Exploring Lim Airport: Things To Do And See

what to do a lim airport

Lima Airport, also known as Jorge Chávez International Airport, is a major hub in Latin America for travel to Machu Picchu. Many travellers find themselves with a long layover here, waiting for a connecting domestic flight to Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu. If you're one of them, there are plenty of things to do during your wait. You can pay to enter one of the airport lounges, which offer unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating. If you'd like to leave the airport, you can take a taxi to the city centre, but be aware that the neighbourhood around the airport is considered one of the most dangerous in Lima, and scammers have been known to pose as taxi drivers. If you do decide to venture out, you can visit the Museo Larco, take in the nightly light show at the Circuito Magico del Agua, or explore the modern art galleries in the hip Barranco neighbourhood.

Characteristics Values
Airport Code LIM
Airport Name Jorge Chávez International Airport
Location Callao, just north of Lima
Transport to/from Airport Airport Express Lima bus ($4), official taxi ($20), or an authorised taxi company
Safety The neighbourhood around the airport is considered dangerous, so it is recommended to use authorised taxis or the bus
Nearby Attractions Museo Larco, Circuito Magico del Agua, Barranco neighbourhood, Palomino Islands
Lounges Two lounges are available for all travellers, regardless of airline or flight class, offering food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating
Hotels Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport, Lima Airport Hotel

shunhotel

The airport is in Callao, north of Lima. Avoid the neighbourhood around it

Callao, north of Lima, is a beautiful tourist destination, very close to the city. It is a coastal city known as the Port of Lima, as the entire port system of the capital is based here. Callao is a charming and picturesque place, with a varied and delicious cuisine, a warm and humid climate, incredible colonial architecture, museums, beaches and galleries. The Chucuito-Callao Monumental area is the historical centre of Callao, near the docks. Here, you can learn about the city's republican history through museums and fortresses, and visit the birthplace of Lima, Plaza de Armas de Lima, which has an antique fountain surrounded by a cathedral, palace and colonial buildings. The Callao Monumental neighbourhood also has galleries and exhibitions, showcasing the city's culture and activities.

However, it is important to note that while La Punta (Callao) is considered a very safe place, the surrounding districts are said to be very dangerous. The same source that recommends visiting the historical centre of Callao also advises avoiding the neighbourhood around it, specifically Bellavista (Callao), Ventanilla (Callao), and the Callao district (Callao). Another source mentions that Callao, La Victoria, SJL, and Centro de Lima (near old town) are unsafe, especially Barrios Altos near the old cemetery.

If you are arriving or departing from Jorge Chávez International Airport (also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez), located in Callao, there are a few things to keep in mind. The airport is quite small compared to other international airports, but it is a major hub in Latin America. While there may not be many places to rest inside the airport, the Lima Airport Hotel is available right across the pedestrian street. For transportation to and from the airport, it is recommended to use registered taxi companies such as Taxi365, Taxi Directo, or Taxi Green, or a shuttle service like Peruvian Shuttle or Lima Transfers Co. The Airport Express Lima bus service is also a reliable and economic way to get to Miraflores from the airport.

Gaza City's Airport: A Dream or Reality?

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Use authorised taxis only. Scammers pose as taxi drivers

If you're travelling to or from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, it's important to be aware of potential scams and only use authorised taxis to avoid being overcharged or robbed.

Firstly, it's recommended to use one of the three major taxi companies operating within the terminal building: Taxi365, Taxi Directo, or Taxi Green. These companies are authorised and provide a safer option for travellers. Alternatively, you can ask your hotel or hostel to arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport, although the price may be similar to the authorised airport taxis.

It's important to book your taxi before leaving the baggage claim or customs area and entering the public area of the airport. The stands inside the airport will accept credit card payments, and the fares to various destinations in Lima should be posted. This option is much safer than arranging a taxi in the public area, as the airport can revoke access to companies scamming customers.

Be cautious of taxi drivers who approach you inside the airport grounds or just outside the main terminal, even if they appear legitimate. Some travellers have reported scams where taxi drivers demand an inflated fare or work with robbers to steal your belongings. Always confirm the fare in advance and insist on taking a route along the main avenue to minimise the risk of robbery.

In addition to taxi scams, travellers have also reported luggage scams at the airport. Be wary if someone claims your bags are lost, as they may be seeking a "tip" to return them. Overall, it's important to stay vigilant and only use authorised services to minimise the risk of being scammed at LIM Airport.

shunhotel

Visit Miraflores, on the coastline. It's a 40-minute drive from the airport

Miraflores is a 40-minute drive from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru. It's a popular area for tourists and travellers to stay, with a range of accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and parks. It's also known for its proximity to the beach and its European feel.

