GUIDE TRAVEL FOR LIMA CITY
Refined, elegant, rich in history and with one of the best gastronomic scenes in the Americas, Peru’s capital city truly deserves its nickname of City of Kings.
There are not many cities in the world capable of bringing together as many attractions as Lima does. If we had to list the reasons to visit this capital, we could mention the richness of its gastronomy, its exquisite flavours, its lively colonial heritage, its unequalled ancestral history and, above all, the friendliness of its people.
LOCATION
Lima is located on the central coast of Peru. In fact, it is the only Latin American capital with access to the sea.
HOW TO GET TO LIMA?
Here are the two options of how to get to Lima:
- By air: being an air connection point, getting to Lima by plane is very easy, as there are several daily frequencies from the main Latin American capitals and also from the different airports in Peru.
- Jorge Chávez International Airport.
- By land: the Pan-American Highway not only connects Lima with the coastal cities of Peru, but also with countries such as Chile and Ecuador.
CURRENCY
Sol ( S/ ). is the official currency of Peru.
WEATHER
As it is known that the whole year is a good time to visit the capital of Peru, we consider that the best time to go to Lima is in the months of March, April, October and November, as the temperatures are pleasant and it is not too cold or too hot.
TRANSPORT
- Metropolitano and other buses.- Lima has a bus system called the Metropolitano and it runs through a part of the city from Barranco to the Historic Centre of Lima, passing through several other districts.
- Taxis .- Taxis in Lima are one of the best options to get around during your stay in Lima.
- Bicycles: Lima is a fairly flat city, so it won’t be difficult to get around by bicycle.
It is great fun to get around Miraflores and Barranco on 2 wheels. If you need bikes, most bike rental shops are concentrated in Miraflores.
There is also the option of booking a bike tour of the best areas of the city where a guide will explain in detail each point of interest so that you can discover part of Lima’s fascinating history.
ACCOMMODATION
The best areas to stay in Lima are undoubtedly in Miraflores and Barranco, San Isidro, but there are also some options in the centre of Lima.
WHAT TO DO IN LIMA
We tell you what to see and do in Lima:
1. Visit the Plaza Mayor
This square has been at the heart of the city since the 16th century, and is surrounded by Lima’s most valuable sites. Amidst beautiful flower fields you will discover Lima’s historic cathedral and the Peruvian Government Palace. Walk to the luxurious mansion Casa de Aliaga and, a little further, to the monastery of San Francisco.
2. Marvel at the Larco Museum
This 18th century house, transformed into an art gallery, offers mind-blowing treasures and pre-Columbian artefacts. Many predate the rise of Lima, but their complexity and utility are remarkable.
And don’t miss the erotic pottery pieces, which are breathtaking.
3. Get lost in Miraflores
Lima’s citizens and tourists mingle in the streets of the trendy Miraflores district to visit its fashionable shops, cafés and clubs.
Kennedy Park, in the heart of the neighbourhood, often hosts fun street markets and public art exhibitions. Nearby, the ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana is fascinating.
The luxurious Larcomar shopping centre is the perfect starting point for a stroll along the Malecon, which is a must-see if you’re in Lima.
4. Explore a romantic and inspiring enclave
Located south of Miraflores, Bohemian Wonderland is a cliffside neighbourhood with romantic and atmospheric streets. It’s a city tour that showcases Lima’s extremely fun nightlife.
5. Enjoy yourself in the Reserva Park
Lima’s cityscape is dotted with beautiful public parks. The Spanish-style Plaza de la Reserva is particularly unique.
The fountain known as the Magic Water Circuit is made up of thirteen dynamic reservoirs, the largest network of fountains in the world, and it never disappoints.
The show is beautifully illuminated at night, supported by state-of-the-art technology where music, water, sound and laser lights blend together to present unique and incredible spectacles.
6. visit the Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac
Only an hour’s drive separates Lima from the Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac, the largest ceremonial centre in the area.
Its constructions:
- The Temple of the Moon,
- The Temple of the Sun,
- The Pilgrims’ Square,
- The Old Temple,
- The Palace of Tauri Champi,
- The Painted Temple and
- The regional nunciatures.
They were built through the centuries mainly by the Incas, as well as by the Lima, Huari and Ichma cultures.
7. the Sacred City of Caral
In the middle of the valley of Supe, in the province of Barranca, sprouted one of the oldest civilizations of the world and of Peru: Caral.
It reigned in the north of Lima for more than 5 thousand years at the same time as great cultures such as Mesopotamia, India, Egypt and China.
The Archaeological Complex of Caral or also known as the Sacred City of Caral was a complex formed by different constructions, located on a terrace that protected the area from possible natural disasters and floods.
Its buildings are made of stones and wood from fallen trees, which is why it is considered to be the first sustainable civilisation.
8. Gastronomic Tour
In fact, the varied gastronomy of Lima, takes you through the palates to a world of unique and incredible flavours.
In this way, Lima offers you a great variety of exquisite dishes for every occasion, from starters to main courses, and even desserts and delicacies.
Finally, if you want to discover more about the delicious dishes that the city has to offer, here we give you the best recommendations.
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado
- Stuffed Causa
- Aji de Gallina (chicken chili)
- Anticuchos
- Cau Cau
- Carapulcra
- Mazamorra Morada
- Suspiro Limeño and more.
