How to Find Cheap Hotels in Lima Peru

Once one of the most attractive and influential cities in the Americas, Lima, Peru, fell into major decline and has struggled to make a comeback. In recent years, the situation has improved, and visitors flock to the capital of Peru for its colonial architecture, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access
• Passport or visa

Know Your Destination

1. Brush up on your Espanol.

2. Pay a departure tax of around USD $28 on international flights from Lima or USD $10 from other airports. Payment is accepted only in cash and can be in Peruvian soles or U.S. dollars.

Organizing Transportation in Lima, Peru

1. Arrive by plane at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport.

2. Take a taxi into Lima.

3. Get around Lima by bus or taxi.

4. Get an official registered taxi by phoning from your accommodations or going to a taxi stand. Meters aren't used, so negotiate a price before getting in.

Finding Accommodations in Lima, Peru

1. Ask the hotel about airport pickups. Cheap hostels can also arrange reliable taxi service for a good price.

2. Stay in Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro to be close to the city's pre-Inca ruins, eating and entertainment.

3. Avoid staying in Central Lima if possible. It's home to most of Lima's cheap accommodations, but not as safe as other areas.

Be Familiar With Local Information

1. Purchase some art at a small art gallery downtown.

2. Browse traditional Peruvian handicrafts at Mercado del Indios.

3. To book accommodations in Lima, Peru, call Peru Hotels at 866-247-3221 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Visas are not required for most visitors.

• There is slow bus service from neighboring countries. Have your passport ready for the checkpoints along the way.

• The bus service to other parts of the country are of varying degrees of quality and efficiency.

• Buses running from the airport into the city are inconvenient when traveling with luggage.

• There are two types of city buses: micros (big) and combis (minibuses/vans). They're generally extremely crowded and passengers often experience robberies. To get off, say 'baja' (go down) or 'a la esquina' (at the corner). On the combis, the driver yells the names of streets and destinations.

• Most taxis in Lima are unofficial.

• There are a few youth hostels, which are much like cheap hotels. As it is expensive for such establishments to put signs, most are not marked and look like regular houses.

• Ask about discounts when staying for more than a few days.

• Travel during the day or fly, as armed robberies occur on night buses.

• Don't stay in Central Lima if traveling with children. It is quite polluted, crowded and not safe at night.

• Many travelers are victims of theft.