Lima is the capital of Peru and the second largest city in South America. Originally occupied by indigenous communities as part of the Inca Empire, it was later conquered by Spain in the 1600s as the capital of the Spanish colony. This seaside city is thousands of years old and has many historical and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.
The capital of Peru sits on the central coast of the Pacific Ocean, sandwiched between three rivers and surrounded by tropics and desert. Its unique location makes for stunning natural landscapes, while the pleasant weather makes it the perfect playground for endless fun adventures like sandboarding and paragliding.
With nearly 1000 million inhabitants, this sprawling metropolis has a cosmopolitan feel worth experiencing. From exploring the historic buildings of the UNESCO-listed city center, tasting sumptuous Peruvian cuisine, to searching for souvenirs at colorful markets, there’s no shortage of exciting pastimes in Lima.
Lima has interesting ancient ruins and monuments, but as the economic center of the country, it also has many modern buildings and urban facilities. This unique combination of past and present offers a diverse adventure that will give visitors multiple reasons to include Peru in their South American itineraries. Here are the best things to do in Lima.
Observe the Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, holds a special place in Lima’s history and will also be an excellent place to start your trip to the city. Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, founded the city here in 1535.
Plaza de Armas is home to several cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. In addition to historical monuments, the square is a popular public space with rows of trees and fountains in the middle, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the city atmosphere.
While exploring the Plaza de Armas, visitors should keep an eye out for the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place every day at noon.
Visit the Catacombs of the Church of San Francisco
The San Francisco Church is one of Lima’s most exciting attractions because of the creepy secrets lurking underneath. Built in the late 1600s, this Spanish Baroque church is beautifully connected to a monastery with a large collection of medieval religious documents.
However, the biggest attraction of San Francisco churches lies beneath the catacombs.
As the original site of the city’s cemetery, more than 70,000 people are believed to be buried, including those of the elite who wish to be buried closer to God. While this can be a creepy trip for first-time visitors, the catacombs are an interesting part of the city that can’t be overlooked.
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: Open daily,9 a.m. to 9 p.m
Enjoy Panoramic Views of the City from the Top of San Cristobal Hill
At 400 meters above sea level, San Cristobal is the natural highest point in Lima. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill to enjoy the beauty of Lima and its surroundings.
San Cristobal Hill is not only a popular viewpoint, locals also revere it as the Apu (mountain god) who guards the city. This belief was imposed on indigenous communities by Spanish conquistadors, who even planted a cross on the top of the mountain.
To this day, sacrifices continue to be made to the mountain, which is also a pilgrimage site for Christians.
While some adventurous visitors may want to hike to the top, it’s not the safest part of the city and therefore not recommended for this tour.
The easiest way to get to San Cristobal Hill is by bus from Plaza de Armas. The tour costs around $3 and there’s plenty of time to take landscape photos.
Marvel at the Historic Ruins of Wakaplana
Huaca Pucllana is an ancient pyramid that gives you a glimpse into pre-Incarnal Liman culture between 200 and 700 AD. Built around 500 AD, this magnificent seven-story structure is a combination of clay and adobe, an important pyramid. The ceremonial and administrative center of today’s civilization.
While exploring the ruins, vacationers will see the square where the locals worship and the Senor de los Unkus mummies.
Huaca Pucllana is located in a historical park in Miraflores, a historic district worth exploring separately.
- Admission: $4.5 per adult
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Indio
Mercado Indio (Indian Market) is the perfect place to find souvenirs in Lima. This colorful, lively market is home to many local vendors selling Peruvian handicrafts such as embroidered cushions, alpaca sweaters, ceramics, jewelry, and woven textiles.
These can be taken home as lovely gifts for loved ones or as a souvenir of your Lima holiday, and the best part is that the prices are relatively affordable.
- Opening hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
Try to bargain with the owner to get a better price (according to local customs).
Relax with the Friendly Felines of Kennedy Park
At Kennedy Park, cat lovers will feel right at home with their furry friends. Named after J.F. Kennedy, Lima residents call it “Cat Park” because of the more than 100 stray cats that are home to it. The cats are believed to have escaped from a church where they once controlled the rat infestation and found a comfortable refuge in the park.
To manage feline populations, a nonprofit organization sterilizes cats to prevent them from becoming a threat.
These cats have become accustomed to the visitors in the park, they love to pet them and watch them relax, which has proven to be a major attraction for tourists. In addition to cats, Kennedy Park has a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere, as well as shops and restaurants worth visiting.
