Lima Survival Guide: 6 Essential Things to Know Before Landing in Peru

So, you’ve booked your flights to Peru. You are probably dreaming of the majestic Andes, the Sacred Valley, and the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. But before you reach the mountains, your journey will almost certainly begin in the sprawling, chaotic, and beautiful capital: Lima.

With nearly 11 million people, Lima can be overwhelming for first-time visitors stepping out of Jorge Chávez International Airport. But don’t worry. As an official tour guide who has welcomed travelers from all over the world for more than 20 years, I have compiled the ultimate pre-arrival checklist to ensure your trip starts perfectly.

1. The Airport to City Transfer (The First Hurdle)

Let’s be honest: the traffic around Lima’s airport is notoriously heavy, and stepping out into the arrivals hall can feel like a frenzy of taxi drivers vying for your attention.

The Rule: Never hail a random taxi from the street outside the airport. The Solution: Book an official airport taxi inside the terminal (like Taxi Green), use a trusted ride-hailing app (Uber or Cabify work well in Lima), or, even better, arrange a private transfer with your hotel or tour guide beforehand. The drive to tourist hubs like Miraflores or Barranco usually takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Altitude Sickness? Not Here!

Many travelers worry about Soroche (altitude sickness) as soon as they land. Relax! Lima is located right on the Pacific coast at sea level.

You will not feel any shortness of breath here. In fact, Lima is the perfect place to enjoy heavy, delicious Peruvian meals (like a hearty Lomo Saltado) and a few Pisco Sours before you fly up to Cusco, where you will need to eat light to acclimate to the 3,400-meter elevation.

“Treat Lima as your culinary playground. Eat heavily here, and eat lightly when you reach the Andes.”

3. Soles, Dollars, and Tipping

Peru’s official currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). While many large hotels, upscale restaurants, and major tour operators accept US Dollars or credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted), you will absolutely need local cash.

• Cash is King: You need Soles for small purchases, street food, tipping, and buying artisanal crafts at local markets.
• Exchange: Avoid exchanging large amounts of money at the airport (the rates are terrible). Use ATMs located in safe areas like Miraflores, or official exchange houses (Casas de Cambio).
• Tipping: In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard for good service. Tipping tour guides is entirely up to your discretion but is highly appreciated.

4. Is Lima Safe for Tourists?

Yes, but you need to be “street smart,” just as you would in Paris, New York, or Rome.

The districts where you will likely stay—Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro—are heavily heavily monitored and generally very safe to walk around, even at night. The Historic Center is beautifully restored and safe during the day, but it is best to avoid wandering its empty side streets late at night.

A quick tip: Keep your phone in your pocket when walking near busy intersections to avoid drive-by snatchings, which are the most common petty crime.

5. Do Not Drink the Tap Water

This is crucial: the tap water in Lima is heavily treated, but the plumbing infrastructure varies. To avoid spending your hard-earned vacation with a stomach bug, always drink bottled water. This applies to brushing your teeth as well.

Don’t worry about the ice in your drinks at good restaurants or bars, though—they use purified water.

6. Don’t Try to “DIY” the History

Lima is not just a food stop; it is a city built on top of ancient civilizations. You can walk past a 2,000-year-old adobe pyramid on your way to a modern coffee shop.

While you can wander around on your own, the layers of pre-Inca, colonial, and Republican history are complex. Having a local, multilingual guide explain the hidden symbols in the Cathedral or the secrets of the catacombs transforms a “nice walk” into a deeply meaningful cultural experience.

Start Your Trip Stress-Free

Want to hit the ground running without worrying about logistics? We offer a comprehensive Classic Lima City Tour. We pick you up safely from your hotel, navigate the chaotic traffic for you, and introduce you to the fascinating history of the City of Kings. Welcome to Peru!