Lima is absolutely worth visiting and should earn a bigger spot on your itinerary than just a layover before Machu Picchu. Peru is known for many things, including its rich cultural heritage, long history and incredible natural landscapes. Lima is at the heart of it all, as Peru’s coastal capital, with some of the most exciting history from ancient civilizations, a fabulous oceanfront area and a diverse food paradise to explore.
As you plan your trip, explore the many reasons Lima is worth visiting below and book the excursions that appeal to you. AAA can help you find the perfect vacation in Peru to fit your needs, including a tour of Lima or a broader look at vacations in South America if you’re planning a trip to Lima as part of a longer itinerary.
10 Reasons to Visit Lima
Lima is an old city, founded in 1535 and has served for hundreds of years as the capital and largest city of Peru. Tucked into the Chillon and Rimac valleys, along the Lurin River, Lima is a diverse and vibrant city.
When you visit, you can find everything from a unique culinary scene to stunning architecture and outdoor adventures. It’s also celebrated for its blend of traditional and modern, rich Peruvian culture. Here are 10 reasons to add a visit to Lima to your Peruvian vacation itinerary:
1. Take in the Museums
Numerous museums in Lima tell the diverse history of this region. You’ll find a few excellent locations for those visiting the country for the first time and want to learn about it. That includes the Museo Nacional de Arqueología and the Antropología e Historia del Perú.
Others include the Lima Art Museum and the Museum of Italian Art, which showcases Italian artists. The Larco Museum is an excellent choice for those seeking pre-Columbian art, which dates back over 5,000 years.
2. Savor a World-Class Food Scene
No list of reasons to visit Lima is complete without the food. Lima has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great culinary capitals and the city delivers on every level. Start with ceviche; fresh fish cooked in citrus, Peru's signature dish and Lima’s at its freshest.
From there, dig into Chifa, the century-old fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cooking or Nikkei cuisine, which blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese technique. Lima is also home to Central and Maido, two restaurants that regularly land on lists of the world’s best. Book an authentic Peruvian cooking class, a guided food tour or browse Lima’s best restaurants to build your own tasting itinerary.
3. Explore the Historic Center
The Historic Centre of Lima is the largest tourist destination in the city and is home to many of the city’s museums, galleries and festivals. You’ll find it includes the Lima and Rimac districts, both of which are World Heritage Sites.
The Monumental Zone, one of the two areas of this historic center, is where you’ll find history and life established by the Peruvian government in 1972. The second area is the UNESCO site, where you’ll find a much longer history of the region. The displays, exhibitions and people at this location are some of the most valuable resources available today for understanding this area’s culture.
4. Walk to Explore the Architecture
Lima’s architecture is stunning and distinctly different from that of other South American communities. There are a few excellent examples to see as you walk through the area:
- Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo: A 16th-century religious complex known for its stunning architecture. It houses the tombs of Saints Rose of Lima and Martin de Porres and was the original site of the University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas.
- Plaza Mayor: The historic heart of Lima, founded in 1535. Surrounded by iconic buildings like the Government Palace, it has witnessed key events, including Peru’s declaration of independence.
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco: A Baroque masterpiece famous for its ornate architecture, ancient library and eerie catacombs. It’s one of Lima’s most visited sites and a vivid reminder of colonial religious life.
- Palacio de Torre Tagle: A stunning 18th-century mansion. Its carved wooden balconies and lavish interior make it one of Lima’s finest colonial buildings, now home to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Walk Through Miraflores
Miraflores is one of Lima’s districts with its own personality. While the historic center is very much focused on the old, Miraflores is a stunning and truly vibrant modern center. It’s where you’ll find some of the best bars and nightclubs. The hotels here tend to be modern with a trendy vibe.
You’ll also be able to explore the Malecon as you walk from one area to the next. Parque Kennedy is an open green space with a beautiful garden-like setting. There are lots of cafes throughout this neighborhood as well.
6. Take in the Art in Barranco
Another district to explore in Lima is Barranco. It’s distinctly the community’s art center. You’ll find wondrous wall murals along the paths and roads as well as art galleries. Note that there are many residential areas here and walking through this area’s tree-lined streets will create an impressive opportunity to see residential architecture at its best.
As you explore Barranco, make sure to walk to Bajada de Banos, which is a beachfront area. You can also explore the restaurants and cafés along the Puente de los Suspiros. In the evenings, the local bars in this area come to life and live music is very common on weekends.
7. Watch the Water at Circuito Magico del Aqua
In English, it translates to “Magic Water Show,” but no matter what you call it, this experience comes to life when the sun goes down. Located in the Parque de la Reserva, the Circuito Magico del Agua is an impressive water show in the largest water fountain in this downtown park.
The cybernetic fountain on display adds to the mesmerizing charm. Once the sky is dark, the music comes to life and the water glistens, seeming to dance to its rhythms.
8. Check Out the Port of Callao
Another interesting way to experience Lima is by taking to the water. Destinations like The Fisherman’s Cove Adventure create opportunities to take a short boat ride into the water. You can choose one of the Lima shore excursions if you’re traveling up and down the coastline as well.
