Is Lima Worth Visiting? (How To Best Enjoy it)

Note: there’s presently fairly a little bit of political turbulence in Peru that may trigger disruptions for travellers. Be certain to test journey advisories.

Most travellers heading to Peru will most definitely contact down within the capital, however rapidly transfer on to different extra standard locations equivalent to Cusco and Arequipa.

The fact is that Lima too has many unbelievable issues to do and see – it simply requires just a little extra effort to seek out out what and the place they’re.

From browsing alongside its excellent waves to exploring one of the crucial complete pre-Columbian historical past museums on the planet, it’s possible you’ll simply discover that Lima pleasantly surprises you too (After all, I solely deliberate a number of days and now dwell right here!).

Reasons to go to Lima

With its multicultural roots being shared between indigenous Peru, Europe and Asia, Lima has since developed into one of the crucial upcoming meals locations on earth.

From must-try dishes equivalent to Lomo Saltado and Ceviche to the native staples of Papa a la Huancaina and Papa Rellena, I like to recommend making an attempt a menu ejecutivo at an area restaurant the place you possibly can pattern probably the most genuine Peruvian delicacies (it’s low-cost and also will fill you up properly).

You’ll additionally discover in Lima a conflict between colonial structure and historic ruins, which supplies us an ideal perception into Peru’s vibrant but turbulent previous.

The Historic Centre is stuffed with European-style structure, with the Plaza de Armas and the Torre Tagla Palace among the many most putting. You’ll even discover crumbling ruins throughout the metropolis of Lima too! Huaca Pucllana was a formidable adobe metropolis that was constructed as early as 200 AD, and lies just some blocks north of Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.

Another motive why Lima is price heading to is for the local weather. Due to its positioning between the cool Pacific and the towering Andes, it has created a singular micro-climate right here which suggests it nearly by no means rains.

This makes it inconceivable on your journey plans to get ruined by sudden climate, while it has additionally led to superb pure phenomena such because the inexperienced rolling hills of the Lomos de Lúcumo throughout the summer time months.

1 Day in Lima

As a lot as I’d love travellers to remain longer right here, it’s not at all times the case and it’s possible you’ll be in a rush. If that’s you, then under you will discover the excellent at some point itinerary for Lima.

Waking up early, you possibly can head straight to the Plaza de Armas within the historic centre to see stunning buildings just like the Torre Tagle Palace, and likewise the presidential palace contained in the Plaza de Armas.

After wandering round, you’ll then go to the picturesque San Francisco Convent, the place you tour to see its stunning rooms and courtyard earlier than getting into the creepy catacombs under (it’s the second largest of its sort on the planet!).

Now we’ll take a colectivo to Miraflores, the place you possibly can then discover the unbelievable terrace-layered ruins of Huaca Pucllana. From right here you possibly can seize some lunch at Aries (one among my favourites which has the menu ejecutivo), after which stroll round Parque Kennedy and pet the handfuls of cats who’re full-time residents right here.

From right here you possibly can head all the way down to the Costa Verde, both renting a motorcycle and biking to Barranco (the Puente de los Suspiros is a must-see), or going browsing within the constant, rolling waves of the Pacific. If you’re fast you may even match each in too earlier than you want to go away Lima.

Whether you might have one or a number of days in Lima, the next are among the finest issues you are able to do.

10 Best Things to See and Do

1. Explore the San Francisco Catacombs

Starting off our listing we’ve maybe the eeriest and spookiest vacation spot of all in Lima.

Lurking beneath the San Francisco Monastery, these catacombs are a big community of secret passages and tunnels which are recognized for housing over 25,000 skeletal stays.

Only the catacombs in Paris are greater, making this in any other case unknown vacation spot in Lima the second largest of its sort on the planet!

To enter you’ll first want to purchase a guided tour ticket from the doorway to the monastery, the place you’ll first be proven across the convent. Here you’ll see many vibrant murals depicting completely different spiritual occasions, a picturesque courtyard in addition to one of the crucial complete libraries of its sort in Latin America.

