The Lima International Airport Jorge Chávez

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru's gateway to the world, is located in Callao about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima's historic city center and approx. 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the district of Miraflores. The airport is named after the Peruvian aviation icon Jorge Chávez Dartnell and is one of the largest, busiest and most modern airports in Latin America.

The airport serves as a hub for more than 20 airlines and provides direct international flights to North, Central and South American countries, the Caribbean and Europe, along with national flights in Peru. 

Please note: With the opening of the new terminal of Lima's airport on June 1, 2025, all the information on this page was outdated. I'm busy right now bringing everything up to date. However, being a one-man-show, updating all info, pictures and graphs can only be done step-by-step. So, please allow me a view more days until the article is completely "overhauled" and as informative and helpful as you are used to. Thank you. 

Table of Content

• General Information about Jorge Chavez International Airport
  • History
  • Airlines and destinations
  • Passenger numbers
• Location and layout of Lima’s airport
  • Location
  • Layout of the terminal
• Facilities and services at Lima's airport
• Arriving at Lima's airport
  • Covid regulations
  • Immigration
  • Customs
  • Arriving with pets
• Getting from the airport to town
  • Best options
  • Taking a taxi
  • Renting a car
• Departing from Lima's International Airport
  • Check-in, security check and gates
  • Airport tax - TUUA
  • Restricted items
  • Narcotics
  • Departing with pets

General information

Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru's gateway to the world, is located in Callao about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima's historic city center and approx. 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the district of Miraflores.

History of Lima's Jorge Chavez Airport

Jorge Chávez International Airport was inaugurated in December 1965, replacing Lima’s old airport in San Isidro, known as Limatambo. In 2001, it was privatized when the Peruvian government granted Lima Airport Partners (LAP) - now a joint venture between Germany’s Fraport AG (80.01%) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group (19.99%) - a 30-year concession to develop, operate, and expand the airport.

Since then, the airport has undergone continuous expansion and modernization, making it one of the most modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly airports in Latin America. Over the past two decades, these improvements have been recognized with multiple awards, including Best Airport in South America (Skytrax World Airport Awards) and South America’s Leading Airport (World Travel Awards).

As part of a large-scale expansion project, a second runway and a new high-tech control tower were inaugurated in April 2023.

And after several delays, a new passenger terminal, three times larger than the old one, opened on June 1, 2025 replacing the old terminal, which is planned to be repurposed for logistics, medical services, offices, and private aviation, with the possibility of serving as a secondary terminal if needed.

The new terminal has a projected capacity of up to 40 million passengers annually, making Lima's airport one of the largest in the region. Despite its size, it remains easy to navigate, passenger-friendly and organized. The terminal features around 90 check-in counters, 42 self-service check-in kiosks, 59 boarding gates (46 with boarding bridges, 13 with buses), 37 elevators, 33 escalators, and 10 moving walkways, large commercial areas, and state-of-the-art technology for baggage handling and security. It also includes VIP lounges, fast-track connection areas, and rest areas, offering travelers a modern and efficient experience.

The expansion project also includes the development of the Lima Airport City, the first of its kind in South America. The project is integrated with planned improvements in Lima’s infrastructure, including a mass transit system (metro and buses) and an upgraded road network to ensure better airport access.

Airlines and destinations

As of 2024, Lima’s airport served as a hub for 22 airlines flying to 60 destinations and as a cargo logistical hub in South America. To give you an overview which airlines connect Lima with the world find below a listing. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and routes are subject to change.

North America

• Aeroméxico: Mexico City
• Air Canada: Montréal, Toronto
• American Airlines: Dallas, Miami
• Delta Air Lines: Atlanta
• Interjet: Cancún, Mexico City
• JetBlue: Fort Lauderdale
• LATAM: Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Miami, Mexico City, Cancún
• United Airlines: Houston, Newark

Central America and the Caribbean

• AraJet: Santo Domingo
• Avianca: San José (CR), Santiago de Chile, San Salvador
• Copa Airlines: Panama City
• LATAM: San José (CR), Havana, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, Cancun
• Volaris: San José (CR)

South America

• Aerolíneas Argentinas: Buenos Aires
• Avianca: Bogotá, Guayaquil, Quito
• Boliviana de Aviación: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
• Copa/Wingo: Bogota
• JetSmart: Santiago de Chile
• LATAM: Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Bogotá, Quito, and more
• Sky Airline: Santiago de Chile