No matter what you do, get to the port to walk around. There is a lot of fun to be had here, including rooftop dance parties at some of the more trendy restaurants. If you’re more interested in the history of the area, you may want to check out the Real Felipe Fortress. It was built in the mid-1700s to protect the city from the pirate ships that often came in.
9. Explore the Archaeological Sites
One of Peru’s greatest wonders is its numerous archaeological sites, including some in Lima. You’ll see a variety of older buildings throughout the city, but some are simply incredible.
For example, the Huaca Pucllana is a 4th-century adobe temple. You can also find other destinations throughout the Pueblo Libre and San Miguel districts. Temples and treasures await in the capital of Peru.
10. See the Convent and Catacombs
There’s a long religious history in Lima and there may not be a better representation of it than the Church and Convent of Saint Francis, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
This destination is a Baroque convent that was built in the late 1600s. It’s home to over 25,000 texts, some of the oldest in the world. Exploring the catacombs (they really are underground) is an excellent way to find the history of this region. It’s said more than 25,000 people were buried in this area over the centuries.
How to Get Around Lima
Tourism is an important part of Lima’s culture and economy. As such, you’ll find a variety of options for getting around Lima once you arrive. Most people arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in nearby Callao. Once there, you have several options for transportation around the city, including:
- Metropolitano: The Metropolitano is a rapid transit system that links each of the 12 districts, including the tourism districts. This bus system runs along the expressway and operates like subway stations do, though the platforms are elevated.
- Taxis: While taxis are available and commonly used, their costs are not regulated. They can be inexpensive or very expensive, depending on where you get them and, unfortunately, if the drivers are fair. Unlicensed taxis are located throughout the city. A rideshare app is generally your safest, most predictable option since the fare is set before you get in and you’re not negotiating with an unlicensed driver on the street.
- Bike and walk: If you are planning to explore the individual neighborhoods, the malecon is a simple way to bike or walk from one area to the next. It’s a coastal pathway that connects each area. You’ll find food markets and a variety of shops along these routes, most of which take about 20 to 40 minutes to navigate. You can also take a bike tour of Lima for a more guided experience.
- Rent a car: If you want your own transportation, you can rent a car at the airport with a valid license and documentation. A variety of car rental companies are available at the airport and you may be able to book your experience before you arrive.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lima?
Visiting Lima means exploring a country that can be very warm at certain times. Choosing the time of the year to visit can make a big difference in your experience. Unlike Santiago or the Andes, Lima doesn’t swing between dramatic seasonal extremes. The differences are more about sun versus overcast skies than hot versus cold.
Here are some recommendations on the best times to visit Lima:
- December to April: The summer months below the equator run from December until March or April, making them a great warm-weather destination for those experiencing winter in the northern hemisphere. This is a great time to visit the city and take in the outdoor experiences, with temperatures around 80 F most of the time, especially along the waterfront.
- May to November: This stretch brings cooler temperatures, less humidity and Lima’s famous garúa — a persistent grey coastal mist. It’s overall less crowded during this time, making it a good pick if you’d rather skip the peak-season crowds.
FAQs
When planning a vacation, it's common to have questions or concerns. Below we detail some of the most commonly asked questions.
How many days does it take to explore Lima?
If you have limited time, plan to spend at least three days in Lima. That gives you a few excellent places to try for meals and also enough time to explore the historical center. If you can stay longer, a 5 to 7-day trip can be outstanding for deeper cultural experiences.
Know the time of year when you’re taking your trip. Plan to wear layers, no matter the weather. Check out our packing tips to make sure you bring your essentials.
What type of ID do Americans need to visit Lima?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Peru and Peru doesn’t require a visa for short tourist stays. Make sure your passport won’t expire before your trip ends and give yourself extra time if you need to renew or expedite one.
Is Lima safe?
Lima is safe for tourists, especially in well-traveled areas like Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. As with any big city, standard precautions apply. Keep valuables out of sight, stick to licensed transportation and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.
Is Lima expensive?
Lima is affordable compared to major U.S. cities. Street food and local restaurants cost very little, while a meal at a world-class spot like Central or Maido runs closer to fine-dining prices back home. Hotels, taxis and attractions span a wide range, so your budget can stretch as far or as far upscale as you’d like.
Is Lima or Cusco better to visit?
The better city to visit depends on what you’re after. If you want coastal scenery, colonial architecture and a world-class food scene, consider traveling to Lima, Peru. Cusco, on the other hand, offers Andean culture and easy access to Machu Picchu. Many travelers don’t have to choose; a well-planned Peru itinerary can include both.
Explore Lima and Beyond With AAA
Lima is absolutely worth visiting and AAA Travel can help you turn that trip from an idea into an itinerary, whether you’re visiting Lima on its own or pairing it with Machu Picchu or the rest of South America. If you’re curious what else the continent has to offer, explore South America with AAA for more ideas.
As a AAA Member, you receive more than trip-planning help. Wherever your travels take you next, you get direct access to exclusive discounts on lodging, rental cars and much more.