Lima Airport Mini Guide
This is the First Time I've Heard of Jorge Chavez International Airport?
For years it was a tin pot airport purely for flying in and out of Peru's capital Lima but with the gaining popularity of South America as a holiday destination and Inca sights such as Machu Picchu being within easy reach, its popularity has grown exponentially. It's now setting itself up to be the main hub airport for South America and the plan seems to be working for passenger numbers have quadrupled in a decade.
So Why All the Hype?
The airport was taken over by a company called LAP which has spent over $1.5bn upgrading it. Their investment has paid off as the airport has won the award for best South American Airport for the last five years. It's about to get a second runway and with a terminal expansion, its passenger numbers are expected to continue to grow.
What is the Airport Like?
It's big and currently not crowded as it has recently expanded to cope with future demand. It's light and spacious and has plenty of facilities for the discerning traveller including a four star Ramada Hotel just outside its terminal. There are plenty of checking in desks, security and customs checkpoints as well as numerous boarding gates in its ultra-modern terminal.
There's a good sized shopping area complete with food court and plenty of other facilities including what has been voted the best VIP lounge in the world.
How Do I Get There?
There are no direct flights from the
UK. British travellers will have to take a short hop to
Amsterdam,
Paris or
Madrid or alternatively cross the pond and fly there from
Miami or
Atlanta. From Jorge Chavez International Airport you can fly on to mysterious Easter Island or visit many of the other South American capitals.
Connecting to Lima and my Accommodation
There are plenty of taxis and a bus service into Lima from the airport. It's not a long journey as the airport is only minutes out of the city. Far better though, certainly if you intend visiting the sights such as Machu Picchu, is to pre-book a hire car for collection at the airport when you arrive then you'll have comfort and convenience for your onward journey.