Europe

• Air Europa: Madrid
• Air France: Paris
• Iberia: Madrid
• KLM: Amsterdam

Domestic Destinations within Peru

• LATAM Perú: Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Iquitos, Juliaca, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes
• Sky Airline: Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cuzco, Iquitos, Piura, Pucallpa, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes
• Star Perú: Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Tarapoto

Jorge Chavez International Airport passenger traffic

Since the beginning of the 21st century, passenger numbers at Jorge Chávez International Airport have shown consistent growth, transforming the airport into a major regional hub. This upward trend continued steadily until 2019, when the airport reached a historic peak of 23.6 million passengers.

The Covid pandemic in 2020 abruptly interrupted this growth from one day to another, causing passenger numbers to plummet to around 7 million due to global travel restrictions and a complete lockdown of Peru. A gradual recovery began in 2021, with traffic rising to about 10.8 million. By 2022, numbers rebounded strongly, reaching approximately 18.6 million passengers - a 72% increase from the year before. The recovery continued in 2023, with the airport nearly reaching its pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, Jorge Chávez set a new record by handling 24.5 million passengers, driven by renewed international demand and Lima’s growing importance as a transit hub.

In 2025, the airport opened a new terminal (a second runway and a high-tech control tower were already added in 2023) expanding its capacity and paving the way to handle over 30 million passengers annually in the next years and even 40 million mid-term. 

Location and layout of Lima’s airport

Location

Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, about 13 km (8 miles) west of Lima’s historic city center and approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) northwest of the Miraflores district. In June 2025, a new terminal was inaugurated within the airport complex. It now handles all domestic and international flights. The old terminal nearby remains intact for now and may be repurposed in the future. Access to the new terminal is now via Av. Morales Duárez.

Layout

The new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima represents a significant expansion built to support the increasing demand for air travel in Peru and the region. Covering approx. 270,000 sq m (2.9 million sq ft) it's three times larger than the old terminal. The new terminal spans five levels - four above ground and one basement - each designed to streamline passenger flow and improve the travel experience. 

While this may sound like one of the large and confusing airports in North America or Europe, Lima’s new terminal despite its size is just as easy to navigate, passenger-friendly, and well-organized as the old one. Additionally, signage is in both Spanish and English, and most airport personnel are bilingual, ensuring a smooth experience for travelers. So, you’re unlikely to get lost and should have no trouble finding your way.

Generally speaking the terminal is divided into four sections:

• Left side: International departures and arrivals
• Right side: Domestic departures and arrivals
• Upper section: Shared area for both domestic and international flights
• Central section: Key departure and arrival services such as immigration, customs, baggage claim, food court, shops, and lounges

1st and 2nd floor - Arrivals

The first and second floor of Lima's airport terminal are primarily dedicated to arriving passengers. A notable exception are the remote departure gates on the first floor (marked "B" on the map), which require a bus transfer to the aircraft.

 

On the second floor arriving passenger conveniently find the national and international transit areas before being directed to the first floor. The public area on the second floor offers a seating area with food and beverage options, numerous shops as well as the Sleep 'N Fly Lounge, now rebranded to "Sleepover". The first floor houses immigration, baggage claim, and customs. The layout offers a smooth and efficient arrival process.

3rd floor - Departures

The third floor of Lima's airport terminal is dedicated to departing passengers. Upon entering the terminal, travelers arrive directly at the check-in area, which includes check-in counters, various shops, and Perusuyo, a gastronomic space that celebrates the richness and diversity of Peruvian culture and cuisine.

Behind the check-in counters lies the security checkpoint. After passing through security:

• to the left is the international departures area. Once through immigration control, you have access to a wide range of shops, duty-free stores, restaurants, and the international departure gates (D).
• to the right is the domestic departures area, which also offers shops, restaurants, and the domestic departure gates (A).
• the C gates are mixed-use and serve both national and international departures.

4th floor

The fourth floor is home to the airport's VIP lounges, including The Club LIM Lounge (operated by Collinson International through Airport Dimensions) for international travelers and starting in August 2025 the LATAM Lounge. A national VIP lounge is in planning.

