The Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao about 10 km (6 miles) from the Lima City Center. The airport is named after the Peruvian aviation icon Jorge Chávez Dartnell and definitely one of the most modern ones in Latin America. It was privatized in 2001 and is now managed by Lima Airport Partners (LAP), a joint venture of Alterra Lima Holdings Ltd. and Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. The airport replaced 1960 the old airport in San Isidro called (Limatambo).
In the year 2001, the Peruvian Government has granted LAP a 30 year concession for the operation and expansion of the airport. Since then major construction and modernization works have developed the airport to a complete new level. Jorge Chávez International Airport was awarded again the title ‘Best airport in South America’ by Skytrax World Airports Awards 2010. Now it serves as a hub for many aviation companies with 29 international and 16 domestic destinations. The Lima Airport managed 3,955,721 national and 4,830,282 international arriving/departing passengers in the year 2009. The cargo section handled 232,347 kg of airfreight in 2009.
Airport Tax - Departure Tax at the Lima Airport 2010/2011 (TUUA Fee)
Airport Tax for international flights: US $ 31.00 (2010)
Airport Tax for domestic flights: US $ 6.82 (2010)Only U.S. dollars are accepted at the airport payment teller windows. If the passenger does not have this currency, he/she may pay in Peruvian Nuevo Soles at the exchange rate on that day or obtain the U.S. currency at the teller windows of the money exchange office of Interbank, located inside the airport. If you need to get a refund for the paid Departure Tax (missed or canceled flight) go to the airline counter to obtain a TUUA refund form, fill it out and take it to at the Airport Head Office, located in the main hall, behind the escalators.
!! Airport Tax Changes for 2011 !!!
All bookings made from the beginning of the 1st of October 2010 and all departures from the 1st of January 2011 will already include the airport departure tax (TUUA) for the Lima International Airport (Jorge Chávez) and for the Cuzco Airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete). In the future this will also be implemented for all the regional airports in Peru, to avoid a separate payment. The payment has always been an additional hassle after the airline check-in (sometimes long queues).
Left Luggage at the Lima Airport (Luggage Storage, Lockers & Facilities)
The left luggage (luggage storage) at the Lima International Airport is located in the domestic arrivals area. It is opened 24 hours and costs S/. 14.00 (Peruvian Soles) per day & piece of luggage (small or big no price difference). The service has to be paid in cash (no credit cards are accepted for this service), but payment can be made in US$ or Peruvian Soles.Additionally you have the option to store smaller luggage pieces in lockers. A locker costs S/. 28 per day for all you can fit in or S/. 7 per hour.
Left Luggage Price per day: S/. 14.00 = 5.24 US$ or 4.36 Euro
Contact phone number for the Service (+511) 517-3217 (Spanish).
Duty Free & Shopping at the Lima International Airport
Duty Free Shopping
The Lima Airport has as any other international airport duty free shopping possibilities to make tax-free purchases, before or after traveling. Shoppers will find a wide selection of perfumes, toys, liquors, cigarettes, alpaca clothing, leather, gold and silver jewelry.
Peru Plaza Shopping Area
The shopping area called Peru Plaza in the second floor of the Lima Airport, just before the security check, offers you the possibility to purchase a wide selection of domestic and international products or to get something to eat at one of the well-known fast food vendors. Shoppers can find here many popular items made in the country: silver and gold jewelry, alpaca clothing, leather, T-shirts in modern printed fabrics with Peruvian motifs, a variety of Peruvian handicrafts, popular desserts (truffles, toffees, chocolates, cream custard, caramel, Peruvian coffee, among others). Also international products like: perfumes, fine jewelry, women’s accessories and useful items for travelers. This area is open to the public. Once you have passed the security check, shopping possibilities are limited to the duty free and basic supplies (cafe, sandwiches...).
Taxis at the Lima International Airport (Prices, Pick-up & Security)
Price for a registered Taxi from the Airport to Miraflores: S/. 55 (20 US$)
When coming out of the customs area, you get greeted by a large mass of people. Many taxi drivers will immediately see you as potential fares. The whole experience is very disturbing, especially after a long flight. You should keep calm and try to avoid the many vendors. The airport authorities recommend using one of the taxi service companies registered at the airport like Taxi CMV (Taxi Remisse Ejecutivo), Taxi Mitsu Remisse and Taxis Verdes (Green Taxi). These companies have little desks in the exit area or if not sure on what to do ask at the Customer Care counters inside the airport. The Customer Care counters are located in the international and domestic arrivals area, before the terminal exits, to assist passengers with transportation choices.
Pre-arrange a pick-up with the Hotel or Hostel you’re staying at! They will be waiting for you at the arrival directly at the exit of the customs area.
