Why visit
Lima is Pacific-cliff Miraflores, bohemian Barranco, and the historic center. Plus a dining scene regularly ranked among the world's best (Central, Maido, Astrid y Gastón).
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Lima is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Peru. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Lima, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Peru better matches the trip style.
Lima at a glance
City population
10.1 million
Metro: 10.7 million
Elevation
154 m
505 ft
Time zone
UTC-5
America/Lima
Airport
LIM
Jorge Chávez International
Founded
1535
Getting around
Metro Line 1 + Metropolitano BRT + buses
Signature dish
Ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, causa, pisco sour
Neighborhoods for travelers
MirafloresBarrancoSan IsidroCentro HistóricoCallao
Peru at a glance
Country center
-10.0°, -76.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,285,216 km²
496,224 mi²
Country population
34.4 million
27/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Peruvian sol (S/.)
PEN
Dial
+51
Languages
Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
Demonym
Peruvian
Internet
.pe
UN
Member state
ISO code
PE / PER
Where in the world
-10.0° - -76.0°
Peru
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and served as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru for almost 300 years.
- Barranco and Miraflores sit on cliffs above the Pacific; the city has some of the best ceviche and chef-driven restaurants in Latin America.
- The garúa, a thick coastal fog, covers Lima for half the year and is the reason the desert city rarely sees proper rain.
- Peru has 3,800 varieties of native potato: more than any country on earth.
- Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham "re-discovered" it in 1911: locals knew it all along.
Bordering Peru
Traveler notes
- Ceviche lunch in a cevichería, not a tourist spot
- Coastal path from Miraflores to Barranco
- Book Central/Maido weeks in advance
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Lima
What currency is used in Lima?
Lima uses the Peruvian sol (S/.), ISO code PEN.
What languages are spoken in Peru?
The primary languages are Aymara, Quechua and Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Peru?
The calling code is +51.
What airport serves Lima?
Jorge Chávez International (IATA: LIM).
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