Welcome to Lima, Peru
Lima has a rich history and cultural heritage. Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and has a long and complex history. It was the center of the Spanish colonial empire in South America and has a mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and African influences.
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The city has a thriving arts scene and is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural centers. It is also known for its colonial-style architecture and beautiful historic buildings, such as the Cathedral of Lima and the Presidential Palace.
Lima is located on the Pacific coast and is surrounded by mountains and is home to many parks and green spaces, such as the Parque del Amor in the beautiful Miraflores district and the Parque de la Exposición.
When to visit Lima
Lima is located on the Pacific coast it has a mild climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 20-25°C). However, the city does experience a rainy season from December to April. If you prefer dry and sunny weather, the best time to visit would be from May to November.
The city is a Popular Tourist Destination and can get quite crowded during peak season, which runs from June to August and December to January. If you prefer to avoid crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, September, October, and November).
Where to visit in Lima
Visit the historic center of Lima, which is home to many landmarks and attractions, such as the Plaza de Armas, which is a central square is surrounded by some of Lima's most important buildings. The Presidential Palace also known as the Palacio de Gobierno, is the official residence of the President of Peru. It is open to the public for tours on weekdays. You can discover the Catedral de Lima (Cathedral of Lima), a beautiful example of colonial-era architecture, with a Baroque facade, a gilded altarpiece, and a number of chapels and artworks inside. Visit the Mercado Central (Central Market) a great place to shop for souvenirs, try some local food, or just soak up the atmosphere.
Explore the Barranco neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant street art, with many murals and graffiti pieces on display throughout the neighborhood. Visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), this iconic bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Barranco and offers beautiful views of the neighborhood. Also, not far ways is the Parque de la Amistad (Friendship Park). This park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, it is one of the top family-friendly spots with a playground, a skate park, and a popular food market on the weekends.
Visit the Larco Museum, which has a large collection of pre-Columbian art or the the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from Peru and Latin America.
Go shopping in one of Lima's markets, such as the Mercado Central or the Mercado de Surquillo.
Take a walk along the Malecón, a boardwalk along the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Parque del Amor, a park with a beautiful view of the city.
Lima is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Festival of the Lord of Miracles in October, the Lima International Film Festival in November, and the Barranco Arts Festival in February
Take a day trip to the nearby ruins of Pachacamac, an ancient Inca site.
Where to eat in Lima
This vibrant Peruvian city is also known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, and Chinese influences. Some famous dishes from Lima include ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos and pisco sours.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Lima:
La Mar: - | $$| This chain of seafood restaurants, with multiple locations in Lima, is known for its ceviche and other seafood dishes and one of the finest cevicherías that Lima has to offer.
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Central: - | $$$$| Located in the Miraflores neighborhood, is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. It is known for its modern Peruvian cuisine and has a tasting menu that changes daily.
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Astrid y Gastón: - |$$$$| Also located in Miraflores, is known for its innovative and sophisticated Peruvian cuisine. It has a tasting menu and a la carte options.
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Maido: - | $$$$| Another top-ranked restaurant in Miraflores, Maido is known for its Nikkei cuisine, which combines Peruvian and Japanese flavors. It has a tasting menu and a la carte options.
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La Canta Rana: |$$| Legendary and popular restaurant in the Barranco neighborhood is known for its live music and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche and lomo saltado.
What are some day trips you can take from Toronto?
Uncover secrets of the past at Pachacamac is an ancient pre-Columbian site located a short drive from Lima, Peru. It was an important religious and ceremonial center for the indigenous peoples of the region and was also an important trading hub.
The site is home to a number of ruins, including temples, pyramids, and an amphitheater. The most well-known structure at Pachacamac is the Temple of the Sun, a large adobe pyramid that was used for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies.
Pachacamac was an important site for the Inca Empire, and many of the structures at the site were built by the Incas. However, the site was also inhabited by earlier cultures, and the ruins at Pachacamac reflect a long and complex history.
Today, Pachacamac is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to learn more about the ancient cultures of Peru. The site is open to the public and guided tours are available.
How to get to Pachacamac: Just over an hour by car, head down the Panamericana Sur, taking the exit at Lurin. Continuing onto the Antigua Panamericana Sur, look for signs pointing towards the archaeological site.
Money-Saving Tips
There are a few ways you can save money on your trip to Lima and stretch your budget further. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and do some research to find the best deals and discounts available.
Here are a few ways you can save money as a tourist traveling to Lima, Peru:
- Touristy restaurants, especially in hotspots such as Lima are vastly more expensive than the typical restaurants frequented by regular Peruvians. Eat where the locals go and you’ll be surprised at how well you can eat in Peru on a budget. Shoestring travelers should make the most of lunch in Peru, when big meals are available at incredibly low prices.
- Avoid tourist traps: There are many tourist traps in Lima that can be expensive and not worth the money. Do your research and avoid these in favor of more authentic and affordable experiences.
- Whenever possible, agree on a price before accepting a service. If you don’t, you might be presented with an unexpectedly large bill. Taxis are a prime example. With no meters, it’s up to you to negotiate a price before each cab ride. If you think the fare is too high, find another taxi -- much easier than arguing over an inflated price at the end of your trip.
- Learn how to haggle. Don’t be afraid to haggle over prices, especially in traditional markets. Prices generally start high, so it’s your job to settle on a price acceptable to both parties. Also, try negotiating prices for hotel and hostel rooms. You’ll often receive a straightforward no, but there’s no harm in trying.
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance: Booking your flights and accommodation in advance can often asve you money compared to last-minute bookings. You don't need to look to far as Traveln can help you save money finding your next flight deal.
Lima, Peru
Vibrant destination with some of the best restaurants in the world, cool places to drink, interesting day trips, and a budget friendly selection of hotels.
Saftey : C-
Budget : $
When to visit: May - Sept
