Lima, Peru Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
A city brimming with history, from the stately museums to the traditional religious processions, that moves to the unorganized, glorious mess of Latin flavor can only be one place—Lima, Peru. From its high-rise condos to its pre-Columbian temples, this city hasn’t lost its historical relevance yet boasts a culinary, musical, and nightlife movement.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Hot, Energetic, Historic
What’s the Destination Known For?
Second-driest world capital, after Cairo, Egypt.
Lima has a long coastline of crumbling cliffs. The beaches are popular in the summer, where plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs cater to the beachgoers.
Much of Lima’s original colonial architecture has been preserved, including the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, and the Cathedral. Churches dating back to the 16th and 17th century can be visited.
One of the oldest institutions of higher education in the New World is in Lima (The National University of San Marcos), founded during the Spanish colonial regime in 1551.
The city is renowned for its culinary scene, combining Spanish, Andean and Asian cuisine. Waves of immigrants have brought different culinary traditions. Several restaurants in Lima have been recognized as among the best in the world.
Lima’s theater scene is very prominent. The city is home to multiple world renown theaters, including Municipal Theater, Segura Theater, and Japanese- Peruvian Theater.
Getting There
LIM Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (Jorge Chávez International Airport)
Location: Avenida Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031
Located in the port city of Callao, 12 km west of downtown or 20 km northwest of Miraflores
Visa: US citizens receive a 183 tourist visa upon arrival
Bus: There is a bus known as La S that is the cheapest way to get to and from the airport. The stops are found heading south along Av Elmer Faucett. From the city (for the return trip), the most central place to pick up La S is at the bus stop on Av Petit Thouars, just north of Av Ricardo Palma.
Car: A handful of rental companies have desks at the airport. However, driving in Lima is very dangerous—some intersections don’t have stoplights, bus drivers are wild, and traffic jams are prolific. Drive with caution.
Taxi: The official taxi service is called Taxi Green and can be found right outside customs. There are also local taxis outside the airport perimeter. However, these can be very dangerous and robberies are common. It is recommended to use Taxi Green’s services. The taxi can take at least an hour due to traffic.
Shuttle Bus: The Airport Express Lima operates from the airport to Miraflores in Lima. It costs around USD$8 for a one-way ticket. This is a safer option than a taxi and the busses are clean.
Main Central Station: Estacion Central
Av Paseo de la República 170
Local Etiquette
Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is not common, unless its an upscale establishment. Here, 10% is customary. Tipping tour guides is customary, depending on the length of the tour. For reference, a tour lasting an entire day would call for a tip of USD$10-$30. You do not need to tip public transport/ taxi drivers. Tipping in hotels is the same as the USA.
Greeting: Men and women shake hands when meeting and parting. If it is two close friends, it is common to kiss on the cheek. Two boys will never kiss—it is normally a slap of the hands followed by a touch to the shoulder.
Gestures: People stand close during conversation. Constant eye contact is normal and considered a sign of respect. For women, it is considered inappropriate to put one’s ankle over the knee while sitting.
Words/Phrases to know:
Hello – Hola
Please – Por favor
Thank you – Gracias
Yes – Sí
No – No
Goodbye – Adios
Do you speak English? – ¿Hablas inglés?
I don’t understand – No entiendo
Everything is good! – Todo bien!
Cheers! – Salud!
One espresso, please – Un espresso, por favor
What time do you open? – ¿A qué hora abres?
Weather
Temperatures
Spring:
High: 70F / 21C
Low: 61F / 16C
Summer:
High: 81F / 27C
Low: 68F / 20C
Fall:
High: 72F / 22C
Low: 63F / 17C
Winter:
High: 66F / 19C
Low: 61F / 16C
Elevation: 0-5,090ft / 0-1,550m
The best month for swimming is February, the average sea temperature is 73F. The wettest month of the year is August.
The weather is best between December and January, with the sunshine lasting around 12.5 hours. Fantastic months for warm weather and not so many crowds would include May and October. In winter, the weather stays mild, with around 11.5 hours of sunlight per day, but plenty of rain.
