Grey and breezy, the sprawling City of Kings is underwhelming for many. But that’s because visitors often don’t know where to look in this metropolis of 10 million. In fact, Lima is no less than South America’s food capital and host to the largest number of museums in the country. It’s full of surprising activities such as surfing, exploring mysterious pyramids, and enjoying a drink on cliffsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Here are our travel tips for Lima!
What to Do in Lima
The Outdoors
- Surfing the long breaks at Costa Verde
- Taking a food or bike tour (or both!) of the city
- Paragliding off of the cliffside in Miraflores
- Escaping to nature in the unique Lomas ecosystem of Lachay
The Nightlife
- Dancing ‘til dawn in Barranco or Miraflores
- Seeing live traditional music at peña such as Brisas del Titicaca
- Sipping a café or coctel at one of the popular spots in LarcoMar (photo above)
The Culture & History
- Artisan shopping at Mercado Indio and Tesoros del Inca
- Walking back in time at Pachacamac, a 1,800-year old archaeological site over 11,250 acres (450 hectares) large
- Learning about the importance of chocolate at ChocoMuseo (free samples, too!)
- Getting creeped out at the San Francisco Convent & Catacombs or Museum of the Inquisition
- Visiting ancient pyramids such as Huaca Pucllana
- Eating the amazing food at a local set-priced establishment
- Going to Museo Larco or Museo de la Nacion to learn about pre columbian cultures and Peruvian history
Off-the-Beaten-Path Options
Do you have an extra day or two? You might want to consider these adventures outside of Lima:
Inland Towards the Andes
- Trekking to the waterfalls of Matucana and the mysterious rock forests of Marcahuasi in Huarochiri Province
- Making the 5.3 mile (8.5 km) hike to Rapaz and soaking in the hot springs afterwards in Churin
Up & Down the Coast from Lima
- Rafting in the weekend warrior hotspot of Lunahuana
- Following Lima’s cool kids (and surfers) to the beaches of Asia, Punta Hermosa, and Punto Azul
- Getting mesmerized by the oldest civilization in the Americas, Caral
- Having the beach all to yourself in Norte Chico
What to Eat
Lima is South America’s food capital, and for good reason! An amazing fusion of Andean, Amazonian, Asian, and European flavors provides an epic scene.
Some of the world’s top ranked restaurants are the fraction of the price as counterparts in Paris and New York, such as the 17-course Central and Maido.
A more traditional take on Lima seafood is at the amazingly delicious Sonia.
The best experiences are often the family-run “menus”, with cheap fixed-priced lunches. These are all over the city, and prices go as low as $5 for a whole meal. Definitely try the seafood and creole food (comida criolla). And you have to eat ceviche!
Tiradito, similar to ceviche, has been booming in popularity in recent years too.
Want to eat like limeños do? Walk to Mercado Surquillo, which is just over the border from Miraflores neighborhood. We enjoyed a chorizo sandwich, fresh fruit juices, and seriously strong coffee on our last morning.
Finally, as mentioned above, take a culinary bike tour to fit in as many spots as possible and to burn those calories :)
Where to Stay
Kokopelli in Barranco has a bar and game room, plus volunteering opportunities. They offer a free walking tour as well.
The Neighborhoods
Miraflores
Most tourists end up in Miraflores at some point. It’s easily the most touristy part of Lima. But because of this, it’s fairly easy to navigate. The famous Parque Kennedy and a boardwalk (malecón) overlooking the coast are the biggest attractions. It’s a safe, busy, and fun neighborhood. There are lots of hotels, restaurants, and bookstores.
You can take surfing lessons for S/ 25 an hour (includes a board and wetsuit). Or eat at world-famous restaurants like Tanta, Central (check it out on Season 3 of Chef’s Table on Netflix), Maido, and Amaz.
Barranco
Then there is Barranco. In this Bohemian neighborhood you can drink beer overlooking the coast, go out to a local club or peña at night, and make a wish at the famous Bridge of Sighs (puente de los suspiros).
Check out Kokopelli Hostel to stay in barranco.
Lima Centro
Travelers who want to be in the center of the action might consider Lima Centro. Here you’ll be walking distance to the main plaza, Catacombs of San Francisco, Government Palace, museums, and the delicious barrio chino (Chinatown).
When to Visit Lima (Including Weather)
There is no rainy season in Lima, so you can visit all year round. However the sun does not come out much except from November through March, which is peak beach and ceviche season. In winter (June, July, August) it can get chilly at night. Think lows in the 50’s (10 C).
Peruvian Holidays
The most important Peruvian national holidays are Holy Week, Independence Day (July 28th), Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. In Lima there is a military parade on July 29th to celebrate the country’s independence.
Lima-Specific Festivals
On January 18, Lima’s anniversary is highlighted with a large public parade, general festivities, and live concerts in the middle of the sunny Limeño summer
Check out the Peruvian step horse competition (Concurso Nacional del Caballo de Paso Peruano) if you visit around April. The date for this event changes. You’ll witness the unique Peruvian horse trot and dance and try amazing food.
The Santa Rosa de Lima festival (August 30) is another widely celebrated holiday.
My personal favorite is MISTURA, a gastronomic festival that hosts top chefs from every part of Peru. MISTURA usually occurs in September. It’s a multiday event with events, drinks, food samples, and meals available all day.
Finally, consider Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) for one of the largest festivals in the Americas!! It’s celebrated every October 18 to 28.
How to Get There
Lima is in the geographical and political center of the country, and so the rest of Peru connects with and converges onto the city. That makes trip planning insanely easy for visitors!
For example, it’s only a short flight from Lima to places such as Cusco.
The more environmentally-friendly option, buses, also arrive to/leave from Lima regularly from other cities and even small towns.
Hint: Get a buscama seat if you can! These are comfy, sofa-like reclining seats.
Conclusion
Lima is exciting, fun, and delicious if you give it a chance. Definitely plan to spend a few days to learn and play here.
Check out my complete 10-day itinerary for off-the-beaten path Peru. This adventure starts in Lima.
Wanna see the biggest sites in Peru, including Lima? Then see our Peru Bucket List itinerary!
Good luck in trip planning and talk to you soon!
