Lima

Travel Guide

Exposition Park featuring a fountain and a park as well as a large group of people
Lima which includes religious elements, interior views and a church or cathedral
Lima featuring a high rise building and street scenes
Exposition Park which includes outdoor art, a garden and flowers
Lima which includes a pond and a sunset as well as a large group of people

Lima Travel Guide Video

Spanish colonial houses, exquisite food, musicians in traditional dress, oceanfront entertainment and fine museums make the Peruvian capital a feast for the senses. 

Enjoy a culinary andcultural experience in bustling Lima, where the desert meets the coast, whereancient history mixes with 21st-century entertainment and where Peru’s poorhope to get rich.

The settlement along theRímac River was once inhabited by Incas and earlier civilizations. After theSpanish founded Lima in 1535, they ruled for over 300 years. Today, nearly athird of Peru’s 30 million residents live in the capital. From the slums on theCerros (hills) and the colorful colonial mansions, to the Catholic churcheswith Moorish roofs and Chinatown’s red gate, Lima’s urban sprawl isdiverse.  

Explore Lima’s colonialpast in the central Plaza de Armas. A grand palace with marching guards, anornate cathedral and a 17th-century fountain define this historic square. Siton a bench and people-watch or browse nearby souvenir shops for brightlycolored souvenirs. Tour the Convento y Museo de San Francisco and its16th-century catacombs. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage or set out on foot andfollow the shopping avenues to the monument-rich Plaza San Martin.

Take a metered taxi to theMuseo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera in the Pueblo Libre district to seepre-Columbian art, including Moche ceramics from over 2,200 years ago. Foroceanfront entertainment, head south to Lima’s fashionable neighborhoodsMiraflores and Barranco. Try Peru’s staple seafood dish ceviche or thealcoholic drink pisco sour.

In summer, ocean breezesprovide a welcome reprieve from Lima’s desert air and smog. Winter days aremild, but often overcast. Because most Peruvians are poor and Lima attracts thewealthy, crime is an issue. Use the lockers and taxi service of your hotel andstick to the tourist areas.

Lima’s Jorge ChavezInternational Airport has connections to major global destinations. With dailyplanes and buses leaving from Lima for the surfing beaches of the PacificOcean, the lush Amazon jungle and the snow-capped Andes mountains, thisfascinating city is just the start of your Peru adventure. 

Where to stay in Lima

Miraflores featuring a sunset, general coastal views and landscape views

Miraflores

4.5/5(1,315 area reviews)

Miraflores is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Huaca Pucllana Ruins and Indian Market.

Miraflores
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San Isidro

4.5/5(307 area reviews)

Major financial quarter with a vibrant artistic community, San Isidro offers a mix of modern and ancient attractions. Explore the 4th-century Wak'a Wallamarka temple and marvel at the Hotel Westin Libertador, while navigating Lima's key avenues.

San Isidro
Barranco which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

Barranco

4.5/5(110 area reviews)

Bohemian and romantic, this district is home to artists and musicians. Explore the Bajada de los Baños walkway, visit the Pedro de Osma museum, or surf at the popular beaches.

Barranco
Plaza Mayor showing flowers and a garden

Lima Historic Center

Unique features of Lima Historic Center include the historic sites and shopping. Make a stop by Church and Convent of San Francisco or Government Palace while you're exploring the area.

Lima Historic Center
Pejesapo al vapor
#TroverFoodies

San Borja

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Focused on sports and culture, this district boasts green spaces, bicycle paths, and the Coliseo Dibos sports venue. Explore the Lima Convention Center, National Library, and shop at La Rambla or Real Plaza Primavera. Accessible via Lima Metro Line 1.

San Borja
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San Miguel

3.5/5(26 area reviews)

Part of Lima's urban area, San Miguel boasts the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Plaza San Miguel, and Parque de las Leyendas. Explore its economic centers along La Marina, Universitaria, and Elmer Faucett avenues, just 20-30 minutes from the airport.

San Miguel

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lima

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
534
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
496
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
140
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
15
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lima and all of Perú are wonderful, fun, safe, and interesting, with great food, friendly people, and easy traveling. Take your time and experience all of Perú.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lima and all of Perú are wonderful and fun and easy to know. The people, the history, the sites, the ruins and the food are fabulous. Don´t miss Perú!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lima and all of Perú is wonderful, safe, and easy to know, with great people, food, sites, and activities of all types. Highly recommended!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful, fun, safe, interesting, great food, and kind, friendly, helpful people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Friendly people. Courteous and helpful. Beautiful old center of Lima. Beautiful newer Walking park from Miraflores to Barranco. Love park. Great shopping! Great food and wine!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great restaurants and beautiful sunsets.