Sleeping in Lima airport, safe?
 

Our flight reaches Lima at 11.50 pm and we have a flight the next day morning at 7.30 to Cusco - and it appears the best option is to just sleep in the airport.

Has anyone done this recently - is it safe? Any tips? Would really appreciate any info on this.

thanks

I remember this question came up here a few months ago and someone brought up a website that deals with sleeping in airports. Appropriately, it's called:

www.sleepinginairports.com

Click on "South America," then on "Lima." There were 22 entries from travelers posting their experience of sleeping in the airport.

If you do it, watch your things. Flights come and go at all hours, but there seem to be an awful lot of people milling about who aren't there to catch a flight or greet someone or see them off. I've heard many stories of bags snatched and pockets picked. But then there are posts on that website from people who say it was perfectly fine.

Thanks Jeff

I had seen the sleepinginairports.com (there is a website for everything these days!!) - was looking for some extra reassurance from fodorites :)

Here's a bit more info about what to expect: The check-in areas at the ticket counters are cordoned off, and no one can get there without being a ticketed passenger. But you also will not be let in to the counter area until X hours before your flight departs. (Two? Three? I don't remember what it was for domestic flights. Probably two.) Once you check in, you can go directly through secrity and to your gate where it will be quiet and there won't be these mobs of people.

The airport in Lima is the only thing I dislike about travel to Peru. But the rest of your trip should be wonderful.

Hi Indie:

My husband and I traveled to Peru in January 2005 and spent the night at the Lima airport. It wasn't necessarily pleasurable, but it was safe. There is a lot of construction going on in the airport, which you'll see as you leave the international arrivals area.

The best place to sleep is in the upstairs area overlooking the check-in, where there is a cafe, market and an internet/phone place. There were a number of us who found a spot on the floor and slept on our bags. You can also check your bags into the luggage storage, which is open 24 hours a day. Also there are security people walking around throughout the night.

We bought our outgoing ticket online prior to the trip and were able to check-in without a problem a few hours before our flight left. The check-in area was cordoned off and guards would only allow ticketholders to enter.

Have a fantastic trip,
Linda

Yes, many of us have faced this problem as planes seem to frequently arrive late at night with a lay over until morning. We just slept (sort of) in the airport--not the best experience but it worked. We had 5 or 6 hours between flights so going into Lima for a hote seemed pointless. I begin our trip report and photos with this experience. If interested, go here: http://www.janeandken.com/Machu_Picc...ed_Valley.html

Hi Janelp,
I pulled up your trip report and WOW! I'm impressed with your details and photos. I have several questions, and after I read the report again and more thoroughly, I'd like to ask for a few suggestions. Okay?

FYI My husband and I will be in Peru for two weeks this May. And although we have booked with another company, we will have a lot of free time. Kathy

Thanks all for the info. We leave this evening. If nothing it'll be something to talk about :)

I passed through the Lima airport twice this July, both times catching a couple of hours of sleep. Sleeping in the airport is fairly safe and easy. As the others have noted, once you check in for your flight, you can head up and through security to the gate area. You can usually find a quiet spot out of the way where you can find three seats together and stretch out. Of course, you'll have to deal with the overhead announcements and lighting. I found the airport fairly nice once you're in the gate area. There's a food court, shopping, and even a place to access the internet or make long distance phone calls.

I had almost the exact same flight arrangements you have for my trip. Unfortunately, once I arrived in Lima, I discovered that my flight to Cusco had been cancelled and had to book a later flight. Make sure to confirm your flights - LanPeru is notorious for last minute cancellations and delays.