How much time to spend in Lima?
 

I'm looking at a quick trip to Lima. I was originally planning 3 days and now I have the opportunity to change the flights around and am curious if that is a good amount of time. Too much? Too little? I'm expecting to be there in early February, most likely during the week rather than on a weekend.

I will go back to Peru at a later time for the Incan hike bits, so that isn't on the schedule for this trip.

Any thoughts on the amount of time?

Thanks!

Three days is enough time to see something of Lima although it's a very large city with a lot to see and do, so you could easily spend more time there. You should budget one day (and an evening) for the historical center of the city, with the churches etc., and if you're there in mid-summer then at least one day to the beaches south of the city is recommended (Playa Santa María is a nice, sheltered beach that I enjoy, but there are many others including excellent beaches at Asia about 100 km south of the city). Also districts like Barranco are a must see, and there's a lot of good shopping for Peruvian crafts and the like, but the best stores are scattered throughout the city so it takes time to get around to them all.

If you're like me and you travel mainly for the food, then you should plan the longest stay possible in Lima. Perú's cuisine is truly a delight. Try the top end cebicherías for a fanstastic seafood lunch, and any one of a huge variety of good restaurants for dinner.

Enjoy!

Thanks!

I've booked in for a very late Sunday arrival and similarly late Wednesday departure. Should be plenty of time to see the city. ^^

Which district are you staying in?
 

Some depends on where u r staying in Lima. I spend about half my time there and Have an APartment in SURCO near Chacarilla. Miraflores is the touristy district and there are many places to visit there. Lima is like most big cities. Be careful at night but you are fairly safe if you are in these Districts. Miraflores, Surco, San Isidro, San Borja, La Molina and parts of Barranco. I would take the night tour on the MiraBUs to downtown. It is pretty with all the lights at night and sit on the top level. Many great places to eat and very reasonably priced

Just returned from Lima and spent 4 days/3 nights. I thought it was adequate.

We stayed at Sheraton in downtown (although most would recommend staying in Miraflores, IMHO it is a great deal to redeem 3000 SPG points per night for Sheraton plus free shuttle to Miraflores).

We had late night departure passed midnight back to the US so got one extra day.

I also highly recommend Mirabus night tour, 3 hours for 50 Sols (Wednesday to Sunday) leaving from Miraflores. If you are interested, you may want to book ahead while you are in Lima.

Lima is an interesting city and if you are not afraid, do visit some commercial markets - during the day of course.

ilovetofly, I'm following a similar itinerary as your to Lima and what would be the best way to get local currency at Lima? Safe ATMs in the hotel/airport? How much cash to carry around for the touristy things? TIA

I recommend withdrawing cash from the ATM. I withdraw cash from the ATMs (mainly Scotiabank) but never from something named Globalnet (sp?) they have yellow signs... they are the ones in the airport. You learn after the transaction that you got socked with a fee. If you have dollars you can use them for your purchases and get Soles in change. I prefer to change dollars in the Vivanda supermarkets or at my friend's cafe in Miraflores.

thanks AdamSouthFL for the post. I'll look out for Scotiabank ATMs. I am spending 3 days in Lima at the end of this month.

You've gotten good advice from others but note that Peru has a highly dollarized economy in the sense that you can pay for almost anything, anywhere, in dollars at a fair exchange rate currently around US$1.00 = S/.3.00. Also there are lots of moneychangers hanging around the banks, and they charge no commissions and very fair exchange rates. Only day that may be a problem is Sunday when there are fewers moneychangers around and they may change the exchange rate.

oh great information, Siempre Viajando I would not have thought of it :) thanks for sharing.