The city is in a valley surrounded by an extremely arid desert, receiving on average not more than 3 cm of rain per year. The city is surprisingly green with many parks and trees, but all of them are artificially watered by the municipality! In the summer months, December to February, the weather is usually sunny and hot, with a UV index that is invariably extreme. Even a layer of factor 50 sun block won't offer protection for long, and it's recommended to stick to shaded areas as much as possible, which is problematic when visiting archaeological sites in the scorching sun. The rest of the year, the weather in Lima is overcast, and temperatures are between 20 - 30 C° during day time, which seems chillier when combined with the general dampness. Air pollution in the streets of Lima can be very bad due to a combination of weather and older poorly-maintained vehicles.

• -12.02258-77.107881 Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM  ^IATA), ☏ +51 1 511-6055. The airport is in Callao, a seaport city northwest of Lima, 11 km (6.8 mi) from the central historic core and 17 km (11 mi) from Miraflores. (updated Jul 2015)

The airport is well connected with most cities in South America, and with some North American and European cities. Flights arrive daily from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS ^IATA), Bogotá, Madrid Barajas(MAD ^IATA), Medellín, Miami Airport(MIA ^IATA), Quito, Santiago and Toronto. There are also regular flights from Atlanta Airport(ATL ^IATA), Fort Lauderdale, Houston George Bush Airport(IAH ^IATA), Newark Liberty Airport(EWR ^IATA) and London Gatwick(LGW ^IATA).

Lima is the hub for many national domestic flights and is served by LATAM, Jetsmart Perú, Sky Perú, and Star Perú (see below).

The airport has Wi-Fi (WIGO) for a fee.

The bus station is right outside the airport grounds exit to your right. To get into Miraflores you can take the blue 18 bus or a micro. It says Miraflores on the side but confirm with the bus driver. A ride to Miraflores will cost you S/2. The area surrounding the airport is a bit dodgy. If travelling with all or any valuables and especially at night, it is recommended to take the Airport Express Lima bus instead, which will cost you US$12 for a return ticket or a taxi within the airport grounds, which costs about US$20 one way. The public bus to Miraflores takes 1-3 hours depending on traffic, while a taxi or Airport Express Lima should take under an hour.

Most companies have their terminals lined up along Paseo de la Republica (north & south) in La Victoria, not Lima's nicest district. However. Other stations are in the outskirts of La Victoria (Av. Javier Prado and along Paseo de la Republica), which is better. There you find some of the more reputable companies like Cruz del Sur, Tepsa, Ormeño, Linea, ITTSA, Movil Tours, Flores and Civa. Some of the same companies have multiple terminals in La Victoria, service to Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte^{[dead link]} in Túpac Amaru in the northern part of town; and in/around Acotongo in the southern part of town.

If you are staying in the North Lima area or close to the airport, there is a modern bus terminal: Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte^{[dead link]}, which is very convenient. It should take you around 10 minutes to get there from the airport by the Avenida Tomás Valle in a combi or taxi (there are no buses along the whole length of this avenue).

Regular buses run up and down the roads Panamericana Sur/Norte (the local name for the Panamerican Highway), Carretera Central, Interoceánica Sur, Interoceánica Norte, amongst others:

• South: Pisco, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Tacna, Cuzco, Puerto Maldonado, Juliaca, Puno, Moquegua, Ilo.
• North: Huaraz, Chimbote, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Cajamarca & Tumbes.
• East: Huancayo, Cerro de Pasco, Huánuco and Pucallpa.

The Peruvian rail network has been neglected for a long time and it is now used for freight and as a tourist attraction first and foremost. ferrocarril central runs the occasional passenger train from Huancayo.

• -12.044358-77.0286082 Desamparados railway station (Estación de Desamparados). (updated Apr 2021)

Lima's public transport network consists of a single metro line, modern buses, coasters and combis (which are called "micros" by the locals). The system can be confusing for foreign tourists.

If going further, a taxi ride between adjacent neighbourhoods costs about S/7-10 (US$2-3), if you speak Spanish well enough. A longer ride may cost from S/24-34 (US$7–10). A reasonable price for a taxi service between the airport and Miraflores is about S/65 (US$25), but may cost more from within the airport. By custom, taxis do not have meters; rather, the fare should be negotiated before boarding the taxi, or, if you order by phone, at booking time. If asking for a ride on the street, don't be fooled into getting into the cab before a rate is negotiated. Be very discerning about which taxi you choose and avoid hailing random cabs off the street as much as possible.

