxi dropped us off in front of our budget hostel, we were greeted by a shady-looking street that made us not very comfortable when walking after dark.
You might notice it even when getting from the airport as some neighborhoods don't look tourist friendly at all.
There is no doubt that Lima is not very welcoming for first-time visitors at first sight, and as usual, there are a few things to be prepared for.
Being said that, Lima is one of the most incredible and diverse places on the continent, and it would be a shame to skip it.
In fact, you can make your entire Peruvian trip out of staying in Lima alone. Lima is a fascinating city that offers colonial architecture, rich nightlife, ruins, delicious food, coastal views, surfing, sea lions, and so much more.
This travel guide has everything you should know about Lima before you go.
From the very best things to do in Lima to practical information on how to plan your trip, what to see and expect, we've got you covered. Let's dive into it.
LIMA FACTS
Indigenous groups lived in this area long before Spanish conquistadors defeated Incas and founded in 1535 a new capital city on the west coast of Peru.
Earthquakes, wars, riots, expansions, and migration waves influenced Lima's history throughout the centuries. If you are a history fan, we highly suggest visiting one of the local museums to learn more about the fascinating changes throughout the centuries this city had to endure.
Since the 1940s, Lima's population started to grow rapidly due to massive migration from the Andes regions. In this span of time, the population grew from 600 000 to almost five million in 40 years.
Unfortunately, this movement created big poverty problems, and many slums (pueblos jóvenes) were built in this period, thus creating more problems in the future.
Lima is home to the Peruvian Government, Congress of Peru, Supreme court of Justice, and the seat of the president. It's also a financial, commercial, and cultural center of the country.
Lima is divided into 43 districts, but most tourists only visit two or three of them.
Today's Lima population is reaching almost 10 million, which means that every third Peruvian inhabitant lives in this city.
To be honest, this number felt a bit intimidating as our whole home country, the Czech Republic, has about the same population, but our visit was quite pleasant in the end.
Rule number one is to try not to see everything and rather focus on the most important attractions based on your preferences.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR LIMA
The thing with Lima is that you would need at least a week to fully explore the city. And that's not something most of us can afford.
On top of that, Peru's capital city has to compete with other incredible places scattered around the country, so it's not that surprising that it often loses the race to attractions and cities such as Machu Picchu or Arequipa.
If you are short on time, we created an article one day in Lima that you should check out.
At first, we were not that excited to visit Lima and planned our stay only for a short period. Still, since we had to take a flight to Iquitos, the gateway to Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve, we decided to prolong our visit for a few more days after returning from the jungle.
After the one-week camping trip in the Amazon, being in Lima was a bit of a culture shock. The city is huge, buzzing, streets are crowded, and the traffic is crazy.
We believe that three days are optimal for Lima (but only in case you have 3 or 4 weeks for Peru), and if you don't mind long days, you might even take a day trip to one of many attractions outside the city limits.
ACCOMMODATION IN LIMA
Lima is a huge city and offers plenty of accommodation for every budget. From dormitories in cheap budget hostels to luxury apartments with a sea view, Lima has it all.
The variety of districts and selection of hotels in Lima is wide, and it can be quite challenging to decide which area suits you best.
It's always important to set your expectations right before you book the hotel in the preferred area to prevent disappointment.
We've narrowed down the list of the hotels in each area to make it easier for you.
MIRAFLORES
The most popular area is Miraflores, and if you plan on staying in Lima for more than one night, this is your safest bet on finding the perfect accommodation.
It's also one of Lima's safest districts and a perfect place to stay for first-time visitors.
Mid-range | Ibis Lima Reducto Miraflores - Ibis hotel is the international standard for a good accommodation for a reasonable price, and this hotel is no exception. The location is excellent, with plenty of restaurants nearby, and the area is safe.
Mid-range | Miraflores Colon Hotel - Located in a safe area, Miraflores Colon Hotel is a popular choice among travelers. Breakfast is rich and tasty; rooms are big and clean, and the hotel is close to many interesting places in Miraflores.
Luxury | JW Marriott Hotel Lima - If you are looking for luxurious accommodation in Miraflores, look no further. This JW Marriott hotel has a seafront location, rooms offer superb views, and is close to Larcomar, a big shopping mall.