Facilities and services at Lima's airport

Lima’s new airport terminal, opened in June 2025, offers all the essential services and facilities you would expect from a modern international airport - clear signage, easy to navigate layout, state-of-the art technology and modern immigration, customs, baggage handling and check-in areas, as well as a Peruvian design with spacious waiting zones, a good range of shops, restaurants, practical amenities and essential services. So, whether you are arriving, departing or in transit the airport is a world-class hub set up to meet international standards and passenger expectations.

Find below a list of services and facilities most travelers are looking for.

Passenger service counters

You find passenger service counters offering general airport assistence and  help with inquiries and concerns in

• the public departure area on the third floor
• the international departure area on the third floor
• the domestic departure area on the third floor
• the domestic and international arrival area on the first floor.

Wifi

Jorge Chavez International Airport offers free Wifi, which is not restricted by any time limits. Just connect your mobile device to the network .FreeWi-FiJorgeChavez and you are ready to go and enjoy free internet throughout your stay at the airport.

Airport maps

Check out our chapter Airport terminal layout above and/or scan below QR code with your phone or mobile device and you get the maps of the airport terminal, which include many facilities and amenities when you zoom in/out. At the top you can change the floor.

Money exchange

You can exchange money at the Global Exchange counters, for example, in the international arrivals area on the first floor next to the baggage claim, or at the World Xchange kiosk, for example, in the departure area on the third floor before the check-in counters. As the exchange rate at the airport is usually more than miserable, we recommend better using one of the many ATMs spread around the airport to withdraw local cash.

Here you find some tips when using ATMs in Peru

ATMs - Credit Cards - Traveler's Cheques

General Peruvian Money Information

When traveling you of course need money. Even though debit and credit cards are at least in major cities widely accepted, cash is still king in Per...

If you prefer to exchange at the airport, only change the absolute minimum to get to town. There rates are much better.

eSIM & SIM cards for tourists

PeruSIM by Claro, located in the arrivals area on the first floor, offers eSIM and SIM cards with special pre-paid plans for tourists. Prices for these tourist plans are a bit higher than "normal" plans at a Claro shop, however, you can buy the SIM with just a foreign passport. For available plans and prices check out the PeruSim website.

If you want a local phone number and stay longer than a few weeks in Peru, better skip the airport option and get the SIM for around S/ 10 at a Claro shop in town and choose there a more cost-effective package that better fits your needs.

Luggage storage & lockers

The “Left Luggage” (Guardianía de Equipajes) at the Lima airport is a safe and secure place to leave your luggage for a few hours, a day or even longer. The service is fast, easy and reliable. The luggage storage is open 24/7.

Price

• Small pieces of luggage (hand luggage, handbags, etc.): S/ 8 per hour or S/ 48 per day (24 hours).
• Large pieces of luggage (suitcases, large backpacks, etc. ): S/ 16 per hour or S/ 96 per day (24 hours).
• Over-sized items (surf boards, bicycles, etc.): S/ 20 per hour or S/ 100 per day (24 hours).
• Private lockers: S/ 20 per hour for all you can fit in or S/ 100 per day (24 hours). The dimensions of the lockers are 45 cm (wide) x 60 cm (long) x 75 cm (high).

Please note: Discounts for the storage of lots of luggage or for an extended period of time can be negotiated.

Terms & Conditions of using the “Left Luggage” include

• Show passport or ID when leaving your luggage.
• No valuables, food, flammables, drugs, and weapons are accepted.
• Payment when picking up your luggage.
• Only cash payments either in Peruvian Soles or US Dollars are accepted; payment with credit card is not possible.
• Area is monitored by video, so be aware that you are recorded.

Contact details

• Phone: (+51) 922 559 112
• E-mail: guardianiaequipajes [at] gmail.com

Lost and Found 

If you forgot or lost something in the airport terminal, get in contact with the "Oficina de Hallazgos" (Lost and Found office) at the airport. You can do so either in person (the office is on the third floor in the check-in area (before the security check to the left) or by e-mail under hallazgos [at] lima-airport.com.

Items must be picked-up in person and cannot be shipped within Peru or internationally.

Be aware that in case you lost or forgot something in the airplane you should contact the airline.