How to dress: During the winter, Lima tends to be covered in a dense fog. If traveling around this time, make sure to pack plenty of rain proof clothing. Since the temperature stays generally mild throughout the year, only lighter layers are necessary.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Tram/Buses: El Metropolitano is the fastest and most efficient means of transportation to the city center. Travelers need to purchase a tarjeta inteligente to load the fare onto. A cheap but semi-hectic option are the combis. They are minivans with ticket takers shouting out the stops as they come. Combis are generally slow and crowded, but not expensive.
Taxi: Taxis in Lima don’t have meters, so users must negotiate their rate first with the taxi driver. Most of the taxis in the city are unregistered, but it’s recommended to only use registered ones (distinguishable by the words SETAME in the upper left corner of the windshield) for safety reasons. They can also be called by phone or hailed from taxi stands.
Uber/Lyft: Uber operates in Lima, but Lyft does not. It is generally reliable and can be cheaper than a taxi.
Bikes: Lima is an ideal city for cycling because it is flat and there is minimal rain (if not visiting during the middle of winter). There are several companies that rent bikes as well as organize bike tours.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: City Sightseeing Lima Panoramic Tour
Price: from USD$23.75
Walking: Because driving habits are so crazy in Lima, walking can be dangerous. Use caution when crossing streets. Often drivers will not yield. It is best to wear comfortable shoes since sidewalks can be badly damaged. Nonetheless, certain sites are best seen by foot and walking avoids the problem of sitting in traffic or navigating the hectic bus system.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
Café, Peruvian
$$
Location: Jiron Junin 250 | Costado de la Catedral principal de Abancay
Times: Monday to Friday 7:00-21:00; Saturday 12:00-20:00; Sunday 10:00-18:00
Casual dress
Wood floors, low lighting, and plush chairs make this a comfy café serving only house made dishes, from baked goods to full breakfast meals.
Best dish: Hot chocolate, homemade breads
Café, Peruvian
$$
Location: Avenida Santo Toribio 173 | inside Swissotel
Times: Monday to Friday 6:00-15:00; Saturday & Sunday 6:00-24:00
Semi casual
Located inside of a hotel, Le Café is a big and airy establishment with a large selection of breakfast options with a Peruvian twist—served buffet style.
Best dish: Pastries and desserts (unique selection)
Peruvian, seafood, international
$$$
Location: Malecon De La Reserva 615 | Miraflores
Times: daily 6:30-23:30
Business casual
Located inside the JW Marriot, this upscale establishment offers expansive views of the sea accompanied by a large breakfast buffet with champagne and Bloody Marys.
Best dish: Omelets, eggs Benedict
Brunch
Peruvian, contemporary
$$$
Location: Avenida La Paz 1099 | Miraflores
Times: daily 6:30-1:00 am
Business casual
Unlike the standard buffet, brunch here is served via an unlimited menu where diners can choose as many dishes as wanted. All is served with one pisco sour and unlimited ‘cocktails of the day’.
Best dish: Anticuchos, French toast (Peru style), chocolate fountain
Peruvian, Latin
$$
Location: Calle 2 de Mayo 403 | Miraflores
Times: Monday to Saturday 6:45-23:30; Sunday 8:00-17:00
Semi casual
The light filled, modern interior of this all-day restaurant serves an expansive breakfast buffet with top quality, reliable service.
Best dish: Baked eggs with avocado
Pizza, bakery, gastropub
$$
Location: La Mar 918
Times: Monday to Saturday 8:00-22:00; Sunday 9:00-18:00
Casual dress
Undeniably modern and trendy, the converted warehouse ambience of this café is all the better while eating house made breads and baked goods.
Best dish: Freshly baked artisan bread
Lunch
Peruvian, fast food
$
Location: Pasaje Marcelino Champagnat 139
Times: Sunday to Thursday 8:00-1:00 am; Friday & Saturday 10:00-3:00 am
Casual dress
Known to have some of the best sandwiches in Peru, this fast and casual joint offers a variety of toppings to compliment the fresh and crispy bread buns.