BARRANCO
If you are looking for a more relaxed and hipster district in Lima, you might want to look into the Barranco district.
Budget | Casa Fanning Hotel - This hotel has an excellent location between Barranco and Miraflores districts, so you can get the best of both areas. The hotel is set in a quiet street, and it's within walking distance to the beach or Larcomar shopping mall.
Mid-range | Second Home - Are you looking for a special place in Lima? The art is everywhere in this guesthouse, and in case you are tired of modern-looking hotels, this is the place you might want to look into. After all, this will be your second home in Peru. The guesthouse is decorated with sculptures and paintings; rooms are clean and close to the beach area. Ask for the room with the ocean view.
Mid-range | Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel - Beautiful hotel only a short walk to the views of the cliffs, accommodating staff, nicely furnished rooms, and great buffet breakfast. The best part is a roof terrace with a seating area with views over the district.
CENTRO HISTORICO
Centro Historico is not that popular among international travelers for safety reasons. However, as its name suggests, it's a perfect location for exploring Lima's old part. This is the main advantage of this part of the city.
Budget | Lima House Hostel - This hostel is perfect for budget travelers. It has a shared lounge, a terrace, and a kitchen. The staff is friendly and helpful; the rooms are basic but clean.
Mid-range | Hotel Diamond Lima - This hotel has a great location in the vicinity of Lima's popular points of interest. There are also plenty of nice restaurants close to the hostel.
Luxury | Sheraton Lima Hotel - This luxury hotel is within walking distance to the best sights in Lima's historical part. Except for its excellent location, Sheraton Lima has two restaurants serving both Peruvian and international meals, plus there is also a bar. On top of that, this hotel features a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness center.
THINGS TO DO
From eating in upscale restaurants to admiring street art, from swimming with sea lions to paragliding on the coast, Lima offers an incredible array of activities and things to do.
Take your time, and explore Lima slowly; only this way can the city steal your heart.
There are three important tourist districts worth visiting, plus there are plenty of day trips that will take you outside the city limits.
There is no definitive guide on what to do in Lima, as every traveler has his/her own tastes, preferences, and amount of time in Peru.
Get inspired and create your own Lima itinerary that will suit the best your needs.
CENTRO HISTORICO
The historical part should be on the top of the list of Lima's must-visit places. This part of the town is best explored on foot, so leave your flipflops behind and wear proper footwear.
If you stay in Miraflores or Barranco, take a taxi to get there, as the distance between Miraflores and Centro Historico is almost 10 kilometers.
Start with Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor).
There are several major sights on the main square, such as the Municipal Palace of Lima, Club of the Union, Cathedral of Lima, Archbishop's Palace of Lima, or Government Palace.
Continue to Saint Francis Monastery, Lima's UNESCO site, and don't forget to take a tour that takes you to the church's underground.
Other must-visit places are House of the Peruvian Literature, Legislative Palace, La Merced Church, or Plaza San Martin. Feel free to take a guided tour to get the most of the area.
MIRAFLORES
Miraflores is one of the top tourist attractions in Lima. This is an upscale residential area with incredible coastal views and one of the safest districts in Lima. For this reason, it's extremely popular with international visitors.
You will find best Lima's hotels here, and on top of that, Miraflores has many restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, stores, and a super popular shopping mall called Larcomar.
You probably wouldn't guess that in the middle of this concrete jungle is Huaca Pucllana, the only pre-Inca ruin in Miraflores.
If you liked adobe-made sights such as Chan Chan or Sun and Moon Temples in Trujillo or Huaca Rajada in Chiclayo, this might be a great place to learn something new about Lima's history.
And if you travel on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do, and you can find some cheap hotels there as well.
BARRANCO
So far, we've visited historical, shopping, and upscale parts of Lima. And now it is time to see something different. Despite its small size, Barranco is the big Bohemian heart of Lima and a place where you can unwind.
If you like street art, graffiti, hipster cafes, coffee shops, and enjoy places such as Valparaiso in Chile, then Barranco is going to enchant you.
This coastal area used to be a place where Peruvian aristocracy gathered; now, it's a hipster place popular with artists, surfers, and tourists. The reason behind increasing popularity is more prosaic, though.
Together with Miraflores, Barranco is one of the safest districts in Lima. This doesn't mean that you should let your guards down, but it's a nice change for once.