Caution is advised when using taxis in Lima. In Lima the shared taxis are prohibited, but there are some taxis colectivos pirata, and it might not hurt to look if there's someone hiding on the back seat or the trunk before entering.

First-time travellers to Peru need nerves of steel with regard to the traffic. Lima harbours the most lunatic drivers in the world and taxi drivers are among the worst.

Maintenance of any mechanical object in Peru, (including taxis) is only performed once it has already ceased to function. Many cars are in very poor, even unsafe, condition. It's very common to see cars and taxis with missing windows or body parts.

If you don't know a trusted taxi, it's wise to use the public transport.

Tips for taking the taxi safely:

• Do not show any valuables (including jewelry) and try to look a bit shabby.
• Speaking Spanish with confidence to your driver helps.
• Before asking for a taxi, ask several people (not taxi drivers) for the regular price. If the driver you talk to goes under that price, he might be looking to make money some other way.
• Tuck away your phone and passport where they will not look for it or see it.
• Know where you are going, know the route or at least pretend you know. Always look like you are paying attention but stay calm.
• If they start talking to you, mention that people are waiting for you, that you know local people and this is not your first time in Lima.
• Keep an eye on whether the driver is communicating with you.
• When in doubt, do not get in! There are literally a hundred others waiting for you. If you have doubts after entering the taxi, just get out somewhere it seems kind of safe and pay him full price. You can also ask him to take a different route that you choose.
• Never show the address or directions on your phone. Remember the address or write it down.

The taxi driver might take you to a location different from your destination where others are waiting and/or threaten you with a gun or knife. By the time you get to your hotel or hostel you will not have your passport, money, backpack or anything else for that matter. Even though most of the taxis in the center of the city are quite safe, be extra careful around the airport, in bad neighbourhoods and especially the bus stations.

Bicycling is fairly popular in the Greater Lima. While the authorities of the region and those of some districts encourage bicycling, e.g. by creating bike lanes (cyclovia) on some streets, this activity remains somewhat dangerous due to the chaotic nature of the traffic throughout most of the metro area. Some of the routes, such as the one along the ocean shore, are quite pleasant though.

The service with a rather misleading name, City Bike Lima exists for renting bicycles from the bike parking stations. Unfortunately, it should be more properly named "City Bike Miraflores": as of early 2022 it only covers the single district of Miraflores. Plans exists for extending the service to the neighboring San Isidro.

Bike shops are fairly numerous, and are spread throughout the metro area. The greatest concentration of them appears to exist a few blocks east of downtown, in Jiron Luna Pizarro between Avenida Miguel Grau and Jiron Antonio Raimondi, and adjacent blocks. (For the map location, see, e.g., https://goo.gl/maps/vw6MnDUpGiQkREcw8 ). So this may be not a bad area to shop for spare parts, etc. This area is very busy though, as it also has a lot of bus stations; so watch out for pickpockets and other annoyances.

Unless you have experience driving in extremely challenging environments it is normally not recommended to drive around Lima. Traffic jams are common everywhere, the street network is sprawling and confusingly laid out, and Peruvians' reputation for being some of the world's worst drivers can precede them, even in the capital. However, having a car does give the flexibility to effectively go around the city's confusing public transit system, as well as access to harder-to-reach sites like Pachacamac and points further from the city.

Some parts of Lima are easier to drive around than others. Navigating around central Lima with its colonial-era narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic (including several pedestrianized streets around the Centro Histórico and the many street vendors in the Barrio Chino) and lack of parking can be stressful, whereas driving around newer areas of the city like Miraflores, Barranco, San Borja or Santiago de Surco with their wider streets and segregated pedestrian traffic can be somewhat easier on the nerves. Conditions can change rapidly depending on where you are driving to and which part of Lima you find yourself in. Generally, if you are staying in an area with easy access to public transit and are going somewhere that is similarly accessible, it is advisable to ditch the car and take public transit instead.

