About Lima

Lima is the kind of city that creeps up on you. At first, it feels gray, the Pacific fog hangs low for months, and traffic hums like background percussion. But give it two days, maybe three, and it begins to whisper secrets. You’ll hear laughter spilling from ceviche stalls on Avenida José Larco, smell roasted corn from Miraflores street carts, and see paragliders hovering over the cliffs like lazy kites. That’s Lima, quietly magnetic.

The city sprawls: it’s chaotic in San Juan de Lurigancho, polished in Miraflores, artsy in Barranco, and stately near Plaza Mayor. The best hotels in Lima adapt to that old colonial houses turned boutique hideaways, high-rises with Pacific views, and tidy budget inns tucked behind bougainvillea walls. The Lima hotel scene has its quirks. Early check-in isn’t a given unless you ask two days ahead; airport shuttles are often private cars, not shared vans; and locals say, half-jokingly, “Never trust the distance, only the traffic.”

Lima has no shortage of personality. Its coastline runs for miles, with cliffs that catch both sunsets and skateboarders. Its culinary scene deserves the hype: chefs here measure time by ceviche freshness, not by minutes. And its people are polite but proud and will steer you toward the best anticuchos stand faster than any guidebook could. For travelers choosing among hotels in Lima, think neighborhood first, amenities second. The view can wait; traffic can’t.

Explore exciting Lima tour packages through Akbar Travels for a smooth, well-planned, and memorable Peruvian adventure.

Lima Airport Address

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Address: Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031, Peru

It’s about 11 km from Miraflores, which sounds close, but traffic during evening hours can stretch that to 50 minutes. Most hotels in Lima near airport cluster in Callao and charge around $60–$100 per night for comfort-level rooms.

The Best Time to Visit Lima

From December to April, Lima finally sees blue skies. Locals call it “verano limeño.” The sea warms up, the city’s gray mist (called garúa) fades, and rooftop pools earn their keep. That’s when rates for hotels in Lima rise roughly 25%. Between May and October, temperatures hover between 15–19°C; mild, sometimes drizzly, ideal for long walks in Barranco or Miraflores.

A good rule: book 40–50 days ahead if traveling around national holidays; late planners will find Lima hotels either full or oddly overpriced.

How to Reach Lima

By Air:

Almost everyone flies in. Jorge Chávez International handles direct flights from North and South America, plus Madrid, Amsterdam, and a few seasonal routes. Taxis from the airport to Miraflores cost around 70 soles (~$18). Prepaid counters inside arrivals are safer than flagging cabs outside.

By Rail:

There’s no intercity train reaching Lima directly; the country’s main rail lines start in Cusco and Arequipa. If someone mentions a “railway station,” they usually mean the local metro, a surface train linking Villa El Salvador and San Juan de Lurigancho. So “hotels in Lima near railway station” refers more to convenience than proximity.

By Road:

Long-distance buses are surprisingly reliable. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are the best-known lines. They arrive at terminals along Javier Prado Avenue. From there, taxis or ride apps can get you to most hotels in Lima for under 25 soles (~$6).

Things to Do in Lima

• Plaza Mayor: Colonial square with the Government Palace and Cathedral of Lima; best visited before noon.
• Barranco District: The bohemian heart; home to street art, galleries, and live music cafés.
• Huaca Pucllana: Pre-Incan clay pyramid in Miraflores, beautifully lit at night.
• Parque del Amor: Romantic park with mosaic benches and ocean views & couples love it.
• Larco Museum: Private collection showing 5,000 years of Peruvian art, immaculate curation.
• Magic Water Circuit: Fountains choreographed to music at Parque de la Reserva. Go after sunset.
• Miraflores Boardwalk (Malecón): Scenic path for joggers and paragliders.
• San Francisco Monastery: Famous for catacombs beneath its church.
• Kennedy Park: Cats, coffee stalls, and local painters, an evening ritual.
• Chorrillos Fish Market: Smells briny, feels authentic, watch fishermen mend nets at dawn.