Barranco is close to some of Lima's beaches, but they are nothing to write home about.
CERRO SAN CRISTOBAL
Although this 400 meters high hill is not a classic stop on the Lima itinerary, it allows you to comprehend the enormous size of the city.
Once you arrive at the top, you will get unparalleled 360 degrees views of the Peruvian capital.
It's not the safest place in the city, though, so it's better to take a cab or tour to get to the top.
EATING OUT
Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, and it comes without a surprise that you will also find the best restaurants in Lima. The national dish of Peru is ceviche, a raw fish marinated in citruses.
This is the food you will find almost everywhere in Peru, especially in coastal cities such as Lima, Chiclayo, or Trujillo.
Cities or villages close to the sea are perfect destinations for trying seafood as it adds to the atmosphere, plus the food should be fresh, which is very important in this case.
Another interesting thing to know about Peru is that it has a big Chinese population, and you already know where this is heading.
Chifa is a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines, and the restaurants serving sopa Wantan were one of our favorites (not only in Pera but in Ecuador as well).
If you are a foodie and budget is not that big of a deal, then you might find this city a true paradise.
Lima is home to some of the best restaurants in the world without any exaggeration, and places such as Central or Maido should definitely be on your bucket list.
And the best part is that the food is still relatively cheap compared to dishes in the finest restaurants in London or Paris.
There is only one small catch. These restaurants are often booked out due to huge popularity, so you need to make a reservation well in advance.
But even if you travel on a budget, you can find a decent place with affordable prices, follow common travel tips, and head to a place that's packed with locals to taste some classic Peruvian meals.
BEACHES
By briefly looking at the map of Lima, you might notice that Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos districts have some beaches. Although this fact sounds exciting, the reality is a bit different.
First, beaches in Lima are still only city beaches, and none of them is Copacabana.
Secondly, a wide and busy Circuito de Playas road stretches along the coast and makes them even less appealing. And lastly, the weather in Lima is only pleasant for beaches in summer. The rest of the year is gray, foggy, and cold.
Simply put, Peru is not the best beach destination in South America (check out Florianopolis in Brazil). Arguably, only Mancora in the north near the borders with Ecuador might meet your needs.
MUSEUMS
The most popular and arguably the best museum in Lima is Museo Larco. Housed in the 18h century mansion, the museum is known for its superb art collection and pre-Columbian erotic pottery.
The displays cover almost 5000 years long Peruvian history, and you should allow yourself approximately two hours, though this is highly individual. Adjacent gardens are a perfect place to take a break if needed.
The entrance fee is S/35 per person, and for a few extra soles, you can hire a local guide in the museum that will help you better understand pre-Inca cultures, history, and beliefs.
The only downside is that it's located in Pueblo Libre, so you need to take a taxi to get there, but that's just a small flaw on an otherwise amazing museum.
Located in Centro Historico, San Francisco Church Museum and Catacombs is another must-visit place in Lima.
Together with other monuments in the city center, the church is part of UNESCO, and we recommend you to take the guided tour once inside.
Beneath the church, there are catacombs that served as cemetery hundreds of years ago. Thousands of bones are stored in the underground and were rediscovered in 1943 (after they survived several earthquakes).
In fact, the experience is quite similar to Sedlec Ossuary in our home country. The mysterious passages under the church are not the only ace up in the sleeve. Convent's library is absolutely breathtaking and holds some ancient books and manuscripts.
Photography is not allowed inside. The entrance fee is S/15, and the English speaking guide is included.
Lima Art Museum has the largest collection of art in Lima (textiles, pottery, paintings, contemporary art) and is within walking distance from the historical part of Lima.
Lima is home to more museums such as Museo Pedro de Osma or MATE Museum, so if you have enough time, feel free to visit them too.
LIMA CITY TOURS
Although we usually prefer to visit destinations independently, booking a tour in Lima has its pros. First, Lima is a huge city, so getting from one place to another takes time.
Guided tours allow you to see the best of Lima in a relatively short time without any hassle, so they're perfect for travelers who have limited time.
Plus, it's always a great idea to explore the city with a local guide. From our personal experience, we must say that the guides were usually knowledgeable across the whole continent.
