Background: No population-based epidemiological studies have estimated pain prevalence and its characteristics in Peru. Patients & methods: A representative sample of adults aged over 18 years (n = 502) living in metropolitan Lima, Peru was enrolled. We analyzed prevalence data of pain in the last 3 months and other pain-related characteristics. Results: Pain prevalence was 65.3% (95% CI: 57.7–70.4%). Chronic pain prevalence was 38.5% (95% CI: 33.5–44.0%) and acute pain prevalence was 24.8% (95% CI: 20.7–29.0%). In participants with chronic pain, almost half (55.7%) reported having not used any medication. Conclusion: Pain is prevalent in this population and our results suggest high undertreatment rates.