Shopping in Lima

Shopping here is oddly satisfying when elegant malls meet local craft markets.

1. Larcomar: Cliffside mall overlooking the Pacific; upscale, but sunset makes it worth it.
2. Jockey Plaza: The city’s biggest is a maze of global brands and local designers.
3. Inka Market: Perfect for textiles and alpaca shawls; bargain gently.
4. Polvos Azules: Packed, chaotic, but full of cheap electronics.
5. Dedalo: Art gallery meets design shop in Barranco.
6. Miraflores Indian Market: Great for woven bags and silver jewelry.
7. Gamarra: Lima’s wholesale textile hub, crowded but authentic.
8. Camino Real Shopping Center: Old-school charm, smaller crowds.
9. Bioferia Miraflores: Weekend organic market with handmade soaps and coffee.
10. Centro Comercial Caminos del Inca: Boutique-style stores with Peruvian brands.
11. Real Plaza Salaverry: Airy layout and plenty of cafés.
12. Mercado Surquillo: Food lovers’ market; local produce and seafood to ogle

Famous Restaurants in Lima

Food here isn’t just a meal; it’s a statement.

1. Central: Ranked among the world’s top, tasting menus tracing altitude-based ingredients.
2. Maido: Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) that redefines seafood.
3. Astrid y Gastón: Elegant, inventive, and deeply Peruvian.
4. Isolina: Serves hearty creole dishes in Barranco, generous portions.
5. El Mercado: Chic spot for ceviche; slightly noisy, but lively.
6. Panchita: Traditional Peruvian comfort food, warm service.
7. La Mar Cevichería: Casual lunch favorite – come early to skip lines.
8. Rafael: Fusion dining with impeccable wine pairing.
9. Canta Rana: Local gem with graffiti walls and fresh tiraditos.
10. Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: Dine beside ancient ruins with a surreal setting.
11. Amoramar: Elegant seafood terrace near Barranco cliffs.
12. El Rincón Que No Conoces: “The Corner You Don’t Know” – old-school Peruvian flavors.
13. Tanta: Reliable chain by Gastón Acurio; casual and everywhere.
14. La Rosa Náutica: Perched on a pier, pricier but romantic.
15. El Pan de la Chola: Best bread and coffee; breakfast spot with locals.

Popular Hotels in Lima

Each of these hotels in Lima has a personality, some polished, others charmingly old-fashioned.

1. Belmond Miraflores Park: Iconic coastal property, perfect sunsets, old-school service.
2. JW Marriott Hotel Lima: Facing the Pacific; rooms feel like glass capsules over the sea.
3. Hotel B Barranco: Art-filled mansion, creative crowd, breakfast like art.
4. Casa Andina Premium Miraflores: Reliable, central, and walkable to restaurants.
5. Hilton Lima Miraflores: Polished yet friendly, rooftop pool worth the splurge.
6. Radisson Decapolis Miraflores: Compact luxury, solid for business stays.
7. Dazzler by Wyndham Lima: Mid-range, crisp, modern design.
8. Hotel Antigua Miraflores: Courtyard charm, local art in every room.
9. Selina Lima: Co-working meets hostel; social, lively, sometimes noisy.
10. Innside by Meliá Lima Miraflores: Stylish and young.
11. Holiday Inn Lima Airport: Functional, convenient for early flights, a classic hotel in Lima near airport.
12. Ibis Larco Miraflores: Affordable chain option; excellent location.
13. Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro: Consistent quality, ideal for families.
14. Casa Republica Barranco: Boutique with a 1920s vibe, quiet garden patio.
15. Pullman San Isidro: Business district comfort, five-star feel.