The only thing you need to take into account is that not every guide is fluent in English, and this fact can make or break your day tour.
The official language in Peru is Spanish, so make sure your guide speaks your language.
You can shop around in Lima, there are countless travel agencies, or you can even ask at your hotel as they usually can arrange tours.
Online booking in advance makes sense that you can read reviews before the trip, so you sort of know what to expect.
Peruvian Cooking Class | If you are looking for an introduction to Peruvian cuisine and local food, taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to start your journey.
Half-Day Pachacamac, Barranco and Chorrillos Tour | You will explore the Pachacamac site, temples and stop in Barranco and Chorrillos districts on the way back. This is for travelers who want to see what Lima has to offer outside the city limits.
Lima Full-Day Historical Tour | This is a private full-day tour where you will visit Lima's top attractions. Lima's historic center is best visited on a guided tour to cover the top sights and learn more.
DAY TRIPS FROM LIMA
After you spent two or three days in Lima, you might start wondering if there is a way to escape the bustling city. And you might be surprised by how many interesting places are around Lima.
Isla Palomino, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, or even Huacachina are some of the most beautiful places you can visit on a day trip from Lima.
Although some places would deserve more time and would be better if you stayed there overnight, it is still good to know this is an option.
In order to visit these places, you need to spend a lot of time on the road, but it's doable. And it might seem like a lot of time to sit for three hours on the bus to get there (and that's only one way), but this is quite a common thing in Peru.
Actually, if you want to visit amazing places such as Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon or Pastoruri Glacier, the bus ride takes about the same time.
PACHACAMAC
Visiting Pachamac ruins from Lima before leaving the city and heading to Sacred Valley to see the most famous ruins in Peru is actually a good idea.
A huge Inca complex, Pachacamac lies 40 kilometers south of Lima and serves as a great introduction to Peruvian history.
The excavations are still ongoing, and only a small part of the site is accessible.
Although there are information boards in English, it's better to hire one of the local guides at the entrance if you travel independently to understand better how the site used to look like.
Pachacamac Tour | Explore Pachacamac on a day trip from Lima, and enjoy a guided tour to get the most of this incredible place.
PALOMINO ISLANDS
Islas Palomino are just off Lima's shores and a popular place with day-trippers who want to escape the busy streets of the huge city.
They are mostly overshadowed by Ballestas Islands, but the tours are cheaper, and it's much easier to get there. But don't be fooled by this description; the islands are a huge eco-reserve and a home to a large sea lions population.
Seeing those incredible aquatic mammals in their natural habitat is always an incredible experience.
You are even allowed to swim with the sea lions, but you can watch the show from the comfort of the boat. Be prepared that the water can be refreshing (that means it's freezing cold), and the sea gets choppy.
Sea Lions in Palomino Islands Tour | Swimming with playful sea lions never gets old. If you are tired of Lima's busy streets, this activity gets you closer to nature.
BALLESTAS ISLANDS
When driving along the Peruvian coastline from north to south, you will quickly realize one thing. The coast is dry, barren, and inhospitable. The climate conditions are perfect for building adobe cities and temples, but the fauna and flora are not exactly thriving here.
However, keep driving for three hours south of Lima until you arrive at the small port town of Paracas, and your view is about to change.
Thanks to the Humboldt current, Ballestas Islands are a perfect habitat for penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and other various species of birds and marine life.
The nickname of these islands is Poor Man's Galapagos and, in our opinion, is not very flattering.
Our biggest concern with the islands is that you don't have that much time to explore them fully, as most of the boat tours take only two hours.
Simply put, unlike the Galapagos Islands cruise, these tours are relatively short and don't do it justice.
On top of that, the majority of Ballestas Islands tours have an identical program. So when visiting this place from Lima, make sure that your tour also includes other places you want to visit (such as Huacachina).
On the way back, the boat will stop at El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph with a mysterious origin that's only visible from the sea.
Ballestas Islands Tour | Explore the stunning coast, viewpoints, and beaches in Paracas National Reserve, visit Ballestas Islands on a boat trip, and learn more about the local culture in the local museum.
HUACACHINA
Love it or hate it, Huacachina is one of the unique places you can visit in Peru. Huacachina is a tiny oasis village about three hours ride from Lima that was built around the natural lake in the middle of the desert.