Best dish: Club Sandwich (big enough to share between two!)
Peruvian, Latin, seafood
$$$
Location: Malecon Cisneros 1470 | Miraflores
Times: Monday to Saturday 12:30-24:00; Sunday 12:30-17:00
Business casual
Located on a clifftop boulevard, this restaurant offers premium views of the ocean while you dine on Peruvian “criollo” classics.
Best dish: Ceviche
Central American, fast food
$
Location: 113 Av. Miguel Grau | Barranco
Times: Tuesday to Saturday 13:00-23:00; Sunday 13:00-17:00
Casual dress
While it’s a bit off the beaten path, these huge burritos, filled with flavor and spice, accompanied by margaritas are worth the trek.
Best dish: Burritos
Dinner
Peruvian
$$$
Location: Santa Isabel 376 | Miraflores
Times: Monday to Saturday 12:45-14:45, 19:45-22:45
Business casual
The concept behind this top ranked restaurant is to emulate the barter and exchange between ancient Peruvian communities, primarily revolving around fish and seafood.
Best Dish: Fried octopus
Asian, fast food
$
Location: Calle Jose Domingo Choquehuanca 411
Times: Monday to Thursday 12:00-16:00, 19:00-23:00; Friday & Saturday 12:00-23:00
Casual dress
Reasonable prices, trendy atmosphere, and flavorful Asian dishes—it’s no wonder this is a popular spot for a quick bite.
Best dish: Bao- of course!
Peruvian, seafood
$$$
Location: Av. Paz Soldan 290
Times: Monday to Saturday 13:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00; Sunday 12:30-15:30
Business casual
This restaurant is considered the spearhead of Lima’s restaurant revolution. The space was originally a 17th century palacio and has been decorated in a modern, minimalist style.
Best dish: Guinea pig
Other
Peruvian, bar
$$
Location: Av. Diagonal 598 Bajada Balta
Times: Sunday to Thursday 12:00-1:00 am, Friday & Saturday 12:00-3:00 am
Semi casual
Emolientes are the classic Peruvian infusion teas made up of liquid superfoods and sold from little carts on the street. This bar adds pisco to the mix for a “semi” healthy cocktail served in a bohemian setting.
Best dish: Two-page menu dedicated to pisco + emoliente
Gelato
$
Location: Jiron 28 de julio 202
Times: daily 11:00-22:00
Casual dress
Not only is this place ranked the best gelato in Lima, but all materials are ecofriendly and biodegradable.
Best dish: Must try: Straciatella
This food truck specializes in desserts. You will find the likes of lemon pie, apple pie, cheesecake, alfajores, chocolate cake, and traditional Peruvian delicacies.
It was founded by couple Carolina Toledo and Jorge Quezada in 2015.
They travel around to different events and festivals around the city as well.
$
Location: Av. La Marina cdra 4- La Perla, Callao
Times: Thursday & Tuesday 19:00-24:00; Friday & Saturday 19:00-2:00 am
Casual dress
Restaurant/Cafe Fun Fact
Best dish: Must try 3 Leches de Chocolate (cake)
Top things to See and Do
This is an archeological site about 31km southeast of the city center. It once belonged to pre-Columbian society as a citadel, made up of adobe, stone palaces, and temple pyramids.
This was one of the more important Incan sites. Initially, it served as the ceremonial center for Lima culture beginning in AD 100, later to be taken by the Waris and finally the Ichsma. When the Spanish arrived, it was one of the major Incan cities.
There is an on-site museum to educate visitors more about the site’s historical significance.
Visitors can hike up to the top of the Temple of the Sun and receive expansive views of the coast.
Location: Antigua Carretera Panamericana Sur km. 31.5 | Lurín
Times: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00-17:00; Sunday 9:00-16:00
Price: Admission: S/ 15
Various companies offer tours, around S/ 115 per person. If you have your own car, you can also drive yourself between the various sites.
This cathedral has the longest history of all the churches still standing in Lima. The original structure was built in 1535 and was the city’s first designated church. However, it was later rebuilt in 1551, 1622, 1687, 1746, and most recently in 1940. The current building maintains the baroque style façade from 1535.
