How to Find Hotels in Lima, Peru

Lima is a sprawling city situated on the shores of the South Pacific Ocean in Peru, South America. A vast and crowded city overcome with pollution in some areas, Lima offers much to adventurous travelers by way of architecture, nightlife and museums.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Know Your Destination

1. Pack numerous changes of clothes to combat the high humidity and sticky conditions during your visit to Peru.
2. Bring a pocket translator or phrase book when you travel off the beaten path. Lima has two official languages, Spanish and Quechua, and English is only spoken in major tourist areas and hotels.
3. Have cash on hand when you travel to rural areas; credit cards and travelers checks are typically only accepted in the city.

Organize Transportation

4. Arrive in Lima by air at the Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez (Jorge Chavez International Airport).
5. Catch a bus to get around town. Buses of various sizes service the entire city but are often overcrowded and not recommended if traveling with your bags, as thievery isn't unheard of.
6. Reserve official taxis by phone; these are far safer and more convenient than unofficial taxis.

Choose Your Lodging

7. To book accommodations, contact Peru Commission for the Promotion of Peru at (866) 661-PERU or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
8. Take your pick from a range of hotels. Accommodations in Lima are generally plentiful and available at a wide variety of prices. The average mid-range hotel room costs $75 USD while budget rooms are as low as $13.
9. Consider a five-star hotel near the beach for around $200 USD and enjoy a great view and secure accommodations.
10. Save money by finding accommodations in Lima hostels designed for international travelers.

Be Familiar with Local Information

11. Consider visiting the Lima City Walls, as they are wonderful examples of historic Spanish defensive fortifications.
12. Include La Catedral in Central Lima on your list of sites to see. It's a fantastic historical site with a rich history and religious artwork.
13. Get cultured. Lima offers many museums on a variety of subjects ranging from textiles to history and archaeology.

Tips & Warnings

• Always negotiate your taxi fare beforehand. Meters are not used.
• Driving in Lima is hazardous due to poor road conditions and aggressive local driving. Taking a cab is often a more enjoyable option.
• Tip your hotel porter .50 USD per bag.
• A service charge of 5 or 10 percent is added in many establishments, but exceptional service can be further rewarded.
• Stay aware of your surroundings, as thievery and muggings are a serious risk in some areas.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks, as travelers' sickness, or diarrhea, is common.
• No immunizations are officially required by Peru, but it is recommended that travelers venturing out of the city take precautions against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, cholera, polio, tetanus and diphtheria.
• Malaria is a concern all year.