The scenery is incredible, and huge sand dunes surround the laguna from all directions. If you plan to see the Nazca Lines next, you can break the journey into two parts and spend a night in the desert.
Purchase the tickets to Ica, from where you can catch a taxi to Huacachina.
Keep in mind that, despite this is an oasis, the popularity of Huacachina skyrocketed in recent years, and it's basically a tourist village packed with tourists.
The most popular activities in Huacachina are definitely sandboarding, sand buggy rides, dune hiking, and sunset watching.
Paracas, Huacachina, and Ballestas Islands | One of Lima's best tours for travelers short on time combines some of the best attractions you can find outside the city. Be prepared for a super long day on the road, but the reward is sweet.
You will visit some of the unique places in Peru, see penguins, birds, sea lions, a desert oasis, and stunning coastal scenery. Buggy ride and sandboarding are activities that are included in this tour.
BUDGET
Peru is not an expensive country, which means that Lima is one of the most budget-friendly capital cities in the world. Backpackers can find cheap hostels, eat at local eateries, or take a free walking tour in Lima.
As we traveled long term at the time, the budget was one of our biggest concerns. We were delighted that we don't have to break the bank in order to visit the Peruvian capital.
Being said that, travel budgets are highly individual.
And if you plan on staying in a luxury hotel, take private tours, have dinners in fancy restaurants, go shopping, this trip might cost you a lot, though less than you would have spent in let's say Sydney or New York.
SAFETY IN LIMA
Is Lima safe? This is one of the most common questions every traveler asks before visiting the city. The Lima safety topic is quite controversial, and experience varies from person to person.
The overall safety highly depends on your attitude, areas you want to cover, and the activities you planned. And the most important thing, a bit of luck. This is just how it is in South America.
However, the best approach to stay safe in Lima is always to use your common sense. Period.
Keep your valuables at the hotel. Watch for pickpocket in crowded areas.
Some streets are not safe after dark, even in tourist areas, so take a cab if you need to get into an unfamiliar place. If you have appeared in a shady-looking alleyway, retrace your steps.
These safety tips are useful not only for Lima but also for other large cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Santiago de Chile.
South America doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to safety, and Lima is no exception to this unflattering fact.
We were robbed at Bogota, almost robbed in Quito, met a couple who were mugged at Valparaiso, or a guy who was held at gunpoint at La Paz.
Every traveler has a story that's not very pleasant. Probably, the only place that is considered very safe on this continent is Patagonia at the southernmost tip of it, but that's a story for another time.
We stayed in Lima's Centro Historico, and we must say that some parts of it looked a bit suspicious and we didn't enjoy to leave our hotel after dark much. Being said that, we didn't have any issues this time.
Check out this article for more South America safety tips.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT
The easiest and fastest way to get from the Jorge Chávez International Airport to Lima's center is to take a taxi. The official rate is S/55-60, but we were able to bargain a bit and rode for S/40 with one of the taxis in front of the terminal.
There are employees of taxi companies waiting inside the terminal, and you can book and pay the taxi directly at one of the stalls. These are official taxi companies and a safe way to get downtown.
You can also take an airport shuttle bus that goes directly to Miraflores for S/27, but as you can see, it is more expensive than a taxi unless you are traveling on your own.
This bus, however, doesn't go to Centro Historico.
One of the interesting things we noticed is that many of Lima's hotels claim that it takes 30 minutes to get from the airport to Miraflores or Centro Historico (or vice versa) by taxi.
Although this depends on the current traffic, it's usually anything between 45 minutes to one hour during the day.
GET AROUND
The best way to get around Lima is by taxi. Taxis are literally everywhere, so it's extremely easy to hail one on the street. Short taxi rides in Lima usually cost S/5-10, longer journeys such as Miraflores to Centro Historico costs about S/25.
If you're concerned about safety, ask at the hotel front desk, and they will happily arrange a taxi for you (although you need to get a cab on the street to get back anyway).
Taxis in Lima don't have meters, so you need to agree on the price first. Don't settle on the first price though, try to bargain the price down a bit.
By the way, now you can use Uber in Lima, which is usually a bit cheaper and safer than a regular taxi.
Taxi rides can cover your longer journeys between each district, but once you get there, it's time to stretch your legs a bit.