The rear of the church has a museum housing paintings, vestments and other intricate sacristies.
Guided tours of the cathedral are offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Location: Jirón Carabaya 15001 | Centro
Times: Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00; Saturday 10:00-13:00
Price: S/10
This museum is home to the largest collection of ceramics in all of Lima. It is set in an 18th century viceroy’s mansion and also includes a beautiful café, Café del Museo, facing the private garden.
The ceramics collection was founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926 and includes over 50,000 pots. The Cupisnique, Chimú, Chancay, Nazca and Incan cultures are all represented.
The collection also includes gold and jewels from the pre-Columbian era.
Not to be missed: the erotic illustrations of sexual activity also from the pre-Columbian era.
Location: Avenida Bolívar 1515 | Pueblo Libre
Times: daily 9:00-22:00
Price: S/30, children free
Built in the 16th century, this church and its expansive convent are one of the most visually impressive sites in Peru.
The land was originally granted to the Dominican Friar Vicente de Valverde, an influential figure in the capturing of the Incan Atahualpa.
Three saints were buried there: San Juan Macías, Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres. Their skulls have been preserved inside the church.
Location: Corner of Camaná & Conde de Superunda
Times: Monday to Saturday 9:00-13:00, 17:00-19:30
Price: Church has free entrance, convent is S/ 10
This museum is Lima’s main collection of fine-art. Themes range from pre-Columbian to contemporary.
The space that houses the collection is an impressive beaux-arts building at the entrance to Lima’s historic center.
The second floor of the building is where 24 of the recently renewed and important expositions are housed.
Location: Paseo Colón 125
Times: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00-20:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00-17:00
Price: S/ 30 adults, children free
The city center of Lima used to be encased by a city wall in the 17th century. The primary purpose was to protect the city from pirates. Much of it was torn down as the city began to expand, primarily in the 1870s. The remains of this wall can be seen in the Parque de la Muralla.
An on-site museum offers visitors more details on the history of this wall and the development of the city.
The inside of the park also offers games for children, a library, a tourist train, a gym, and an amphitheater.
Location: Amazonas, between Lampa & Av Abancay
Times: daily 7:00-22:00
price: Free
The Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains have some competition here—the Parque de La Muralla is a series of illuminated fountains all set to music and jazzed up with a laser light show.
There are over a dozen fountains, taking up 120 meters. Music ranges from Peruvian waltzes to ABBA.
El Circuito Mágico del Agua is in The Reserve Park, a cultural heritage site inaugurated in 1929 in honor of those who fought in the Pacific War (1881).
Showtimes: 7:15, 8:15, 9:30pm
Location: Parque de la Reserva, Av Petit Thouars, cuadra 5
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 15:00-22:30
Price: S/4
This fort was built in 1747 to guard the city from pirates. It gained its legendary status in 1820 when the Spanish royalists fought their last effort to hold on to Lima in this fort.
Today, the fort continues to house a small military contingent.
There are four museums on-site.
To the west of the fort, visitors will find the Parque Tématico de la Policía (Police Park) where police tanks and life-size statues of policeman cover the green lawn.
Guided tours are only offered in Spanish.
‘Visitas Nocturnas’ is a guided tour that happens at night, full of terror and suspense. The tour covers stories and mysteries from the fort’s history.
Location: Plaza Independencia, Callao
Times: daily 9:00-14:00
Prices vary by museum—average prices: adult S/ 15, child S/ 5
Festivals/Parades
While the world-famous Carnival happens in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Lima has its own version in February, during the weeks leading up to Lent.
The main event for celebrating Carnival in Lima is the water activity. Called the ‘water wars’, it is traditional for kids and adults to spray everyone with water. Anyone on the street is fair game.
Attendees will also find free concerts, shows and various events around the city. It is common to see folkloric dancing, especially the dance around the yunsa tree.