Facilities for disabled and impaired people

The airport is committed to provide an accessible experience for all passengers offering facilities, which make it easier and more comfortable for disabled and impaired people to navigate and move through the terminal. Amenities include:

• Tactile paving routes for visually impaired passengers.
• Ramps, elevators and moving walkways for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.
• Electric carts for passengers with reduced mobility (available at different points in the terminal).
• Sign language assistance for deaf (-mute) passengers (available at the Passenger Service counters).
• Sunflower lanyards to identify and assist passengers with a hidden disability or a health condition that may not be immediately apparent.

Sleepover Lounge (Sleeping Pods)

The Sleepover Lounge, formerly known as Sleep ´N Fly Lounge, offers comfortable accomodation and private sleep/rest options for everyone from single traveler to families .

The lounge is conveniently located on the arrivals level (2nd floor) in the central area of the airport terminal and is accessible to both arriving and departing passengers. Sleepover is open 24/7.

Accommodation options include:

• Flexisuites: The private Flexisuite is equipped with a spacious and fully reclinable flat-bed, which is inspired by business class airline seating, a folding dual table and desk, plus plenty of storage for your belongings.
• Bunk Cabins: The private Bunk Cabin, designed in a minimalist Scandinavian style, features a bunk beds with single-sized mattresses (80x200cm bottom, 80x190cm top) and a small workspace. The cabins are ideal for solo travelers or companions seeking a quiet, private space to rest or work.
• Family Cabins: The private Family Cabin has space for the whole family and can accommodate up to four guests making it an ideal space for families needing a private area to relax during layovers .

All accommodation options are equipped with essentials such as air conditioning, power outlets, soundproofing and lockable compartments for secure luggage storage and grant access to spacious toilet and shower rooms. 

For more detailed information about pricing, availibilty and advanced booking check out the Sleepover website. 

The Club LIM - International VIP Lounge

The Club LIM is a traditional though modern and comfortable airport lounge offering a variety of amenities to cater to traveler needs.

The lounge offers inviting and spacious areas with comfortable seating, a quiet zone designed for relaxation, a business center with workstations and high-speed internet, private meeting spaces, a children’s play area, a bar serving a selection of complimentary beverages, including alcoholic drinks for passengers over 18 years, a buffet featuring high-end Peruvian cuisine, and shower facilities.

The Club LIM, which is open 24/7, is located on the 4th floor of the airport terminal and only avaible for international passengers. After passing through the main security checkpoint on the third floor, follow the signs to “Airport Lounges", take the escalator one level up and proceed along the corridor to reach the lounge. Access is available up to three hours before your scheduled flight departure.

LATAM Lounge

LATAM opens its own VIP airport lounge at Lima's airport scheduled for August 2025. The LATAM lounge will be on the 4th floor. After passing through the main security checkpoint on the third floor, follow the signs to “Airport Lounges", take the escalator one level up and proceed along the corridor to reach the lounge 

Duty-Free 

As at any other international airport, duty-free shopping is limited to international travelers. After passing the security check on the third floor you will find a wide selection of shops in the international departure area offering the typical duty-free products such as perfumes, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and tobacco products, coffee and chocolate, but also a smaller variety of gold and silver jewelry as well as clothing and souvenirs characteristic for Peru.

In the international arrivals area on the first floor, just after passing immigration, you additionally find a smaller duty-free shop for arriving international passengers. 

Medical attention

Emergency medical attention is available 24/7. The infirmary is located in the public arrivals area on the first floor. Passengers in need of medical attention should immediately reach out to airline or airport personell. 

Luggage wrapping

In the check-in area on the third floor you find services offering to plastic-wrap your luggage.

Lactation room

Some breastfeeding moms will be happy to find a private space at Lima’s airport where they can either nurse their babies or use a breast pump in a relaxed and inviting environment. The lactation rooms also offer newborn care and breastfeeding counselling. The rooms are located on the third floor in the check-in area (just before the security check) or on the third floor in the international departure area.

Airport hotel

The Wyndham Costa del Sol airport hotel is located directly in front of the terminal. The hotel offers spacious, modern and comfortable rooms, a 24/7 restaurant, a bar, a great spa and conference / event facilities.

Parking at Lima’s airport

The spacious airport parking lot is located just in front of the terminal. Short-term parking for cars is S/ 6.30 for up to 45 minutes, S/ 8.40 from 46 to 60 minutes and S/ 8.40 per hour for anything over 61 minutes. Payments are made in cash Soles or US$ before leaving at the payment machines in front of the terminal.

