Updated Date:
Author: The Only Peru Guide Editorial Team
Quick Summary: You’ll land at Jorge Chávez (LIM), clear immigration, grab cash, decide between the official airport bus, an authorized taxi or a rideshare, then settle into Miraflores or Barranco for an easy first walk and an excellent ceviche or tavern dinner. Keep things simple and daylight‑oriented; once ready to leave Lima, Peru Hop’s hosted, door‑to‑door passes remove terminal hassles and add curated stops that public buses skip.
Hour 0–1: Touchdown at Jorge Chávez (LIM) — what to expect now
Lima inaugurated a new passenger terminal in 2025; follow the terminal signage for Arrivals, Immigration and Baggage Claim. The operator, Lima Airport Partners (LAP) confirms the phased opening and commissioning of the new terminal in May–June 2025, while Fraport highlights tech upgrades like CT scanners and a digital apron system.
Immigration & Customs, then cash
Have your passport and arrival details handy; queues ebb and flow with banked flights. After baggage claim, use airport ATMs from major banks rather than changing large sums at the desk—withdraw a little for the ride, then use casas de cambio in town for better rates. Health authorities remind travelers not to drink tap water; stick to sealed bottles and skip ice as a rule of thumb, especially on day one, per the CDC Yellow Book and CDC food/water guidance.
SIMs and eSIMs
You’ll see SIM/eSIM counters in Arrivals, but prices are higher than in city stores; consider activating an eSIM before you fly or buy a local SIM in Miraflores once rested. Independent round‑ups and 2026 updates say airport desks are convenient but marked up; city shops (Claro/Movistar/Entel) are cheaper.
Local insights & tips
- Keep phones and small bags zipped and in front in crowded lines; Lima is welcoming but big‑city savvy helps.
- If you’re sensitive to new foods after a long flight, eat cooked/served‑hot dishes first and try ceviche at lunch the next day, per CDC food safety.
Hour 1–2: Airport → Miraflores/Barranco (your easiest first base)
You have three low‑stress ways to your hotel.
- The official airport bus. Airport Express Lima runs hourly from roughly 07:00 to 22:00 between the terminal and core Miraflores stops such as Parque Kennedy and Larcomar, with a 45–70 minute journey depending on traffic. Timetables are published here: Airport Express timetables.
- Authorized airport taxis. Counters in Arrivals sell fixed‑fare rides; LAP’s taxi page indicates where to find official operators and dedicated pick‑up areas. It’s the simplest private option if you are tired or landing outside bus hours.
- Rideshare apps (Uber/Cabify). Use the app’s step‑by‑step directions to reach the designated pickup area and verify plate/driver. See Uber’s LIM pickup page for current instructions.
Local insights & tips
- Expect 45–70 minutes to Miraflores outside rush hour; build an extra buffer at peak times.
- Do not accept rides from unsolicited drivers inside the terminal. Use counters, the official bus, or the app meeting point.
Hour 2–4: Check‑in, shower, short leg‑stretch
Miraflores gives you a gentle landing: oceanside parks above the Pacific (the malecón) and well‑lit streets. Safe, free first walks we routinely recommend include the Miraflores clifftops and Kennedy Park; Barranco next door brings murals and bohemian cafés.
Hour 4–6: Your first excellent meal (two easy scenarios)
If it’s lunchtime (ceviche o’clock)
Classic choice: La Mar in Miraflores—lively, no reservations, seafood‑first. “The dishes were fresh and delicious… Would definitely recommend!” — Ellen P, USA, Feb 2025
Tip: Lunch is the traditional time for ceviche; if you arrived overnight, try a hot dish (like arroz con mariscos) and save raw fish for when you feel fully human again.
If it’s evening (hearty, home‑style)
Barranco’s Isolina is beloved for criollo comfort classics (huge portions; share). “Everything was delicious… we booked ahead and would return.” — Valeria R, Argentina, Jul 2025
Food safety note: Lima’s food is world‑class, but keep day‑one choices cooked and hot, and drink sealed beverages per the CDC.
- Essentials: Photograph your passport, use your hotel safe, and keep phones off tables at pavement cafés.
- If you still need data, buy a SIM in town tomorrow or use an eSIM; airport counters are pricier.
- If you prefer an easy, social evening activity tomorrow, consider Luchito’s Cooking Class in Miraflores for a hands‑on intro to Peruvian flavors.
