Lima

Travel Guide
Lima which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views

Lima Travel Guide Video

Spanish colonial houses, exquisite food, musicians in traditional dress, oceanfront entertainment and fine museums make the Peruvian capital a feast for the senses. 

Enjoy a culinary andcultural experience in bustling Lima, where the desert meets the coast, whereancient history mixes with 21st-century entertainment and where Peru’s poorhope to get rich.

The settlement along theRímac River was once inhabited by Incas and earlier civilizations. After theSpanish founded Lima in 1535, they ruled for over 300 years. Today, nearly athird of Peru’s 30 million residents live in the capital. From the slums on theCerros (hills) and the colorful colonial mansions, to the Catholic churcheswith Moorish roofs and Chinatown’s red gate, Lima’s urban sprawl isdiverse.  

Explore Lima’s colonialpast in the central Plaza de Armas. A grand palace with marching guards, anornate cathedral and a 17th-century fountain define this historic square. Siton a bench and people-watch or browse nearby souvenir shops for brightlycolored souvenirs. Tour the Convento y Museo de San Francisco and its16th-century catacombs. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage or set out on foot andfollow the shopping avenues to the monument-rich Plaza San Martin.

Take a metered taxi to theMuseo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera in the Pueblo Libre district to seepre-Columbian art, including Moche ceramics from over 2,200 years ago. Foroceanfront entertainment, head south to Lima’s fashionable neighborhoodsMiraflores and Barranco. Try Peru’s staple seafood dish ceviche or thealcoholic drink pisco sour.

In summer, ocean breezesprovide a welcome reprieve from Lima’s desert air and smog. Winter days aremild, but often overcast. Because most Peruvians are poor and Lima attracts thewealthy, crime is an issue. Use the lockers and taxi service of your hotel andstick to the tourist areas.

Lima’s Jorge ChavezInternational Airport has connections to major global destinations. With dailyplanes and buses leaving from Lima for the surfing beaches of the PacificOcean, the lush Amazon jungle and the snow-capped Andes mountains, thisfascinating city is just the start of your Peru adventure. 

Where to stay in Lima

Miraflores featuring a sunset, general coastal views and landscape views

Miraflores

4.5/5(257 area reviews)

Miraflores is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Huaca Pucllana Ruins and Indian Market.

Miraflores
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San Isidro

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Major financial quarter with a vibrant artistic community, San Isidro offers a mix of modern and ancient attractions. Explore the 4th-century Wak'a Wallamarka temple and marvel at the Hotel Westin Libertador, while navigating Lima's key avenues.

San Isidro
Barranco which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

Barranco

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Bohemian and romantic, this district is home to artists and musicians. Explore the Bajada de los Baños walkway, visit the Pedro de Osma museum, or surf at the popular beaches.

Barranco
Plaza Mayor showing flowers and a garden

Lima Historic Center

Unique features of Lima Historic Center include the historic sites and shopping. Make a stop by Church and Convent of San Francisco or Cathedral of Lima while you're exploring the area.

Lima Historic Center
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San Miguel

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Part of Lima's urban area, San Miguel boasts the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Plaza San Miguel, and Parque de las Leyendas. Explore its economic centers along La Marina, Universitaria, and Elmer Faucett avenues, just 20-30 minutes from the airport.

San Miguel
Pejesapo al vapor
#TroverFoodies

San Borja

4/5(2 area reviews)

Focused on sports and culture, this district boasts green spaces, bicycle paths, and the Coliseo Dibos sports venue. Explore the Lima Convention Center, National Library, and shop at La Rambla or Real Plaza Primavera. Accessible via Lima Metro Line 1.

San Borja
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
4 out of 5
Av Elmer Faucett S N, Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez, Callao, Lima
The price is CA $221 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $221
CA $243 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Callao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,266 reviews)
"Thank Anthony recommended the city tour which was very good. A minor - the queensize beds are shorter than hotels I've ever stayed."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Iberostar Selection Miraflores
Iberostar Selection Miraflores
5 out of 5
Malecon 28 de Julio 385, Lima, Lima
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $185 per night from May 11 to May 12
CA $185
CA $185 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (542 reviews)
"WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!! This hotel was very accomdating to all of our needs from early check ins to late departures. They deserve 5 stars!! The hotel and rooms were modern, environmental friendly and well designed. Our view of the ocean and city was a plus! It was my birthday, and my husband coordinated ..."

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Iberostar Selection Miraflores
Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. Tomas Valle s/n, Esq. Av. Faucett, Centro Aereo Comercial - Callao, Callao, Callao
The price is CA $175 per night from May 22 to May 23
CA $175
CA $215 total
includes taxes & fees
May 22 - May 23
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Callao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,086 reviews)
"I was impressed with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, including great bar and restaurant, great breakfast buffet. Excellent king size bed, shower, toiletries, decoration, great TV options, good wifi. Glad we stayed here overnight to fly today to Cusco"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Holiday Inn Lima Airport, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Estelar Apartamentos Bellavista
Estelar Apartamentos Bellavista
3.5 out of 5
Bellavista 216, Miraflores, Lima, Lima
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (503 reviews)
"Excelente ubicación . Espacios amplios y muy buena limpieza. La atención del Gerente fue extraordinaria ."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Estelar Apartamentos Bellavista
Wynwood Colon in Miraflores
Wynwood Colon in Miraflores
3 out of 5
380 Calle San Martin, Lima
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, a balcony, and a TV. Popular attractions Miraflores Central Park and Larcomar Shopping Center are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
"We had a unique incident where my wife left her phone in a taxi and the people working the reception were a great help in recuperating the phone. Aside from that the place was clean and beautiful. We will definately book Wynwood again. Thank you so much!!!"

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

Wynwood Colon in Miraflores
Petit Palace Apart Hotel Suites
Petit Palace Apart Hotel Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Independencia 279, Miraflores, Lima 18, Lima, Lima
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
"It’s a really nice place but it could use a little fixing up. Great value and I love having a kitchenette!"

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

Petit Palace Apart Hotel Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lima

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
71
" "5 - Excellent 32.870370370370374%
4 - Good
117
" "4 - Good 54.166666666666664%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 11.574074074074074%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3888888888888888%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Asja
Feb. 26, 2020

I liked the food, people and the weather

5/5 - Excellent

RV
Feb. 13, 2020

It's a very unique city. Everyone should give this place a chance for extra couple of days stay rather than flying in and out to go to a machu pichu

4/5 - Good

TK
Feb. 10, 2020

Lima is a nice city with plenty of things to do and see, lots of restaurants and entertainment. Would visit again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 1, 2020

Highly recommend spending 2 or 3 days in Lima! Beautiful city but lots to experience.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Jan. 25, 2020

I didn't like the city because I couldn't feel safe in it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Jan. 5, 2020

The Lima's drivers are crazy and don't know the traffic laws.

Cities near Lima