Lima - The Capital and Largest City of Peru
Discover the Historical Heart of Lima - A Guide to Fascinating Walks
Unveiling Lima's Top 10 Attractions - Must-See Wonders!
Exciting Tours in and Around Lima - Unforgettable Adventures Await
Hear What Travelers Say - Reviews and Tips from Fellow Explorers
Locating Lima - Your Gateway to Peruvian Marvels!
Lima is a bustling metropolis with over 8 million people, making up one-third of Peru's total population of approximately 30.5 million. The city is full of vibrant energy and boasts various restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred delights to fast-food joints. The traffic may be chaotic, but the breathtaking backdrop of the vast ocean adds to the city's charm.
Head to the Jorge Chávez International Airport, just 11 km from Lima's historic center, to begin your Peruvian adventure. As you explore the modern skyscrapers, you'll come across clay pyramids, ancient archaeological sites dating back to the 4th century AD, and even the underground world of the 17th-century catacombs. In 1988, Lima's historic center was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in Peru.
Discover Lima's contemporary museums that showcase extensive collections of modern art, ceramics, gold artifacts, and even mummies from the early settlements of this lively city. Food enthusiasts from all over the world come to Lima to try new flavors, indulge in fresh ceviche, and enjoy the most beloved Peruvian cocktail - the pisco sour.
Lima has rightfully earned its title as the culinary capital of Latin America. For those seeking a culinary adventure, Lima has a plethora of top-notch restaurants waiting to satisfy your taste buds! We have curated a list of the finest dining establishments in Lima, Cusco, and other cities across Peru. For the daring and adventurous, Lima offers unique thrills like paragliding, surfing, and exhilarating bullfights that promise an adrenaline rush like no other.
Explore the beautiful architectural wonders of Lima, starting with the Plaza Mayor, the city's main square. Admire the well-preserved colonial buildings from the 16th century, marvel at the Archbishop's Palace with its magnificent carved balconies, and appreciate the elegant Cathedral and Government Palace.
Discover Lima's most enchanting districts - Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro - with their stunning parks, graceful buildings, and exquisite Peruvian cuisine restaurants. There are also many museums, churches, markets, and galleries to explore.
No visit to Lima is complete without a trip to the San Francisco complex, which houses a famous painting by artist Diego de la Puente titled "The Last Supper." The artwork depicts Christ and the apostles enjoying a guinea pig and chicha meal, a traditional Peruvian drink. The complex, rebuilt in 1672 after an earthquake, is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.
Don't miss the Parque de la Reserva (Park of the Reserve), which features the world's largest fountain complex, listed in the Guinness World Records. In the evenings, the park hosts an impressive interactive show accompanied by classical and Peruvian music, leaving visitors in awe of its grandeur.
Park Address: Near the intersection of Av. Arquipa and Paseo de la República.
Top-Rated Museums in Lima - Based on Travelers' Reviews
1. Larco Museum
The Larco Museum, located in Lima, is a fascinating destination and among the city's top museums. It was established by Rafael Larco Herrera, a sugar tycoon who had a keen interest in Peruvian history and archaeology. The museum is housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion and displays artifacts and objects from different cultures and historical periods. Visitors can admire an array of stunning jewelry, funerary masks, weaponry, textile samples, ceramics, and even knotted rope records called quipu. Particularly noteworthy are two rooms that feature the erotic ceramics of Moche culture.
Address: Av. Bolivar 1515
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
2. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru
Experience a journey through time as you explore exhibits showcasing Peru's history chronologically. From ancient times to the era of the colonizers, this museum provides a fascinating narrative of the country's past. Additionally, the museum boasts the largest collection of ceramic remains from ancient civilizations found throughout Peru.
Address: Plaza Bolivar
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, and public holidays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
3. Gold Museum
Explore the fascinating history of pre-Inca civilizations and Inca culture through an impressive exhibit of jewelry, funerary masks, weaponry, ceramics, and textiles. The museum also features mummies, including those of infants. On the upper level, visitors can admire a collection of antique firearms and military artifacts.
