Getting There

• Many major international airlines fly into Lima, which is the gateway airport to other Peruvian cities. Have your hotel send a car to the airport, or arrange for a car from a reputable car service before you go. Don't pick up a taxi at a taxi stand unless you are a seasoned traveler, used to haggling and aware of the dangers. Even native Peruvians have been robbed by taxi drivers. If you must take a taxi, make sure it displays the black and white checkerboard decal indicating that it is licensed by the government. Haggle for the fare before you get in the cab. Avoid yellow cabs at all costs as they are not licensed.
  
  

Take a Tour

• Before you head out to explore Lima on your own, it is well worth the money to take a guided bus tour of the city in English. You will visit many sights, have time to explore and learn a great deal about the history and architecture of this great city.
  
  

The Plaza de Armas

• This is the heart of the city, bordered on the north by the Government Palace, on the east side by the cathedral and on the west side by the town hall. There is also a luxury hotel rumored to have the best Pisco Sours in town.
  
  If there are unpopular world leaders visiting, the Government Palace may be surrounded by armed guards in case of local riots. If that is the case, you may want to forgo the Plaza de Armas for a day or two.
  
  

Where to Stay and Shop

• Parts of Lima are not safe for tourists, so plan accordingly. The best places to stay are San Isidro and Miraflores, two busy districts in southern Lima. Here you will find nice hotels, good food and many places to shop. Head a few blocks away from the main streets to find the best deals. There are some fun markets with stalls selling everything imaginable, just a few blocks away. Many streets have themes such as silver, antiques or textiles.
  
  

What to See

• If you like pre-Columbian artifacts, don't miss the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú. This is the place to learn about the Incan and Nazca cultures.
  
  The Mercado Indio is a bustling, colorful market specializing in crafts. Look for textiles, silver jewelry, leather and wood items. Another good shopping place is the Petit Thouars Handicraft Market in Miraflores.
  
  The Church of San Francisco should be one of the sights on your tour. It is a prime example of Andalusian Moorish design and boasts vast catacombs under the church, many of which are open to tourists.
  
  If you don't mind that the bull is killed at the end, you can see Spanish-style bullfighting at the Plaza de Ancho in Rimac in late October and November.
  
  

Food and Drink

• There are many fine restaurants in Lima, especially in Miraflores to the south and Barranco, a neighborhood near the Plaza de Armas. You have your choice of international cuisine, indigenous foods or the ubiquitous fast food chains. Make sure you try the Pisco, a national brandy, or a Pisco Sour. Just don't drink the water unless you are sure it came from a bottle. The tap water in Peru is not drinkable.
  
  

A Word About Toilets

• The plumbing in most of Peru, including Lima, is not up to handling anything expect human waste. Even toilet paper will clog the system. Every toilet has a small, usually covered wastebasket for disposal of used tissue. In public toilets and your hotel, this will be emptied often. Also, carry a small packet of toilet paper with you as many public restrooms do not supply this.
  
  

Money and Other Tips

• Most of the ATM machines in the tourist areas will dispense either the Peruvian currency or U.S. dollars.
  
  There are numerous parks where you will often find local artists peddling their wares. These make great souvenirs and the vendors will pack them in tubes ready for traveling.
  
  Ceviche, a national dish of raw fish cooked in lime juice, is tasty but can wreak havoc with American digestion. Try a bite and wait a few days, or avoid it if your digestive system is weak or wobbly. You can develop life-threatening diarrhea from the ceviche if your stomach isn't up to it.
  
  You don't need a visa to travel in Peru. Upon arrival you will receive a 90 day traveler's visa which can be renewed.
  
  As with travel in any foreign country, learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Many people speak English, but they will appreciate your attempt to communicate in their language.
  
  Before you go, check with a travel clinic or your physician about immunizations. While none are required, there are some that are recommended including hepatitis A and typhoid.