Travel Tips

All international flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), in Callao, about 45–60 minutes from Miraflores depending on traffic.

The safest transfers are the official airport taxi desks inside the terminal or a car booked in advance through your hotel. Please do not accept rides from drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall.

For a trusted private transfer — airport runs, the wedding, or daily trips around the city — we recommend D Cortez Luxury (+51 972 156 691). They also take bookings on WhatsApp at the same number.

Uber, Cabify and inDrive all work well in Lima and are what we use daily. Fares are modest, and paying by card in the app avoids any confusion over change.

For airport transfers, the wedding, or getting around the city in comfort, we also recommend D Cortez Luxury (+51 972 156 691) — a trusted private service you can reach on WhatsApp at the same number.

Traffic is heavy between 7–10 AM and 5–8 PM, so allow extra time. Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro are pleasant to walk during the day.

If you are travelling on to Cusco or Arequipa, PeruRail is a beautiful and easy way to see the Sacred Valley.

The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Lima, but it is useful to carry small notes for taxis, markets and tips.

Withdraw from ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, and choose to be charged in soles rather than your home currency. Casas de cambio in Miraflores offer good rates for cash.

April in Lima is the end of summer: warm, humid and mostly grey-bright, around 20–26 °C, with very little rain. Evenings near the coast are cooler.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are sunny by day and cold at night (5–20 °C), with occasional showers. The Amazon is hot and humid year-round.

The simplest option is an eSIM bought before you fly (Airalo, Holafly and Saily all cover Peru). Alternatively, Claro and Movistar sell tourist SIM cards at the airport. Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants is generally good.

Peru uses 220V, 60Hz, with type A (two flat pins) and type C (two round pins) sockets. Most hotels accept both. Check that your devices are dual-voltage, and bring a universal adapter.

Around 10% in restaurants, where service is not already included. Rounding up is enough for taxis. A few soles for hotel staff and guides is customary and appreciated.

Cusco sits at 3,400 m. Altitude affects almost everyone a little: shortness of breath, headache and poor sleep on the first night are common.

Arrive gently, rest on the first afternoon, drink water and coca tea, eat lightly and avoid alcohol for the first day. Consider starting in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m), which is kinder, and speak to your doctor about acetazolamide if you are concerned.

Most visitors from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia and Latin America do not need a visa for short tourist stays — check your country's requirements before flying, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

If you need consular help while in Peru, your embassy in Lima is the best first call.