More and more patients living in Spain are traveling to Lima for surgery with Dr. María del Carmen Martínez. This guide explains the process, flights, entry requirements, the time difference, when it is safe to fly back, insurance and prices.
Short answer: if you live in Spain, you can have surgery in Lima with Dr. María del Carmen Martínez (Peruvian Medical Association, CMP 42467; RNE 20164) by following a four-step plan: evaluation video consultation, assessment with photos and a quote, pre-op tests in Spain, and travel to Lima for surgery and in-person follow-ups. Spanish citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Peru, although it is wise to confirm the requirements before traveling.
How the process works from Spain
- Evaluation video consultation. Talk with Dr. Martínez by video call: she reviews your case, your questions and the surgical options.
- Assessment with photos. Send clinical photos by WhatsApp or email to complete the evaluation and receive a personalized quote.
- Tests in Spain. You complete your pre-op tests in your own city, including the cardiac surgical risk assessment, before boarding the plane.
- Arrival, surgery and follow-ups in Lima. The team coordinates your airport transfer, accommodation, the procedure and your post-op check-ups. You need to be able to stay in Peru until those follow-ups are complete.
The practice is located at Calle Tutumo 194, Santiago de Surco (Lima). Dr. Martínez has more than 20 years of experience and more than 10,000 successful cases, and she welcomes patients from Spain and other countries. More information in international packages.
Accommodation and transfers
The clinic has an agreement with the Ibis Styles Benavides hotel in Lima: a preferential rate for its patients, spacious rooms designed for recovery and meals supervised by a dietitian. Transfers to and from Jorge Chávez airport and to appointments are also arranged at a special rate.
Flights from Spain to Lima
There are direct flights from Madrid to Lima; the route is operated by Iberia, Air Europa, LATAM and Plus Ultra, among others (some flights are codeshares). From Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Bilbao, the Canary Islands or other cities, you would usually connect in Madrid. Schedules change by season, so check with the airline before booking. We recommend a flexible return ticket: your return date is decided by the surgeon after your follow-up visits.
Entry requirements to Peru for Spanish citizens
- Visa: not required for Spanish citizens traveling as tourists.
- Stay: set by the immigration authorities on entry, usually 90 days.
- Passport: valid for at least six months and in good condition.
- Entry record: on international flights, your entry is recorded on the virtual Andean Migration Card (TAM); it is a good idea to check it online.
Conditions may change. Confirm them before traveling in the travel recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with Migraciones Perú.
Time difference
Peru is on UTC−5 all year round and does not observe daylight saving time. Lima is 6 hours behind mainland Spain in winter and 7 in summer (5 and 6 hours behind the Canary Islands). Please keep this in mind when booking your video consultation.
How long to stay in Lima after surgery
Air travel and major surgery increase the risk of blood clots. The UK's NHS advises against flying in the 5 to 7 days after breast surgery or liposuction, and in the 7 to 10 days after facial surgery or a tummy tuck (NHS: cosmetic surgery abroad). The clinic's international program plans for an average stay of about 7 to 14 days depending on the procedure, so follow-ups can be done in person. Combined surgeries may require more time. Dr. Martínez confirms the length of your stay at your evaluation.
Travel insurance
Affairs recommends traveling to Peru with the most comprehensive travel medical insurance possible. Keep in mind that standard travel insurance usually does not cover complications from elective surgery: review your policy, ask about specific coverage for surgery abroad and plan how you would return to Spain in an emergency.
Language
All care is provided in Spanish, from the video consultation to the follow-up visits, although you will notice vocabulary differences between Spain and Peru. Feel free to ask about any term that isn't clear to you.
Prices
Prices are shown in US dollars (USD) as "starting from" amounts on the prices page. They are reference prices, not fixed rates: the final amount depends on the medical evaluation (technique, anatomy, operating time and health status). Dr. Martínez will give you an exact quote after assessing your case.
Procedures
Patients coming from abroad usually have face, breast and body contouring surgery, for example rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction or a tummy tuck.
Next step
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 912 052 479 or use our contact page to request your video evaluation.
Informational content that does not replace a medical consultation. All surgery carries risks, and results vary from patient to patient. Reviewed by Dr. María del Carmen Martínez, plastic surgeon, CMP 42467, RNE 20164.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Spanish citizen need a visa to have surgery in Peru?
No, if the trip is for tourism, according to Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The length of stay is set by Migraciones on entry, usually 90 days, and the passport must be valid for at least six months. It is best to confirm this at exteriores.gob.es and with Migraciones Perú before traveling.
Are there direct flights from Madrid to Lima?
Yes. Several airlines, including Iberia, Air Europa, LATAM and Plus Ultra, operate direct Madrid–Lima flights. From other Spanish cities, the usual route is to connect in Madrid. Schedules change by season; please check with the airline.
How many days do you need to stay in Lima after surgery before flying to Spain?
The UK's NHS advises against flying for 5 to 7 days after breast surgery or liposuction and for 7 to 10 days after facial surgery or a tummy tuck. Dr. Martínez's international program plans for an average stay of about 7 to 14 days depending on the procedure; the exact length is confirmed at your evaluation.
Can I have the first consultation from Spain?
Yes. The first step is a video evaluation consultation with Dr. Martínez; you then send photos by WhatsApp or email for the assessment and quote, and complete your pre-operative tests in Spain, including the cardiac surgical risk assessment.
What is the time difference between Spain and Lima?
Lima is 6 hours behind mainland Spain in winter and 7 in summer, because Peru is on UTC−5 all year and does not change its clocks. Compared to the Canary Islands, the difference is 5 and 6 hours.
How much does surgery in Lima cost if I'm coming from Spain?
Prices are published in US dollars (USD) as "starting from" amounts on the clinic's prices page. They are reference prices and vary according to the medical evaluation; Dr. Martínez gives an exact quote after assessing the case.
Does travel insurance cover cosmetic surgery in Peru?
It usually does not cover complications from elective surgery. Spain's Foreign Ministry recommends traveling with the most comprehensive medical insurance possible; review your policy and look for coverage specific to surgery abroad.
