Lima is located on the central western coast of Peru. 

Lima, Peru apparently has a relatively small openly-gay community for a city of nearly 9 million people and many gays are well and truly in the closet. The gay scene is much smaller than Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, or Bogotá.

Although Lima has become a little more liberal in the last few years bear in mind that Peru generally still has a macho and conservative culture. The gay rights movement in Peru is in its infancy and an attempt is being initiated to change the constitution. In the meantime homosexuality continues to be viewed negatively so adjust your behaviour accordingly and keep a low profile in public. Acceptance will only be achieved slowly and by not provoking reactionary elements.

There are a relatively large number of transvestite prostitutes in Lima. They can be found openly offering their services on the street late at night at several well-known locations all over the city. I have never met anyone who has used their services but it is generally held that they are used by men who, in this macho culture, consider that if they are in the active role then they do not consider themselves to be homosexual. Unfortunately the general population equate transvestites with all gays and homosexuals, to the confusion of everyone.

Night life in Lima, and indeed in nearly all major cities in Latin America, does not really start until after midnight. Many places offer free or reduced entry before midnight but things don’t really get lively until 1 a.m. and then go on very late indeed.

You will sometimes see a rainbow flag flying in Peru; occasionally in Lima (over the presidential palace!), more so in Cuzco. This is the flag of Tihuantinsuyo, the name of the Inca Empire. Any resemblance between this and the gay flag is purely coincidental; the sharp-eyed among you may spot the difference.