Long-term parking costs around S/ 60 per day. Next to cash payments, Visa, Master and Diners cards are accepted.

Airport bus

Since April 2017, the airport finally has an official bus service. The service was ceased from March 2020 till the end of October 2022 due to Covid, but they are back in business starting November 5, 2022.

The Airport Express Lima is a safe, reliable, punctual, and cost-effective way to get from the Jorge Chavez Airport to Lima’s districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and vice versa. The modern buses, which are well maintained and spotless, are equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB ports and TVs, ensuring a safe, comfortable and pleasant ride.

Before Covid, they had 9 bus stops in Miraflores and another 3 in San Isidro. After restarting the operation in November 2022, they offer only two stops, Larcomar and Parque Kennedy both in Miraflores. Hopefully, as soon as visitor numbers in Peru pick up again, the service might be extended.

For trips from and to the airport, you can book a ticket on the Airport Express Lima website, where you additionally find detailed information about bus stops and prices. If you buy a ticket online, you can use it for any bus, and online ticket holders always take first preference if the bus is full.

Additionally, if you want to use the service from the airport to Miraflores, you can also buy your ticket at the Airport Express Lima counters at the airport (international arrivals just after customs or national arrivals waiting area). Payments can be made in cash (Soles, US$ or Euro) or with credit card (Visa or Mastercard). If you are going from Miraflores to the airport next to booking online, you can as well pay on board; however, make sure to have the exact change.

The buses run from Miraflores to the airport from 07.00 am to 09.00 pm every hour daily and from the airport to Miraflores from 07.00 am to 10.00 pm every hour daily.

Taxi services

The counters of the three official taxi service companies can be found at the international arrivals just after customs or at the national arrivals waiting area. All airport taxi companies have implemented strict Covid-19 hygiene protocols to ensure your safety during the ride.

• Taxi 365: for 20 years registered as official airport taxi; bilingual staff, modern and safe vehicles, trust-worthy and on-time, nice drivers; you can choose between a car for 2 persons, a minivan for 6 and a large van for up to 10 people. You can book at the airport and on their website.
• Taxi Green: as well for 20 years registered as official airport taxi, reliable, punctual, modern and well-maintained vehicles, nice drivers. You can choose between cars, SUVs or vans.
• Taxi Directo: the newcomer at the airport with modern and safe vehicles including cars, SUVs and vans which are clean and well-maintained. You can book at the airport counter or through their app.

Car rentals

At the international arrivals just after customs or at the national arrivals waiting area you find the counters of three rental car companies.

• Budget: worldwide operating car rental company
• Hertz: represented in Peru by Inka’s Rent a Car for over 20 years
• Grupo ANC: operating in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru as franchisee of Alamo Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent a Car

Before renting a car at the airport, please read the chapter “Getting from the airport to town” below.

Arriving at Lima's International Airport

With changes in immigration procedures and progressive digitalization over the past years, today entering Peru is usually a simple and mostly organized process, however depending on the number of flights arriving sometimes a bit time-consuming.

Immigration

Once you left the plane, you automatically end up at the immigration control. For now, the automatic passport machines for a quick and contactless entry are in a trial period and reserved for Peruvians only. So foreigners, tourists and foreign residents of Peru, have to proceed to an immigration counter and clear immigration conventionally.

While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was re-introduced just to be eliminated again at the end of May 2023 for those entering Peru on international flights; and, unfortunately, this time it seems for good.

Today, your entry (and when you leave your departure) is only automatically registered and the so-called TAM virtual created. A few years back this Tarjeta Andina de Migración was a physical white card that you had to fill in, was stamped at the point of entry and had to be given back when leaving the country. Today it’s just an entry in the Migraciones database registering your personal data, the date of entry (and later departure), the point of entry (and later departure) and if you entered as a tourist or business traveler the number of days you are allowed to stay in Peru.

Be aware that you can't extend your stay as a tourist / business traveler in Peru once you entered the country. So, at the immigration counter make sure you get at least the number of days you are planning to stay in the country (for most nationalities, 90 days is the max).

