History, culture, gastronomy and modernity have found each other and combined perfectly in the capital of Peru. Here we will show you the best sites in Lima so that you don’t miss any detail of this enthralling city.

Lima has a thousand different sides to it. If you visit it’s historic quarter you will see buildings full of history which make it a Cultural Heritage Site. If you pass through Barranco, you will experience the best nightlife and understand why Lima is the gastronomic capital of Latin America. If you walk through Miraflores, you will see the more modern side, with active commerce on one side and a relaxing beach on the other. 

Anyone may think that four days are enough to escape to the Peruvian capital, but in reality you could spend much more in this city. Because of this, in Let’s Visit Peru we have created a complete guide of trips in Lima so that you can plan your trip in the best way possible, leaving time to enjoy each one of its attractions. 

Where is Lima located?

This city is located in the center of Peru on the coast. In fact, it is the only capital in Latin America with an outlet to the sea. 

How do you arrive to Lima? 

By plane: Lima is one of the cities with the best air travel connectivity in all of Latin America, functioning as one of the centers of connection for LATAM, by which you will find various flights a day. In addition, the Jorge Chávex International Airport receives direct flights nationally as well as internationally. 

By land: it is possible to arrive to Lima by the Panamerican highway, which unites coastal cities nationally as well as with Ecuador and Chile.   

Climate in Lima 

The capital of Peru has a humid climate in proportion to its close proximity to the sea. However, except for in the summer, the greater part of the year is fairly cloudy although rain is very infrequent. 

Between December and April Lima has warm temperatures ranging from 20 °C as a low, to 27 °C as a high. Nevertheless, the rest of the year is much cooler, typically ranging between 15°C-19°C. 

When to go to Lima? 

The best part of the year to visit Lima is during the cooler season, to avoid the high temperatures. That being said, because rain is fairly non-existent, you can explore the city all year round. 

Where to eat in Lima? 

As the gastronomic capital of Latin America, Lima has great dining options in the whole city. Don’t miss out on classic dishes such as ceviche, la causa limeña, lomo saltado, ají de gallina or tiraditos. Even more, you can’t miss deserts such as el suspiro limeño, la crema volteada o el tocina del cielo. 

Without a doubt one of the best neighborhoods to try the local cuisine is Barranco, the bohemian district of the city. Day and night you will find hundreds of restaurants and bars to have lunch, dinner or enjoy an exquisite pisco sour or chilcano, the classics of peruvian cocktails. 

In the Miraflores and San Isidro districts there are also many well-known restaurants on a world wide scale, ideally in the case that you want to try local dishes with a more modern touch and fusion. 

Finally, in the historic quarter there are many classic options, which form part of the history of Lima. Take a walk around the Plaza San Martín or the Plaza Mayor and you will surely find a good place to eat. 

Where to stay in Lima? 

Without a doubt the Miraflores district is the best option to stay in Lima. This neighborhood is known for its safety and also because it has everything: a beautiful central plaza surrounded by history and commerce, an incredible boardwalk that borders the coast and many great dining options. 

You can also stay in San Isidro, but we recommend that you choose a street close to the neighboring Miraflores. 

What to do in Lima?

With endless activities and attractions to visit, you will have a thousand things to do in Lima. Here we leave you with a list of the sites you must not miss in the peruvian capital so that you take them into consideration during your stay. 

Historic quarter of Lima 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the civic center of Lima contains the majority of it’s history, where the Spaniard Francisco de Pizarro settled the city in 1535. From then on many of the vicereine constructions, mainly surrounding Lima’s Plaza Mayor, are characterized by a neoclassic style. 

Lima’s Plaza Mayor 

The most vital center of colonial Lima in the age when many structures such as the Basílica Cathedral were built; is also surrounded by the Government Palace, Municipal Palace, and the Arzobispal Palace. The Basílica is located only a few blocks away as well as the San Francisco Convent, where it is worth it to enter not only for the church itself, but also to visit the library, the choir, the main cloister and above all else, the catacombs, an old cemetary that functioned between colonization to the year 1810, holding the remains of up to twenty-five thousand people. 

The Casa Aliaga, located nearby and constructed in the year 1535 as the home of Jerónimo de Aliaga and Ramírez, whose heirs still live there to this day. Part of the home is open to the general public to show the colonial history and the Viceroyalty of Peru. 

Miraflores 

One of the biggest attractions in Lima with something entertaining in every corner. Don’t miss a trip to the Miraflores Central Park, surrounded by the best of Lima’s shopping, especially in Avenida Petit Thouars, with various artisan shops and souvenirs at great prices. 

A few blocks towards the coast you will find the Miraflores boardwalk where you can visit places like the Parque del Amor and Lacromar shopping center. Even more, this is the only place with authorization for parasailing and also the best beaches for surfing. 

Also in Miraflores the archeological site Huaca Pucllana, developed between the years 200-700 a.d. It is located right in the middle of a residential zone, and also has a restaurant where you can see the ruins illuminated at night. 

Barranco 

Located on the southern coast of Lima, this is considered the city’s bohemian district. During the day you will be able to enjoy cafés, workshops, galleries and street art, but at night everything lights up giving way to an active nightlife scene. 

The best is to visit Barranco’s Municipal Park for the afternoon, which is also very close to the famous Bridge of Sighs. At night, you can choose to dine in many nearby restaurants or to have a drink in a bar. 

Magic Water Circuit 

Located in the Park of the Reserve, the Magic Water Circuit holds a Guinness World Record for being the most complex system of fountains in the whole world. The circuit has 13 stops that you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday. Each day at 19:15, 20:15 and 21:30 the main fountain becomes the protagonist with it’s spectacle of lights, music and colors that are projected  over the water, highlighting the beautiful landscapes and culture of the coast, mountains and jungles of Peru. 

Pachacamac Archeological Sanctuary

Approximately one hour from the capital, one of the largest ceremonial centers was built on the outskirts of Lima. According to investigations, this archaeological sanctuary was built by the Incas to pay worship to the Pachacamac god. If you decide to visit it you can visit the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, the Plaza of Pilgrims, the Old Temple, the Painted Temple, among other things. There is also an excellent museum that narrates the history of the place. 

Recommendations

  • In any season you should always carry sunscreen during the day and a jacket at night.

  • In Lima you can pay with cash or credit card in the majority of the locales. You will also have access to ATMs in all of the city zone. 

  • It is a safe city but always make sure to have your belongings protected especially in the historic quarter. 

  • Taxis do not have a taximeter so you should be sure to agree upon the fare before you start your trip. We recommend that you ask your hotel what the typical fare of the trip you will take beforehand. 

Do you want to go to Lima? Review our tours and circuits of the Peruvian capital online or write to us at  sales@letsvisitperu.com and we will plan an experience based on your needs!