Lima on a Budget

By Kaitlin Nunn, at Peru For Less, specialists in Peru travel packages. 

 

Although most travelers on a budget prefer to continue straight on to Cusco, skipping over Peru’s capital means missing out on some terrific cuisine, beautiful sights, and a side of Peru that is less touristy, and less pricey, than Cusco and the Sacred Valley. 

 

Many travelers will head straight to Miraflores and Barranco. Due to their popularity, these districts can be pricier than most, but there are still many opportunities to save money if your budget is tight. Here you can visit the pre-Inca temple of Huaca Pucllana, eat fresh seafood at many a cevicheria, and stroll along the picturesque malecon to Parque del Amor in the evening. 

 

At night, avoid the city’s more expensive nightclubs and head to the many local bars found in the town’s historical center, especially around Plaza San Martin. Getting around can be cheap too: combis are the local’s preferred choice of transport, but can be confusing for the first time visitor. The city’s new Metropolitano bus system however is an easily accessible method of traveling from Barranco and Miraflores right into downtown Lima.

 

If arriving at Lima airport during the day time, avoid the official taxi company inside the arrival hall and haggle a much cheaper fare outside. However, if you’re arriving after dark, it’s probably safer to pay for the secure service offered inside the airport. Getting back to the airport from Miraflores should cost around 30 soles, depending on the time of day and traffic.

 

Lima has a huge range of hotels, from the most expensive 5 star luxury, to extremely cheap hostels. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen, look out for the backpackers hostels in Barranco. Slightly higher class hostels, such as the Flying Dog, can be found in Miraflores.

 

Eat lunch at the Surquillo Mercado, an open-air market where you’ll find a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice for under a dollar, and plenty of fresh grilled meat and meals for just a couple bucks. 

 

It’s also best to get your money changed into Peruvian soles while in Lima, to get the best exchange rate. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted, but generally it’s best to do your daily transactions (food, transportation, souvenirs) in Peruvian soles. Changing your money with registered and unformed cambistas in the street is safe and reliable.

 

Peru For Less is a leading Lima travel agency in Peru and available to help you plan a memorable and excellent value Machu Picchu tour.