we have 4 people in our party but not all of us are traveling together. is the airport small enough that we should be able to find each other? we are traveling continental and delta and arrive only 30 min apart. could the people arriving at 1030 meet the others at their gate or will they have to go directly to customs? next, since we get in so late and our next flight is the 545 to cuzco is it safe to stay in the airport? we thought it might be a waste of money to get a taxi and hostel/hotel just for a few hrs. thanks!
les

When you arrive internationally at LIM, you are directed right to passport control and customs. Getting into the gate waiting areas is blocked. Same will happen with the people in your party you're meeting. You could meet right outside the exit from customs in the airport terminal. Unless they've changed something (and I don't think they have), as you exit customs, there's a bank of chairs to the left.

www.sleepinginairports.com LIM

usually meet up in the food court

easy to find good food

there are 3 lounges some will allow you in to crash

for a fee or free with FF cards.

there is a Ramada at the airport pretty expensive

www.hmanhattan.com cheaper 5 minutes away

if you want a cheap room...have fun,

It's easy to meet right outside the baggage claim area. The food court upstairs is secure and full of people every night waiting for the early flight to Cusco.

Lima Airport is quite active throughout the night due to the number of people as Afz mentions. LAN is pretty much open all night, so you may then be able to proceed to domestic and check in for Cuzco. You might change a bit of money at the arrivals terminal (there is also an ATM near the tax-pay area).

The restaurant called 4D (upstairs) is most comfortable for a longer sit, nice booths, plus excellent gelato and coffee (the latter surprisingly hard to find in Peru). I would meet at 4D if you don't happen to see each other in immigration/customs or at domestic check-in. When you get bored with that, you can proceed thru into the secure domestic area after paying your airport tax (USD is okay). It's quite possible to sleep a bit in the departure lounge for Cusco (LAN) as there are no armrests between the seats, although the lights will be on. You won't be alone. If you can afford $200 for about 4-5 hours at the Ramada then that's another option.

You will love Peru!