Tips on Avoiding Lima Tourist Traps

Lima Tourist Traps

Lima, Peru is a wonderful destination for a South American vacation. However, you don’t want to find yourself susceptible to tourist traps. Here are some tips on how to avoid them in Lima.

The Gold Museum

Most of the objects in the museum do not have proper archeological work to back them up, so they were mostly procured from grave robbers and many items on display are fake. However, the top of the museum does feature displays of armor and weapons which are interesting.

Souvenirs

Do not buy souvenirs at the airport; like most airports, souvenirs here are significantly overpriced. You can find the same items in the city for a fraction of the price. Key chains and t-shirts prices are especially ridiculous at the airport compared to other places.

Instead, try walking around the stalls at the Inca market in Miraflores, Lima or the market at the train station in Aguas Calientes. These markets are much more fun and provide a more immersive cultural experience. Plus, they are cheaper and offer a variety of options to choose from.

Currency and Taxes

The government of Peru has a bit of a greedy reputation. They will tax you on your electronic goods, so it is best to only bring a cell phone and one SD memory or USB card.

Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol, and its value in relation to the U.S. Dollar tends to fluctuate quite a bit. If you need to exchange money while in Peru, do so inside of a bank, avoid the exchange bureaus at the airport and in downtown Lima. The exchange rate at these locations can be 10 percent above the rates at the banks or even higher.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Lima.