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

Note: there may be at present fairly a little bit of political turbulence in Peru that may trigger disruptions for travellers. Be certain to examine journey advisories.

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

The fact is that Lima too has many unimaginable issues to do and see – it simply requires a bit extra effort to search 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, you could simply discover that Lima pleasantly surprises you too (After all, I solely deliberate just a few days and now stay 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 similar to Lomo Saltado and Ceviche to the native staples of Papa a la Huancaina and Papa Rellena, I like to recommend attempting a menu ejecutivo at a neighborhood restaurant the place you may pattern essentially the most genuine Peruvian delicacies (it’s low-cost and also will fill you up nicely).

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

The Historic Centre is filled 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 inside 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 value heading to is for the local weather. Due to its positioning between the cool Pacific and the towering Andes, it has created a novel micro-climate right here which implies it nearly by no means rains.

This makes it not possible in your journey plans to get ruined by sudden climate, while it has additionally led to wonderful pure phenomena such because the inexperienced rolling hills of the Lomos de Lúcumo throughout the summer season months.

1 Day in Lima

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

Waking up early, you may head straight to the Plaza de Armas within the historic centre to see stunning buildings just like the Torre Tagle Palace, and in addition 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 coming into the creepy catacombs under (it’s the second greatest of its form on this planet!).

Now we’ll take a colectivo to Miraflores, the place you may then discover the unimaginable terrace-layered ruins of Huaca Pucllana. From right here you may seize some lunch at Aries (one in every of 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 may head right 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 could possibly even match each in too earlier than that you must go away Lima.

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

10 Best Things to See and Do

1. Explore the San Francisco Catacombs

Starting off our listing we now have 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 can be recognized for housing over 25,000 skeletal stays.

Only the catacombs in Paris are larger, making this in any other case unknown vacation spot in Lima the second largest of its form 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 non secular occasions, a picturesque courtyard in addition to one of the crucial complete libraries of its form 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 possibly get fairly chilly down there.

This web site 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 solution to go to the Catacombs.

2. Go Surfing alongside Lima’s Coast

Peru is thought for lots of issues, although browsing is just not normally one to prime most lists. Whilst many choose to move to the hotter waters of Chiclayo or Máncora within the north, it’s in reality Lima that has a number of the greatest 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 likely one of the greatest districts to move 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 may head right down to Playa Makaha the place you’ll discover surf leases and instructors able to go. Punta Hermosa is one other fashionable possibility, while those that are extra skilled might just like the tougher 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 season season, which runs from November till February. Regardless of while 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 (they usually actually needs to be given the nation’s distinctive and deep historical past), then you definately’ll discover that you just gained’t even have to attend till Cusco in your first style of pyramid delights.

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

Since its current 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 had been additionally a standard lifestyle.

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

4. Visit Barranco

This edgy district is likely one of the must-visit areas when coming to Lima. Located within the south bordering Miraflores, Barranco is thought 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 one of the 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 may then head to La Posada del Mirador which is true on the finish of the road (on the fringe of the cliffs). Here you may eat some very nice conventional meals, in addition to attempt Pisco – the nationwide drink of Peru.

Barranco can be well-known for its road artwork. You’ll discover a number of the greatest creations alongside Pedro de Osma Avenue in addition to the connecting road 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 may 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 identify from the intense inexperienced vegetation that’s discovered on its cliffs, which makes this 20 km lengthy shoreline much more putting.

Whilst there are lots of completely different districts and hidden seashores to discover alongside the route, I’d say that the stretch from San Isidro to Barranco is essentially 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 may choose 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 looking 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 one of the best views over Lima. You may also be part of this group bike tour which covers the identical route.

Whilst the summer season season is greatest for clear skies and higher views, you may simply journey any time of the yr. Just be sure to stay to the bike lanes, since driving in Peru isn’t recognized to be one of the best factor round!

6. Bar Hop alongside the Calle de las Pizzas

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

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

Some of one of the best bars to go to right here embody 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 usually full of locals who wish to get free.

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

I additionally advocate heading to the close by Selina or Pariwana hostels, which regularly have energetic events most nights of the week.

7. Hike alongside the Lomas de Lúcumo

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

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

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

The Lomas de Lúcumo are situated inside 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 attention-grabbing historic histories in the entire Americas, and I’d put it as a superb 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 easiest solution to find out about all of them is by heading to the Larco Museum in Lima.

This archaeological museum is house to over 45,000 pre-Columbian artefacts, which makes it one of the crucial complete of its form on this planet. Inside you’ll discover quite a few ceramics, textiles and golden objects that had 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 inside the Pueblo Libre district, which is well 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 may simply get misplaced strolling round with its abundance of architectural delights and picturesque plazas.

This space is after all 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 contains many designs and kinds discovered over in Spain. Whilst I’m a stable advocate for simply strolling randomly and seeing the place you find yourself, this time I extremely advocate 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 similar to Plaza San Martin.

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

10. Day Trip to Caral

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

Whilst most choose to move to the desert of Huacachina or the Ballestas Islands, I can personally assure that this archaeological web site will likely be a memorable expertise for anybody who makes the journey.

Located simply outdoors of the city of Caral, these ruins are a number of the first on earth to function pyramids, in addition to the round plazas that may be discovered when strolling across the web site. Since this civilisation pre-dated ceramics, they had been specialists 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 nicely as studying concerning 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 solution 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 yr in Lima now, each as a vacationer and residing right here full-time. This has allowed me to realize deeper insights and ideas 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 may be lots of bustle. Being sincere this makes the vast majority of districts not well worth the go to, nevertheless the areas of Miraflores, Barranco and the Centro Histórico actually are, and are one of the best locations to base your self.

Not solely are they the most secure, however additionally they have stable lodging choices in addition to a extra inclusive vibe (one thing I’ve observed that always lacks within the much less developed areas). Selina Miraflores has all the time 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 problem right here. This leaves simply the summer season and winter seasons, every with its personal advantages.

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

The winter is way cooler with extra gray skies (sure it will possibly get miserable typically), which is because of the 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 in addition a greater time for visiting different locations inside Peru on the identical journey.

Getting round

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

You may also get between the Historic Centre and Miraflores actually cheaply too by utilizing the colectivos (shared vehicles) that choose passengers up subsequent to the Sheraton Hotel. You shouldn’t pay any greater than 7 Soles for the journey.

Another smart way is by utilizing 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 efficient manner (and low-cost!) for hopping between the north and south of Lima.

To be sincere, that is really the primary time I wouldn’t advocate 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 value taking the additional danger I’ll go away as much as you.

Final phrases

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

You’ll additionally have the ability to have some distinctive experiences too, similar 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 just a few extra days attending to understand it higher. Who is aware of, you could even find yourself residing right here…