Lima is the center of Peru's highway network, with key routes like the Panamericana (Norte and Sur) converging here. Other important routes include the Costa Verde which runs along the coast, Avenida Paseo de la República (nicknamed El Zanjón, or the Big Ditch) on which the Metropolitano runs, and the Anillo Periférico which runs around the city. Most highways are tolled along several stretches, and while tolls may be paid with credit cards they mostly don't work with foreign cards, so make sure to have cash handy. GPS navigation is generally accurate and can be very useful for navigating around Lima.

Paid parking is available but expensive, usually around S/5-7 an hour, but many establishments (including tourist hotspots like the Museo Larco and Pachacamac) have free parking for guests, especially outside the city center. Designated street parking is common and usually free (exceptions include the area around the entrance to the Fortaleza del Real Felipe in Callao, where street parking is S/5 but is good for the whole day), but it is generally recommended to park in an enclosed parking garage to avoid any possible damage to your car. Despite the availability of street parking Lima drivers are notorious for parking on the street in no-parking zones, which are marked with yellow curbs and no parking signs. Even if there are cars parked on the street illegally and you see locals parking there, don't do it. Parking enforcement may be uneven, but it does happen and you risk your car being towed.

Exercise caution when driving around Lima late at night, as drivers are much more likely to violate traffic rules, including running red lights.

It is very hard to change money other than euros and U.S. dollars in Lima. You can't even change the currency from neighbouring countries (besides Chile) in normal money exchanges and banks. You might find more flexible exchange offices at the airport, but they often charge ridiculous service fees and exchange rates.

Changing money in Miraflores can be done safely with cambistas on the street, but you must follow a few simple rules to avoid being cheated. First, make sure that the cambista is wearing the vest-uniform indicating that he or she is an authorized, licensed cambista. Always ask for the exchange rate ("tipo de cambio"). It is worth it to compare with several cambistas, especially if you are changing a significant amount of money. Some scammers do tricks with their calculators in your face and you won't notice, so the best way to know how much you should be getting is to bring a calculator yourself or use the one in your cellphone. Finally, make sure that the bills the cambista gives you have his or her seal ("sello") stamped on them - that way, if by chance one of them turns out to be counterfeit you can come back and complain. It is rare to get counterfeit notes from a cambista, but asking for the seal helps maintain the incentive for honesty and acts as insurance for you.

As anywhere, your best bet is usually to draw soles from an ATM. There are banks dotted all over Lima and some of them have guarded ATMs. Chances are the bank will charge you a fortune every time you withdraw money so it is better value to get as much as possible when making a withdrawal. BCP cajeros generally allow withdrawals up to S/700. Interbank has been known to charge insane fees (around US$18 for a US$50 transaction).

Always be cautious when using an ATM, as you may be followed and targeted for a robbery.

While there is not much violent crime against tourists, opportunistic theft is rampant. Watch out for pickpockets constantly. If you carry a purse, a camera, a backpack or just a pair of sunglasses hang on to them at all times. In crowded areas, put your back pack on your front and hold shopping close to you. Just keep your eyes open and be aware of people around you. In any case, if someone extremely friendly approaches (even wanting to stretch your hand), just try not to talk that much, and they'll go away. It's normal to find polite people around trying to help tourists, but stay away from the extremely friendly ones.

Avoid the surroundings of football (soccer) stadiums before and after big matches, since "barras bravas" (hooligans) can be very violent. Ask for advice if you plan to go there or thereabouts. Very infrequently, but occasionally even in nicer tourist areas, gangs of young supporters of rival football clubs, or strikers involved in a labor dispute may brawl. If you find yourself caught in the middle of such a confrontation, just try to move out of the way, preferably behind a closed door. These youths generally do not carry lethal weapons, and the worst that is likely to happen is that someone will get hit with a rock before the police arrive to break it up.

Some areas of Lima are safer than others: Miraflores and San Isidro have large populations of well-to-do and wealthy Peruvians, not to mention large tourist groups, so they have a large police presence to protect the population. Other districts, such as La Victoria, are much more dangerous. Visitors would be well advised to stay out of these areas unless accompanied by an experienced native or visiting busy areas during daylight hours. Downtown Lima is normally well patrolled but be careful anyway. Callao (the port is a separate city) is rather rough: ask for advice before going there if you plan to. The area around the airport is generally safe and well guarded but use common sense while carrying your luggage outside the airport.

