Jorge Chávez International Airport

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) is Peru's primary gateway and the busiest airport in the country, handling over 24 million passengers annually. Located in Callao, approximately 13 km west of Lima's historic center and 20 km from the popular Miraflores district, LIM serves as the main hub for LATAM Airlines Peru and connects travelers to destinations across the Americas and Europe.

A brand-new terminal opened on June 1, 2025, replacing the old facility. The new terminal is three times larger than its predecessor, spanning 270,000 m² with capacity for 40 million passengers annually. The modern five-level design streamlines passenger flow:

• Level 1 (Ground): Arrivals, ground transportation, taxi counters
• Level 2: Commercial hub, restaurants, rental cars, sleeping pods
• Level 3: Departures, check-in, security, gates, shopping
• Level 4: VIP lounges

Important: Entry to the airport is exclusively by vehicle—there is no pedestrian access, as the distance from the entry bridges to the terminal is approximately 2 km. Plan your arrival accordingly.

LIM operates 24 hours a day and serves as the essential connection point for travelers heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu. LATAM, Avianca, and numerous international carriers including American Airlines, Delta, United, Air France, KLM, and Iberia operate from the terminal.

LIM is located 13 km west of Lima's historic center in Callao. Travel times vary significantly based on traffic:

Destination	Off-Peak	Peak Hours
Miraflores	45-70 min	75-120 min
San Isidro	40-60 min	60-100 min
Historic Center (Centro)	35-60 min	60-100 min
Barranco	50-80 min	80-130 min

Traffic warning: Lima has severe traffic congestion. Rush hours (7-10 AM, 5-9 PM) can double or triple travel times. The Airport Express bus is the most predictable option for getting to Miraflores.

Uber and Cabify operate at LIM with designated pickup areas on Level 1. Both apps work well in Peru, though you'll need WiFi or mobile data.

Pickup location: Official rideshare pickup lanes are clearly signposted on Level 1, separate from taxi stands.

Typical fares to central Lima (Uber/Cabify):

Destination	Fare	Notes
Miraflores	S/75-100 (~$20-27 USD)	Most popular tourist area
San Isidro	S/65-90 (~$18-24 USD)	Business district
Historic Center	S/55-80 (~$15-22 USD)	Colonial downtown
Barranco	S/85-110 (~$23-30 USD)	Bohemian neighborhood

Wait times average 5-15 minutes.

Official Airport Taxis (Taxi 365, Taxi Green, Taxi Directo):

• Service counters in arrivals on Level 1 (between Exits 1 and 2)
• Fixed fares by zone, displayed at counters
• Typical fare to Miraflores: S/90-120 (~$24-32 USD)
• Staff guide you to dedicated parking area for faster boarding
• Safe and reliable but more expensive than rideshare

Safety warning: Never accept taxi offers from people approaching you inside the terminal. Use only official taxi counters or rideshare apps. Unlicensed taxis pose risks including overcharging, scams, and in rare cases, robbery.

Airport Express Lima (Recommended)

The Airport Express Lima is the official airport bus and the best option for most travelers heading to Miraflores.

Details:

• Route: Airport → Miraflores (stops at Larcomar, Av. Larco, Parque Kennedy, Boulevard)
• Price: S/15-20 (~$4-6 USD) one way
• Travel time: 45-70 minutes depending on traffic
• Schedule: Departures from airport 7:00 AM to midnight (approximately hourly)
• Features: WiFi, air conditioning, USB ports, no luggage limit

How to board:

1. Exit arrivals on Level 1
2. Find the Airport Express Lima counter outside between Exits 2 and 3
3. Purchase ticket at counter or show online booking confirmation
4. Board the bus at the designated stop

Tickets: Buy at the counter (cash or card) or book online at airportexpresslima.com

Tip: Airport Express is the safest and most reliable option, especially for first-time visitors, families, and those arriving late at night.

Metro/City Buses

As of 2025, no metro or city bus serves the new terminal directly. Metro Line 2 is under construction, with a future "Aeropuerto" station planned near the old terminal—but it will not connect to the new terminal.

Public buses ("combis") are not recommended for travelers with luggage. They are crowded, confusing, and not suited for airport arrivals.

Parking is managed by Apparka and located directly in front of the terminal.