The price for one of these registered Taxis will be about 20 US$ (to Miraflores), whereby the price of Taxis outside the main gate (just to the right at the pedestrian bridge) will be between S/. 15 to S/. 25, but this is not advisable at night and with lots of luggage! In our opinion it might be better to pay the high price (for Peruvian standards…) and get out of the airport hassle free. If you are on a low budget, it is worth checking the other options outside the airport. For example: A bus ride – one of the big green ones – will take you to Miraflores for less than 50 Cents (US$). Use your common sense to make the suitable decision for yourself.
Rental Cars at the Lima International Airport (Budget, Hertz & National Car Rental)
Three major car rental companies have their counters in the airport and will provide a known standard (Budget, Hertz and National Car Rental).
We strongly recommend not to rent a car and drive it, at least when you’re not used to the Lima traffic. Taxis are very cheap in Peru and the traffic is a nightmare. Drivers have no regard for traffic rules and even though it looks very chaotic there is some sort of system behind the driving customs and fewer accidents happen then you can imagine! We would not want to have you driving in this kind of environment on your first day.
Arriving at the Lima International Airport (National & International)
International Arrivals at Lima Airport
Those passengers whose final destination is Peru must go to the Immigration area and present there a completed country entry form and the Andean Immigration Card (this was provided on board the aircraft by the airline personnel), as well as their passports or identity documents.
Transit Passengers:
When arriving, those passengers who are in transit or who have connections to other international flights must walk through the hall of international arrivals, go down to the first level and, without entering the immigration control area, return to the international terminal; otherwise, they will lose their in-transit/ connecting passenger status. We recommend that passengers contact airline personnel when their flight arrives.
Customs (Aduanas):
After picking up the luggage, passengers should proceed to the customs area, where they must present the Customs Declaration Form of Accompanied Baggage. This form is provided as well by the airline during the flight. Passengers must use this form to declare cash, checks or other negotiable instruments in their possession of more than US $ 10,000 and items subject to the payment of customs duties, even those for commercial purposes. At customs you have to press a button at the gate, that will randomly show a green or red light. Green means that you can pass without further inspection. A red light gives you the slight inconvenience of having your baggage checked once again.
Tax exempted items upon arrival:
Clothes for your trip, toiletry for your trip, personal things and jewelry for personal use, one electric hair dryer, one electric shaver, one film or video camera with 5 films or 5 video tapes, max. 10 magnetic tapes, CDs or cassettes, 5 video tapes, one pocket calculator, drugs (medication) for personal use, books, magazines, newspapers and documents, 20 boxes of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco, 3l of alcoholic beverages, travel articles or presents which don’t exceed a total value of $300 and whose single value is less than $100, one typewriter, one music instrument, one portable radio, one portable radio cassette recorder, one portable cassette player or one portable CD/DVD player with its own electricity supply, one domestic animal (check the veterinary regulations before) and one laptop.
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National (Domestic) Arrivals at Lima Airport
After entering the terminal, passengers should check the information displayed on the monitors located in front of the conveyor belts to determine which one is assigned to their flight and pick up their baggage.
Customs (Aduanas):
Customs personnel will conduct random inspections of passengers on domestic flights.
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Departing from the Lima International Airport (National & International)
International Departures at Lima Airport
For international flights the Airport authority recommends that passengers arrive three hours ahead of departure time. Once at the airport, passengers must have their passport and airline ticket on hand to enter the main hall where check-in takes place. Passengers must use the check-in counters assigned to their airline.
Documents & Traveling with minors:
All passengers taking international flights must have a valid passport, regardless of age. If passengers are minors traveling with one of their parents or by themselves, they must present a notary's permit (only applies to Peruvians).
Baggage:
Passengers should verify the maximum weight allowed for checked baggage with their airline. Excess baggage will be charged in accordance with the policy of the airline used.
Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization:
Upon payment of the airport tax at a TUUA payment teller, passengers must go to the immigration control area. There, they have to present their passport and completed immigration form. If a passenger is Peruvian and over 18 years old, and if he/she is traveling to member countries of the Andean Community, he/she can travel using only his/her National Identity Document (DNI).
Security Checkpoint:
Passengers must go through the airport security checkpoint, where their carry-on baggage and other belongings will be inspected. To make sure there are no items considered dangerous for flight in the aircraft cabin, in compliance with the ICAO standards, passengers must place their carry-on baggage in the X-ray screening machines and walk through the metal detector arches. Those items considered dangerous for flight will be taken out in the presence of the passenger.
Boarding:
To access the boarding area, passengers must have a passport, boarding pass, completed immigration form and other personal documents on hand. LAP recommends that passengers arrive at the airport three hours ahead of flight departure time. No escorts are allowed. After passing through the security checkpoint, passengers must wait in the assigned boarding area until boarding their plane. Passengers must board through the gate indicated on their boarding passes. Food and duty free shops are available in the boarding area.