After you’ll then head down into the catacombs under, the place you’ll see skulls perched on ledges in addition to human bones completely organized in numerous shapes. Be certain to carry a jumper since it will probably get fairly chilly down there.

This website is situated on the north finish of Plaza San Francisco, which is simply two blocks away from the Plaza de Armas within the Historic Centre. This guided tour is one other nice method to go to the Catacombs.

2. Go Surfing alongside Lima’s Coast

Peru is understood for lots of issues, although browsing shouldn’t be normally one to prime most lists. Whilst many desire to go to the hotter waters of Chiclayo or Máncora within the north, it’s in reality Lima that has among the finest and most constant waves of all.

Known because the Costa Verde, right here you’ll discover many nice spots alongside this Pacific shoreline. Miraflores is among the finest districts to go to, the place these excellent waves by no means appear to cease rolling in.

You can both e book a surf lesson on-line beforehand, or you possibly can head all the way down to Playa Makaha the place you’ll discover surf leases and instructors able to go. Punta Hermosa is one other standard choice, while those that are extra skilled could just like the more difficult waves of these present in La Herradura.

Whilst Lima is nice for browsing year-round, those that don’t just like the chilly will need to come throughout Peru’s hotter summer time season, which runs from November till February. Regardless of once you do come, you’ll nonetheless want a wetsuit given how chilly the waters are.

3. Discover the Huaca Pucllana Ruins

If historic ruins are in your listing of issues to see when coming to Peru (and so they actually must be given the nation’s distinctive and deep historical past), then you definately’ll discover that you simply gained’t even have to attend till Cusco on your first style of pyramid delights.

The Huaca Pucllana Ruins have been first in-built 500 CE by the Lima tradition, who flourished in these lands method earlier than the time of the Inca. This website was recognized for housing the elite of this civilisation, with the seven layered and terraced pyramid a very powerful function right here.

Since its latest excavation, many tombs have been unearthed which shed extra intimate particulars on how the Lima tradition lived, in addition to the truth that human sacrifices have been additionally a standard lifestyle.

The Huaca Pucllana Ruins are situated throughout the upscale district of Miraflores, and you’ll simply stroll right here from Parque Kennedy in simply 20 minutes.

4. Visit Barranco

This edgy district is among the must-visit areas when coming to Lima. Located within the south bordering Miraflores, Barranco is understood for its extra relaxed tempo of life, the place you’ll discover jazz musicians serenading on the road in addition to novel markets popping up every so often across the Parque Municipal.

One of the very best issues to do right here is to stroll from the Park alongside the Bajada del Baños, the place you’ll see the notorious Puente de Los Suspiros.

After spending time right here and visiting the statues within the Plazuela Chabuca Grande, you possibly can then head to La Posada del Mirador which is true on the finish of the road (on the fringe of the cliffs). Here you possibly can eat some very nice conventional meals, in addition to attempt Pisco – the nationwide drink of Peru.

Barranco can be well-known for its avenue artwork. You’ll discover among the finest creations alongside Pedro de Osma Avenue in addition to the connecting avenue of Jirón Dos de Mayo. You can see these together with an included go to to the Pachacamac Ruins with this guided tour.

Whilst you possibly can simply take a taxi or Uber right here, I like to recommend heading on a motorcycle from close by Miraflores, which completely leads into our subsequent exercise…

5. Cycle alongside the Costa Verde

One of the issues that make Lima stand out as a capital metropolis amongst others in Latin America is its expansive Pacific shoreline.

Known because the Costa Verde (translated as “green coast”), this space will get its title from the intense inexperienced vegetation that’s discovered on its cliffs, which makes this 20 km lengthy shoreline much more putting.

Whilst there are a lot of completely different districts and hidden seashores to discover alongside the route, I’d say that the stretch from San Isidro to Barranco is probably the most picturesque. Exploring by bike is ideal, since they’ve lanes for riders in addition to quite a few CityBike stations the place you possibly can decide up and drop off as you please.

This route will take you between 1-2 hours to get there, the place you will notice gardens, a lighthouse in addition to some excellent vantage factors for searching over the Pacific Ocean.

