When you travel to Peru you will have to go through the Peruvian capital, Lima. Since this is where the international airport is located and where most flights land. However, don’t dismiss Lima as a destination to pass by. The beautiful city has much to offer to the tourists, and if you are looking to know the renowned Peruvian food, then you will have at your disposal some of the best restaurants in the world. During the last 20 years, tourism in Lima has grown to new heights. So a visit to this fascinating city should be on your list of must-sees in Peru. Therefore, together with the travel experts of Cusco Peru Travel, we have prepared a small article about tourism in Lima.
The most important things to know about tourism in Lima
As in most capitals of the world, the airport is not located in one of the best areas. When you arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport, the airport is in the Callao district of Lima. So when you see the scene you may want to go home. Don’t despair as you may not see it right away, but Lima has many hidden treasures for you to discover. When you leave the airport, deal with the taxi drivers, as they will be expecting to charge you double. Also, keep in mind that traffic is another thing that may surprise you upon arrival. But when you arrive at your hotel, you may begin to realize that it will have been worth the trip. Make sure to rest after your flight, this way you can take advantage of everything there is to experience in a full day in Lima.
Generally, most of the people who pass through Lima stay in the tourist suburb of Miraflores. This trendy neighborhood is located by the sea and has a totally different feel from most other neighborhoods in Lima. Most of the suburb has magnificent views of the ocean and a lot of money has been invested to make Miraflores feel different from the rest of Lima. There are many good restaurants located in Miraflores but they are also the most expensive. If you are a food lover, you should try the restaurants of Central, Maido, and Cevicheria La Mar. All the haute cuisine establishments are located in the beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores. Although it is not always necessary to spend a lot of money to find good food in Miraflores or anywhere in Lima. Fortunately, there are excellent restaurants for all budgets throughout the city. It is a good idea to ask your hotel reception for advice when it comes to restaurants in Lima.
Right along the coast of Miraflores is the coastal suburb of Barranco. When it comes to enjoying the artistic side of Lima, Barranco is the perfect place. The Barranco neighborhood is an attractive part of Lima with many excellent bars, restaurants, and some of the best art galleries in Lima. This picturesque neighborhood is the ideal place to continue enjoying tourism in Lima. It is also one of the best places to enjoy Lima’s varied nightlife. Some of the many restaurants have excellent ocean views and unique cocktails to enjoy. Along with Miraflores, they are two of the best suburbs to enjoy a culinary journey in Lima.
If you are looking to get the most out of tourism in Lima, it is a good idea to visit the museums around you. Lima has some of the best museums in Peru, to get a good idea of the history of Peru and its cultures it is necessary to visit one of the many museums in Lima. The one not to be missed is the Larco Museum, located in the Lima suburb of San Miguel. The museum features excellent exhibits from most of the pre-Hispanic cultures. You can enjoy everything from jewelry to ceramics, all labeled and explained. You will need at least half a day to see the museum properly. It is located in an old Spanish house, where the grounds and gardens are beautiful. And if you are hungry, there is a restaurant available for lunch. Don’t forget to visit the erotic section of the museum, located in the courtyard near the restaurant. Another museum worth visiting is the Museo de Oro located in the Montericco suburb of Lima. The museum has been recently renovated, but there were some rumors that some of the exhibits were not authentic. Similarly, there is a guarantee from the Peruvian government that everything is in order and original. One of the places that are worth visiting.
No matter who you are, to take advantage of tourism in Lima, you need to know its historic center. Downtown Lima is full of beautiful old buildings that give this part of the city a European flair. It’s a shame the whole city needs a good wash, but if you can see past the dirt, downtown Lima is a unique part of the city. The historic center is one of the best places to buy souvenirs and many other things. Visit the main square, which features a variety of historic buildings. Among them, you can find the government palace where you will witness the changing of the guard every day at noon. It is also considered the home of the current president. In the surroundings, you can appreciate the Cathedral of Lima, where tours are offered in English, for a small cost. Although the Cathedral has been rebuilt several times throughout its history, the building still features some of the most beautiful works of art and woodwork you will see in Peru. Not far from the main square is the church of San Francisco. This picturesque bright yellow church has available tours in English every day. Take the time to visit the Catacombs located in the basement of the church, with thousands of bones. It is said that this was the first cemetery in Lima. Upstairs, you will find a library containing over 25,000 old books in Spanish. See the aisles with beautiful Spanish tiles imported from Spain in the 16th century. Around downtown Lima, you will also find an area called Capon, which is the city’s Chinatown. It is full of interesting shops and restaurants, if you intend to visit this area please take care of your belongings as there may be pickpockets around.
Being the capital of the country, it is one of the busiest and noisiest cities. So it is not always ideal for everyone, especially if you are looking for a quieter place with a more relaxed vibe. The things that will drive you crazy in Lima are many, but among them, the traffic is a nightmare. It takes you hours to get from one place to another, even over short distances. The small buses that carry thousands of people every day, enter and exit traffic at a crazy pace. The weather, especially in the winter months, will be gray all day, making the city look a bit sad. But, in the summer in Lima is sunny and warm. However, all this adds to the character of the city, Lima is a city that needs to be explored to discover its charms. So take the time to get to know the tourism in Lima, you will not be disappointed.
“WE TAKE PHOTOS AS A RETURN TICKET TO A MOMENT OTHERWISE GONE.”
As you will see, tourism in Lima can be enjoyed in many ways. We only tried to list those activities and places that you cannot miss. But the truth is that this beautiful city hides much more than what meets the eye. We hope together with the experts from Cusco Peru Travel to have been helpful. If you want to know more about our different tours through Peru, be sure to consult with our qualified advisors.
Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.
USA / CANADA
1 (800) 980-0435
Ready to start your engines? Let us know your schedule and destination, and we’ll take care of the rest.