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National (Domestic) Departures at Lima Airport
For domestic flights the Airport authority recommends that passengers arrive two hours ahead of departure time and proceed to their airline counter with their airline tickets and relevant documentation. Airline personnel will issue a boarding pass marked with the boarding time and gate, weigh and dispatch the passenger’s baggage, and provide each passenger with a receipt to pick up their baggage at their destination.
Documents:
Domestic passengers must present their National Identity Document (DNI) and foreign passengers their passport. For further details, passengers should consult directly with their airline.
International Warrant Control:
Upon payment of the airport tax (TUUA) at the airport payment teller windows, passengers must go to the International Warrant area, a division of the Peruvian National Police, where their legal status will be verified.
Security Checkpoint:
Passengers must go through the airport security checkpoint, where their carry-on baggage and other belongings will be inspected. To make sure there are no items considered dangerous for flight in the aircraft cabin, in compliance with the ICAO standards, passengers must place their carry-on baggage in the X-ray screening machines and walk through the metal detector arches. Those items considered dangerous for flight will be taken out in the presence of the passenger.
Boarding:
After passing through the security checkpoint, passengers must wait in the assigned boarding area until boarding their plane. Food and duty-free shops are available in the boarding area.
Additional Important Travel Information!
Cultural Goods - Verification of Replicas and Souvenirs
At the airport, specialized personnel of the National Institute of Culture (INC) are responsible for issuing the appropriate certificates for replicas of Peruvian cultural items. A certificate is very important for the passenger to authenticate the item as a replica when it passes through other airports. If an item is deemed authentic, seizure will be ordered.
Traveling with Animals
The National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) is the State entity that authorizes the transport of animals to other countries. Passengers should be aware of the necessary requirements to enter or leave the country with animals. To leave the country with pets, it is necessary to make a payment at the Banco de la Nación (National Bank), to present vaccination and health certificates, and to complete an inspection at the SENASA offices, located at the northern side of the airport terminal.
Plants
The National Institute of Natural Resources (INRENA) is a public organization of the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for the use of renewable natural resources and the sustainable management of rural environments and wildlife bio diversity. INRENA is also the entity in charge of issuing authorizations, including export, re-export, import permits and permits for the internal transport of wild fauna.
Dangerous Items
Passengers must not carry the following items in carry-on baggage; they will be held at airport security checkpoints: Cutting instruments of any type and size, Firearms or any imitation of firearms or any item considered dangerous for flight in the aircraft cabin, in compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Narcotics
The fight against narcotics in Peru has resulted in an extraordinary 70% reduction since 1995 in the area of illegal cultivation. The impact of this illicit industry to the national economy is difficult to measure, but estimates range from $300 - $600 million. An estimated 200,000 Peruvians are engaged in the production, refining or distribution of narcotics. Many foreigners who tried to make quick money with trafficking drugs are currently experiencing Peru from a complete different perspective (sentences are very high and no special treatment if you are from abroad). The security and safety standards of the airport are very high, so just don´t bother trying it. On a weekly base the local newspapers report about seizures and arrests of foreigners at the airport in Lima.
Emergency Medical Services at the Lima Airport
Emergency medical services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Further information is available at the Customer Care counters located in the international arrivals area on the first level, and also at Peru Plaza, on the second level.
Parking at the Lima Airport
The airport parking lot is operated by Los Portales Estacionamientos SAC and is located across the main building of the airport. Long-term parking is located to the right of the parking lot entrance and costs 25.00 Nuevos Soles for every 24 hours (VISA, Mastercard and Diners are only accepted as payment for Long-term parking). The short term parking cost is 3.50 Nuevos Soles per hour (2010).
Costa del Sol Ramada Lima Airport Hotel
The Costa del Sol four star hotel (Ramada Group) is the only one on the airport facility, just a few steps from the airport terminal. All rooms have Direct Dial Phone, Cable TV, Private Baths and WiFi Internet. The usual hotel amenities include a Bar, Restaurant, Private Parking, 24 hour Room Service, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gymnasium, Business Center, Meeting rooms, Luggage storage, Gift shop and Laundry.
Jorge Chavez International Airport, Av. Elmer Faucett, Lima, Peru
Day rates for rooms are available (use between 10.00 am and 06.00 pm - up to 6 hours use). The hotel rates include a buffet breakfast, 10% service charge, a welcome drink and unlimited WiFi Internet use in the room. Number of rooms: 130, check in 02.00 pm, check out 12.00 noon, payment forms accepted: Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Diners, Cash and Traveller's Checks.
I think there may also be some confusion in how people are viewing central city rents vs. outside the center. The center of Lima is rather run-down, and rents are not very high there at all. The more desirable neighborhoods are outside the center per se, but are definitely still within the city limits. I believe that the intent of this question refers to these neighborhoods and not the traditional center. Where one may also see a significantly lower rent is in the more distant suburbs, which is what I assume the intent of the second category is.