Address: Alonso de Molina 1100, Monterrico
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
These museums promise an awe-inspiring journey through Peru's vibrant history and cultural heritage. Explore these treasure troves of knowledge and artistic splendor during your Lima adventure!
4. Huaca Pucllana Complex
The Huaca Pucllana Complex is an important archaeological site in Lima, dating back to the 6th century BC. It served as both a religious and administrative center, with a tall wall dividing its territory. While early travelers and explorers wrote about Huaca Pucllana in the 19th century, serious archaeological excavations didn't begin until the mid-20th century. During these excavations, archaeologists discovered a variety of artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, bones, stone tools, animal remains, vegetables, and fruits, which were offerings to the gods. In 2010, researchers recently announced the discovery of four mummies from the Wari culture. Visitors can view all of these treasures in the museum located within the complex.
Address: Av. Bolivar 1515
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
5. Huaca Huallamarca
Huaca Huallamarca, or "Pan de Azucar" or Sugar Loaf, is a restored clay pyramid dating back to the 3rd to 6th centuries AD. The museum adjacent to the pyramid showcases artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. This impressive structure can be found in the San Isidro district.
Earrings from the Moche culture, Larco Museum, Lima, Peru
6. Pachacamac Archaeological Complex
The Pachacamac Complex is a collection of ancient pyramidal temples, residential buildings, and other archaeological structures built by various pre-Inca cultures. The complex is located 40 kilometers southeast of Lima and is believed to be the most significant religious center along the Peruvian coast, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
The complex was dedicated to the god Pachacamac, an important deity for the indigenous people who was revered as a powerful creator of the world and embodied the god of fire and earthquakes. During your tour, don't forget to climb to the top of the Temple of the Sun, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
Additionally, you can see remnants of frescoes decorating adobe walls, adding to this historical site's intrigue.
7. El Paraiso Archaeological Complex
El Paraiso is a historic site located about 2 kilometers north of Lima, close to the Pacific Ocean. It spans over 50 hectares and contains buildings that date back to 2200 BC. The ruins include temples and residential dwellings once occupied by up to 3000 people. While the architectural complex has been known for some time, large-scale excavations were only recently conducted.
In December 2012, a significant archaeological project was launched at El Paraiso. Within three months, researchers made a groundbreaking discovery: an underground religious center was found near the main temple with four levels, each older than the previous one. It is believed that this ancient temple was constructed around 3000 BC.
8. Love Park
Love Park is located on the Lima waterfront and was opened on Valentine's Day in 1993. Its design was inspired by the renowned architect Gaudi, and it exudes artistic elegance. The park's main attraction is the magnificent "El Beso" (The Kiss) sculpture, crafted by Victor Delfin. This sculpture is a favorite spot for newlyweds and couples who visit to create lasting memories through photography.
9. Fountain Park / Parque de la Reserva
As the sun sets from Tuesday to Sunday, Fountain Park comes alive with a breathtaking interactive show, accompanied by classical and Peruvian music. The showtimes are at 7:15 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9:30 PM.
Park Address: Near the intersection of Av. Arquipa and Paseo de la República.
10. Cathedral of Lima
The construction of the Cathedral of Lima started in 1535 per the instructions of the well-known conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who laid the foundation stone personally. Pizarro was also buried within the cathedral's walls, and his remains remain.
The Ocean - Lima's Majestic Beauty
Lima's stunning coastal views from the steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean are truly magnificent. If you happen to stay at a nearby hotel, you will hear the sound of crashing waves that persist day and night. Although Lima's beaches are not ideal for relaxation due to their strong waves and rocky shores, they are a must-visit destination. Even if you only have a day to spare in Lima, visiting the coastline is highly recommended. The powerful ocean waves and courageous surfers from all over the globe will evoke an array of emotions within you.
Discover Lima's Treasures with PeruVisit.com!