Type	Rate	Best For
Short Stay (Occasional)	Per minute/hour	Pick-up/drop-off
Long Stay (Guardianship)	S/70/day ($19 USD)	Extended travel

Tips:

• Use the Apparka app for contactless payment
• Pre-book long-term parking online at apparka.pe
• The cell phone waiting area is available for free passenger pickup

The new terminal features Nacion Sazon ("The Land of Flavours"), a 3,300 m² dining area showcasing Peruvian cuisine. Level 2 and Level 3 have the most food options.

Notable options:

• Perusuyo: Gastronomic plaza featuring traditional and contemporary Peruvian dishes
• Puku Puku: Specialty Peruvian coffee chain (first airport location)
• La Bonbonniere: Upscale Peruvian dining
• Various food courts: International and local options

Lagardere Travel Retail operates 13 food and beverage units, including 9 Peruvian brands.

Must-try Peruvian items:

• Ceviche: Peru's iconic raw fish dish with citrus marinade
• Lomo saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions and tomatoes
• Pisco sour: Peru's national cocktail
• Peruvian coffee: High-quality beans from the Andes

Pricing note: Prices in the departure zone (post-security) are listed in USD and aligned with international airport pricing. Arrivals-area shops are generally more budget-friendly.

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Details:

• Open network, no registration required for basic access
• Speed adequate for browsing and email
• Can be slow during peak times

Lounge WiFi is faster and more reliable for heavy usage or video calls.

SIM cards are available from mobile counters in arrivals (Level 1).

Carriers at LIM:

• Claro: 24-hour shop in arrivals, best nationwide coverage
• Movistar: Good urban coverage
• Entel: Competitive pricing
• Bitel: Budget option

Airport prices (arrivals kiosks):

• Tourist SIM packages: $59-108 USD for 1-2 weeks (expensive)
• Claro departure hall: S/35 ($9 USD) for 4GB + calls for 10 days

Better option: Buy a SIM in central Lima for S/25 ($7 USD) with 4GB for 30 days, or order an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure for immediate connectivity.

Tip: Airport SIM prices are 3-5x higher than city prices. Exchange only enough to get started, then buy a SIM in Miraflores.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in arrivals (Level 1) and departures (Level 3), open 24 hours.

Banks with ATMs at LIM:

• BCP (Banco de Credito del Peru)
• BBVA
• Interbank
• Scotiabank

ATM tips:

• Withdrawal fees: S/18-25 per transaction (~$5-7 USD)
• Per-transaction limits: Often S/400-700 (~$110-190 USD)
• Always choose to be charged in soles (PEN), not your home currency, to avoid poor conversion rates
• Minimize fees by withdrawing larger amounts less frequently

Currency exchange (Global Exchange):

• Three counters in arrivals and Level 3, open 24/7
• Rates are poor (wide spreads vs. city rates)
• Use for "first hours" money only (S/200-400)
• Better rates at casas de cambio in Miraflores

Current exchange rate: Approximately S/3.70 = $1 USD (rates fluctuate).

Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in Lima and tourist areas. Amex has limited acceptance. Cash is still preferred for 70-80% of transactions in Peru, especially outside major cities.

The new terminal features expanded duty-free and retail options.

Duty-free:

• Available for both international and domestic flights (new feature)
• Open-concept design connecting with other shops
• Peruvian specialties: coffee, pisco, alpaca textiles, handicrafts

Best buys:

• Peruvian coffee: High-quality single-origin beans
• Pisco: Peru's grape brandy (various brands and ages)
• Alpaca products: Sweaters, scarves, blankets
• Chocolate: Peruvian cacao products
• Artisanal crafts: Textiles, pottery, jewelry

Tip: Coffee and pisco make excellent gifts and are competitively priced at the airport.

The new terminal features modern lounge facilities on Level 4.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club LIM (International):

• Location: Level 4, Mezzanine level (follow signs to "Airport Lounges" after security)
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass purchase
• Size: 1,836 m² with capacity for 454 guests—the largest The Club lounge globally
• Quality: Signature menu by Chef Ignacio Barrios Jacobs, local Peruvian artwork, full bar, showers
• Hours: Aligned with international flight schedules

Day passes: Available at lounge entrance when capacity allows.

