Book cheap flights to Lima

Lima is a wonderful city with much to offer all year round. The city experiences two major seasons: the hot, dry summer season between December and April; and cold, rainy winter days between June and October. The city’s sub-tropical climate and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean enables cool, breezy conditions with stable temperatures throughout the year. Colourful sunsets and inviting beaches attract many crowds during the summer, while winter is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Lima, like much of South America, likes to celebrate festivals throughout the year. The beginning of November sees thousands of people gathering to celebrate Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles). Other festivals include the February Carnival, Fiesta of Grape Harvesting and Wine Making in March, and the Santa Rosa de Lima in August.

South African passport holders do not need a visa to visit Peru for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has 3 blank pages available for entry stamps.

The South African Embassy to Peru is situated in Lima.

Address: Av. Victor Andres Belaunde 147, Edificio Real Tres “3”, Office 801, San Isidro, L.27

Phone: 511 612 4848

Email: general.peru@dirco.gov.za

Like most South American cities, Lima is made up of both wealth and poverty, resulting in petty crime and scam tactics. Remain vigilant of your surroundings at all times. Do not wear flashy clothes or jewellery and try to blend in as much as possible. Do not walk around with your camera hanging around your neck; keep it securely closed in a bag and never leave cameras on tables in restaurants or cafés. Pick-pocketing is fairly common in crowded areas.

It is not advisable to walk around at night – unsavoury neighbourhoods like Rimac, Callao, Los Olivos and San Juan de Lurigancho attract criminals, so rather take an official taxi organised by your hotel (taxis do not have meters and will try to scam you unless a price has been agreed upon beforehand). Airports are also hotspots for petty crime, so do not linger outside passenger areas.

Peru does not require any yellow fever certificate of vaccination to enter the country. However, the South African authorities may require a valid yellow fever international certificate when returning to South Africa. Vaccines against typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended.