Lima Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Lima
Lima boasts so many cultural attractions that it’s difficult to narrow the options down. The city sits right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, so tourists don’t only have access to the bustling city itself, but they can also visit the relaxing sandy European beaches. Not only are the sites incredible, but the hospitality industry, with its luxurious yet cozy hotels, will make any guest feel right at home.
To get the most out of your Lima experience, check out some of these amazing districts to explore, hotels to relax in, and sites to tour. The most popular things to do in Lima are:
- Explore plenty of the ages-old cathedrals, plazas, and museums in the Historic District
- Stay at a private and luxurious Airbnb in the Miraflores district to have a beautiful view of the Pacific coast
- Experience true resort luxury in the San Isidro area and take an adventurous parasail over the ocean
If you’re in a pinch for time and need to prioritize what sites to see while in Lima, keep reading to find out which top attractions both tourists and locals agree are the top attractions in Lima, Peru.
Top Attractions in Lima
Lima is actually the largest city in Peru. There is a lot of ground to cover for anyone looking to get a good feel for the city. While you could spend so much time in the city and still not be able to explore everything this place has to offer, the top attractions for tourists and locals to spend time doing in Peru are:
- Start with some Peruvian history at Plaza de Armas
- Walk along the pacific coast through The Malecon de Miraflores
- Take a tour of the famous Catacombs
These three attractions are some of the most popular and beloved activities and sites to see in the city. Lima offers an attraction for every type of traveler. From the history buff to the beach relaxer, the city offers major attractions and activities that will appeal to everyone in your travel group.
Experience the City's Cultural Center at the Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas dates back to the founding of Peru city in the early 16th century. It’s one of, if not the most, popular tourist attractions in Lima.
The Plaza consists of many important historic and religious buildings. The government and the Catholic Archbishops each have palaces in the Plaza. These each serve as the political and religious hearts of the city, existing as the main headquarters for the President of Peru and the Catholic Archbishops, respectively.
There are quite a few other government and municipal buildings that make up the Plaza and the large and beautiful Central Fountain in the center of the entire structure.
If you want to dive deep into the art, history, culture, and architecture of the city and Peruvian society at large, the Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot to start exploring.
Find the Best Ocean Views in Miraflores
If you want to explore the coast of Peru, the Miraflores district has got you covered. Miraflores is south of downtown Lima and has the atmosphere of an iconic luxurious European beach town. While the European coast can be quite rocky, you can still enjoy a leisurely and safe time along the beach.
There are plenty of shops, cafes, natural parks, and parasailing activities that visitors can have fun doing.
Parasailing is especially popular as it gives guests some of the most fantastic views of the Lima coast.
Miraflores is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing beachfront experience that’s still within close quarters of Lima city center.
Take an Eerie Tour Through the Catacombs Under Basilica de San Francisco
The San Francisco Cathedral is a beautiful feat of architecture that has a long and fascinating history. It’s also home to more than 70,000 bodies, all situated underneath the church structure.
Tours of the catacombs are quite popular among tourists. You can learn about what sections of historic Peruvian society are currently buried there and their history.
The catacombs are one of the most interesting tours you can take in Lima, and many people enjoy learning about their history while walking through the eerie and tight-knit spaces underground.
The Experience Flying into Lima Airports
If you’re flying into the city, you’ll most likely come through Jorge Chavez international airport.
Starting with your flight into Lima, you’ll receive a customs declaration form, which is pretty common when flying internationally.
The Chavez international airport, while modern and often busy, has only one terminal and many shops and café’s nearby.
Seeing as the airport is small and often very busy, being the city’s dominant airport, make sure to give yourself ample time to make your way out of the airport area as it can take up to 2 hours from departing the airport to making it into Lima proper.
It’s also strongly recommended to use an official taxi service rather than a rideshare app like Uber. Registered taxis are among the safest options as they’re well-regulated and often have higher safety ratings than unregistered rideshare apps such as Uber.
If you prefer not to take a taxi, there are also public buses, private shuttles, and if you’re comfortable driving, you can rent a car to make your way around the city.
Whether you’re flying into this large hub or another airport in the city, the most common cause of confusion for visitors is the language barrier for those who don’t speak or read Spanish. Make sure to have a copy of your flight schedule and other identification documents to be as prepared as possible.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Lima
Flying can be an expensive form of travel, especially if you’re flying internationally. But there are ways to make flying more budget-friendly. We’d all rather spend money on cultural activities and amazing cuisine rather than flight fare. Check out these top three tips to fly cheap to Lima.
1. Try traveling during the offseason.
Early spring and during the holidays are often when people travel to Lima the most, so if you’re looking to save money on flights, you’ll have better luck booking a flight outside of the tourist season.
2. Eye on ticket prices between 4-6 weeks
Keep an eye on ticket prices between 4-6 weeks before your departure date. Too early in advance or too close to when you leave will most likely lead to higher prices.
3. Choose unpopular flight times.
Tickets for flights that leave early in the morning are often cheaper than more popular flying times.
If flying for cheap is a priority, try scheduling your trip around when the best flight tickets become available.
If you can, rather than picking dates to travel and then keeping an eye on cheap tickets that align with your determined date, try planning backward. Meaning, keep your eye on cheap flights, and when you come across cheap tickets, you can’t pass up, snatch them up, and schedule your hotel and activities afterward.
This way, you’re controlling one of the biggest travel expenses you’ll incur, besides lodging.
While you may be slightly inconvenienced by earlier flight times or have to keep a constant watch on flight prices for a while, saving money on your airline tickets will make your travels more budget-friendly and give you more money to spend once you arrive in Lima.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
Being the largest city in Peru, Lima has a few different popular districts and neighborhoods that cater to the needs and preferences of different travelers.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, then Central Lima is the spot for you. This is Lima’s historic center, and it’s home to many of the most popular tourist attractions. Meaning you’ll be close to a lot of the action all day long if you choose to stay in this district.
If you prefer to stay closer to the water and have easier access to those sandy beach views, areas like Miraflores and San Isidro will be right up your alley.
Instead of the hustle and bustle of the city’s historic center, these coastal areas of Peru are the perfect spot to take in the spectacular ocean views. And for those who want to stay active, there are plenty of outdoor sports and water activities like paragliding that visitors can do for the day.
Each of these districts offers exciting activities, delicious cuisine options, shopping, and more. Each district has its own strengths and focuses, so make sure to research the culture and activities of each neighborhood before choosing your hotel to ensure you stay in a neighborhood that fits with your travel preferences.
Popular Hotels in those areas
Lima has gorgeous and friendly hotels in every district. Lima hospitality caters to every kind of traveler. After a long day exploring the city center or walking along the coast, these hotels offer comfortable beds, luxurious amenities and are often within a short walking or shuttle distance from the city’s most popular sites.
If you want to stay within walking distance of Lima’s historic center, check out these hotels:
Remember that these hotels are within the city’s historic center, so many of the buildings are a bit older, but that’s quite standard throughout Europe in general. While the rooms may be snug, the beds are very comfortable, and some spots like The Garden Hotel offer wonderful amenities like complimentary breakfasts.
These hotels are especially great for those travelers who mainly need a clean, safe, and comfortable space to sleep but will likely spend most of their day exploring and walking throughout the city streets.
For those who want a more resort-style experience, there are plenty of options near the Miraflores district. These resort hotels offer fantastic views, luxurious amenities, and plenty of dining options.
Some hotels to look into if you’re planning to stay near Miraflores are:
These spots generally offer spacious accommodations and plenty of options for travel to and from nearby shops and Lima city center.
These hotels are often in more serene neighborhoods, making them the perfect place to stay for anyone who’s hoping to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Peruvian coast in peace while also having easy access to café’s and shops when they want to venture beyond the hotel.
Popular Airbnb Places in Those Areas
Downtown
For those who want the private experience near downtown Lima, check out this artsy and modern apartment home that’s available to rent. It’s in a prime location, and guests can have the entire apartment to themselves while enjoying amenities on par with popular hotels like Wi-Fi, tv, and parking.
Plus, you’ll have access to a full kitchen along with a washer and dryer. This Airbnb is a perfect blend of the luxurious amenities of a hotel with the local feel and privacy of rental space. And you’re only a short walk or drive away from some of the most popular sites and restaurants.
Miraflores
If you’re planning to stay in the Miraflores district and want the experience of an Airbnb, check out this minimal and luxurious rooftop apartment. The private view from this apartment is breathtaking.
You also have an outdoor dining area where you can eat and enjoy the sunset as it falls over the European coast. The large windows and comfy beds will make it difficult to want to leave. There’s an open yet cozy feel to this place, making it an ideal spot to feel like you’re part of the luxurious culture of Miraflores.
Check out the dates available for these Airbnb’s because they’re likely to be booked up quickly with the great views and amenities that they offer.
Top Things to do in Lima
After making yourself comfortable and getting settled in your hotel or Airbnb, check out these top activities to do in Lima. There are engaging tours of the city, cultural and historical sites worth walking through, and fantastic beachfront views that you won’t want to miss.
The top 3 most popular things to do in Lima are:
- Go on a Pisco tour
- Learn about Peruvian culture at the Larco Museum
- Take a Magic Water Tour
Peru is known for its adult beverage called Pisco. There are bars all over Lima that offer Pisco drinks, along with pairing menus. Try out Hotel Maury or Museo del Pisco.
The Larco Museum is a fantastic place to learn about centuries worth of Peruvian culture. All within the historic and grand 18th-century building.
This museum was established in the early 20th century. It has so many objects that visitors often spend hours upon hours strolling through the many different exhibits and galleries to learn about the vast history of Peruvian culture and society.
And lastly, for some nighttime fun, take a Magic Water Tour, with water fountain shows, lights, and music. This show, including more than ten large fountains, is one of the most magical sights tourists see.
Guests walk around the water fountain park, where they’re greeted with water shows, changing lights, and music that makes the whole experience even more fun. It’s a unique experience, but one worth checking out if you’d like to see what casual nightlife Lima has to offer.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Lima
Airbnbs are a fantastic option for anyone looking for the experience of a local living in Peru, with more privacy than traditional hotels. Some of the coolest views in the Miraflores district are within cozy beachfront Airbnbs.
There are also fantastic cultural Airbnb apartments that elicit major boho vibes. The decor and ambiance of these modern rooftop apartments will make you feel inspired and excited for all that Lima has to offer.
These casual and unique Airbnbs are often luxury apartments that owners rent out to guests. Especially in the Miraflores district, these Airbnb’s often offer unique and unbeatable private ocean views.
Download the Airbnb app to check out the pricing of different options and look through the photos to see if the atmosphere of any of these options suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
Lima has so much to offer: the cuisine is incredible, the history is rich, and the European coastal views are beautiful.
Not only are there endless activities and tours to help you get the most out of your Lima experience, but with the flying tips above as well, you’ll also be ready to travel there smoothly and on a budget.
With this guide, you are ready to board that plane and head for a Peruvian adventure you’ll always remember.
