You Asked...What's There to Do in Lima, Peru?

A heavily beaded and gilded woman's costume

Last week's newsletter/article post apparently got some of you thinking about what there might be to do in Lima, Peru.

Funny you should ask.

Short of actually planning your personalized vacation here for all to see, I will make some suggestions that the general public can take into consideration; then for each of the inquiries made, let's talk about it more detail.

Like every bustling city on the planet, availability of things to do is immeasurable. The real question is, what do YOU like to do, and how do you want your time there to feel. These are the things that color the memories you come away with and will make your time there (or anywhere) unforgettable.

So, what IS there to do, in Lima, Peru?

Explore the History and Culture

Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. For a first-time visitor, three must-see sites capture the essence of Lima's history and culture, collectively showcasing the city's rich tapestry of history, from its pre-Columbian roots to its colonial grandeur.

Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas): The heart of Lima’s historic center, Plaza Mayor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by grand colonial architecture.

Established by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, this square is where the city was founded. It is flanked by significant buildings like the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima.

The plaza’s central fountain, dating back to the 17th century, adds to its historical charm.

Visiting Plaza Mayor offers a glimpse into the colonial past of Lima and provides a perfect starting point for exploring the city’s history.

Huaca Pucllana: Located in the Miraflores district, Huaca Pucllana is an ancient adobe and clay pyramid built by an indigenous pre-Inca coastal civilization known as the Lima around 500 AD. It stands in stark contrast to Miraflores’ modern high-rises.

This archaeological site was once a ceremonial and administrative center, reflecting the pre-Incan history of Lima.

The complex includes a small museum with artifacts found during excavations, offering insights into the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Lima civilization.

Cap off your visit with a meal at the highly regarded on-site restaurant: snag a table on the patio for striking pyramid views.

Monastery of San Francisco (Basílica y Convento de San Francisco): This iconic baroque-style church and monastery, completed in 1774, is famous for its intricate architecture, beautiful library, and extensive catacombs.

The catacombs, which served as a burial site during colonial times, contain the remains of an estimated 25,000 individuals.

The monastery also houses a stunning collection of religious art, including paintings from the Cusco School.

Enjoy Lima's Nightlife

After the sun sets Lima boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to all tastes, blending traditional and modern experiences.

The city comes alive after dark with a wide array of options, from trendy bars and chic lounges in the upscale Miraflores and Barranco districts to lively nightclubs where you can dance the night away to Latin rhythms like salsa and reggaeton.

Barranco, known as Lima's bohemian district, is particularly famous for its artistic vibe, with numerous live music venues, art galleries, and colorful street art creating an eclectic atmosphere.

For a more laid-back evening, visitors can enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at one of the city’s world-renowned restaurants, followed by a pisco sour at a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Lima’s nightlife offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and modern entertainment, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers.

Is the Food Good?

A plate of sliced raw fish and cooked shrimp decorated with a pansy flower on a bright saffron sauce

That will have to be a whole separate article one of these days.

For now, suffice it to say that as far back as 2018 (ancient history, right?), Lima was the only city to have two restaurants named to The World's 50 Best Restaurants.

For 2024, it has one restaurant in the top 10 ('Best of the Best') of that same list!

Advisor Tip: Visit Parque del Amor, where vendors sell everything from handmade jewelry to street food. A local favorite for a casual lunch is La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla, a ten-minute walk from the park. They have the best Peruvian tortas; order the jamón del país.

I haven't touched on the outdoor adventure, or the indigenous cultures and places to visit. I could write a book (as many have before me), but my job is designing one-of-a-kind adventures, so I must draw the line.

Craggy mountains covered with glaciers as the backdrop to a bright green glacial lake

Let Global Exotic Adventures curate your Peruvian adventure. My recommendations: include a few days of those wondrous Galápagos Islands and Quito, Ecuador; a private, luxury culinary tour; a discovery journey of Peru's natural wonders in the Andes Mountains; a family (or solo, or couples) trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu; or the less-explored northern or southern regions of the country.