Lima

Travel Guide

Exposition Park showing a park and a fountain as well as a large group of people
Lima which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and interior views
Lima which includes a skyscraper and street scenes
Exposition Park showing flowers, outdoor art and a park
Lima featuring a sunset and a pond as well as a large group of people

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 Government Palace 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 $142 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $142
CA $156 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (3,014 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Very close to the old airport but the offer a shuttle"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City

4 out of 5
Av. Salaverry 3060 - Magdalena del Mar, Lima, Lima
The price is CA $86 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $86
CA $95 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lima. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Amenities!! The sauna and jacuzzi were exactly what I needed to relax"

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima City
Sheraton Lima Historic Center

Sheraton Lima Historic Center

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Republica 170, Lima, Lima
The price is CA $110 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
CA $110
CA $121 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (699 reviews)
"Everything is great"

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Sheraton Lima Historic Center
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 helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
"A great hotel! We were pleasantly surprised to arrive and see we had a 2 bedroom suite, which was great after a week around Cusco with my son! It is super convenient in the Miraflores district with a fabulous walking/restaurant/shopping area across street, Kennedy Park a block away and a 10 minute ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Estelar Apartamentos Bellavista
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (434 reviews)
"Buen hotel y buena ubicación. Lo malo es que la cocina no tiene hornilla ni fuego para poder calentar o hacerte algo"

Reviewed on Jun. 21, 2025

Petit Palace Apart Hotel Suites
Apart Hotel El Doral

Apart Hotel El Doral

3 out of 5
Avenida Jose Pardo 486, Miraflores, Lima
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lima. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"The room was comfortable similiar to a studio, but witha a small living room with a sofa, small kitchen with freige but not microwave, and king bed. The bad room was good with enough space. The bed room had air conditiones / heater, it has great pillows and execellent matress. The location was excellent, ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Apart Hotel El Doral
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 33%
4 - Good
117
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
25
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Asja

I liked the food, people and the weather

5/5 - Excellent

RV

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

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

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Lima