Flights to Lima (LIM)

Why You Should Take a Flight to Lima

Stretching from the dramatic Pacific coast to the foothills of the Andes, Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant metropolis of 10 million people that is steeped in history but has its feet planted firmly in the 21st century.

Rich and poor live cheek by jowl in the second largest city in South America and even the notorious weather can’t mask the city’s charms.

Once the capital of Spain’s South American empire, Lima has spectacular colonial architecture, cathedrals and plazas plus museums and galleries. It also boasts trendy shopping districts, splendid beaches and a 24/7 party scene. It is also home to the best food in South America.

When to Book Flights to Lima

Peak season in Lima runs from December to April, the southern hemisphere summer. Temperatures can reach 80°F and it can be humid, although it very rarely rains. The city’s beaches are a big drawcard for locals and visitors alike.

There are plenty of big events over the summer, so plan ahead if you intend to travel over Christmas or during Carnaval (in February), Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Corpus Christi (60 days after Easter). January 18th also sees celebrations to mark the founding of the city in 1535.

From May to November huge banks of cloud roll in from the Pacific and there are only a couple of hours of sunlight each day between June and September. However, the average temperature is still above 60°F and despite the fog it rarely rains.

Lima is often full at this time of year, though, as it is trekking season in Machu Picchu and many visitors will pass through the capital en route to the mountains.

How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Lima

There are some direct flights from US cities to Jorge Chavez International Airport, which serves Lima, and when you book your flight with Orbitz there are several ways to ensure you get a bargain fare.

You can use the ‘Nearby airports’ option to see if there are cheaper fares to and from Lima from other airports in the US. Connecting flights can be cheaper and more convenient.

Having leeway in your schedule also helps and using the ‘Show flexible dates’ option allows you to compare prices on flights to Lima on different days.

The ‘Show options’ drop-down menu and the buttons on the left of the screen let you filter results by airline and ticket type. You can also search for connecting flights and restrict your search to specific airlines.

US Departures to Lima

Optimal flight times from US cities to Lima include:

• Miami to Lima – 5 hours 30 minutes
• New York to Lima – 7 hours 30 minutes
• Atlanta to Lima – 6 hours 45 minutes
• Houston to Lima – 6 hours 30 minutes
• Chicago to Lima – 10 hours

Main Airports in Lima

Jorge Chaves International Airport (LIM) is around seven miles west of downtown Lima in Callao. It handles more than 22 million passengers a year.

A metro link into the city is due to open in 2019 and there are buses, taxis and shuttles available to Lima from the airport. Avis, Budget and Hertz have hire car facilities at the airport.

The airport has plenty of options for food and drink, including Starbucks, McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. There are also money changing kiosks and ATMs.

Which Airlines Fly to Lima?

Airlines flying from the US to Lima include:

• American Airlines
• Avianca Peru
• Delta Air Lines
• LATAM Airlines
• United Airlines

How to Get to and Around Lima

Lima has an extensive bus network and a modern metro system, which is being extended to the airport. A travel card will allow you to use either. There are also cheap minivans and combis that crisscross the city, although the service can feel haphazard if you are not a local.

Taxis are a popular way to get around, but they are not metered so a fare must be agreed in advance.

It is possible to hire cars, but Lima is congested and the driving can be aggressive. Renting a vehicle offers the chance to explore area but is not for the faint-hearted.

What Are the Must-Sees in Lima?

Lima’s colonial center is UNESCO-listed and boasts some unmissable architecture. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Lima Cathedral, which houses the tomb of conquistador Francisco Pizarro who founded the city, and the adjacent Archbishop’s Palace.

Enjoy more of Lima’s culture by visiting its many museums. The Museo Larco features a stunning collection of pre-Colombian pottery – and a collection of erotica. The Museo de la Nacion tells the story of Peru from prehistoric times, while Lima’s Museum of Contemporary Art showcases the city’s modern face.

Lima has a spectacular Pacific coastline, with cliffs and beaches. Visit the promenade at Malecon, which overlooks the ocean and head to the trendy neighborhood of Barranco that is famed for its nightlife.

Tips and Tricks for Traveling in Lima

Peru is the home of ceviche, causa and quinoa and Lima has become a magnet for foodies, so make sure you eat out.

Lima is not an unsafe city, but it pays to be careful. Don’t flaunt your valuables and be wary of hawkers, touts and unofficial taxi drivers.

Summer in Lima starts the high season, from December to March. The city experiences its driest months, and temperatures hover in the high 60s to high 70s. Locals and visitors flock to Lima’s beaches in January and February—the hottest months of the year, which also coincide with local school holidays. Visit on January 18 for the anniversary of the founding of Lima and join the 24-hour celebration in the Plaza de Armas with music, dancing, and fireworks.

Travelers who don’t mind a bit of rain and cooler weather will find much lower prices for airfare and lodging during Lima’s winter season, lasting from May through October. Temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, and blankets of fog roll in from the coast. Morning showers usually dry up by the afternoon, but the air remains humid and chilly. Pack sweaters and a jacket. June through September is the most popular time for treks on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, so expect Lima to be filled with backpackers in transit.

April and November are transitional months in Lima, when the seasons are changing but the weather remains mild and dry. Hotels and airlines often have reasonable deals on travel during this time, and visitors typically have the sunny days all to themselves.

*Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on Orbitz.com from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.