Lima, the capital of Peru, is a bustling metropolis with plenty to see and do, but if you want to get away from the typical tourist fare, you’ve come to the right location. You can’t find a place where you can ride your bike along the beach, learn to surf from locals, and then relax with a pisco sour at the end of the day, like Peru. Come along as we compile the list of the best things to do in Lima, Peru.
Observe the Magical Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua).
Parque de la Reserva is an enjoyable daytime destination for families, groups of friends, and even first dates. The Circuito Mágico del Agua, or “Magic Water Circuit,” is a series of 13 illuminated fountains throughout the park that come to life at night. A few are interactive, such as the water tunnel and the Dream Maze fountain, which allows visitors to test their luck, while others feature musical and laser shows that educate visitors about Peruvian history and culture.
Stroll along the MALECN DE MIRAFLORES
The Malecon, located near Miraflores, is a boardwalk with breathtaking vistas of the water and the shoreline below. The stunning vistas and relaxed stroll make this one of the best places for visitors to Lima, Peru.
Tourists and locals alike flock to the 8-kilometre stretch of the shoreline because of the area’s pristine condition and its proximity to the beach.
You can go for a stroll (best done at sunset), visit the Larcomar shopping centre to take in the breathtaking panorama, watch paragliders soar overhead (or better yet, give it a try yourself), ride a bike past beautiful flower beds and football fields, and much more!
Participate in the Free Walking Tour Lima
The greatest way to experience a city is through the eyes of a local, and participating in the Free Walking Tour Lima is an awesome way to that that in Lima. With Free Walking Tour Lima, you can learn about the history and culture that shaped the modern city. Daily tours leave from the Miraflores Tourist Information Center at 9:50 a.m. The tour then travels to Lima’s historic district, where visitors will find some of the city’s most famous landmarks and learn fascinating backstories from their knowledgeable guides.
Alternatively, you can join the 10:30 a.m. Barranco trip or the 3 p.m. Miraflores tour, all of which depart from the Tourist Information Center.
Relax with a drink and some food on Saha’s rooftop.
Invest some time in sampling Lima’s finest native dishes. Saha’s menu is a breath of new air because it combines modern and classic Peruvian dishes. Enjoy the decor of Lima’s trendiest bar/restaurant as you kick back and take it all in. Saha’s top-notch kitchen staff decides what dishes will be served so that guests can enjoy the finest Peruvian cuisine.
There’s nothing missing from this bar’s evening offerings, from the loud music to the comprehensive drink menu. The Saha restaurant is the best choice for eating out in Lima.
SIP ON SOME PISCO SOUR
You’ve certainly heard that the delicious Pisco Sour appetizer was named after this Peruvian alcoholic delicacy, Pisco. Pisco (a type of liquor) is blended with fresh lemon juice, cane syrup, and (don’t be alarmed) egg whites to make the foamy top. Although you can get a Pisco sour at most restaurants, the ones at Antigua Taberna and the Museo del Pisco are some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
It’s also possible to ask your tour guide for recommendations, with the expectation that you’ll end up at the best bars and restaurants and sip nothing but the greatest Pisco beverages.
Admire the Scenery from the Top of San Cristobal Hill
Visiting the top of San Cristobal Hill should be on your list of things to do in Lima if you want to get a bird’s-eye view of the Centro Historico. This is the city’s greatest natural elevation, at 400 meters above sea level. The locals believe that the hill, known as an apu, is a mountain deity that watches over and safeguards the city. Spanish conquistadors, as was their custom, imposed Christianity on the local population by erecting a cross here.
During Semana Santa, many Christians make the journey to the highlands as part of a large-scale pilgrimage tradition.
Taking a bus from the Plaza de Armas is the most convenient way to reach the top of the hill.
You’ll be treated to a spectacular and soothing view of the city from up here. Those in search of tranquillity and natural beauty will find this an ideal escape.
Spend Some Time at the Cat Park
When in Lima, cat lovers must visit Parque Kennedy. While officially named John F. Kennedy Park, it is more often known as Cat Park.