Location: across the city
Time Open: all day and night
Date: February
Price: depends on the event; many festivities are free
How to best experience it: The most activity happens during February 24th and March 1st. Because of that, tourism will be at its peak and hotels book up fast. Be proactive about planning. Also, due to the water fights, use caution when walking around the city and keep your valuables in waterproof bags.
Peru gained its independence on July 28th, 1821, and every year Peruvians gather to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Independence Day begins with a 21 cannon salute in the city center. Next, there is a Te Deum mass conducted by the Archbishop of Lima. The president of Peru gives an official address to the nation during this mass.
There are military parades throughout the days and big parties thrown at night. It is common to see fireworks at night.
Location: throughout the city; parades are organized in common spaces
Date: day and night on July 28th & 29th
Price: Free
How to best experience it: Research what events and parades are happening in the city near you. Try local cuisine, listen to local music, and partake in the local games. Keep in mind: because it is a national holiday, many shops will be closed. Stock up on any supplies/ food you need before the celebrations. This is also a more expensive time to be in Lima and hotels book up fast. Book early.
Nightlife
This bar is named after the psychedelic plant found in the Amazon, commonly used for Incan rituals.
The building was originally a colonial mansion in Barranco and received a complete Peruvian style makeover when Ayahuasca moved in. Fabrics, clothing, and colors all strongly reflect traditional Peruvian design.
One of the top bars in Lima
Location: Pronlongacion San Martin 130
Times: Monday to Saturday 20:00-3:00 am
Price: $$
Pisco flavors made in around 50 flavors
This bar is another colonial mansion turned bar. The front lawn is scattered with tables and a dance floor occupies the front patio. It all emulates the feel of a very hip house party.
The atmosphere at Victoria Bar is laidback and easy going. People will start arriving during the day and it stays busy through the night.
DJs provide the soundtrack for the dance floor out front.
Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 135 | Barranco
Times: Monday 10:00-18:00; Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-3:00 am
Price: $$
This club is one of Lima’s most popular nightlife destinations. The place stays open every night, even during the week, 365 days a year.
Tequila Rock is known to attract the most beautiful people in Lima.
There is a spacious dance floor complete with disco balls and strobe lights.
Location: Calle Ernesto Diez Canseco 146
Times: daily 22:00-6:00 am
Price: $$
Hidden Gems
Translating to Witch Market, this could be something straight out of Hogwarts. Functioning as a market for witches, it is concealed inside the Gamarra train station.
The focus is traditional folk medicine. This is a common practice amongst Peruvian indigenous groups.
Visitors will find the likes of snake fat for arthritis, smoothies blended with various herbs, and black candles for curses. More recognized items include collagen, spirulina, and maca root.
If you don’t know much about folk medicine, there are witch doctors and healers on-site who can help you through the treatment process and different readings.
Located below the Gamarra Station, corner of Av Aviación & Jirón Hipólito Unanue
Gamarra is a huge shopping district, full of different markets. Mercado de Brujas starts just to the northeast of the station.
Price: Free entry
This public park is home to a huge population of stray cats. It is believed that there are over 100 strays.
Parque Kennedy is in the heart of Miraflores. It started to attract cats over 20 years ago, but no one is exactly sure why. Nowadays, many will leave their unwanted cats in the park, adding to the growing population.
One theory is that a pregnant cat gave birth here, which kick started the cat population. Another theory is that mousers from a local church escaped and started congregating in this park.
Location: Av Jose Larco 453-497 | Miraflores
Times: daily 24/7
Price: Free
Jicamarca Ionospheric Radio Observatory
To study the furthest reaches of Earth’s atmosphere (about 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface), 18,432 dipole antennae have been spread around 85,000 square meters of desert just outside Lima.
While generic radar systems look like TV dishes, Jicamarca Radio Observatory had to be designed like this because it measures the farthest layer of the atmosphere, the ionosphere. This sparse layer is made up of gas and the density sometimes drops to as low as 10,000 particles per cubic centimeter. These numerous dipole antennae are the most effective way to measure the ionosphere.
Location: 30min drive inland from Lima; 10km from the Central Highway
Times: Can be viewed 24/7, but best during daylight hours
Price: Free
