Travel

All international flights arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM).

One quirk worth planning around: most flights between the US and Lima both arrive and depart late at night, so build that into your first and last days.

February is summer vacation season in Peru, so we recommend booking a few months ahead. One way tickets usually cost about the same as round trips, which makes comparing dates easier, and booking directly with the airline makes changes simpler. We recommend arriving by Friday morning, February 26 at the latest, so you can settle in and join us for welcome drinks that evening.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union do not need a visa for tourism. You will be stamped in on arrival. Immigration may ask to see a return ticket, so keep yours easy to reach.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you are traveling from elsewhere, please check the requirements for your country.

Peru does not currently require any vaccines for entry, and none are needed for Lima.

If you are planning your own side trip into the Amazon, talk to your doctor well in advance about yellow fever and malaria protection. For Lima and the coast, there is nothing to do.

Peru is a country of superlatives. Lima is home to more people than New York City. The country contains the driest desert on earth outside the poles, the second largest share of the Amazon rainforest, Andean peaks above 22,000 feet, and 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Lima itself is a coastal capital where pre-Columbian pyramids, colonial palaces, and one of the world’s great food scenes sit side by side. You will have every comfort close at hand in Miraflores, and the rest of the country will be waiting whenever you come back.

Late February is the height of summer in Lima. In a typical year that means warm, humid days in the high 70s to mid 80s (26 to 30°C), sunshine, and essentially no rain.

This year comes with an asterisk: forecasters expect a strong El Niño, which for Lima means hotter and stickier days than usual and an unusually warm ocean. Pack genuinely light clothing and plan for sun. You still will not need an umbrella in Lima; El Niño rains fall mainly in northern Peru and the mountains, which matters only if you are planning trips beyond the city (more on that on the Things to Do page).

Health standards in Lima are good and pharmacies (boticas) are on nearly every corner. Two things to be aware of. First, do not drink tap water anywhere in Peru; bottled water is inexpensive and everywhere, and every hotel provides it. Second, pack basic stomach medicine just in case. The local microbes are simply different from the ones at home, and a mild adjustment can happen to anyone, in either direction.

Altitude is not a factor in Lima, which sits at sea level. It only matters if you plan your own trip into the Andes (Cusco sits above 11,000 feet); in that case, ask your doctor about altitude medication and take your first day slowly.

Lima is a big city, and the guidance is the same as for any big city in the world: use common sense.

When getting around, use Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street; they are cheap and the safest option. Keep your phone in your pocket while walking rather than out in your hand. Don’t walk around wearing flashy jewelry or watches. Do not leave phones or wallets sitting on restaurant tables. You should absolutely be aware, but no need to be anxious.

The drive from the airport to Miraflores takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. The easiest options are a transfer arranged through your hotel, the official airport taxi service, or Uber from the airport. We will share any coordinated transportation details closer to the date.

Uber and Cabify are widely used, inexpensive, and the easiest way to get around. Rides between Miraflores and the wedding venue take about 25 to 35 minutes. However, we will have a shuttle for the wedding itself.

We do not recommend renting a car. Lima traffic is best left to the professionals.

Peru uses the sol (PEN). Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere you will go; American Express is hit or miss, so bring a backup card. Some vendors ask for ID with a card payment, and a driver’s license is fine.

If a card terminal asks whether to charge in soles or dollars, always choose soles; you will get the proper exchange rate. A modest amount of cash is useful for markets and small shops. Exchange money at a casa de cambio rather than at hotels, or simply use an ATM sparingly (fees add up).

WhatsApp is how Peru communicates: families, restaurants, hotels, drivers, everyone. If you do not already use it, download it and set it up before you leave home, while your phone can still receive verification texts easily.

It works over any Wi-Fi or data connection for free calls and messages. We will share key contact numbers closer to the date.