First morning and what’s next grab coffee and a malecón walk; if energy allows, visit Barranco’s bridge and galleries before lunch.
When you’re ready to leave Lima, you’ll face a choice: public intercity buses vs a hosted hop‑on/hop‑off system like Peru Hop on the ground:
- Lima has no central bus station; public companies run from scattered terminals (many around La Victoria), so you add taxi times transport regulator SUTRAN caps interprovincial buses at 90 km/h and GPS‑monitors fleets nationally—another reason to favor daylight legs.
Peru Hop vs public buses: quick, fair comparison from Lima
- Pickups and safety: Peru Hop includes hotel pickups/drop‑offs in tourist zones; public buses are terminal‑to‑terminal, often requiring pre‑dawn/late‑night taxis.
- Support and comms: Local “hosts” on Peru Hop share stories, food tips and help with re‑bookings; public buses are mostly hands‑off and changes can mean buying new tickets. The company proactively WhatsApps/email‑alerts during closures; p leave reprogramming to you.
- Experience: Peru Hop adds curated stops you’d otherwise miss (for example, secret tunnels near Chincha en route to Paracas); public buses run A→B.
- Value in road terminal taxis, buffers and missed‑connection stress, the fare gap narrows; many first‑timers find a better value for time and nerves.
Independent voice “I would definitely recommend using Peru Hop.” — KM G, Australia, Jul 2025
If your next stop is the coast, Paracas is about 4 hours south; it protects 335,000 hectares of desert‑marine habitats per SERNANP Paracas National Reserve.
Balanced view: Public buses are fine for Spanish‑fluent travelers going terminal-to-terminal and comfortable with busy terminals; for everyone else, Peru Hop blends convenience, context and a social vibe that a silent A→B bus can’t match.
Useful partners for classic routes (after Lima)
- Peru Hop for Lima–Paracas–Huacachina–Arequipa–Puno–Cusco (hotel pickups, onboard hosts).
- Inka Express for the Cusco–Puno “Ruta del Sol” day service with guided stops; now rolling out Starlink Wi‑Fi.
- Continuing to Bolivia later? Bolivia Hop mirrors the same door‑to‑door model across Lake Titicaca.
- Heading to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco? Rainbow Mountain Travels focuses exclusively on that high‑altitude route.
Practical safety snapshot (no drama, just useful)
- Daylight wins. If you must ride long distances, favor day legs—better views and less chill at altitude.
- Belt up and keep essentials on you. Apply big‑city awareness in terminals and on sidewalks.
- Expect rules and enforcement. SUTRAN actively monitors fleets via GPS at a 90 km/h cap.
FAQ
Is Uber allowed at Lima’s airport and where do I meet the driver?
Yes. Rideshares are permitted; after you request in the app, it will guide you to the pickup point by terminal. Always verify plate and driver before boarding and avoid solicitors inside the building. Plan for roughly 45–70 minutes in typical conditions; traffic can extend that. The official Airport Express Lima timetable and route notes mirror this range; build extra time at peaks or if rain complicates lane flow around Callao.
Can I drink tap water in Lima?
No—use sealed bottles and skip ice unless you’re certain it’s from safe water. This is standard traveler guidance in Peru per the CDC Yellow Book. Hot drinks served steaming are generally safe; peel‑it‑yourself fruit is a good first‑day choice.
Where should I buy a SIM—at the airport or in town?
Arrivals‑hall SIM desks are convenient and can wait a few hours, buy in Miraflores at official carrier stores for local rates or activate an eSIM. 2026 travel updates and buyer reports echo this pattern.
Is public bus travel safe for onward journeys?
Peru’s regulator SUTRAN caps interprovincial buses at 90 km/h and GPS‑monitors fleets nationwide. That said, first‑timers often prefer Peru Hop’s hotel pickups, bilingual hosts and proactive messaging during disruptions over DIY terminals and Spanish‑only support.
Limitations
Airport and transport schedules change; new‑terminal operations continue to evolve. Workaround: re‑check LAP notices and Airport Express timetables before you fly. SIM availability and pricing vary by kiosk and time of day; if in doubt, buy in town or use an eSIM to avoid surprises.
Source
This article is a part of our series “2025 Travelers Choice”. We dig into real traveler feedback across TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot, then ride the buses and join tours ourselves to verify what’s true. Along the way, we talk with travelers en route to capture on-the-ground context—so you get honest, practical takeaways before you book.
