If you’re planning to visit Lima, you’ll want to plan your trip around the many sights and attractions in the city. In order to make the most of your time, consider taking a food tour, taking a cooking class, or taking a bar crawl downtown. If you’re looking for a more relaxing day, you could try a dune buggy ride or sandboarding tour. If you have more time, you can also head south to Paracas, a 3-hour drive from Lima. Or, if you want to explore some of Peru’s more unique wildlife, try a visit to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the Peruvian Galapagos.
Parque del Amor
When you are in Lima, you will probably want to see the historic center. You can start by visiting the Lima Cathedral, which is home to one of the most opulent collections of colonial art in the Americas. The cathedral also contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro. Its main courtyard is decorated with Sevillian tiles that depict scenes from the bible. If you have time, you can also visit the Catacombs, a subterranean crypt where the remains of about 25000 colonial-era Lima residents are interred. Another place to visit is the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca adobe pyramid. It is located in the Miraflores district.
Another attraction in Lima is the Love Park, which is dedicated to the city’s lovers. It’s a popular spot for couples to meet and kiss, especially around sunset. The park also has a sculpture of a lover called El Beso, which is designed by Victor Delfin, a local artist. The park also has a contest for the longest kiss.
Larcomar
Larcomar is a seaside town that offers some of the coolest shopping in the country. Not only does it have a shopping mall with stores overlooking the ocean, but it also has cooking classes and pisco sours. It is definitely worth a trip.
The main shopping area is Larcomar Shopping Center, which is just a short walk from our host hotel. The mall features national and international brands as well as local brands, quick service restaurants, and cafes. It is also home to the Circuito Magico del Agua, which features classical music and light effects set to a fantasy fountain show.
Magic Water Circuit
The Magic Water Circuit is a water park in Lima and is one of the top attractions there. The complex is the biggest of its kind in the world, and includes fountains and jet sprays that reach up to 262 feet high. This attraction is eco-friendly, as most of its water is recycled, although a small percentage is not. It’s a must-see attraction in Lima, and one that’s fun for the whole family.
A visit to the Magic Water Circuit is a fun way to end your trip to Lima. The water fountain show is spectacular and it’s interactive, too! There are 13 fountains and five smaller ones to interact with, and you can see dancers performing and synchronized light shows all around the complex.
Once you’ve completed the water circuit, you’ll enjoy a show of traditional Peruvian dances at a popular restaurant. The show features representative dances from all over Peru.
Mercado de Surquillo
If you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables to take home for your family, Mercado de Surquilla is the place to go. This market is located near the coastal district of Miraflores. It is known for its lively Limena culture, friendly locals, and a colorful array of foods. The market is a great way to get a taste of the country’s coastal cuisine.
Mercado de Surquilla is one of the most popular markets in Lima. It has a permanent stage where live bands play, and visitors are free to watch the show. You can even find picnic tables to watch the performance. You can visit this market on the weekend as the crowds get much larger. If you plan to spend 3 days in Lima, you’ll want to take the opportunity to visit this market.
Mercado de Surquilla is another great place to find cheap souvenirs. It is located near the Kennedy Park area and near the Ricardo Palma Metropolitano station. While you’re here, be sure to visit the Terrua Cafe for specialty coffee.
Mercado del Real Felipe
While exploring the city, you should not miss the vibrant markets of Lima. You can enjoy a frog smoothie at Mercado del Real Felipe or a delicious fish meal at Terminal de Chorrillos, both located in the southern edge of Lima. Another popular market is the Mercado Central, which has stalls selling fresh produce and electronics. Also, you can visit the Mercado de los Brujas, which is underground.
The Real Felipe Fortress is the most notable example of colonial military architecture in “Spanish America.” Built to protect the capital from pirates, the fortress is still active today. It is home to the Peruvian Military History Museum and more than 1,000 Peruvian soldiers. The museum is open to foreigners and offers guided tours. A visit to the fortress also features stories of blockades and naval combats. Tours of the fortress also include the Governor’s House and King’s Tower. The Fortress is also home to the Casamatas, which have vaulted ceilings.
The historic center of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a great place to spend the day. There are endless opportunities for taking pictures, and you’ll have a great time watching people go about their daily activities. Other noteworthy buildings include the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. You can also check out the Casa del Oidor, which has ornate box balconies.
La Lucha Sangucheria
If you are in Peru for the first time and want to learn more about this culture, you should plan on spending at least 3 days in Lima. The city has some wonderful sites to visit as well as a huge outdoor mall. There are also nightclubs and restaurants in the Asia district. You can also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima, which is a working cathedral. You should be aware that some things are not allowed in the cathedral.
The city’s main square is home to the Cathedral of Lima, Government Palace, Municipal Palace, and Palace of the Union. The square is decorated with yellow buildings and has a fountain in the middle. A change of guard ceremony is held here every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
The city is also home to many restaurants, including the famed La Lucha Sangucheria. This popular place is renowned for its sandwiches, and also offers freshly made juices and fries. You can also try seafood at Al Toke Pez, or try Peruvian dishes at La Picanteria.
Paracas National Reserve
Paracas National Reserve is a nature reserve located in Peru’s Ica Region, about 4 hours south of Lima. The main entrance is located in Paracas, which is accessible by bus. The reserve itself is not very far from Paracas, and is best explored with a tour. Visiting the reserve by yourself can be difficult because a large part of it is covered by desert. Furthermore, the road to the reserve is not paved and sandstorms are common. A tour is highly recommended to see the reserve’s most important sites in a timely manner.
A combination tour allows you to explore the national park and the nearby Ballestas Islands in one day. You can book a tour online or at the port. It will cost you 40 Soles ($8) and lasts about two hours.
Ballestas Islands
Located about 3 hours south of Lima, the Ballestas Islands are an ideal day trip. These rocky islands are home to a diverse variety of marine life and are known as the “little Galapagos” due to their rich marine history. The islands are also home to sea lions, penguins, seabirds, and other wildlife. While there is no direct flight to the islands, you can catch a bus to Paracas.
The Ballestas Islands are part of the National Reserve of Paracas, a protected area that is home to a rich variety of sea life and endemic species of birds. It is also the site of the Paracas pre-Inca culture, which was known for its advanced agriculture and medical practices.
During your stay in Lima, you will have the opportunity to visit Paracas, Nazca, and the Ballestas Islands. If you have time, you may also opt for a private vehicle trip from Lima to the islands. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to spend all three days on one island, or split the trip into several shorter excursions.