Lima is the capital city of Peru and is where our trip began. It’s a bustling city and traffic can be a nightmare, but it’s wonderful art galleries, shopping districts and amazing culinary scene definitely warrants a visit. Most travellers to Peru will spend at least a day at the beginning or end of their trip in Lima, so we’ve shared our perfect 24-hour itinerary to make the most of your time in the city!
How to Get There
We flew from Toronto through Bogota, Columbia to Lima, Peru, but many airports will have a direct flight into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Upon arrival we grabbed our baggage and exited the arrivals terminal.
We recommend using Uber or Cabify for transportation around the main cities in Peru. It’s safe, cheap, eliminates the risk of taxi-scams and avoids you having to haggle down the ‘tourist price’. We called one right to the terminal and they met us right out front where the other taxi cabs are parked. It’s a ~30 minute drive to downtown Lima, but don’t be surprised if it takes longer. Lima is #3 on the global list of cities with the greatest traffic congestion…
Where to Stay
We’d recommend staying in Miraflores, Barranco or San Isidro neighbourhoods which are centrally located, safe to stay and are close to the top attractions. Miraflores is best known for shopping, restaurants and easy beach access. Barranco is known for its art and night-life and San Isidro is a quieter high-end neighbourhood great for families. We stayed in Miraflores at the Marriott Courtyard Lima Miraflores using hotel points to pay for our stay. It was modern, clean and comfortable and had a great buffet breakfast. We definitely recommend the stay, especially if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member!
What to do
Breakfast, Boutiques and Beaches in Miraflores
8AM Start your day with a stroll through Miraflores, which has beautiful tree-lined streets full of bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Make sure to stop at El Pan de La Chola for breakfast (think eggs, sandwiches, pizza and pastries) and spend a few hours shopping at the boutiques and clothing stores nearby.
10AM Head over to Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, where you can see an adobe and clay pyramid located right in the middle of the city! The pyramid was originally built between 200 AD and 700 AD and you can take a 90 minute guided tour around the site and visit the museum.
12PM If you still aren’t shopped out after walking around Miraflores, head down to Larcomar (~30 min walk or 10 min Uber) for some ocean-side shopping. Larcomar is a large outdoor shopping mall (one of the only malls built right into the cliff) and is a perfect spot to grab lunch or cool off with a cold drink.
After you’re done at the market, take a walk along the boardwalk where you can admire Lima’s amazing ocean views, murals and gardens.
Art, Design & History in Barranco
1PM In the afternoon, head over to the neighbourhood of Barranco to explore the art galleries and gift shops. First, stop at the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art for modern Peruvian and international art. It’s a great stop for those who have family members who aren’t art-obsessed as it only takes 1 hour or less to explore.
2PM Continue your stroll through Barranco, but don’t miss stopping in at Dédalo and Artesanías Las Pallas, two specialist stores that sell a range of pottery, jewelry, textiles and more. Then walk over to Museo Jade Rivera – which showcases the work of one of Peru’s most celebrated artists, known for his beautiful murals.
4PM Finish the afternoon off by walking down to the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) – a ~150 year old bridge. Legend says if you’re able to walk across the bridge while holding your breath, your wish might just come true! Be sure to check-out the chain link fence nearby which is dotted with many love locks from visiting couples. Take in the ocean views from the Mirador Catalina Recavarren and then head along Ermita Road to get a view of the stunning tunnel graffiti under San Martin Avenue. Finally, head back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Where to Eat
Lima is known as the culinary capital of Latin America and we wished we had a few more nights there to eat & drink! You can find great local and international food across the city, including amazing ceviche. Lima is also known for its fine-dining and we were lucky to get a chance to dine at Central – a Michelin star restaurant that highlights local Peruvian ingredients and is rated #2 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Read more about our experience at Central or take a look at some of the other acclaimed restaurants in Lima, such as include Maido and Mayta.
After dinner, grab a drink at one of the bars around Barranco or head up to San Isidro to have a cocktail at Carnaval – one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Their most famous drink ‘the Carnaval’, comes in lantern and is topped with neon foam! The atmosphere is great and they have delicious appetizers too (if you aren’t stuffed from dinner).
After a few amazing drinks, head back to your hotel to grab some shut-eye. You’ll need it after the full day!
