Lima Travel Guide (Central Coast/Peru/South America)

Introduction to Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a beautiful, vibrant city located on the west coast of South America. It is a city that seamlessly combines ancient history and modern culture, offering something for everyone from history buffs to foodies, art lovers, and adventure seekers. With its rich cultural heritage, fascinating archaeological sites, and beautiful landscapes, Lima is a must-visit destination in South America.

List of Places to Visit in Lima

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lima has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several museums and historical places that reflect this. Some must-visit attractions for history and culture enthusiasts include:

The Larco Museum: One of the most comprehensive museums in Peru, the Larco Museum showcases the ancient pre-Columbian art and artefacts, including pottery, textiles, and gold and silver jewellery.
The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru: This museum tells the story of Peru’s rich history through artefacts, objects and ancient art.
The Huaca Pucllana: A pre-Inca pyramid located in Miraflores, Lima’s seaside district.
The Plaza de Armas: Known as the birthplace of Lima, this square is home to the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Natural Attractions of Lima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from the cultural attractions, Lima is also home to several natural landmarks and outdoor adventure activities. Some of the must-visit natural attractions and scenic views of Lima are:

The Malecon de Miraflores: A stunning oceanside promenade that provides a perfect view of the Pacific Ocean and also hosts a variety of street art exhibitions.
Parque del Amor: Located near the Malecon de Miraflores, this park features a giant statue of two lovers embracing. It is a perfect spot to catch a sunset.
The Water Fountains Park: A landmark that features 13 illuminated water fountains, some of which are interactive.
Paracas National Reserve: A coastal desert reserve that boasts of magnificent desert landscapes, Pacific coastline, and exotic wildlife, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lima

Lima is a perfect city for hikers and bikers, allowing them to explore the beautiful landscapes and experience nature. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

El Morro Solar: A rocky hill located south of Lima, which offers a variety of hiking and walking trails. It is an ideal location to watch the sunset.
Lomas de Lachay: A nature reserve situated north of Lima, famous for its rare plant species, including cacti, which can be explored on hiking trails.
Miraflores Coastal Biking Route: A picturesque cycling trail that runs along the coast of Miraflores, passing by several scenic viewpoints and popular landmarks of the city.

Best Things to Do in Lima: Activities and Tours

Lima is a city that offers several exciting activities and tours that are perfect for visitors looking for an all-rounded experience. Here are some of the must-try tours and activities:

Culinary Tours: Peru is famous for its cuisine, and taking a culinary tour of Lima offers visitors an opportunity to taste some of the country’s best foods and specialties.
Surfing Lessons: The coastal waters of Lima offer some of the best surfing spots for both beginners and seasoned surfers.
City Sightseeing Tours: A chance to explore the city’s famed landmarks, historical sites, and iconic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lima

A week in Lima may still not be enough to explore everything this city has to offer, but here’s a suggested itinerary for visitors wanting to explore the city’s top attractions.

Day	Activity
1	Visit the Larco Museum and Huaca Pucllana
2	Explore the Plaza de Armas and architecture
3	Hiking at Lomas de Lachay
4	Surfing in the nearby beaches
5	Take a Culinary Tour and taste Peruvian cuisine
6	Visit Paracas National Reserve
7	Explore natural parks and Water Fountains Park

Food and Drink Scene of Lima

Peruvian cuisine is amongst the best in the world, and Lima is at the heart of its culinary scene. With a mix of indigenous and foreign influences, Lima’s cuisine is a blend of flavours and textures that will leave any foodie wanting more. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the city are:

Must-Try Dishes

Ceviche: A classic Peruvian dish with marinated raw fish, citrus, onions, and sweet potato.
Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries.
Ají de Gallina: A typical Peruvian chicken dish, made with spicy cream sauce.

Local Beverages

Pisco Sour: Peru’s national drink made of Pisco and lime juice.
Chicha Morada: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made of purple corn, cinnamon, and fruit.

Where to Stay in Lima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lima has several accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best areas to stay in Lima include Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Here are some of the most popular options:

Belmond Miraflores Park: A luxurious five-star hotel located in Miraflores with beautiful rooms and a rooftop pool.
Selina Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the trendy district of Barranco.
Mama Backpackers: A hostel and guesthouse located in San Isidro, offering budget-friendly accommodation and a friendly vibe.

What to Buy in Lima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lima is home to several local products and souvenirs that travellers may want to purchase. Some of the most popular items include:

Handmade textiles and clothing, including the traditional Andean Poncho.
Alpaca Wool Products, including sweaters, scarfs, and hats, which are soft to the touch.
Silver and Gold jewellery, which exemplify the country’s ancient and modern art.

Local Culture and Customs of Lima

Peru has a rich cultural heritage, and Lima is a city that proudly celebrates its tradition and customs. Visitors should be aware of local customs, including:

Greetings and politeness: In Peru, greetings are an essential part of the culture, and visitors should greet people with a “Buenos Dias” (good morning), “Buenas Tardes” (good afternoon), or “Buenas Noches” (good evening) depending on the time of day.
Tipping: Similar to other countries, tipping is customary in Peru, and visitors should tip around 10% of the bill amount at restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Dressing: Lima is a conservative city, and visitors should dress modestly and avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing in public places.

Best Time to Visit Lima

Lima has a mild climate, with average temperatures between 16°C to 22°C throughout the year, making it an excellent destination throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Lima is during the summer between December and February when the weather is excellent, and there are several outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lima

Do:

Sample the local cuisine, including Peruvian ceviche and Pisco Sour.
Learn about the country’s history and culture by visiting museums and historical places.
Dress appropriately and be respectful of local customs.

Don’t:

Drink tap water; always order bottled water.
Walk alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
Carry expensive items or large amounts of cash.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lima

While Lima is a relatively safe city, visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety:

Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas
Use only registered taxis during the night
Avoid carrying expensive items when taking public transportation and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Lima

Travellers are advised to take the following health precautions when visiting Lima:

Drink only bottled water
Use sunscreen with high protection as Lima’s UV rays are intense
Be cautious when eating street food and avoid raw vegetables or fruits without peels.

Getting to Lima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Lima is relatively easy, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Lima

Jorge Chávez International Airport is the primary international airport in Lima, with numerous international and domestic airlines servicing the city.

Bus Stations Near Lima

Lima has several bus stations, with regular services to other towns and cities across Peru.

Other Options

There are also ferry services that operate from nearby ports to Lima.

How to Get Around in Lima

The most convenient way for visitors to get around Lima is by taxi, although it is recommended that you use only licensed taxis. Visitors could also use the Metropolitano, a bus rapid transit system that is an affordable and safe way to travel around the city.

Where to Go Next from Lima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore other destinations close to Lima, some of the top nearby destinations include:

Cusco: The gateway to Machu Picchu, this ancient city is a blend of traditional culture and modernity.
Paracas: A town two hours south of Lima, known for the world-renowned Ballestas Islands, a natural reserve that is home to over 150 species of birds and other exotic wildlife.
Barranco: A bohemian and trendy district located south of Lima, which is home to art galleries, cultural centres and cafes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lima is a vibrant city that has something for every type of traveller. From its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, iconic landmarks, exciting activities, and delicious cuisine, Lima is a destination that you cannot afford to miss. With this comprehensive guide, you should have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Lima, Peru.