The gastronomic capital not only of Peru, but of South America and -why not say it- soon of the entire world: whoever visit Lima is enchanted by the varied, delicious and prestigious food served on its tables; with ancient recipes, dishes fused with other cultures and a truly unique seasoning.
However, being treated well and pampering your palate is not the only thing you will get on the streets of Lima. It is not for nothing that it is one of the most important and visited regions of the Inca country, which has endless activities, attractions and experiences for all tastes. If you are ready to combine history and adventure, the capital of Peru has to be your next destination.
When you are in Lima, you will feel that time flies by since you will always, but always, have something to do, to discover or to experience. The hotel offers with the highest quality standards are located in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, which are centrally and strategically located, very close to the sea (yes, with water activities such as surfing, among others, guaranteed), and are safe for tourists. From these two points, it is very easy to move to the various points of the city, since they are busy spaces.
Main attractions
A trip of approximately 20 minutes and you will be transported to the Historic Center of Lima. Here, the buildings that surround the Plaza de Armas seem to be stopped in time, since many of the colonial balconies that were seen in the Lima of yesterday are still preserved. If you are a fervent religious person, you can visit the Cathedral of Lima, located a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, and various churches (Las Nazarenas, for example) and monasteries (of Santa Rosa de Lima, to name one) that have maintained their essence since they were created: none have undergone forced modifications.
Museums throughout Lima are also alternatives to alternate with other types of activities. The National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology has the best collection of pre-Hispanic art in Peru. You can also visit the Larco Museum, the Lima Art Museum (MALI), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and the Pedro de Osma Museum, which are at the forefront of art in global society.
Ride a bike through the streets of Miraflores until you reach Larcomar, one of the favorite spots for tourists to go sightseeing and shopping, because here you can find objects with Peruvian motifs such as clothing, shoes and jewelry with top quality.
If adventure is your thing, a paragliding ride on the Costa Verde will be the beginning of events with much greater vertigo. But to do so, you need to go to the outskirts of Lima, where you can go trekking, canoeing, among other outdoor activities. In these, you will connect with nature and you will be able to do experiential tourism.
Museums in Lima
The best way to understand the history of Peru is by visiting the Museums of Lima. They preserve the greatest cultural heritage of the country.
Some of the best collections from the pre-Hispanic era are in the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, the Larco Museum and the Amano Museum; the Lima Art Museum (MALI) summarizes all the artistic manifestations of the country; and the MAC and the MATE (which exhibits the work of the Peruvian photographer Mario Testino) are excellent options for modern art. Simply unmissable.
Miraflores and Costa Verde
Lima is the only South American capital facing the sea and the Miraflores neighborhood knows how to take advantage of it; especially when the Costa Verde crosses below its cliffs bringing tourists closer to the waves and a gastronomic offer that includes sunsets à la carte.
Miraflores combines this magical proximity to the Pacific with its old houses, which survive interspersed with modern buildings and archaeological sites, and a privileged boardwalk: here you can find everything from an exclusive shopping center to beautiful parks and dozens of paragliders playing with the wind. Simply beautiful.
Historic Center of Lima
One of the main attractions of the oldest cities throughout the world is a visit to its Historic Center. And the majestic city of Lima could not be the exception: in the streets, churches and buildings, you can take a leap and visit the past in first person. As if it were a time machine to which you go to see the old Lima, the one that retains its colonial touch to this day.
Being the only capital of South America with access to the Pacific Ocean has its appeal: on the cliffs of the Costa Verde you can see a modern Lima, which is at the forefront just like the most important cities in the world. But if you want to connect with historic Lima, a visit to the city center is essential.
Walking through its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site, is living with the past and the present. Its beautiful squares and monuments; its imposing mansions with colonial and republican balconies; its many churches that house invaluable works of art; and its restaurants and taverns full of flavor and tradition, are some of the options that can be explored on foot.
Everyone will agree that the first thing you have to see is the Plaza de Armas and the attractions that surround it: in addition to seeing one of the most emblematic posts in the city, adorned with a beautiful fountain from the colonial era, you will be able to see the splendor of the Lima Cathedral. This is one of the countless churches, cloisters and sanctuaries that are located throughout the center of Lima.
Nearby is the Lima City Hall, which houses an elegant and fine finish in each of its hallways. On the other hand, you can see the Government Palace, where the country's highest leader rules and where you can witness the changing of the guard at midday, considered almost a spectacle by tourists.
From a long walk along the always busy Jirón de la Unión - the most important street in the Historic Center - to reach Chinatown, where you can taste the famous chifa restaurants (Peruvian-Oriental fusion food); to visiting the most impressive museums in the capital, such as the Museum of the Holy Inquisition, without forgetting to pass by the Catacombs of Lima, to have a chilling and cultured tour at the same time.
Accessing the Historic Center of Lima is quite simple: the most important urban transport companies in the country surround the main streets of the center, so getting there will not be complicated. Likewise, you can transport yourself to the center with a taxi or a transfer application, to feel safer and gain some extra time to walk its streets.