The park is home to dozens of stray cats, the origins of which are a mystery. Many people believe it all began when some cats used to control rodent populations in a church got loose. Those renowned felines seem to have settled in quite nicely at the park; however they got there. Despite widespread hostility from locals (some cats have even been poisoned), a wonderful charity is doing excellent work here by providing food, medical care (including spaying and neutering), and assistance in finding permanent homes for the cats. So go to the park, donate to charity, and maybe even bring home a cat.
Explore the underground catacombs at the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima.
The arrival of Europeans in Lima in the 16th century coincided with the spread of infectious diseases like smallpox and leprosy. In order to accommodate the burial needs of the clergy and wealthy families, the Catholic Church commissioned the digging of tunnels beneath the city’s holy buildings. After the Saint Francis Monastery was shut down in 1810, the 25,000 or so people that were buried there were moved to the catacombs beneath the building, which are now open to the public. After the Parisian catacombs, these are the largest in the world. Skip this if the thought of ghosts and ghouls gives you the creeps, but if that seems like fun, then hold on tight for the next on the list.
Wander about the Presbtero Maestro after dark.
After its 1808 dedication, Presbtero Maestro was Lima’s first official temple of worship. There are 766 mausoleums and 92 monuments, many of which belong to important characters in Peruvian history, such as the heroes of the War of the Pacific, and all of them are decorated with hundreds of magnificent marble sculptures depicting death and sadness. Also though Presbtero Maestro is only open as a museum now, it is not uncommon to see visitors paying respects to their ancestors, and it is even possible to witness curanderos (shamans or witch doctors) performing black magic. Those interested in a more scary exploration of Peru’s Republican history can take advantage of night excursions and an outdoor theatre.
Engage in a Round of Paragliding
The only way to enjoy a breathtaking perspective of Costa Verde, a road that hugs the Pacific coast above Lima’s cliffs, before the advent of drones was to take to the air in a paraglider. If you want to see the landscape from above, get a 10- or 15-minute paragliding session with a pro. Maintain a high altitude above the skyscrapers of Lima and watch for surfers below. Your flight will be recorded, and you can take home a high-definition video of the experience. This is the perfect activity for daredevils who enjoy the adrenaline and have no fear of heights.
Observe with Awe the Lord of Miracles Procession
In the middle of Lima, every October is the largest Catholic procession on the planet. The Lord of Miracles, a depiction of Jesus Christ, painted on a wall by an African slave in the 17th century, is the subject of this festival. Peruvians put their faith in it to perform miracles and shield them from earthquakes. A rope is used to hold worshippers back from the image as crowds fill the streets. When the image is brought close, those wearing purple tunics start crying, and some even faint. Regardless of your religious affiliation, it’s always a chilling experience to witness the depths to which individuals will go to defend their beliefs. To witness this extraordinary event, plan a trip to Lima at the appropriate time frame.
Visit Palomino’s Island and take a dip with some sea lions.
Visitors to Lima who are interested in wildlife shouldn’t miss this exciting opportunity to swim with sea lions, see birds, and feed Humboldt penguins. Numerous seabird populations make their home on the Palomino Islands. You can reserve a seat on this amazing Callao tour on FindLocalTrips.com; hop aboard the boat and discover the hidden gems of these thriving islands.
Explore Barranco
If you want to get away from Miraflores for a while, you should spend a few hours in this neighbourhood, which is easily the hippest in all of Lima. Barranco is home to stunning examples of medieval architecture as well as a thriving contemporary art scene. Barranco is a trendy neighbourhood in Lima that comes alive at night with a wide variety of restaurants and alternative bars catering to both locals and visitors.
Puente de Los Suspiros is a must-see attraction and among the most fascinating sites in the area. This bridge joins two major thoroughfares in the heart of the area. There is a legend that says your desire will come true if you can make it across the bridge without breathing. If you put this myth to the test, you just might see your hopes and wishes come true, so make it a point to explore this area.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you; let us know which of the activities above piqued your interest the most.