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Lima coastline and Miraflores clifftops at dusk

Lima, Peru

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Vacation Packages to Lima

7-night flight + hotel city breaks in Miraflores & San Isidro from Canada

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At a glance

Everything you need to know about Lima

Peru's sprawling capital sits on desert cliffs above the Pacific, blending a UNESCO-listed colonial old town with the leafy, clifftop districts of Miraflores and San Isidro and the bohemian streets of Barranco. It's the acknowledged gastronomic capital of South America — home to ceviche, pisco sours, and several of the world's top-ranked restaurants — and the natural gateway for onward trips to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Lima, Central Coast of PeruClimate

Climate

16–27°C · coastal desert

JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid

Warm, sunny summers (Dec–Apr) and cool, grey, near-rainless winters — Lima almost never sees real rain.

Currency

Peruvian Sol

1 CAD ≈ 2.7 PEN · cards widely accepted

Entry

Visa-free

Valid passport only

Top Experiences in Lima

Historic Centre & Catacombs
Old town

Historic Centre & Catacombs

Explore the UNESCO Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the eerie bone-lined catacombs beneath San Francisco Monastery.

Miraflores & the Malecón
Clifftops

Miraflores & the Malecón

Stroll the clifftop boardwalk to Parque del Amor and Larcomar, then tour the Larco Museum's pre-Columbian gold.

Ceviche, Pisco & Barranco
Food & nightlife

Ceviche, Pisco & Barranco

Taste fresh ceviche and a pisco sour, then wander bohemian Barranco's murals, bars, and the Bridge of Sighs after dark.

Essential info for Canadian travellers

  • Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — no visa is required for tourist stays, and you'll receive an entry stamp for up to 183 days.

  • Entry & customs: Keep proof of onward travel and your hotel address handy; immigration at Jorge Chávez (LIM) may ask for them.

  • Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Peru. Comprehensive travel insurance — ideally covering high-altitude side trips — is essential.

  • Power & plugs: Peru uses 220V/60Hz with Type A and C plugs. Canadian 120V devices need a voltage converter unless they're dual-voltage.

  • Time zone: Lima runs on Peru Time (PET, UTC−5). It matches Toronto in winter and is one hour behind during Canadian daylight time; Peru does not observe DST.

Best time to visit Lima

Dec – AprPeak season

Warm, sunny summer days — the best weather for the coast and clifftops. Busiest and priciest.

May – AugShoulder season

Cool and grey under the coastal 'garúa' mist, but dry — great value and quieter museums.

Sep – NovShoulder season

Skies gradually clear; mild temperatures and lower prices before the summer crowds.

Year-roundAlmost no rain

Lima is a desert city — it sees virtually no rainfall in any month.

Where to stay

Lima neighbourhoods

Lima is a city of distinct districts. Here's how to choose the right base for your city break, from clifftop Miraflores to bohemian Barranco.

Miraflores

Coastal district

Most Popular

The tourist heart of Lima — clifftop parks, the Malecón boardwalk, Larcomar mall, and most of the city's best hotels.

Best for
  • First-timers
  • Couples
  • Walkability

San Isidro

Central

Upscale & Green

Lima's leafy financial district with the El Olivar olive grove, fine dining, and calm, upscale streets.

Best for
  • Business
  • Quiet
  • Foodies

Barranco

South of Miraflores

Bohemian & Arty

Lima's artsy quarter — colourful murals, galleries, the Bridge of Sighs, and the liveliest bars and nightlife.

Best for
  • Nightlife
  • Art
  • Photography

Centro Histórico

Old town

Historic Core

The UNESCO colonial centre around Plaza Mayor, with cathedrals, balconied mansions, and grand churches.

Best for
  • History
  • Architecture
  • Sightseeing

Beyond the city

Day trips & excursions from Lima

Lima is a great launch point for Peru's coastal ruins, deserts, and wildlife. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.

Pachacamac Ruins Half-Day
Archaeology

Pachacamac Ruins Half-Day

Half day · 4 hrs40 km south · ~1 hr by car

Tour the vast pre-Inca pilgrimage complex of adobe temples and pyramids overlooking the Pacific.

Insider tips
  • Bring a hat and water
  • Little shade — go early
Paracas & Ballestas Islands
Wildlife

Paracas & Ballestas Islands

Full day · 12 hrs260 km south · ~3.5 hrs by coach

Boat out to the 'poor man's Galápagos' to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, plus the Paracas reserve.

Insider tips
  • Bring motion-sickness pills
  • Mornings have calmer seas
Huacachina Oasis & Ica Desert
Desert Adventure

Huacachina Oasis & Ica Desert

Full day · 13 hrs300 km south · ~4 hrs by coach

Ride dune buggies and sandboard the giant dunes around the palm-fringed Huacachina lagoon, with a pisco tasting near Ica.

Insider tips
  • Cover your camera from sand
  • Long day — travels light
Caral — Oldest City in the Americas
UNESCO World Heritage

Caral — Oldest City in the Americas

Full day · 11 hrs200 km north · ~3.5 hrs by coach

Visit the 5,000-year-old pyramids of the Norte Chico civilisation, the oldest known city in the Western Hemisphere.

Insider tips
  • Wear sun protection
  • Sturdy walking shoes
● Limited availability — book now

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Good to know

Lima travel FAQ

Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking

Do Canadians need a visa for Peru?

No. Canadians don't need a visa for tourism — a valid passport gets you an entry stamp for up to 183 days on arrival.

How long is the flight from Canada to Lima?

Air Canada flies direct from Toronto to Lima (LIM) in about 8h 30m, usually overnight. LATAM and Copa connect via hubs like Panama City.

When is the best time to visit Lima?

December to April brings warm, sunny summer weather — the best for the coast. May to August is cool and grey under coastal mist but dry and great value.

Which neighbourhood should I stay in?

Miraflores is the top choice for first-timers thanks to its clifftop parks and walkability; San Isidro is quieter and upscale, and Barranco is best for nightlife and art.

What currency should I bring?

The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted, but carry small soles for taxis, markets, and tips.

Is Lima safe for tourists?

The tourist districts of Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are generally safe. Use registered taxis or ride apps, watch for pickpockets in crowds, and take normal city precautions.

Is Lima a good base for Machu Picchu?

Yes — Lima is the main international gateway. Most travellers connect onward by a short domestic flight to Cusco to reach Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?

Yes, you can add day trips like the Paracas & Ballestas Islands tour and Pachacamac ruins to your booking at checkout.