Aerial view of Lima city from Miraflores at blue time.
Many visitors to Peru skip exploring Lima, the capital city, in their excitement to get to Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and Machu Picchu, South America’s main attraction. This would be a mistake. Lima has much to offer travelers, meriting more exploration than a mere stop-over on the way to somewhere else.
In addition to being a stark contrast to the rest of the country, which in itself makes it worthy of being seen, Lima has a burgeoning food scene; interesting museums, with fantastic guided programs; green spaces and parks, which is an amazing feat in a city with a metro population of nearly 10 million people; and a deep colonial history.
Read on to discover the best places to visit during your sojourn, or extended stay, in The City of Kings.
The Miraflores District
LIMA, PERU: Paraglides in Miraflores town.
Miraflores is one of the safest neighborhoods, with the best views of the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the malecón, a six-mile boardwalk perched on clifftops, where you’ll see joggers and people stretching in the grass.
Make your way to Parque del Amor or Park of Love. Kiss under El Beso, Peruvian artist Victor Delfin’s famous sculpture, and the site of past kissing contests and celebrations on Valentine’s Day.
Continue on to Larcomar, an upscale shopping district with several restaurants (order ceviche and pisco sours), including Punto Azul, Tanta, La Trattoria, and Papachos. Keep heading south, and you’ll reach Barranco, the bohemian quarter.
Adventure-seekers will love parasailing at Antonio Raimondi Park. You’ll run off a cliff and sail over the ocean. If you’re a surfer, check out Costa Verde.
A cat sunbathes in a public park amongst flowers in Lima, Peru.
Animal lovers will get their fill at Kennedy Park, home to hundreds of protected stray cats, situated in the heart of the Miraflores District and walking distance from the hotel’s mentioned below. The park is surrounded by vendors selling fried syrup-covered picarones and cinnamon churros out of mobile carts, tiny shops bursting with handmade goods and touristy tchotchkes, and locals going about their day, with kids in tow.
Tip: The best nearby hotel options include the JW Marriott Hotel Lima, Belmond Miraflores Park Lima, and The Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center.
Museo Larco
Cacti, Bougainvillea, wrought iron and woodwork in the patio at Museo Larco in Lima, Peru. (Photo ... [+]
The privately owned Larco Museum, established in 1926, houses one of the largest collections of Pre-Columbian erotic pottery and art. Not only does the public have access to the gallery, but also, tourists can view the storerooms where hundreds of shelves are filled with more pottery.
This archaeological museum also has an extensive collection of gold and jewelry, once used by Peruvian rulers; metal artifacts; and textiles, all of which are representative of more than 5,000 years of history.
The museum can coordinate private tours of the human sacrifice and cannibalism exhibits to help visitor’s understand the relics of the Moche religion.
Additionally, there is a gift shop and café on the flower-filled grounds.
Tip: For more art and culture visit the The Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) and Museo de Arte Contemporano.
Experience Luxury and Glamour
LIMA, PERU: Panoramic view of skyline in San Isidro district at blue time.
Built in 1927 and declared a Peruvian Cultural Monument, Country Club Lima Hotel emanates old-world allure, with art work from the Pedro de Osma Museum on display throughout the property, an award-winning restaurant, and luxury accommodations. Ernest Hemingway, John Wayne, Ava Gardner and Presidents from around the globe have stayed here.
Located in the San Isidro Financial District, this hotel is home to one of the best restaurants in all of Lima: Perroquet Restaurant, the five-time winner of the Summum Prize.
The Historic Center of Lima
View of the sunset of the antique iron pool of the main square of Lima, Peru.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Plaza De Armas De Lima, the birthplace of the city, is full of colonial architecture, palaces, cathedrals, and government buildings, located in the Historic Center of Lima. Bones rest below the San Francisco Church in the catacombs and the Roman Catholic Lima Cathedral preserves its colonial façade.
Unless you do your research ahead of time, it’s best to enlist the help of an experienced tour guide to understand what you’re looking at while touring the heart of Lima.
Tip: Abercrombie & Kent can organize an expedition for your private party on a Luxury Tailor Made Journey, which enables you to utilize local guides on a custom itinerary based on your personal interests.
