Overview
Lima, Peru's coastal capital, is a sprawling Pacific city that pairs Spanish colonial grandeur with a globally celebrated food scene and a springboard to Machu Picchu and the Andes. Its clifftop Miraflores district, historic centre and world-ranked restaurants make it an essential stop for UK travellers heading to South America — served by Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Lima quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Lima
Lima has an unusual desert-coast climate with little rain. The warm, sunny summer runs from December to April, ideal for the coast, while May to November brings cooler, greyer skies with a persistent coastal mist known locally as garúa. If you are continuing to Cusco and Machu Picchu, the dry Andean season (May to September) is best. Fares usually ease outside the festive peak — check the price charts on this page for your dates.
Airlines and routes
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Lima in around 12–13 hours on selected schedules. Reliable connecting routes run with Iberia and Air Europa (via Madrid), KLM (via Amsterdam), Air France (via Paris) and American Airlines (via Miami), serving the UK from London and Manchester. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Lima
Lima blends history, coastline and extraordinary cuisine:
- Historic Centre (Plaza Mayor): a UNESCO-listed core of grand cathedrals and balconied mansions.
- Miraflores & the Malecón: clifftop parks and ocean views above the Pacific.
- Barranco: a bohemian district of street art, galleries and lively bars.
- Larco Museum: a superb private collection of pre-Columbian art and ceramics.
- Food scene: home to some of the world's best restaurants and the birthplace of ceviche.
At Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Jorge Chávez is Peru's main gateway, in Callao about 12 km north-west of central Lima (roughly 30–45 minutes from Miraflores). Facilities include duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges and dining. Official airport taxis and pre-booked transfers are the safest way into the city; use authorised desks rather than informal drivers.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Lima
- Book roughly 2–5 months ahead — long-haul fares to Peru rise close to departure.
- Avoid the December festive peak; the quieter weeks are noticeably cheaper.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Compare direct and one-stop routings; a connection can sometimes cut the cost.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays in Peru of up to 90 days.
- If travelling on to Cusco or Machu Picchu, allow time to acclimatise to the altitude.
- The local currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN).