If you're planning a solo adventure, save your precious time in Lima by booking our exciting tours in advance:
City Highlights Tour
Join us on an exciting tour of Lima's most captivating sights! This adventure will take you to the Love Park, where you'll admire the stunning views. You'll also have the chance to explore the ancient Huaca Pucllana ruins and stroll through the charming San Isidro district. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Government Palace and Municipality Building at the main square. And, of course, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral and Santo Domingo Monastery.
Tour Times: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Palomino Islands Excursion
Prepare yourself for a remarkable adventure as we embark on a sailing trip to the Palomino Islands nearby! You'll have the opportunity to observe the amazing wildlife that inhabits the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of bird species.
Departure from your hotel: 10:00 AM. Return at 4:00 PM.
Secure Your Spot Now - Reserve Your Tours in Advance!
Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to explore Lima's wonders. Book your tours in advance and let PeruVisit.com create the perfect itinerary for your Lima adventure!
Lima is a sprawling city that can be overwhelming to explore, especially if you're short on time. But don't worry - we've got some great suggestions to help you make the most of your visit:
Safety
When visiting Lima, it's important to exercise caution, just as you would in any large city. Take official taxis, watch your belongings, and stick to tourist-friendly areas if you plan to venture out at night. If you're feeling adventurous and decide to take a local bus called a "Colectivo," it's best to leave your valuables and jewelry in your hotel to avoid any potential mishaps in the crowd. Enjoy your time in Lima and take advantage of all the amazing sights, flavors, and experiences this incredible city offers. Wishing you safe travels!
Where to stay in Lima
The safest and most enjoyable neighborhoods for tourists are Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
Car Rental
Get ready for an exhilarating driving experience! Lima's roads are a whirlwind of activity, with cars, bikes, motorcycles, and even horse-drawn carriages all sharing the streets!
Traffic in Lima can be a bit chaotic, with millions of locals rushing around in cars and buses, some of which could easily be considered vintage treasures.
The best part is that Lima is the perfect gateway to Peru's most popular attractions - Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon Jungle. So, if you're up for an adventure, contact us and set off on an incredible journey from this vibrant city!
Once you step foot in Lima, the first thing that catches your eye is the gentle haze, known locally as "garua." The sun graces the city's skies only during summer, as the air carries the refreshing touch of oceanic moisture. Rain is a rare visitor along the coastal stretch.
Average temperatures:
From May to November: Experience delightful daytime temperatures ranging from +19°C to +22°C (66°F to 72°F), while nights bring cooler but comfortable temperatures ranging from +14°C to +16°C (57°F to 61°F).
From December to April: Embrace the warmth with daytime temperatures of +24°C to +26°C (75°F to 79°F), and nights stay pleasantly mild at +17°C to +19°C (63°F to 66°F).
Get ready to immerse yourself in Lima's unique climate, where the subtle haze and oceanic influence create an atmosphere like no other!
When visiting Lima, make sure to take home some authentic Peruvian souvenirs that showcase the country's skilled craftsmanship. You'll love the beautifully crafted ceramics, colorful textiles, and intricate wool creations made from alpaca and vicuña wool. Don't forget to check out the stunning wooden carvings for a touch of natural beauty. And for foodie souvenirs, treat yourself to the local coffee, rich chocolates, Pisco (Peruvian grape brandy), and the unique pink salt from Maras.
You can find all of these wonderful items at bustling markets and modern shopping centers throughout the city. One of the best places to shop is the famous Mercado Indio, located in the vibrant Miraflores district on Av. Petit Thouars.
Begin your exciting journey to Lima, where your adventure awaits! You will land at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, which welcomes all international flights with open arms. If you are traveling to Peru by plane, Lima will be your first destination, where the magic begins.
For travelers from neighboring Latin American countries, there is an exciting option to reach Lima by bus, with some bus companies offering international routes.
Once you arrive in Lima, the possibilities are endless! You can take off or set sail to any corner of Peru. To find the perfect flight or bus for your next adventure, simply visit the websites of local transportation companies listed on this link. Embrace the spirit of exploration and let Lima be your gateway to unforgettable experiences in Peru!
Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