Popular Resorts in Lima

While Lima’s not resort-heavy like Cusco or the Sacred Valley, a few coastal gems stand out:

1. Club Hotel Delfines: Urban resort with golf views.
2. Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima: Near airport, efficient service.
3. Punta Hermosa Beach Resort: South of city; good for surf weekends.
4. Los Incas Lima Hotel: Poolside calm, lush gardens.
5. Hotel Boulevard: Colonial-style charm.
6. Radisson Blu Resort Paracas: About 3 hours south; pairs with desert excursions.
7. Casa Andina Premium San Isidro: City resort feel.
8. Sol de Oro Hotel & Suites: Business-friendly yet relaxed.
9. Miramar Hotel Lima: Overlooks cliffs, pleasant staff.
10. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima City: Quiet, family-oriented.
11. San Agustin Exclusive: Mid-range resort comfort.
12. Bayview Hotel: Simple but steps from the ocean.
13. Swissôtel Lima: Classic Lima 5 star hotel in San Isidro.
14. Sonesta Hotel El Olivar: Next to century-old olive grove, elegant.
15. Hotel Libertador Lima: Refined, discreet, well-run.

Where to Stay in Lima

Miraflores remains the best place to stay in Lima if it’s the first visit. Safe, walkable, ocean views, and quick access to dining. Barranco fits creative souls; think boutique hotels with murals and pisco bars around every corner. San Isidro caters to business travelers; quieter, more refined, though taxis back at night take longer due to one-way streets.

For longer stays, hotel apartments in Lima make sense. Properties like Residencial Miraflores or Espacio Luxury Apartments offer kitchens and weekly rates, useful for travelers mixing business with leisure.

Brief aside: once stayed near Kennedy Park and the church bells began at 6:30 a.m. sharp; charming, until the third morning. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Places to Stay in Lima Near Popular Attractions

• Near Larcomar: JW Marriott, Belmond Miraflores Park, Ibis Larco; walkable and scenic.
• Near Barranco’s Puente de los Suspiros: Hotel B and Casa Republica Barranco.
• Near Plaza Mayor: Gran Hotel Bolívar; grand but creaky floors, full of stories.
• Near Huaca Pucllana: Pullman Miraflores and Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro.
• Near Magic Water Circuit: Sheraton Lima Historic Center; traffic-heavy but convenient.
• Near Airport: Holiday Inn Lima Airport and Costa del Sol Wyndham.

Budget Hotels in Lima

Budget options here deliver surprising quality. Cheap hotels in Lima around Miraflores and Surquillo start near $35–$45 a night. Try Hotel Stefanos, Soul Mate Inn, or Hospedaje Tinkus; clean, friendly, breakfast included. For the cheapest hotel in Lima, look near Avenida Angamos; rates drop below $30, but double-check reviews for safety.

Those chasing functional basics might like a 2 star hotel Lima such as El Ducado Hotel; old carpets, yes, but unbeatable location. Booking early on akbartravels.com often reveals local-only discounts not visible on global aggregators.

Lima Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Lima: JW Marriott, Belmond Miraflores Park, Swissôtel Lima, Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, and Hilton Lima Miraflores. Expect spa-level comfort, bilingual concierge, and sunset cocktails priced like gold.
• 4 Star: Casa Andina Premium, Radisson Decapolis, and Pullman San Isidro, ideal for work-travel balance.
• 3 Star: Tierra Viva Miraflores, Hotel Boulevard, Dazzler by Wyndham.
• 2 Star: El Ducado, Hotel Carmel; small but serviceable.
• Hostels: Selina, Pariwana; social energy, co-working vibes.

One small quirk: Lima famous hotels often include government tax (18%) automatically, but foreigners paying in USD with passport copy can skip it. Always mention it politely at check-in.

Best Hotels in Lima Based on Location

• For Ocean Views: Belmond Miraflores Park, JW Marriott, La Rosa Náutica area properties.
• For Art and Nightlife: Hotel B and Casa Republica in Barranco.
• For Business Trips: Pullman San Isidro and Swissôtel Lima.
• For Airport Layovers: Holiday Inn Lima Airport; functional, reliable.
• For Long Stays: Residencial Miraflores Apartments, Espacio Suites.

