A Guide to What to Do in Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural history and plenty of experiences to keep visitors busy. As Peru’s largest city and the most visited destination in South America, Lima is an ideal destination for first-time visitors. From ancient Incan ruins to bustling markets, Lima is full of surprises.

A Brief History of Lima

Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who named the city after the Peruvian word for “talk.” Pizarro declared Lima the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. The city was fortified to protect against pirate attacks, and quickly became an important center of trade and culture. By the 18th century, Lima was one of the most important cities in South America, with a population of more than 200,000 people.

Today, Lima is Peru’s cultural and commercial hub, as well as its largest city, with a population of more than 10 million people. Despite its size, Lima is an incredibly diverse city, with an interesting mix of cultures, languages, and religions. It’s also home to some of the most amazing architecture in South America, from colonial-style churches to modern skyscrapers.

Explore Lima’s Colonial Architecture

One of the best things to do in Lima is to explore its colonial architecture. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 because of its well-preserved colonial architecture and urban spaces. One of the most popular sites is Plaza de Armas, which is located in the historic center of Lima. The plaza boasts impressive cathedrals and palaces, as well as a lively atmosphere filled with street performers and vendors selling local crafts.

The Convento de San Francisco de Asis is another must-see site for visitors to Lima. This church and monastery were built in the 17th century and feature a beautiful Baroque architectural style. The convent is also known for its underground catacombs, which were used as a cemetery until 1808.

Visit Incan Ruins at Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site located in the Miraflores district of Lima. This ancient Incan temple is made up of adobe brick pyramids and platforms that were constructed between 500–700 AD. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about their history on a guided tour.

Take a Shopping Trip to Miraflores

Miraflores is one of the most popular districts in Lima for visitors looking for a shopping experience. Here you can find everything from high-end fashion stores to local markets selling traditional Peruvian crafts and souvenirs. The Larcomar shopping center is a great place to start, as it offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Experience Peruvian Cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is one of the most diverse in South America and Lima is the perfect place to sample it. From ceviche to lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), there are plenty of delicious dishes to try at Lima’s many restaurants. For a traditional Peruvian meal, head to Tanta, where you can find classic dishes like papa a la huancaina (potatoes with cheese sauce). Or for a more modern take on Peruvian cuisine, check out Gaston Acurio’s Astrid y Gaston for a unique dining experience.

Visit the Historic Markets

Lima’s markets are some of the most vibrant places in the city. The Mercado Central de Lima is one of the largest and oldest markets in South America, where you can find anything from fresh produce to local crafts. For a more traditional experience, visit the Surquillo Market where you can find unique art pieces, jewelry, and antiques.

Explore Huaca Huallamarca

Huaca Huallamarca is an archaeological site located in the San Isidro district of Lima. This pre-Incan temple was constructed between 1000–1470 AD and features adobe brick walls decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about their history on a guided tour.

Visit a Museum

Lima has plenty of museums for visitors to explore. One of the most popular is the Museo Larco, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts from Peru’s vast cultural heritage. The Museo de la Nacion is another great museum that showcases modern art from around Peru, while the Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera offers visitors an insight into Peru’s ancient past with its collection of artifacts from the Incan Empire.

Take a Food Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Lima, then consider taking a food tour. These tours take you on a culinary journey through the city’s many restaurants, where you can experience traditional Peruvian cuisine first-hand. On a food tour you can sample dishes like ceviche, anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef). You’ll visit some of Lima’s most iconic eateries, as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path.

Book an Artisanal Cooking Class

If you want to learn how to cook traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado, then consider taking an artisanal cooking class in Lima. During these classes you’ll learn how to make authentic Peruvian dishes from experienced chefs who can teach you all about Peruvian ingredients and cooking techniques.

Take a Guided Tour of Cusco

For those looking for an unforgettable experience in Peru, consider taking a guided tour of Cusco. This popular tour takes visitors on a journey through Peru’s ancient Incan Empire with visits to some of its most famous sites such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to explore local villages and learn about Peru’s rich culture and history.
Book a Guided Tour of Cusco here.

Explore Paracas on a Day Trip

For those looking for an unforgettable experience in Peru, consider taking a day trip to Paracas. Located on the coast of Peru just south of Lima, Paracas is home to some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes such as sand dunes, lagoons, and wildlife-rich islands. On this day trip you’ll explore Paracas National Reserve, where you can take part in activities such as sandboarding and kayaking.
Book a Day Trip to Paracas here.

Take a Boat Tour in Paracas Bay

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Peru, consider taking a boat tour in Paracas Bay. On this tour you’ll explore the bay’s stunning islands and wildlife-rich lagoons with visits to some of Peru’s most famous sites such as Ballestas Islands, the El Candelabro geoglyph, and Islas Palomino y Lobos (Palomino and Wolves Islands).
Book a Boat Tour in Paracas Bay here.

Conclusion

Lima is an exciting city full of surprises that will keep visitors busy for days on end. From exploring ancient Incan ruins to trying out traditional Peruvian cuisine, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Lima. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable experience or just want to explore some of Lima’s historic sites, there’s something here for everyone!