If you're looking to visit Miraflores from the airport, there are a few transport options available. You can take a taxi, which is convenient but can be expensive and may not always be legitimate. It's recommended to buy a ticket in advance from one of the booths inside the airport to ensure you get an official taxi. Alternatively, you can use a shuttle service like Quickllama Airport Shuttle or Airport Express Lima, which offers a direct route to Miraflores with free WiFi and USB charging ports. This is a safer and more affordable option than a taxi, and you can pre-book your ticket online or purchase it from an official ticket desk inside the airport.

Once you're in Miraflores, there are a few notable attractions to visit. The Museo Larco, or the Larco Museum, is built on a historic property and covers art and history in Peru. It's open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, so you'll have plenty of time to explore even if you're just visiting for the day. Another option is to stroll through the Barranco neighbourhood, known for its modern art galleries and hip vibe. You can also find traditional Peruvian cuisine in Miraflores, such as Paprika or Pikeos, and sample a pisco sour at the Walak Bar at the Wyndham Hotel.

If you have more time to spend in Lima and want to explore beyond Miraflores, you can consider a private driver or tour guide. Lima4x4.com, for example, offers a 12-hour private driver service for $150. This can be a great option if you want to explore the food and culture of Lima and its surrounding areas, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Bern Airport: Does It Exist?

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Take a day trip to Paracas and Huacachina

If you're looking to take a day trip to Paracas and Huacachina from Lima Airport, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, this excursion will take around 18 hours, leaving Lima around 5 am and returning around midnight. It's a long day, but it's worth it to see these two amazing sites. You'll get to spot sea lions, penguins, and the incredible Huacachina desert oasis.

There are several tour companies to choose from, but Peru Hop is a popular choice, with comfortable buses and local onboard travel assistants. They offer a luxurious semi-bed seat to rest on the way there and share crazy stories and insights that aren't in the guidebooks. The cost of the tour typically includes a tour guide, a boat ride in Paracas, and a dune buggy/sandboarding tour in Huacachina. You'll have free time to explore the Huacachina Oasis, walk around, or relax by the dunes with a Pisco Sour.

Paracas is a small coastal town, so you won't get lost, and you can enjoy delicious seafood there. The boat ride to the Ballestas Islands (known as the Galapagos of Peru) is a must-do, where you can observe wild penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Getting to Huacachina from Lima Airport can be a challenge as it's about an hour away, and you'll need to be comfortable with driving in Peru, including navigating, refuelling, and finding your way around. Taking a day tour with a reputable company is the most convenient and stress-free option.

There are various transport options to get from Lima Airport to the city centre, including taxis, shuttle services, and buses. Taxis are a popular choice, but be aware of unregistered taxis and opt for authorised companies like Taxi365, Taxi Directo, or Taxi Green. Shuttle services like Peruvian Shuttle and Lima Transfers Co. offer private transfers starting from $20 USD. The Airport Express Lima bus service is another reliable and economic option, with tickets from $4.

shunhotel

Check out an airport lounge for unlimited food and drinks

If you're looking for unlimited food and drinks at Jorge Chávez International Airport (also known as LIM), you can consider visiting an airport lounge. The Club Lima is one such lounge, offering complimentary light meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as unlimited free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, and comfortable seating. Showers are also available in selected lounges.

The Club Lima lounge provides a peaceful and relaxing environment, catering to various dietary needs with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. They also take allergies seriously, providing accurate allergen information and putting the necessary precautions in place. You can even bring food from one of the dining establishments within the terminal into the lounge, although food and beverages are complimentary for the duration of your stay.

It is important to note that you can only use a lounge in the terminal and airport you are departing from, so be sure to check which airport and terminal you are flying from. Additionally, you can book one lounge visit at a time, and if you have the Priority Pass, you may have additional lounge options available to you.

If you have a long layover, you may also want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city of Lima. The Miraflores neighbourhood, with its European feel, restaurants, shops, parks, and proximity to the beach, is a great option. You can also visit the Museo Larco, which covers art and history in Peru and is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.

Frequently asked questions

LIM airport is quite small, but it does have lounges that offer unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating. There is also a hotel located directly across from the terminal, with day rooms and spa packages available.

Yes, there is one hotel located directly across from the terminal called Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport. There is also the expensive Lima Airport Hotel, which is right across the pedestrian street from the airport building. However, it is not recommended to stay at hotels near LIM airport for safety reasons.

There are a few things to do during a layover at LIM airport. You can take a day trip to Paracas and Huacachina, tour the Museo Larco, watch the nightly light show at the Circuito Magico del Agua, or explore the Barranco neighbourhood for modern art galleries and a hip vibe.

The best way to get to and from LIM airport is by using the Airport Express Lima bus for around $4 USD or an official taxi for around $20 USD. There are three major taxi companies operating within the terminal building: Taxi365, Taxi Directo, and Taxi Green. Make sure to calculate enough travel time as traffic in Lima can be horrible.

Yes, there is a storage area next to international arrivals where you can store your luggage for $12 per bag.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment