Local time Lima

Currency

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Getting around Lima

Public transport

The cheapest and most colourful way to get around Lima is to take a municipal bus, a privately owned microbus or a collective minibus (known as a combi or colectivo). The distances between the historic centre and suburbs, such as Miraflores or Barranco, make walking difficult.

Buses cover every part of the city and most services run between 0600 and 2300 (some until 0100). There is no specific bus service provider, but the Municipality of Lima (tel: +51 1 632 1300; www.munlima.gob.pe) is responsible for overseeing transport in Lima. Municipal buses and microbuses charge a flat rate. You can buy tickets from the driver. The combis (small vans converted for passenger use) are faster and cover the main routes but charge slightly more and have a poor safety record.

Line 1 of the Lima Metro (tel: +51 1 207 2900; www.lineauno.pe) runs between Villa El Salvador and Bayovar. A second line is under construction.

Taxis

In Lima, you can hail taxis from the street. These don't have meters, so you should agree the fare before you get in. Street taxis usually have a red and white sticker in the window - some are private cars being used to generate extra income.

There are also some 24-hour licensed companies that accept advance reservations, such as Moli Taxi (tel: +51 1 479 0030). It's a good idea to lock your doors when going through rough areas. Licensed taxis are usually yellow and cost more than unlicensed taxis.

Driving

Driving around Lima is a stressful experience, mainly because traffic moves at terrifying speeds and does not respect the road lanes. Traffic lanes and even traffic lights are routinely ignored, and horns are frequently used. One tip for drivers is to keep a wide berth between cars, as shunts from behind are extremely common and often costly.

There is 24-hour parking available in most parts of the city - usually an open-air yard (playa). Parking meters are common in the suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro.

Car hire

Most car hire companies in Lima have offices at the airport, where everything can be arranged and the car picked up and dropped off. Drivers must be at least 23 to 25 years old. A valid driving licence, identification and a credit card are required. The insurance policy may cover only minor damage and not major accidents, though extra cover is usually available.

The three main companies in Lima are Avis (tel: +51 1 444 0450; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +51 1 575 1674; www.budgetperu.com) and Hertz (tel: +51 1 517 2402; www.hertz.com). Car hire is expensive, reflecting the high cost of driving and Lima's accident rates.

Bicycle hire

The way the traffic hurls itself through Lima’s road system, it’s no wonder there’s no public bike scheme. Cycling isn’t massively popular, although it is possible to find bike hire companies. Guide-led bike tours have become more common. Green Bike Peru, Avenida Larco 345 (tel: +51 1 225 9607; www.greenbikeperu.com) offers both rentals and tours.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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JW Marriott Hotel Lima

The Lima offering from this reliable international hotel chain is a comfortable concoction of well-dressed rooms with sea views. Eat in at the second floor restaurant La Vista, offering Peruvian and international flavours, or try the Sushi and Cerviche Lounge for fusion fish dishes. The hotel also has fitness facilities, a spa and pool.

Miraflores Park Hotel

This highly regarded hotel benefits from a stylish location overlooking the seafront and public gardens in Miraflores. Views don't come much better than from the rooftop pool and breakfast is also served sky high in the poolside Observatory Restaurant. An additional restaurant, swanky bar, an on-site gym and spa add further appeal to the luxurious experience. 

Hotel B

One of the newest additions to the luxury hotel scene, art-boutique Hotel B in Barranco has quickly earned a sparking reputation for its elegant suites and seamless service. Set in a stunning white mansion enlivened by well-curated artwork, rooms are individually decorated and come with plush linens. The intimate dining room is served by celebrated Peruvian chef Oscar Velarde.

Hotel Antigua Miraflores

Set in a pink century-old mansion, Antigua is characterful and reasonably priced, especially considering its upmarket location in Miraflores. Handcrafted furnishings, antiques and free Wi-Fi complement the inviting rooms, some with kitchenettes and baths. Opt for a front-facing room which have a sense of history and a bit more comfort than the more modern ones at the back.

Second Home Peru

For creative types, Second Home Peru won't fail to impress. The timber-framed, century-old house and expansive gardens have fairy tale allure, decked out in life-size sculptures and colourful canvases by leading Peruvian artist and proprietor Victor Delfin. Each bedroom is unique and rich in quirkiness – opt for one of the three beautiful ocean-side stays to fall asleep to the crashing of waves.

Casa Andina Private Collection

Part of the Preferred Hotels collection, Casa Andina is everything you'd hope for in a night's stay. Set in a high-rise the heart of Miraflores, it offers its own restaurant, bar, gym and sauna. Contemporary rooms are outfitted with cutting-edge mod-cons and boast impressive views across the cityscape. Breakfast is plentiful and the obliging staff go out of their way to ensure visitors enjoy their stay.