Getting around Lima on foot allows you to see much more, and you get more involved in the city's daily life. You can easily cover Centro Historico, Miraflores, or Barranco on foot, and discovering places not mentioned in a guidebook always brings joy.
Biking around Lima is possible but can be tricky, not to say dangerous outside tourist areas due to extensive traffic. Some travel agencies offer bike tours, so taking one would probably be more sensible.
Lima has an extensive network of public transport. And even though we prefer using public transport whenever possible (it was fun to use the public transport system in Medellin), it's probably not worth the effort here, especially if you have only a day or two for the city.
You can use both metro or buses in Lima, plus they have an express bus system called El Metropolitano. Before you get on board, make sure to purchase an electronic card Tarjeta Inteligente General for S/4.50 and top it up.
And even though the metro and express buses are fast and cheap, you need to figure out where to go and get off first, and this might not be as easy as it seems, especially for first-time visitors.
GETTING THERE
Named after Peruvian aviator, Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main international and domestic airport in Lima. The driving distance between Miraflores and the airport is 17 kilometers and 14 kilometers to Centro Historico.
Buses connect Lima with the rest of the country, and there are plenty of reputable companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Ormeno, Tepsa, Linea, ITTSA, Civa, Flores, and MovilBus to choose from.
One of the things to know before traveling to Peru is that the bus companies usually have their own bus terminals. This is actually good for safety reasons but can be quite annoying from the practical side.
The good part is that most trustworthy bus companies have their terminals on the edge of La Victoria district along the Avenida Javier Pardo Este.
La Victoria sits roughly in the middle between Centro Historico and Miraflores (it's about 5-6 kilometers), so you need to take a taxi to get there.
The bad part is that not all of them are located on this road. Before you book the bus ticket, always check where the bus terminal is located first.
If you are heading north directly from the airport, get to Gran Terminal Terrestre, a modern bus terminal near Plaza Norte shopping mall.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LIMA
Lima has somewhat pleasant weather throughout the year, experiences very little rain, but don't get much sunshine. Being said that, arguably, the best time to visit Lima is from December to April.
As this is a peak season for Lima, expect higher prices for accommodation and more international tourists.
Also, keep in mind that Easter is a huge holiday in Peru (and generally in South America), and locals travel a lot. Knowing this information might save you some unpleasant surprises.
July to September are cooler months, and this might be a perfect time to visit Lima for everyone who wants to escape the crowds.
Garua, a moist cold fog, often covers Lima during this time of the year. We experienced this phenomenon extensively in the Galapagos Islands, and it can be quite annoying, though more bearable while in the city.
May, June, October, and November are considered as a shoulder season. We visited Lima in November, and the weather was quite pleasant.
Being said that, the weather in Lima is mostly fine all year round, so it's better to plan your trip with other places in mind.
For example, February is the worst month for Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, so if you are heading mainly to the Cusco region, you might want to plan your holiday according to the weather in this region.
And if the weather in Lima doesn't cooperate, you can always find a nice local restaurant serving a fresh bowl of ceviche or spend the afternoon in one of the local museums.
WHAT TO PACK
For us, packing is always one of the least favorite things to do before traveling abroad. We usually try to pack light and smart, but packing lists heavily depend on the length of your trip and destinations you want to visit.
If you are traveling only to Lima without any intentions to explore the country further, we have some tips for you.
Firstly, wear comfortable shoes to prevent blisters. If you prefer getting around on foot, you will cover long distances, and you don't want to your feet hurt at the end of the day.
You might want to consider a comfortable anti-theft daypack for safety reasons, although we used our trusty ultralight packable daypack without any problems.
As we have mentioned above, Lima gets plenty of sunshine in the summer, so applying sunscreen is essential to protect your skin. Wearing a hat or bandana is also helpful even in the city.
Lastly, no matter if you travel only with your phone or prefer taking photos with a mirrorless camera, having something with you that allows you to capture some memories is handy.
For boat tours, wear a windbreaker, as the weather can get chilly, especially on the way back.
In case you want to visit the Amazon rainforest or Andes in Huaraz, it's better to create packing lists for these destinations first, and you probably will find a few pieces of clothing you can wear in the city as well.
And if you travel long term, check out our article on the South America packing list.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