Explore Miraflores and Barranco on a Two-Wheeler
Barranco and Miraflores are arguably two of the hippest and most picturesque areas in Lima, with many attractions. There is a lot to explore in these two vast neighborhoods, and the best option is cycling so that more places can be easily visited.
Miraflores is an upscale district of the city full of high-end shopping centers, restaurants, department stores, bars and nightclubs. A romantic destination and cultural hub, Barranco is home to the city’s top artists, designers, and musicians.
Join a bike tour of Lima that winds around Barranco and Miraflores, taking in beautiful coastal views and visiting the area’s top tourist attractions.
Paraglide on the Cliffs by the Sea in Lima
The Peruvian capital has numerous coastal cliffs with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the best ways to experience this exotic beauty is on a paragliding tour from the surrounding cliffs.
It’s also a great way for vacationers to inject adrenaline into their trips. Most paragliders head to Miraflores to experience one of Peru’s best adventures at Raymondi Park. There is no better place in Lima to enjoy the beauty of the coast.
While paragliding in Lima is generally safe, visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance before jumping off cliffs.
Stroll Along the Maregon
Malecon is a picturesque cliffside boardwalk in the trendy district of Miraflores, lined with lush parks, gardens and playgrounds. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists coming here to enjoy the outdoors.
Art lovers can also admire the intimate statues adorning the sidewalks, and there are several places to rest, including Love Park and Raymondi Park.
Walk along the Malecon at sunset and admire the changing colors of the sky against the magnificent backdrop of the Pacific Ocean; The scene is simply spectacular.
Swim with Adorable Sea Lions at Palomino Island
Animal lovers can spend quality time swimming with friendly sea lions on the Palomino island of Lima. The island is famous for its large population of sea lions, which gather around the rocks to bask in the sun.
The hotel is only a short boat ride from Lima, and guests can enter the island to interact with the animals and see the area’s thousands of seabirds, including pelicans, guanailles, and Humboldt penguins.
When swimming with sea lions, do not touch them when they are close or making loud noises around them. Moreover, entering their islands is tantamount to invading their territory, which is unwise.
Best Time to Visit Lima
The best time to visit Lima is during the summer months (December to April). Warm, sunny weather and fewer tourists are perfect for exploring and visiting the city’s beaches. Rainfall is also low, which means that excursions to Lima’s many outdoor attractions are undisturbed.
Peruvian capital is the busiest, with the most tourist activity between March and April. Flight and accommodation fees are at the highest level, which means holidaymakers can avoid high fees by planning ahead.
Spring (September to November) has a mild climate with heavy rainfall. This is the perfect time for food lovers to sample local cuisine, as it hosts Mistura, South America’s largest food festival.
In winter, the weather in the city is much cooler, the sky is cloudy, and sometimes mist can engulf Lima. This is the golden age of the festival and is mostly held in the Plaza de Armas, including Peru’s Independence Day in July.
Tips to Know When Visiting Lima
Lima is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in South America. Visitors on vacation here can look forward to an unforgettable adventure with plenty of attractions to see and indulge in. But before booking your flight, here are some valuable tips for getting around the Peruvian capital.
The official currency of the capital is the Peruvian sol, and tourists can easily exchange US dollars at a bank or exchange office (cas de Cambio) when they arrive in the city.
Warning: Do not attempt to exchange dollars with money changers (cambistas) on the street; In Lima and throughout Peru, it is illegal.
Lima is generally safe, especially in tourist areas such as Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro. Nevertheless, visitors should take extra care of safety when exploring new cities. For example, take care of personal belongings and avoid dark or remote streets.
For those who want to rent a car in Lima, it can be very frustrating to know that traffic jams do not stop in the city. This is even worse during peak hours, so choosing another way to travel would be a wiser decision.
Take advantage of the city’s free tour to properly explore Lima and its top attractions. The local guide is very resourceful and provides accurate information during the tour; Remember to tip them if they are in the right position.
Lima is a foodie paradise with some of the best restaurants in South America. Remember to take advantage of this and sample as many restaurants as you can; You don’t have to be in a top restaurant to enjoy a meal.
The weather in Lima is unpredictable, and the microclimate varies from region to region. It may be raining in one place and sunny in another. So bring all kinds of clothes no matter what season it is, so as not to be caught off guard.