Lima, Peru, is a vibrant capital known for its world-class culinary scene, rich historical heritage with colonial architecture, and modern, lively districts. It offers a diverse experience ranging from exploring ancient ruins and impressive museums to enjoying coastal activities along the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists and backpackers often gather in the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Miraflores is a popular, lively area with plazas, parks like Parque Kennedy, and many bars and clubs. Barranco offers a bohemian atmosphere with its art scene, quaint bars, and live music venues, making it another excellent spot for socializing.
Top 7 Things to do in Lima
Visitors to Lima can immerse themselves in its vibrant culinary scene, delve into rich historical sites spanning pre-Columbian to colonial eras, and engage in coastal and adventurous pursuits along the Pacific shoreline.
1. Explore Lima's Historic Center
Wandering through the Historic Center offers a journey into Lima's past, showcasing grand colonial architecture, the impressive Plaza de Armas, and the Lima Cathedral. A highlight is the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, renowned for its architectural beauty and the intriguing catacombs beneath, where thousands of bones are interred. Engaging with a walking tour can provide deeper insights into the area's rich history and cultural significance.
Cost: Entrance to the San Francisco Catacombs typically costs around S/15-20 (approximately $4-$5 USD). Many walking tours of the Historic Center are available, with some paid tours ranging from $20-$45 USD. Self-guided exploration is free.
Transport: The Historic Center is centrally located. From districts like Miraflores or Barranco, a taxi ride typically costs between S/10 and S/30 (approximately $3-$8 USD). Public buses and the Metropolitano BRT system also serve the area, with fares ranging from S/0.50 to S/3.00 (less than $1 USD), though bus travel can be slower due to traffic. The Metropolitano requires a rechargeable card, costing S/5, with rides at S/0.80-1.50.
2. Visit the Larco Museum
Housed in an 18th-century mansion, the Larco Museum presents an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art spanning over 5,000 years of Peruvian history. The museum's exhibits offer insight into ancient Andean societies. Beyond the main galleries, visitors can explore a visible storage area with thousands of cataloged artifacts, a renovated 'Checan' Erotic Gallery, and peaceful gardens.
Cost: General admission is S/50.00 (approximately $13.50 USD). Reduced rates are available for seniors (S/35.00), students (S/25.00), and minors up to 17 years (S/25.00). Children under 8 years old enter for free.
Transport: The Larco Museum is located in Pueblo Libre. From Miraflores, a taxi ride typically costs between $8 and $12 USD (S/30-45) and takes about 13-30 minutes, depending on traffic. A public bus, such as the IO-89 from Kennedy Park in Miraflores, offers a more budget-friendly option at around S/2 (less than $1 USD), but the journey can take up to an hour.
3. Explore Huaca Pucllana
Situated in the Miraflores district, Huaca Pucllana is an ancient adobe and clay pyramid built by the Lima culture around 500 AD. This archaeological site offers guided tours through its various levels, plazas, and residential areas, providing a unique glimpse into pre-Inca civilizations that once thrived in Lima. The site also features a museum with artifacts found during excavations. Night tours are available, offering a different perspective of the illuminated pyramid.
Cost: General entrance is S/15.00 (approximately $4 USD). Reduced tickets for students and minors (5-12 years) are S/7.50.
Transport: Huaca Pucllana is within walking distance of many parts of Miraflores. For those coming from other districts like Barranco or Lima downtown, a taxi ride to Huaca Pucllana is approximately S/20 (around $5.50 USD).
4. Experience the Magic Water Circuit
Located in the Parque de la Reserva, the Magic Water Circuit is a Guinness World Record-holding complex of 13 interactive fountains. In the evenings, these fountains come alive with synchronized light, music, and laser shows, creating a captivating display. It's a popular attraction for all ages, offering a fun and visually stunning experience, particularly at night.
Cost: General admission is S/4.00 (approximately $1 USD). Children under 5 years old enter for free.
Transport: The Parque de la Reserva is located south of Lima's main square. It can be reached by the Metropolitano bus to the Estadio Central station or Ramón Dagnino station. Taxis are also a convenient option, especially for evening visits, with typical rides within the city ranging from S/10-20 (approximately $3-$6 USD).
5. Indulge in a Peruvian Food Tour
Lima is recognized as the culinary capital of Latin America, offering an extraordinary gastronomic experience. A food tour provides an immersive way to sample a diverse range of local delicacies, from fresh ceviche to the iconic pisco sour, and exotic fruits. These tours often include visits to local markets, small eateries, and sometimes cooking demonstrations, offering insights into Peruvian ingredients and culinary traditions. Barranco is a particularly popular district for food tours due to its bohemian atmosphere and varied dining options.
Cost: Prices for food tours vary, generally ranging from $65 to $115 USD per person. Many tours include all food and drink tastings.
Transport: Many food tours offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services from popular tourist districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. Tours focused on specific neighborhoods like Barranco are often walking tours within that district, easily accessible by taxi or public transport to the starting point.
6. Learn to Surf in Miraflores
The coastline of Miraflores, particularly Makaha Beach, provides ideal conditions for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Taking a surf lesson offers the chance to ride the Pacific waves with guidance from professional instructors. All necessary equipment, including surfboards and wetsuits, is typically provided, ensuring a safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport.
Cost: Group surf lessons typically cost between $22 and $32 USD per person. Private lessons range from $30 to $65 USD. These prices usually include equipment rental.
Transport: Makaha Beach is located along the Costa Verde in Miraflores. It is often within walking distance from many accommodations in Miraflores. Some surf schools may offer transfer services from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, or a taxi ride within these areas would be relatively inexpensive (S/10-20, or $3-$6 USD).
7. Go Paragliding over Miraflores
For an exhilarating experience and breathtaking views, paragliding over the Miraflores coastline is highly recommended. Tandem flights with certified instructors allow individuals with no prior experience to soar above the Pacific Ocean, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the city's cliffs, beaches, and urban landscape, including districts like San Isidro and Magdalena. Many flights include a video recording of the experience.
Cost: The cost for a tandem paragliding flight typically ranges from S/180 to S/260 (approximately $48-$70 USD) for a 10-15 minute flight, often including a video.
Transport: Paragliding take-off points are typically found along the cliffs of the Costa Verde in Miraflores. These locations are generally within walking distance or a short taxi ride from central Miraflores accommodations. A taxi from Miraflores to the paragliding launch area would be a short, inexpensive trip (e.g., S/10-20, or $3-$6 USD).
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