As you don't get an entry stamp anymore, your only options to find out how long you can be in Peru as a tourist or business traveler is to ask the immigration officer and, if you want to have a confirmation "in writing" or need proof when you entered or left the country, to check online. Our article "How many days did I get when entering Peru" explains in detail your options to check your allowed length of stay in Peru.

How many days did I get when entering Peru?

Legal Stuff

While during the height of the Corona pandemic Peru eliminated the stamping of passports when entering the country, in May 2022 the entry stamp was...

Customs

Once you cleared immigrations, your next stop is picking up your luggage. If you have nothing to declare, just follow the green markings to the exit of the airport.

If you have something to declare, since June 2022 you must download the APP "Bienvenido al Perú" which is available on iOS and Android. It details in short, in English or Spanish, the most important regulations and gives you the option to declare items or money. So, just follow the instructions and fill in the required fields within 48h prior to your arrival in Peru and once in Peru proceed to the customs counters.

Customs urges travelers informing themselves about the regulations and comply with Peruvian laws; and we agree, if caught with dutiable goods or currency without having declared them, fines are hefty. You can find detailed information about Peruvian customs regulations in our article "What you can & can't bring into Peru".

What you can & can’t bring into Peru

Legal Stuff

When travelling to a foreign country it’s always a good idea to know which items you can bring with no problems, and which ones you better leave at...

Then just follow the flow to the luggage scanners. Once your baggage passed through without observations, you made it.

Welcome to Peru!

Arriving with pets

When bringing animals into Peru, be aware that only dogs and cats are considered pets. In charge of monitoring and checking the “import” of pets is Senasa, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru. Per person, only one pet can be brought into Peru as accompanied luggage (in cabin or as checked baggage) or as air cargo.

The easiest and less painful way to get your pet into Peru surely is having it on the same flight you are traveling with to Peru, either in the cabin or as accompanied luggage. To bring your pet into Peru without quarantine, you have to present the following documents upon arrival:

• Certificate of Good Health issued by an official veterinarian in the home country within 14 days before entering Peru
• Proof of vaccinations against:
  • Rabies for both dogs and cats - vaccinated between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering the country. Peru does not recognize 2- or 3-year rabies vaccines.
  • Additionally, for dogs: vaccination against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis
  • Additionally, for cats: vaccination against Panleukopenia (FVRCP), Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus
• Recent proof of veterinary treatment against internal and external parasites

Above requirements also apply to emotional support and service dogs and cats.

Peru doesn’t require a special import permit for dogs and cats (exception: puppies and kittens less than 12 weeks of age and unvaccinated) nor a pet microchip or rabies titer test to enter the country and doesn’t have a banned breeds list.

Upon arrival at the airport (if your pet traveled in the cargo hold of the plane, you usually get it back at the baggage claim carousel), pet owners have to proceed with their pet to the Senasa office. Here you first have to pay two different fees:

• an examination fee equivalent to 1.973% of 1 UIT; in 2023 this equals S/ 98
• a fee for issuing the pet’s permit to enter the country equivalent to 0.729% of 1 UIT = S/ 36 (2023).

Then the health certificate, vaccination certificates and parasite treatment certificate are checked, and the dog or cat quickly looked over. If the documents and the pet’s health are to the satisfaction of the Senasa inspector, the pet can enter.

If the documents aren’t in order or the pet doesn’t seem to be in good health, further examination by a licensed Peruvian veterinarian can be requested at the dog owners’ expense. In the end, the Senasa inspector decides if the animal can enter or needs, for example, a parasite treatment or a vaccination or is quarantined before being allowed to enter or has to be returned to the country of origin.

When shipping your dog or cat to Peru as cargo (so not with you in the cabin or as accompanied luggage), expect a stressful, time-consuming process with lots of paperwork, running around and paying hefty fees before you can finally welcome your dog or cat in Peru.

Other animals that might be considered pets in other countries such as birds, rodents, and rabbits, fish, reptiles, and so forth need an export sanitary certificate from the country of origin and a special import permit from Senasa which must be applied for before coming to Peru. Additional permits are required to bring animals that are under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) into Peru.

Above mentioned recommendations are given to our best knowledge reflecting the current Peruvian regulations. As these sometimes change quickly and without prior notice, we highly recommend checking the veterinary regulations shortly before your travel with the nearest Peruvian consulate and / or Senasa.