Staying safe for adults can also require an understanding of the sexual climate of Peru. In general Peru is a relatively conservative country in the sense of male and female roles, but at the same time Peruvians are extremely open to friendships with foreigners. Thus, some men can find themselves suddenly the object of flirtation by attractive young Peruvian women, but then be suddenly rejected for having violated some unwritten line of conduct in, say, discussion topics. Women can find themselves the object of unwanted looks and stares, but at the same time the risk of violence and rape is probably not as high as in many other countries.

A problem that can arise is the Peruvian concept of the pepera, found at certain night clubs or pubs. Peperas are usually attractive women aged 16–25 that deliberately entice foreign tourists and then spike their drinks with sleeping pills and rob them once they're unconscious. Usually peperas work in groups of two, although smaller and larger groups exist as well. Male "peperos" also spike the drinks of women but robbery is often accompanied by rape. Peperas in general are found in dense tourist areas, such as Parque Kennedy in Miraflores as well as the Plaza de Armas in central Lima. One locale in particular that is notorious for dangerous peperas is the Tequila Rock discoteca in Miraflores and its sister in Pueblo Libre (La Marina). In July 2013 cases of drink spiking, working with bar staff, occurred in Albazos Restaurant y Pisco Bar (Berlin 172 in Miraflores).

Another cultural concept worth learning is the "brichera" (or "brichero"). There are two types of bricheras: the first type are women that are genuinely looking to meet foreign men in the hopes of dating or marriage or even a quick fling. The second type are women that search for foreign men with the implicit purpose of exchanging sex for small gifts or money. This second type of brichera is risky, especially for foreigners lacking local sensibilities, since it involves prostitution. These bricheras do not use contraception reliably, and therefore pose a higher risk for transmitting STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). If you decide to have a fling, make sure to use a condom.

Another important point to be taken into consideration is that you should not pick up just any taxi, especially when you are leaving the airport. It is not unusual to hear news of taxi drivers cheating tourists by charging them S/100 or even S/200 for normal rides, which is well in excess of the maximum fare limit of S/50. Even though Peruvian taxi drivers normally increase their fares for gringos, it is not usually such a massive difference. It is most advisable to use one of the official taxi companies inside the airport with set fares to ensure your safety.

Taxi drivers have also been known to participate in robberies, express kidnappings or serve as get away vehicles. While the overwhelming majority of Lima's taxistas are honest hard working people trying to make a living, you should be alert if you are going to hail a taxi on the street, especially if you appear to be wealthy or a foreigner. Your safest bet is to have your hotel call a taxi for you or keep the numbers of official taxi companies ("radio taxis", which are marked with registered numbers) handy. Lima's tourist information centers will be willing to call one for you as well.

Uber (largest presence), Cabify, InDrive, Beat and Easy (smallest presence) ride share apps are available in Lima, and almost always cheaper than taxis, they're also safer, and with Beat/InDrive you get a recommended rate, but you can negotiate over the app as well. Most Peruvians use ride share apps, as even they don't enjoy negotiating with taxi drivers (there are no taxi-meters).

While highly unlikely, some corrupt policemen might insist on seeing your passport to ‘verify when you entered the country’. Peru doesn't stamp passports anymore, so the victim shows the passport (if they are even carrying it on them) and of course, there will be no stamp from border control on the passport. The police will then threaten to take you to the police station or ‘fine’ you on the spot. They just want money, make sure you are nice but stand your ground. Ideally show a picture of your passport on your phone but don't show them your real passport.

The majority of embassies are clustered in San Isidro with some located in the adjacent Jesús María, La Victoria, Miraflores and Lima Districts:

