According to tourists who visited Lima, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Historic Center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible on foot from the Plaza Mayor. It includes the Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, San Francisco Convent, and its catacombs. 2. Explore Miraflores, a modern and safe district with beautiful sea views, parks, and a vibrant social life, accessible by Metropolitano or transportation apps. It features the Miraflores Boardwalk, the Love Park, and views of the Pacific Ocean. 3. Stroll through Barranco, Lima's bohemian district known for its art, cafés, and nightlife, accessible by Metropolitano or transportation apps. Famous for the Bridge of Sighs and its republican mansions. 4. Discover Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the middle of Miraflores, belonging to the Lima culture, accessible on foot or by taxi from Miraflores. It dates back to 200 – 700 A.D. 5. Visit the Larco Museum, which houses a vast collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian art, accessible by taxi or transportation apps. It has approximately 45,000 archaeological pieces.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Lima are: 1. Explore the Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, touring the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, and the San Francisco Convent. 2. Stroll through Miraflores and Barranco, enjoying the sea views from the Miraflores Boardwalk and exploring the bohemian and artistic atmosphere of Barranco, crossing the Bridge of Sighs. 3. Taste Peruvian Cuisine, trying ceviche, causa limeña, lomo saltado, and pisco sour, considered some of the best in the world. Lima is recognized as the gastronomic capital of South America. 4. Visit the Larco Museum, exploring an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and gold objects. It houses approximately 45,000 archaeological pieces. 5. Enjoy the Magic Water Circuit, a show of lights, music, and water in a series of fountains, including one that holds a Guinness World Record. It is the largest fountain complex in the world.
The following day trips can be taken from Lima: 1. Caral: 180 km away, with a travel time of 3.5 hours by car. It is the oldest city in the Americas, an archaeological site of the Caral civilization, considered the oldest known center of civilization in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be reached by organized tours or private car. 2. Pachacámac: 40 km away, with a travel time of 1 hour by car. It is an important archaeological complex with temples and a museum, belonging to the Lima culture. It is a pre-Columbian archaeological site with pyramids and a museum. It can be reached by organized tours, taxi, or public transport. 3. Paracas and Ballestas Islands: 250 km away, with a travel time of 3.5-4 hours by bus or car. It includes the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands (known as the 'Peruvian Galapagos') with marine wildlife. It allows for the observation of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. It can be reached by organized tours or bus from Lima.
It is recommended to spend between 3 and 4 days to visit the main attractions of Lima. With 2 days, you can see the main sights. 3-4 days allow for adding museums and excursions without rushing, offering a more complete experience. A suggested itinerary for 3 days could be: Day 1: Historic Center and Larco Museum. Day 2: Miraflores, Barranco, and Huaca Pucllana. Day 3: Excursion to Pachacámac or Caral. Factors to consider include the extent of the sites of interest, the diversity of neighborhoods and museums, the desired travel pace, and interest in gastronomy and day trips.
The high season is from December to March, with warmer and sunnier days, and clearer skies, with maximum temperatures of 30°C. It is the most expensive and sought-after time. The low season is from May to November, with mild temperatures, but with humidity and persistent coastal fog (garúa), with maximum temperatures of 22°C. Prices are more affordable. The ideal season is from April to May and from October to November, offering a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists, with moderate prices and possible discounts outside the high season.
Lima has a moderate travel cost. The daily budget for a backpacker is between USD 40 and 60, including basic accommodation, inexpensive local food, public transport, and some free attractions. For a mid-range budget, the daily cost is between USD 70 and 120, covering accommodation in a mid-range hotel, meals in tourist restaurants, transport, and entrance fees to main attractions. For a comfortable trip, the daily budget is between USD 150 and 300, including accommodation in high-end hotels, meals in renowned restaurants, private tours, and exclusive experiences. A meal in an average restaurant costs between PEN 50-100 (USD 13-27), while an inexpensive meal costs between PEN 15-30 (USD 4-8). Public transport costs between PEN 2-5 per trip (USD 0-1.35). Budget accommodation per night costs between PEN 60-120 (USD 16-32), and mid-range accommodation per night costs between PEN 200-500 (USD 54-135). An example budget for 5 days is around USD 350-600 per person. Lima is generally more affordable than other South American capitals like Buenos Aires or Santiago, but comparable to destinations like Bogotá.
A walk along the Miraflores Boardwalk, exploring the Barranco district, and visiting the Plaza Mayor of Lima are free attractions. There are Free Walking Tours in the Historic Center and Miraflores, where a voluntary tip is expected for the guide. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Peruvian Food Tour starting at USD 45, Art and Culture Tour in Barranco starting at USD 35. The visit to Huaca Pucllana with a guide costs approximately USD 5, and the Magic Water Circuit costs around USD 2.