Getting from the airport to town

As soon as you made it through customs, you end up in the international arrivals area where in pre-Covid times you were greeted by masses of people wanting to pickup other passengers or all sorts of vendors who tried to get you into a special taxi, to sell you tours or anything else. For some people, a very disturbing and annoying experience, especially after a long flight and when visiting Peru for the first time.

Today, even after the strict Corona measures were canceled and the public is allowed back into the airport building, the international arrivals area is still sort of quiet and much better organized than before Covid. However, the former chaos inside the airport was just relocated to the area behind the exit doors in the parking lot. So, it's still highly recommended to plan ahead how you get from the airport to town.

Be aware that Lima has no mass transportation system, and the airport is not connected to a metro or for visitors recommendable bus network. Except for the Metropolitano and the Tren Electrico, Lima’s metro which is very slowly in the process of being expanded, the public transport is handled by a chaotic system of privately owned and operated, often rundown busses, micros, and combis with drivers who seem to have suicidal tendencies.

Best options to get from the airport to town

Surely the best option to get from the airport to town is to pre-arrange a pickup with the hotel or hostel you're staying at or book a private pickup service. As soon as you leave the terminal, someone is waiting for you, helps with luggage, escorts you to the car and brings you hassle free and safe to town.

An equally great option, especially if you are on a budget, is using the official airport bus, which brings you safely and cost-effectively in modern and comfortable busses from the airport to Lima’s district of Miraflores.

Taking a taxi at the airport

If you plan to just grab a cab at the airport, we highly recommend to only use one of the official airport taxi services. As listed above, you have the choice between Taxi 365, Taxi Green or Taxi Directo. You can book their service either on their website / app in advance or after arriving at the airport at their counters in the international arrivals area (after customs turn right) or the national arrivals area. The drivers are checked and the cars are modern and well-maintained. Additionally, these taxi companies have fixed prices - so no bargaining or feeling ripped off - which you can find printed on a big board next to the desk. Prices vary depending on the district you want to go to and the size of the vehicle (car or van).

Be aware that prices for the official airport taxis are much higher than what you would normally pay for a taxi in Lima or Peru. However, these extra Soles are well spent to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely, comfortably and stress free.

And just for the sake of completeness, you as well have the option to leave the airport and grab a taxi on Av. Elmer Faucett which probably is half the price of an airport taxi or take one of the big green busses which will take you to Miraflores. For your own safety and security, these two options are not recommended, especially not with luggage, you clearly being a foreigner and without knowing Lima and the local situation, and an absolutely no-go at night! We strongly advice against taking a cab from the street or a local bus from the airport to town. Use your common sense to make the right decision.

Renting a car at the airport

As described above there are three rental car companies at the airport: Budget, a worldwide operating car rental, Hertz which is represented in Peru for over 20 years by Inka’s Rent a Car, and Grupo ANC which operates in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru as franchisee of Alamo Rent a Car, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent a Car. You can, of course, make the reservation for a rental car on the website of the companies or other internet platforms in advance or directly at their counters in the airport.

However, if you are not familiar with Lima and not accustomed to the traffic in the Peruvian capital with its own “rules” we strongly advise against renting a car. Driving in Peru and especially in Lima differs greatly from what you are used to. You can get around Lima easily and cheaply by taxi without having to stand your ground and compete against other reckless drivers who seem to not follow any of the traffic rules you know from home. After a long and tiring flight, probably without knowing where exactly you have to go, Lima's traffic is more than a challenge even for experienced drivers.

If you still feel you need a car, please first read our article “Car Rentals in Lima” and our humorous approach on "Driving in Lima". If you still want to rent a car and drive yourself, at least get a taxi from the airport to your hotel or arrange a pickup and once in town and rested, either pick up your rental car at a branch in town or have it brought to your hotel.

Car Rentals in Lima

Travel Information

Before renting a car in Lima, we would highly recommend reflecting on the need for it. Sure if you are planning to travel through Peru a car gives ...

Driving in Lima - Not for the faint-hearted

Editors Opinion

Driving in Lima and Peru will be a very “interesting” experience if you are used to driving in North America or Europe.

Departing from the Lima International Airport 

As already described in detailed above, Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport with its one terminal is compared to large airports in North America and Europe, relatively small, neatly arranged and well organized. All signs are in Spanish and English and most of the airport personal is bilingual. So, you surely won’t get lost and can easily find your way.

