Lima vs Santiago

Lima

Lima has a unique desert-coastal climate. It almost never rains (under 10 mm per year), but a persistent coastal fog called "garua" blankets the city from May through November. December through April are sunny and warm. The Humboldt Current keeps temperatures mild year-round.

Santiago

Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The Andes are snowcapped from June through October. Air quality can suffer in winter when thermal inversions trap smog in the valley.

Lima

Lima's traffic is notoriously congested. The Metro Line 1 (above-ground) and the Metropolitano BRT (bus rapid transit) are the most efficient public transit options. Ride-hailing apps are the safest and most convenient way to get around. The city is working on expanding the Metro system.

Walkability: Miraflores and Barranco are very walkable with pleasant tree-lined streets and the coastal Malecon boardwalk connecting them. The Centro Historico is walkable during daylight hours. Between districts, you'll need transit — Lima is a sprawling city of over 10 million people.

Santiago

Santiago has an excellent Metro system and extensive bus network (Transantiago/RED). The Bip! card works across all public transit. Rush hour can be intense, but outside peak times the system runs smoothly.

Walkability: Central Santiago is very walkable. Lastarria, Bellavista, Providencia, and the Centro Historico are all best explored on foot. The city is flat between the two cerros (hills), making walking easy. Summer heat can be intense — carry water.