There is one airport in the area that handles all of the flights to Lima and most of the flights to the rest of the country as well. The majority of Lima flights are tourist related, and Lima is also the primary airport for the entire country of Peru, meaning it can get very busy during peak travel times. Airfare to Lima is easy to come by for an international flight, and some cheap flights to Lima are available. Due to the high amount of traffic from the number of flights to Lima, and the strict customs and security measures, the airport recommends you arrive to the airport three hours before your flight departs.
After your flight to Lima arrives, you will need to determine what type of transportation will be best for your trip. Most of the public transportation in Lima is provided by city buses, micros, taxis and “mototaxis.” The micros are the most common form of transportation and are actually mini buses that run around the city for cheap fare. However, they are privately owned, and some travelers feel there is a risk with these and prefer taxicabs or city buses.
Lima is the capital of Peru and is full of impressive government and historic buildings, as the city was founded in 1535. Lima’s cathedral is an impressive sight for tourists. The cathedral’s construction actually began the same day the city was founded, making it the oldest building in historic Lima. There are also many historic mansions open to the public, and some of them have even been converted to hotels for guests. Some of the most notable historic mansions in Lima include the House of Aliaga and the House of Goyeneche.
Shoppers should visit the Miraflores, an area of Lima full of nice, higher-end shops as well as locally made crafts. This area of the city is home to many hotels, restaurants, and local parks. Cafe Cafe and Cafe La Paz are two of the most popular cafes in the area that serve traditional South American cuisine at affordable prices. For visitors in the center of the city, Eau Vive offers an array of dishes, not just native foods. For those looking to experience nightlife, visit “the mall,” which contains multiple bars that overlook the ocean, most of which stay open to the late hours of the night.