Capital city, Peru
Lima
Peru's huge capital on Pacific cliffs, with South America's top restaurants, museums and surf. Miraflores and Barranco are easy for solo travelers; traffic, grey winter skies and petty crime are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,310–2,030Comfortable, one person · S/4,500–7,000Details
- Value for money56/100Better value than 55% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 30°CDetails
- Air quality22.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · PollutedDetails
- Internet260 MbpsFixed broadband, Peru medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$44–102Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and contactless work in Miraflores, Barranco and malls; carry soles for markets, small eateries, taxis and tips.Details
Where to stay in Lima
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Miraflores | First stays: cliffs, restaurants, parks, safe and central |
| Barranco | Bohemian bars, galleries, nightlife, easy to walk |
| San Isidro | Quiet, business district, upscale hotels and parks |
| Surco and Jesús María | Longer stays: calmer, cheaper apartments |
Apps that work in Lima
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. Use apps or taxis called by your hotel; confirm the plate.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Peru.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and contactless work in Miraflores, Barranco and malls; carry soles for markets, small eateries, taxis and tips.
- Currency: Sol (PEN). US$1 ≈ S/3.44 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, higher at airports; many also dispense US dollars.
- Tipping: Around 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge. Budget tips for trek guides, cooks and porters; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work in cities; Yape and Plin QR payments need a Peruvian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Pre-registering on MigraCheck (free) can let you use the immigration e-gates at Lima airport.
- No arrival card; entry is recorded digitally. Overstays are fined per day when you leave.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazon trips but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 105 · Ambulance 106 · Fire 116
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy prepaid chips in official carrier stores with your passport, not from street sellers. Claro and Movistar cover the Andes best. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Peru
Going to Lima solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.