Lima, Peru

• Lima sprawls along the Pacific coast, covered in fog most of the year except summer. The food scene is the main draw - you can eat at expensive restaurants that show up on international lists, or get good ceviche for a few dollars at neighborhood spots.
• The city splits into very different areas. Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are where tourists stay - they have decent security, English speakers, and laptop-friendly cafes. Outside those districts, you'll need Spanish and the safety situation changes.
• The beaches exist but the water's too cold for most people to actually swim. Crime is a real concern like in most Latin American cities. Hide your phone, don't take street taxis, skip the jewelry.
• Street harassment is constant and technically illegal but happens anyway. If you stick to the tourist triangle and take basic precautions, it's manageable.

Spanish is the main language. Upscale restaurants and hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro have English speakers, as does the Tourist Police hotline (0800-22221) and WhatsApp (+51 980 122 335). Outside tourist areas, almost nobody speaks English - you need basic Spanish.

• Street harassment happens constantly in Lima - catcalling, kissing noises, comments they call piropos. It's technically illegal now but enforcement is nonexistent. Don't engage, don't make eye contact, just keep walking. It's mostly verbal rather than physical, but it's exhausting.
• Covering up reduces harassment somewhat. Tank tops and shorts work in Miraflores and Barranco, but shoulders covered and longer pants help elsewhere. Peruvians dress more formally than North Americans - nice jeans and blouses rather than gym clothes.
• Eating alone is normal in cafes and restaurants, especially in Miraflores and Barranco where people camp out on laptops. Lunch runs 1-3pm, dinner starts 7-8pm or later on weekends.
• You need basic Spanish. English works in tourist restaurants and hotels, but taxi drivers, market vendors, and most service workers don't speak it. Keep Google Translate handy.
• People are generally helpful if you ask for directions or recommendations, especially in the safer neighborhoods. Just stay aware of your surroundings.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. National Police Emergency: 105. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber, Cabify, and InDrive all work here and cost $3-7 for most trips in the tourist areas. Use them instead of street taxis, which overcharge tourists and occasionally have safety issues.
• The Metropolitano bus system runs on dedicated lanes and costs about $0.75. It's fine during the day but gets packed during rush hour - watch your stuff. Don't use it after 9pm.
• You can walk around Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro during the day. The coastal boardwalk has decent views and feels reasonably safe even after dark if you stick to the lit sections. At night elsewhere, use main avenues with street lighting.
• From the airport, book Uber or use official airport taxis like Taxi Green. It's $15-20 to Miraflores and takes 45 minutes to an hour. Ignore people offering rides inside the terminal.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Lima with local guides and curated experiences.