• Argentina, Calle las Flores 326, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 441-44-44. 
• Australia, Víctor A. Belaúnde 147 Torre Real 3, Oficina 1301, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 205-4006. 
• Austria, Av. Central 643 Piso 5, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 442-0503. 
• Belgium (Bélgica), Avenida Angamos Oeste 380, Miraflores, ☏ +51 1 241 75 66, fax: +51 1 241 63 79, lima@diplobel.fed.be. M-F 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00. In Jan and Feb: F only from 09:00 to 12:00. 
• Bolivia, Calle Los Castaños 235, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 440-20-95. (updated Apr 2017)
• Brazil, Ave Jose Pardo 850, Miraflores, ☏ +51 1 512-08-30. M-F 08:15-18:00. (updated Apr 2017)
• Canada, Bolognesi 228, Miraflores Lima 15074, ☏ +51 1 319-2000, toll-free: 0800-50602 (within the country), fax: +51 1 446-4912. M-F 08:00-12:30 & 13:15-17:00; F 08:00-12:30. 
• China, Jiron Jose Granda 150, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 222-0842, fax: +51 1 442-9467, chinaemb_pe@mfa.gov.cn. 
• Chile, Av Javier Prado Oeste 790, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 710-2221. Consulate: M-F 09:00-13:00. 
• Colombia, Av Víctor Andrés Belaúnde, 340 Of. 602, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 201-9830. The Consulate is at a separate location at Clemente X No 335. Javier Prado Oeste a la altura de la cuadra 24. San Isidro. Tel: +51 1 399-0800 
• Ecuador, Calle Las Palmeras 356, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 212 4161. M-F 09:00-13:30 & 15:00-18:00. 
• Finland (Finlandia), Av. Victor Andrés Belaúnde 147, Edificio Real Tres, Oficina 502 (5th floor), San Isidro, Lima 27, ☏ +51 1-222 4466, +51 1 222 4480, fax: +51 1-2218286, sanomat.lim@formin.fi. M 08:30-16:45PM, Tu-Th 08:30-16:30, F 08:30-14:00. 
• France (Francia), Av. Arequipa 3415 - San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 215 8400. 
• Germany (Alemania), Avda. Arequipa 4210, Miraflores, ☏ +51 1 212 5016. 
• Greece (Grecia), Av. Principal 190, piso 6, Urb. Santa Catalina, La Victoria, Lima 13, ☏ +51 1 476 1548, +51 1 985 868579 (Emergencies), fax: +51 1 223 2486, remb.lim@mfa.gr. 
• Italy (Italia), Av. Gregorio Escobedo 298 - Jesus Maria, ☏ +51 1 463 2727, +51 1 891 7557 (Emergencies). 
• Japan (Japón), Avenida San Felipe 356, Jesús María, ☏ +51 1 218-1130, fax: +51 1 463-0302. 
• Mexico, Ave. Jorge Basadre 710, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 612-1627. 
• The Netherlands (Países Bajos), Torre Parque Mar, Av Jose Larco 1301, Piso 13, Miraflores, ☏ +51 1 213-9800, fax: +51 1 213-9805. M-Th 08:30-17:00; F 08:30-15:00. 
• New Zealand (Nueva Zelandia), Víctor A. Belaúnde 147 Torre Real 3, Oficina 1102, San Isidro, Lima 27, ☏ +51 1 222-5022. Consulate only; the nearest New Zealand Embassy is in Santiago, Chile. (updated May 2017)
• ^{[dead link]} Paraguay, Calle Roma 360, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 221-11-87. (updated Apr 2017)
• Romania, Avenida Jorge Basadre nr.690, San Isidro, 15073, ☏ +51 1 422 45 87, fax: +51 1 421 06 09, lima@mae.ro. Embassy 
• Spain (España), Av. Jorge Basadre, 498 (San Isidro), ☏ +51 1 212 5155, embesppe@correo.mae.es. 
• Sweden (Suecia), Calle La Santa María 120, San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 5669240, fax: +51 1 2210298, ambassaden.lima@gov.se. 
• Switzerland (Suiza), Avenida Salaverry 3240 San Isidro, ☏ +51 1 264 03 05, fax: +51 1 264 13 19, lima@eda.admin.ch. (updated Oct 2020)
• United Kingdom (Reino Unido), Torre Parque Mar (Piso 22), Avenida Jose Larco, 1301, Miraflores, ☏ +51 1 617 3000. 
• United States (Estados Unidos), Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Surco, ☏ +51 1 618-2000, fax: +51 1 618-2397. 
• Uruguay, Calle Jose Dionisio Anchorena, Distrito de Lima, ☏ +51 1 264-0099, fax: +51 1 618-2397. M-F 08:00-16:00. 
• Venezuela, Ave Arequipa 298, Distrito de Lima, ☏ +51 1 433-4511, fax: +51 1 618-2397.