Here’s a micro-tip: taxis from Miraflores to Barranco average 10 soles daytime; 15 at night. Drivers prefer small notes, not coins.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Lima

Families lean toward Miraflores for parks, safety, and pedestrian zones. Tierra Viva Miraflores, Casa Andina Select, and Dazzler by Wyndham have adjoining rooms and solid breakfast spreads (pancakes win hearts every time). Sonesta El Olivar offers greenery for restless kids. Most hotels in Lima allow free stays for one child under 10 sharing a bed, a small but nice gesture.

Lima Hotels Tariff

Rates fluctuate by season. Here’s a simple field breakdown from repeated stays and bookings via akbartravels.com:

• Luxury hotels in Lima: $250–$600/night depending on view and suite type.
• Mid-range hotels in Lima: $90–$150/night; solid value, modern design.
• Budget hotels in Lima: $35–$65/night; good if booked at least 3 weeks ahead.

A mid-level Lima hotel prize (sic) for comfort and location is around $120 per night in Miraflores. Always perform a Lima hotel price comparison before committing, weekday rates drop about 15%.

Lima Travel Tips

1. Book flights early, save real money: Lima flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Lima well in advance, ideally 6–8 weeks before travel. Fares spike 30–40% if bought inside two weeks of departure, especially in December and March.
2. Pre-book airport transfers: Taxis at Jorge Chávez Airport quote wildly; 60 to 90 soles for the same route. Have your hotel arrange a driver or prepay on akbartravels.com to avoid haggling after a long flight.
3. Traffic rules the city: Plan outings outside rush hours; 6:30–9:00 a.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m. are brutal. A 20-minute trip can stretch to an hour if you misjudge timing.
4. Stay coastal if possible: Miraflores and Barranco are breezier, safer, and closer to ocean-view hotels in Lima. The humidity in central Lima feels heavier, especially mid-summer.
5. Carry soles in small notes: Taxi drivers and market vendors rarely have change for 100-sol bills. ATMs around Kennedy Park charge roughly 18 soles per withdrawal, plan two withdrawals per week instead of daily ones.
6. Don’t expect early check-ins by default: Many Lima hotels stick to strict 2 p.m. check-ins. If arriving early, email reception 48 hours before – a small heads-up helps them prep a room sooner, sometimes without extra charge.
7. Tap water’s a no-go: Even locals avoid it. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and ice cubes. A 2-liter bottle costs around 4 soles at corner shops.
8. Watch for the ‘garúa’ fog: Between June and September, the sky goes gray and misty – moody but photogenic. Sunsets vanish, so that cliffside dinner might not deliver the golden view you imagined.
9. Try local transport wisely: Ride apps (Beat, Cabify) are safer than street taxis. The Metropolitano bus is fast but crowded; skip it during rush hours unless you’re traveling light.
10. Local etiquette matters: A polite “buenos días” opens doors. Locals appreciate soft greetings before business. Service staff remember small courtesies – tip 10% at restaurants and round up cab fares.
11. For cash exchanges, go official: Avoid street exchangers near Parque Kennedy; head to “Cambio Safe” kiosks or mall counters. Rates are fair, and counterfeit risk drops to near zero.
12. Street food? Choose crowds: The fuller the stall, the fresher the food. Ceviche should taste bright and cold, if it’s lukewarm, walk away. Look for locals in line; that’s your best guide.
13. Bring a sweater even in summer: Sea breeze can be chilly after 6 p.m., especially on the Malecón. Light layers save the evening.
14. Wi-Fi works best near routers: Heritage hotels in Lima sometimes have thick adobe walls that block signals. Ask for a room near the router if you rely on video calls, staff will understand.
15. Compare prices smartly: Before confirming, do a quick Lima hotel price comparison and flight check on akbartravels.com. Booking both together there occasionally unlocks bundle discounts that local desk agents can’t match.

You can easily apply for your Peru visa online through Akbar Travels, making the process quick and hassle-free before your trip to Lima.