happychic

I am eyeing an upcoming itinerary which will give me 16 hour layover in Lima (~7:30am arrival, midnight departure). I plan to leave the airport, get a hotel in Miraflores (hoping to get early check-in), and explore Miraflores area on foot. I love Peruvian cuisine and I plan on trying out different restaurants and bars. I will probably take a nap before leaving for the airport.

I am a petite woman who speaks little Spanish and do not look like a local. I have done something similar in Bogota seven years ago and it went well. I plan to use Uber to and from the airport.

Is this advisable? P2 is a little concerned, but I think I will be fine.

Section 107

Can't believe its been 7+ years since I was there, but Miraflores is one of the better (best?) neighborhoods in Lima, and generally reviewed as safe by many travel websites. I am not female but also not physically imposing and easily identified as not a local, and did wander around for several evenings exploring the scene between daytime tours. Sounds like you know generally how to be safe in unfamiliar places - at least you are asking, right? And it sounds like you are confident and therefore probably project an image of confidence and not being a soft/easy target (as opposed to someone who looks disoriented, unsure, inebriated, etc.). I don't believe there is anything that directly indicates you should not wander around and enjoy that part of the city. Of course, YMMV and it is possible you might unfortunately be the one that proves the exception. I say do it!

But surely there are folks here with much deeper knowledge and more recent experience there who will weigh in as well...

YadiMolina

Absolutely safe, as safe as any metropolitan area in the world, with the standard warnings about pickpockets and trying to be a target. Miraflores, especially the corridor along Larco Blvd from LarcoMar to Parque Kennedy is bustling day and night and full of tourists, and police. The same for the malecon along the coastline.

It's well covered on google streetview, look around before you go.

Phillbsb1979

It's safe... but keep jewelry, expensive watches, and other high-value items discreet to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Using electronics like smartphones or cameras openly can also make you a target for theft (the same as in other south american cities).