(Last updated: 28 July 2012)
Travel
Airports
Jorge Chávez international airport is located about a 30-minute drive from central Lima, but during rush hour (7.00am-10.00am and 5.00-8.00pm) you should allow up to 45 minutes in travel time.
The international airport departure tax is approx US$31 and must be paid in cash prior to immigration clearance. Money can be changed inside the customs area, or in the main airport hall in front of American Airlines. ATMs are located in front of the Domestic Departures area at the other end of the terminal.
Ground transport
A taxi from the airport to most major hotels will cost around 40 to 50 Peruvian Soles. Formal (yellow) and informal taxis are very common in Lima. Meters are not used so settle on the fare before you get in. Fares for a 20-minute ride should not be more than 15 Soles. Some top hotels in Lima provide luxury cars at higher fares in US dollars.
For security reasons we do not recommend the use of buses, vans or informal taxis. Visitors are strongly advised to use taxis from the hotel or radio taxis (requested by telephone) which are slightly more expensive, but safer and in better condition than taxis hailed from the street.
Hotels
Lima offers business visitors a range of four and five-star hotels as well as aparthotels and cheaper hostels. The most popular locations for both business people and tourists are the business districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. Downtown Lima is still considered dangerous at night and should be avoided.
The Marriott, Swissotel, Sheraton, Park Plaza, Hotel Country Club and Casa Andina (Private Collection) all offer facilities and services international visitors expect in a hotel. Prices range from US$160 to US$400.
There is now an airport hotel located opposite the main terminal at Jorge Chavez International Airport run by the Ramada and Costa del Sol Group.
Dining
Lima is considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of Latin America, and has many excellent restaurants covering a wide range of cuisine and prices. In fact Peruvian gastronomy has been named Peruvian National Heritage.
Peruvians are fiercely proud of their cuisine and its growing global appeal. Most of the best restaurants are located in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. Ask your hotel or look on the Internet for recommendations.
Tipping
Tips for taxi drivers are not common practice. The usual tip for an airport or hotel porter would be US$1.
A service charge of 10 per cent is usually included in restaurant bills, however, it is customary in Peru to leave an additional five per cent at more expensive restaurants.
Tourist attractions
Tourists to Lima tend to visit the old Centre of Town (Centro historico) which includes the main plaza (Plaza de Armas), Cathedral, Catacombs and San Francisco Chapel. The changing of the Guards at the Presidential Palace is a highlight (12pm daily).
Other attractions include Lima’s Museums (archaeological and gold) as well is its historic and pre-Inca huacas or pyramids.
Larco Mar, located on the coast in Miraflores is the main tourist shopping area. The regulated Indian Markets, also located in Miraflores, is the best place for local crafts and souvenirs.
Lima is for many tourists only a stopover on the way to Cusco and the legendary Machu Picchu citadel in Peru’s southern highlands.
Other places of interest include the Nasca lines, Chan Chan in Peru’s north and the jungle resorts.
For more information on tourism in Peru visit http://peru.travel.
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Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
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The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
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