Sleepover (Rest Area)

• Location: Landside, accessible to all passengers
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or direct purchase from ~$23 USD for 2 hours
• Features: 69 sleeping spaces including FlexiSuites with zero-gravity recliners, Nap Pods, Single/Family Cabins (up to 4 guests), and "Lounge Lite" seating alcoves
• Best for: Long layovers, overnight connections, pre-dawn departures

Other Priority Pass Options

• Bar Bleriot: Near Gate 24, 24-hour bar with drinks, champagne, and snacks
• La Bonbonniere: Restaurant with Priority Pass access

Airline Lounges

• LATAM VIP Lounge: For LATAM business class and LATAM Pass elite members
• Star Alliance access: Through partner lounges for Gold status members

There is no hotel inside the terminal. The closest options are off-site with shuttle service.

Near the Airport (10-20 min):

• Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport: Closest hotel to the airport, shuttle service
• Ramada Costa del Sol Lima Airport: Budget-friendly option near terminal
• Holiday Inn Lima Airport: Reliable chain with airport shuttle

In Miraflores (for longer layovers):

• JW Marriott Lima: Oceanfront luxury in Miraflores
• Belmond Miraflores Park: Premium hotel overlooking the Pacific
• Casa Andina Premium Miraflores: Mid-range Peruvian chain

Tip: For very early departures, stay near the airport. For layovers of 8+ hours, Miraflores offers far better dining and walking options—just allow 90+ minutes for the return journey to the airport.

Lima is a vibrant capital of 10+ million people, known for its world-renowned cuisine, colonial history, and coastal setting. It sits at sea level, making it an ideal acclimatization point before traveling to high-altitude destinations like Cusco.

Getting Around Lima

• Uber/Cabify: Widely available and affordable (recommended)
• Official taxis: Use only registered yellow taxis or app-based services
• Walking: Safe in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco during daytime
• Traffic: Severe congestion; avoid rush hours when possible

Top Attractions (with transit time from airport)

• Miraflores (45-70 min): Oceanfront Malecon promenade, Larcomar shopping, Parque Kennedy
• Historic Center (35-60 min): Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, San Francisco Catacombs (UNESCO site)
• Barranco (50-80 min): Bohemian arts district, Bridge of Sighs, street art
• Larco Museum (40-60 min): Pre-Columbian artifacts, famous erotic pottery collection
• Huaca Pucllana (45-70 min): Illuminated ancient pyramid in Miraflores

Peruvian Cuisine to Try

• Ceviche: Raw fish marinated in citrus, Peru's national dish
• Lomo saltado: Stir-fried beef with fries
• Causa: Layered potato dish with avocado and seafood
• Anticuchos: Grilled beef heart skewers
• Pisco sour: Cocktail with pisco, lime, egg white, bitters

Lima is considered one of the world's top food destinations. Restaurants like Central and Maido consistently rank among the world's best.

Safety Tips

• Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco: Generally safe day and night, heavily patrolled
• Historic Center: Safe during the day; avoid late night
• Use rideshare apps rather than hailing street taxis
• Keep valuables out of sight; avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
• Keep copies of your passport; leave originals in hotel safe
• Emergency numbers: Police 105, Ambulance 106, Fire 116

Connecting to Cusco

Most travelers fly through Lima en route to Cusco (CUZ) for Machu Picchu. Key considerations:

Altitude warning: Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,150 feet)—one of the highest cities in the world. Flying directly from sea-level Lima to Cusco is a rapid altitude change that affects most travelers.

Acclimatization tips:

• Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours in Cusco
• Drink plenty of water (2.5-3.5 liters per day)
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals on arrival
• Try mate de coca (coca tea)—offered at most Cusco hotels
• Consider staying in the Sacred Valley (2,800-2,900 m) for your first night, then moving up to Cusco

Alternative: For travelers with 8-10 days, consider the gradual overland route: Lima → Paracas → Arequipa → Puno → Cusco. This staged ascent significantly reduces altitude sickness risk.

Flights to Cusco:

• LATAM operates the most frequent service
• Flight time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
• Book morning flights when weather is more reliable (afternoon fog can cause delays)
• Cusco airport closes after dark

Medication: Discuss acetazolamide (Diamox) with your doctor before travel if concerned about altitude sickness. Typical prophylaxis is 125 mg twice daily, starting the day before ascent.

Weather

Lima has a unique microclimate:

• May-November: Cool, overcast ("garua" fog), 14-18°C (57-64°F)
• December-April: Warmer, sunnier, 20-26°C (68-79°F)
• Rain is rare year-round

Pack layers—mornings can be cool even in summer.

Language

Spanish is spoken throughout Peru. English is limited outside tourist areas, upscale hotels, and restaurants. Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated and helpful.