Those who need extra journey can proceed on to Chorrillos, and as much as Morro Solar which in my view has the very best views over Lima. You can even be part of this group bike tour which covers the identical route.

Whilst the summer time season is finest for clear skies and higher views, you possibly can simply journey any time of the 12 months. Just make certain to stay to the bike lanes, since driving in Peru isn’t recognized to be the very best factor round!

6. Bar Hop alongside the Calle de las Pizzas

Those seeking to have a number of beers (or absolutely throw down) will love Lima. Whilst it’s not fairly Rio, there’s nonetheless a vigorous nightlife scene that basically comes alive from Thursday onwards.

Miraflores is among the finest districts for heading out after darkish, with Calle de las Pizzas among the finest streets to go to. This brief avenue is situated proper subsequent to Parque Kennedy and is crammed with 20+ eating places, bars and nightclubs that every give their very own vibe and power to this busy avenue.

Some of the very best bars to go to right here embrace Atrio Restobar in addition to Strega Rooftop. Those after a extra genuine, Latin evening out will love Son de Cuba, which performs salsa music and is commonly crammed with locals who need to get unfastened.

Whilst it will probably really feel seedy at instances (by this I imply getting supplied medicine and prostitutes every so often), it’s nonetheless an ideal place to kick off the evening and get the drinks flowing.

I additionally suggest heading to the close by Selina or Pariwana hostels, which frequently have vigorous events most nights of the week.

7. Hike alongside the Lomas de Lúcumo

This is an absolute should for nature lovers, photographers or these searching for a pleasant day journey out of Lima. The Lomas de Lúcumo are a sequence of hills which are situated roughly 40 km from the historic centre of Lima and are recognized for his or her unbelievable inexperienced foliage.

Before hopping on a bus right here, it’s essential for me to first point out that this isn’t a year-round website, and solely happens from the months of June till early October. This is as a result of the realm has a singular microclimate that traps moisture from the Pacific, resulting in this beautiful bloom in an in any other case arid, desert local weather.

As properly as strolling alongside its weaving mountaineering trails, right here you’ll additionally see weird rock formations, historic cave work and even wildlife equivalent to hawks and foxes. The easiest months to go to are July and August, which is when the hills are at their most inexperienced.

The Lomas de Lúcumo are situated throughout the Pachacámac district and could be reached in simply over an hour of driving (or 2 hours when taking public transportation).

8. Learn on the Larco Museum

Peru has one of the crucial fascinating historic histories in all the Americas, and I’d put it as candidate for the world too!

From the early days of the Caral Civilisation, which was based in 2600 BC (the second oldest settlement on earth), there have since been a various number of ethnic teams. These vary from the Inca Empire to the Moche and Chavín cultures. And the perfect method to find out about all of them is by heading to the Larco Museum in Lima.

This archaeological museum is dwelling to over 45,000 pre-Columbian artefacts, which makes it one of the crucial complete of its sort on the planet. Inside you’ll discover quite a few ceramics, textiles and golden objects that have been as soon as utilized by these varied historic tribes. You’ll additionally discover a numerous vary of Erotic Pottery too, giving a sneaky perception into a few of their extra enjoyable pastimes all these years in the past.

The Larco Museum is situated throughout the Pueblo Libre district, which is definitely accessible by Bus or Taxi.

9. Join a Walking Tour across the Historic Centre

Lima’s historic centre is a present in itself, the place you possibly can simply get misplaced strolling round with its abundance of architectural delights and picturesque plazas.

This space is in fact the place Lima was born, following the notorious speech and declaration from Francisco Pizarro himself in 1535.

Most of the buildings nonetheless standing are from this distinct colonial interval, which includes many designs and types discovered over in Spain. Whilst I’m a strong advocate for simply strolling randomly and seeing the place you find yourself, this time I extremely suggest going with this strolling tour in Lima’s Historic Centre.

Here you’ll have knowledgeable information present you round, the place you’ll go to the Plaza de Armas and different notable squares equivalent to Plaza San Martin.

