6 Incredible Things To Do In (and Close to) Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, will most likely serve as your entry point to the country as flights from the United States are reasonably priced. While Lima may not have the same reputation as its sister city, Cusco, we never felt unsafe and wish we had ventured beyond the touristy district of Miraflores. If you do find yourself in Lima, below are 5 incredible things to do in and around the city.
1. Dine at One of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Lima, Peru has emerged as a popular destination for food enthusiasts, boasting four of the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants, with Central securing the top spot (1). Other notable restaurants include Maido (6), Kjolle (28), and Mayta (47).
Central (#1)
Central, ranked as the number one restaurant in the world, is a fine-dining establishment that offers a unique culinary journey from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the peaks of the Andes mountains. Situated in the Barranco neighborhood, Central provides a variety of tasting menu options and operates from Monday to Saturday. The same couple who owns Central also manages Kjolle, which is ranked 28th on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. Please note that Central is closed on Sundays.
Maido (#6)
Maido is a modern restaurant that combines local Peruvian cuisine with a Japanese influence. It presents a choice between a 10-14 course tasting menu and an à la carte menu featuring seasonal ingredients. The head chef, hailing from Peru with ancestral roots in Osaka, infuses both cultures into his culinary creations. Please be aware that Maido is closed on Sundays.
Kjolle (#28)
Kjolle is the first solo restaurant venture for Chef Pia Leon, who also co-owns Central with her husband, Virgilio Martinez. Leon is known for her creative use of color in her Peruvian à la carte dishes, which are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for Instagram-worthy moments. Please note that Kjolle is closed on both Sundays and Mondays.
Mayta (#47)
Mayta offers elegant Peruvian cuisine through an 11-course tasting menu, along with an à la carte menu for those who prefer variety. Located in the Miraflores neighborhood, this restaurant boasts stylish decor and is open daily to cater to your culinary desires.
2. Explore the Miraflores District
The Miraflores neighborhood is the safest neighborhood to explore in Lima, thanks to the increased presence of police officers in the tourist district. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Miraflores is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great spot for tourists. For a picturesque sunset, head to the patio at Mangos Restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood or enjoy a Pisco sour with ocean views. We chose to stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima, conveniently situated across the street from the primary shopping area in Miraflores, which makes it the perfect place to stay.
3. Paragliding
Before our trip to Peru, I came across several blogs mentioning that Lima is renowned for paragliding. I seriously contemplated trying it for the first time as it’s one of the top things to experience in the city but ultimately chose to go dune buggying instead. Due to safety and liability concerns, our hotel couldn’t recommend a paragliding company, but there are numerous reviews and articles online detailing other travelers’ experiences. Be sure to do thorough research or, like us, opt to watch the paragliders from the Miraflores shopping center instead.
4. Surfing/Take a Surf Lesson
Lima is also famous for its surfing. The rocky beaches along the Costa Verde offer excellent waves and winds for surfing. However, during the summer months, the area can become quite crowded as locals gather to catch the perfect waves, rather than frequenting the sandy beaches in the south.
5. Dune Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina
A day trip to Huacachina is a popular excursion from Lima. While you can book this trip through a tour company, our hotel arranged a private driver/tour guide for us, which added to our comfort. Our driver picked us up at 6 AM to begin the 4.5-hour journey to Huacachina. Once at the oasis, we hopped on dune buggies for a thrilling adventure over the sand dunes, spending an hour speeding over the stunning dunes and trying our hand at sandboarding.
After dusting off as much sand as we could, we rejoined our driver, had lunch, and embarked on our next adventure to explore the Paracas National Reserve. The landscape on the drive to this protected natural area is incredibly unique, connecting the desert to the sea. Take in the views, savor a beverage on the beach, and then return to Lima.
6. Take a Day Trip to Ballestas Islands
Referred to as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos Islands,” this guided tour can be combined with a visit to Huacachina. Because my friend and I visited the Galapagos Islands a few years back, we opted out of this excursion due to time constraints. However, the tour offers a 2-hour boat ride to explore various bird species and other wildlife like seals, sea lions, and penguins.
Other Popular Tourist Attractions & Things To Do:
1. Plaza de Armas aka Plaza Mayor:
Located in the historic center of Lima (Ciudad de los Reyes), Plaza Mayor is one of the oldest places in South America and the birth place of the Peruvian capital. The colonial architecture makes the main square a great place for photography and is located steps away from historical landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral and Museo de Arte de Lima.
2. Circuito Magico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit):
A nightly water and light show with sound and music located in parque de la reserva. This is the largest complex of water fountains in the world. Open daily, but confirm nightly show times here.
3. Free Walking Tour:
This free walking tour around the historic center of Lima is a great way to learn the history of Lima from a local guide.
4. Museo Larco (Larco Museum):
A museum with pre-Colombian art such as ceramic pots, gold, and jewelry. The museum also has beautiful gardens and a restaurant on site.
5. Barranco District:
This district is known as the hippest neighborhood in Lima with colorful street art and vibrant nightlife.
6. Take a Tour of Huaca Pucllana:
An ancient Peruvian clay pyramid located in the Miraflores district. This archaeological site once served as a ceremonial center for the Lima culture.
7. El Parque del Amor (Love Park):
A small park in the Miraflores District by the Pacific Ocean with a large kissing sculpture
8. Parque Kennedy (Kennedy Park):
Also located in the Miraflores District, Kennedy Park is one of the most visited parks in Lima and is named in honor of the US President John F. Kennedy
9. Peruvian Food Tour or Cooking Class:
Get in touch with your taste buds and experience Peruvian cuisine through a food tour or cooking class.
Tiny Adventurer
A luxury, adventure travel blog created by a luxury hospitality professional and former secret shopper sharing travel tips, itineraries, and photography from around the world.
