How to make the most out of your layover in Lima

Ask any veteran globetrotter about underrated travel destinations, and they're bound to tell you about Lima. Peru's capital city is nestled on the Pacific Ocean and is an ideal spot for history buffs, foodies, and even surfers. 

Booking a trip to Lima is absolutely worth it, but if you're routed through Jorge Chávez International Airport, you’re in luck. Unless you want to hang out at the food court, it makes sense to head into downtown Lima during a long layover, especially for national flights.

Before you start your sightseeing, make sure you have a plan for any extra luggage. Bounce has luggage storage locations in Lima and throughout South America to cover all your bases.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Lima Airport

Visa requirements in Peru

Whether it’s for a full trip or a layover, Peru has extensive requirements for entering the country from an international flight. You’ll need a visa application completed and signed along with a valid passport and return ticket (not a problem for a layover). Part of the visa application will be dependent on proof of solvency along with a fee. Once approved, you'll be able to stay in the country for 180 days, which will more than cover your time until your connecting Cusco flight for your trek around Machu Picchu.

Minimum layover times in Lima

Because of the stricter requirements for entering the country, you'll need a minimum of six hours before your connecting flight to comfortably leave the airport during a layover. Anything less than that is not worth it and simply too risky in case something goes awry, especially given the smaller number of flights routed through Lima. It takes about 30 minutes to get to downtown Lima from the airport and you'll have to go through customs for international flights. It’s quicker for domestic flights, but you'll still need six hours. 

What to do in Lima during a layover

From Lima Airport, you can quickly hail a cab or arrange a private transfer to get to hotels or attractions in the city center. In general, you'll be in the travel hotspots within 40 minutes of clearing customs at international arrivals. 

If you're stuck with your bags, you can use the Bounce mobile app to find convenient luggage storage throughout Lima. Every Bounce location meets strict security requirements and your bags will be covered. So you can explore stress-free! 

Morning layover in Lima

With miles upon miles of beautiful waterfront on the Pacific Ocean, Lima is absolutely stunning in the mornings. And luckily, lighter traffic will make it easy to head into the city if your layover allows  

• Museo Larco is by far the most notable museum in Lima. It's housed in an 18th-century mansion that was once the residence of the governing Viceroy during the colonial period of Peru. You'll find over 50,000 artifacts across its impressive collection, with Gorgeous clay pots and ceramics from the indigenous Cupisnique, Chimú, Chancay, Nazca, and Inca cultures. 
• If you’re dying to get to the ocean for some fresh air, head straight for the seaside café Demo for Peruvian-Venezuelan breakfast dishes and baked goods. Don't skip the flan if you have a sweet tooth! 
• Mangos Restaurante offers stunning views of the Pacific from its elegant terrace at the Larcomar Mall in Miraflores. With views this good, the breakfast doesn't have to be good. But fortunately for you, it's great.
• Malecón de Miraflores is a bustling promenade along the Pacific Ocean where you can stretch your legs after your long flight and watch the surfers. You can also head to the nearby Parque María Reiche for a picnic or stroll through this leafy little oasis. 

Afternoon layover in Lima

Midday traffic is light so you should be able to get into town with ample time to explore and grab a meal. 

• For a long layover, head to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in Miraflores. These well-preserved structures are made of clay and adobe and date back to the pre-Columbian era in 400 B.C. 
• For some seaside retail therapy, head to the Larcomar shopping center near the waterfront in Miraflores. It's a wonderfully chic setting with a mix of local boutiques and familiar designer brands. There are also elegant cafés and restaurants onsite for dining with ocean views.   
• If you want traditional Peruvian food, heading to Isolina is by far your best bet. Portions of ribs and causa escabechada (whipped potato dishes with marinated onions) provide a hearty meal and the perfect snapshot of how locals dine. They also serve some of the best ceviche in town. 

Evening layover in Lima

Late afternoon and early evening are when restaurants and bars start to fill up, so you'll get a taste of Lima's nightlife scene and even enjoy sunset views from this beautiful capital. Budgeting extra time to account for rush hours is advisable for taking a cab into the city. 

• Chifa, which is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, will be a surprising staple for most international travelers, but locals absolutely love it, too. It's a fascinating take on a familiar cuisine and it's an extremely affordable option. A top spot for this type of meal is Chifa 9 Dragones on Calle Tarata near Kennedy Park. 
• After dinner head to the Barranco District to enjoy sunset views from the 19th-century church Ermita de Barranco. You’ll get wonderful vistas of the city and the Pacific Ocean, and there are plenty of charming bars and restaurants nearby. 
• Barranco’s is worth exploring as students and hipsters gather at trendy bars and music venues. It's not as clubby as Miraflores, but spots like Delirium de Barranco provide a Bohemian vibe.

Overnight layover in Lima

Lima is one of the most underrated South American cities for clubbing and dining, so an overnight stay in the Peruvian capital is certainly a treat. 

• Options for accommodations are limited near the airport, but the Costa del Sol Lima Aeropuerto is your best bet for a quick commute back to the airport. 
• Hotel B, Swissotel Lima, Wyndham Hotel, and Marriott’s Miraflores Hotel are great options if you have ample time to get to the airport the next day and want to stay near the action. 
• La Mar is a top cevichería in the city, and this Peruvian culinary institution is not an experience you’ll want to skip. 
• If you’re walking around the city center, stop by the El Circuito Mágico del Agua for a mesmerizing water and light show at this beautiful fountain. 
• Lima’s bustling nightlife scene doesn’t start in earnest until close to midnight, but you can start at a cocktail bar after dinner before hitting the club later in the evening. Miraflores is the best area to go out, and the must-try beverage is the delightful Pisco Sour. Stop into the Hidden Experimental Bar, La Destileria Bar, or Wahios in Miraflores.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Lima

• Spanish is the official language of Peru, but English is widely spoken at hotels and upscale restaurants in Lima. 
• Peru’s restaurants and attractions will be quite busy on weekends, so it's best to plan ahead if your layover is on a Saturday or Sunday. 
• The Peruvian sol is the official currency of Lima, and you'll want to take out cash at a currency exchange or ATM if you're planning on leaving the airport. Cash is king but all major hotels will take credit cards along with plenty of the nicer restaurants. For bars and street food, you'll definitely want to have some cash on you.
• You can explore Lima for as little as $30 per day, but you should budget at least $100 for food and entertainment during a layover. 
• San Isidro, San Miguel, Miraflores, and Barranco are the safest Lima neighborhoods for international travelers. It’s best not to venture into other areas, especially if you’re only in town for a few hours and don't have a high margin of error for grabbing your bags from the baggage claim area, getting to town, and getting back to the airport. 

If you have enough time before your connecting flight, head into town. There's simply no excuse for sitting at the airport wishing you downloaded more Netflix movies, even if you are spending time in one of the VIP lounges. Head into this vibrant South American capital for culture, nightlife, and incredible food. You won't have to worry about your bags, as Bounce will have them well taken care of!