You’ll additionally find out about key historic landmarks which embrace the Presidential Palace (which is commonly the supply of controversy even these days) in addition to the Metropolitan Cathedral with its Neoclassical and Renaissance architectural types.

10. Day Trip to Caral

Despite being the oldest settlement within the entirety of the Americas, Caral continues to be not a preferred day journey for vacationers visiting Lima.

Whilst most desire to go to the desert of Huacachina or the Ballestas Islands, I can personally assure that this archaeological website can be a memorable expertise for anybody who makes the journey.

Located simply exterior of the city of Caral, these ruins are among the first on earth to function pyramids, in addition to the round plazas that may be discovered when strolling across the website. Since this civilisation pre-dated ceramics, they have been consultants with different supplies such because the native Totora Reed, which was used for fishing in addition to for agricultural functions (each of which made up the majority of their weight loss program).

As properly as studying in regards to the complicated with a compulsory information, you’ll even have some epic landscapes round you too, since Caral is situated inside a desert surrounded by tall mountains and small dunes.

Caral is situated roughly 150 km north of Lima, which takes round 3.5 hours to get to, making it an ideal day journey from the Peruvian capital.

This organised day tour is the right method to discover Caral, the place you’ll have all logistics conveniently dealt with for you.

Lima Travel Tips from a Local

I’ve spent over a 12 months in Lima now, each as a vacationer and dwelling right here full-time. This has allowed me to realize deeper insights and suggestions into town, which I’ll now share with you under.

Where to remain

Given that Lima is the capital of Peru (and can be the most important metropolis), this implies there’s loads of bustle. Being trustworthy this makes the vast majority of districts not definitely worth the go to, nevertheless the areas of Miraflores, Barranco and the Centro Histórico definitely are, and are the very best locations to base your self.

Not solely are they the most secure, however additionally they have strong lodging choices in addition to a extra inclusive vibe (one thing I’ve seen that usually lacks within the much less developed areas). Selina Miraflores has at all times been my go-to and is completely situated within the coronary heart of this district.

Best time to go to

As already talked about, rainfall won’t ever be a difficulty right here. This leaves simply the summer time and winter seasons, every with its personal advantages.

The summer time runs from November till February, when it will get fairly sizzling with many extra clear-blue skies than the remainder of the 12 months. This makes it an ideal time for exploring and heading to the seaside.

The winter is way cooler with extra gray skies (sure it will probably get miserable generally), which is as a result of Garua phenomenon the place an ever-present mist and clouds linger above Lima. However, the trade-off is that this season may be very low-cost, and likewise a greater time for visiting different locations inside Peru on the identical journey.

Getting round

Using Uber or InDrive goes to be probably the most time-efficient method of getting round.

You can even get between the Historic Centre and Miraflores actually cheaply too through the use of the colectivos (shared automobiles) that decide passengers up subsequent to the Sheraton Hotel. You shouldn’t pay any greater than 7 Soles for the journey.

Another wonderful means is through the use of the Metropolitan Bus, which has a number of stations all the best way from Plaza Norte within the north to Chorrillos within the south. It operates identical to a metro system and is an effective method (and low-cost!) for hopping between the north and south of Lima.

To be trustworthy, that is really the primary time I wouldn’t suggest utilizing public buses. Not solely are the schedules working as they like on the day right here, they’re additionally fairly sketchy and never the most secure for travellers. Yes, you’ll save for certain, however whether or not it’s price taking the additional threat I’ll go away as much as you.

Final phrases

The Peruvian capital is the right place to start out off your journey by this superior South American nation, the place you’ll have the right introduction to the perfect tradition, historical past and delicacies.

You’ll additionally be capable of have some distinctive experiences too, equivalent to biking alongside the rugged hills of the Costa Verde in addition to visiting one of many oldest human settlements on earth.

I hope you take pleasure in your time right here in Lima! It’s a really underrated metropolis and I’m greater than satisfied that travellers ought to spend a number of extra days attending to understand it higher. Who is aware of, it’s possible you’ll even find yourself dwelling right here…