Check-in, security check and gates

The check-in area for national and international flights is on the ground floor in the middle of the terminal. For international flights, the airport authority recommends arriving 3 hours ahead of departure time; for national flights, it's advised to check in 2 hours before your flight leaves. To enter the check-in area, you have to present your passport and ticket.

After the check-in, best spend your remaining time on the second level at Peru Plaza where you find all amenities, because as soon as you passed the security check (as well on the second floor) diversion is limited.

Once you passed the security check, the gates for international departures are to your left. Here, after passing immigrations, you find as well duty-free shops and a limited number of food and drink options. Be aware that some gates are located on the ground floor, so you have to take the stairs or elevators to get down again. The gates for national departures are after the security check to your right; be aware that some gates are located on the ground floor, so you have to take the stairs or elevators to get down again.

Airport tax - TUUA

Since 2010, the airport tax (TUUA), which covers different services provided by the airport to passengers at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, is included in your airline ticket price.

Restricted items

As on nearly all flights around the globe, certain items are prohibited in your checked baggage and / or in your hand luggage. These include lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries (including electronic devices with installed lithium batteries such as tablets, laptops, e-cigs), drugs, flammables and firearm-related objects in your checked bags, and liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100 ml, firearms or any imitation of firearms, cutting or piercing instruments of any type and size, drugs and any item considered dangerous for the flight in the aircraft cabin in your carry-on.

On the website of the airport, you find a detailed list of items which are prohibited and permitted to be carried by passengers on international flights and on national flights.

Narcotics

Visitors thinking of making some quick and easy money by smuggling drugs out of Peru should better think twice. The anti-narcotics unit of the PNP at the airport is quite professional and well-equipped and protocols on a high international standard. At least once or twice a week, local newspapers report about drug seizures and arrests of foreigners at the airport in Lima. Prison sentences for drug trafficking are long in Peru, often without being granted remission or extradition to your home country; and a Peruvian prison isn’t a place you want to be. So, don’t go there; it’s not worth it.

And even if you don’t intend to take part in drug trafficking, be extremely cautious when someone asks you to take a package or some seemingly inconspicuous items such bottles of shampoo, Peruvian specialties, clothes or similar for his or her relative with you overseas. Drugs might be hidden in them, and you are used as a mule.

Last but not least, you should also be aware that products made of coca leaves such as mate de coca (coca tea), coca flour, coca energy drinks, coca energy bars, coca sweats and coca chewing gums, which are legal in Peru, may violate the laws of your destination country and be prohibited. Trying to bring them into the country might result in hefty fines or even imprisonment for drug possession / smuggling.

Departing with pets

If you want to travel with your pet from Peru abroad, you have to plan ahead; not because it’s difficult to leave Peru, but probably to enter your destination country. Quite a number of countries require next to vaccination and health certificates as well a pet microchip and a negative rabies titer test result issued by an approved rabies serology laboratory. As there is none in Peru, the sample has to be sent to Chile, which takes time.

An excellent source of information regarding accurate entry requirements for your pet in your destination country is the airline you are flying with and, of course, the authority in charge of pet imports. So, to get all necessary documents together by the time your flight leaves, start early.

On the Peruvian side, Senasa, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru in charge of monitoring and checking the "import" and “export” of pets, only requires the following documents when leaving with a pet:

• Certificate of Good Health (in the format of the Veterinary Medical College of Peru) issued by a registered Peruvian veterinarian
• Current rabies vaccination certificate (in the format of the Veterinary Medical College of Peru) issued by a registered Peruvian veterinarian
• Recent proof of veterinary treatment against internal and external parasites
• If you travel with a Peruvian Hairless Dog: export permit issued by the Peruvian Hairless Dog National Protection Committee

As already mentioned above, these are only the required documents for leaving Peru; your destination country might require additional documents.

While officially you have to pay the Senasa office at the airport a visit to present above-mentioned documents, pay a fee of around S/ 100 and have the kennel and dog inspected, when we left Peru with our dog we directly proceeded to the check-in counter of our airline and the staff took care of the rest, checked the necessary documents and accompanied us to a room where the dog was checked and the kennel x-rayed and disinfected.