Peru’s vibrant capital city of Lima offers rich history, culture, and culinary delights. With its eclectic mix of colonial architecture, modern buildings, and scenic coastlines, Lima offers something for every traveler. This three-day Lima, Peru travel guide and itinerary will guide you through the best of the city; from the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco to the historic heart of the city and the upscale district of Miraflores.
Day 1: Discovering Barranco
Morning: Museo Jade Rivera
Ground yourself in Barranco's famous art with a stop at the Museo Jade Rivera in the morning. The small museum only costs $5 soles and showcases the artistic evolution of one of Lima's most prominent artists, Jade Rivera. Plan to spend around an hour enjoying the art and learning about Rivera's techniques before encountering more of his work later in the day.
Mid-Morning: Enjoy and Coffee & Mid-Morning Snack
Swing by a local cafe to pick up a traditional Try a classic “pan con chicharrón” (pork sandwich) paired with “chicha morada” (a sweet, purple corn drink). We checked out La Bodega Verde which offers cute patio seating along with a central location to several of Barranco's main sights.
Noon: Visit the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros)
A visit to Barranco is incomplete without stopping by the iconic Bridge of Sighs. This charming wooden bridge is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Legend has it that if you hold your breath while crossing the bridge for the first time, your wish will come true.
Lunch: Savor Peruvian Fusion Cuisine
For lunch, visit Isolina where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist. Don’t miss trying ceviche, a dish made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, often accompanied by sides like sweet potatoes and corn, ají de gallina, chicken in a spicy, creamy sauce, and papa rellena, a mashed potato filled with flavorful ground beef. And you can't forget to raise a glass to an adventurous afternoon with a Pisco Sour!
Early Afternoon: Explore Barranco’s Street Art and Galleries
Barranco is known for its vibrant street art and numerous galleries. Take a leisurely walk through the streets to admire murals and graffiti art, including works by Jade Rivera.
Late Afternoon: Scoop up a Sweet Treat
Take a break from exploring with a scoop of gelato at Blu Gelateria. Enjoy decadent chocolate flavors, and tropical fruit varieties, or indulge in a Peruvian specialty; Lucuma. Lucuma are creamy tree fruits, referred to as "eggfruit" by some English speakers. In a gelato format, the flavor is reminiscent of a cake batter gelato in the US.
Evening: Sunset at Bajada de Baños
As the sun begins to set, head to the Bajada de Baños, a path that leads down to the Pacific Ocean. This is a great spot to watch the sunset and take in the coastal views. This path requires walking down several flights of stairs, but the views of the ocean and the opportunity to watch locals surfing make the trek worth it.
Dinner: Fine Dining Experience
For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at one of Barranco’s fine dining restaurants. Central, ranked among the world’s best restaurants, offers an unforgettable dining experience with a menu that highlights Peru’s diverse ecosystems. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Nightlife: Explore Barranco’s Bars and Clubs
End your day by exploring Barranco’s lively nightlife. Visit Ayahuasca, a bar set in a beautifully restored mansion, or La Noche de Barranco, known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy one of the many beverages made from Pisco, or a cervesa to cap off an exciting day!
Day 2: Immersing in Lima’s Historical District
Morning: Breakfast at a Traditional Café
Start your day with breakfast at El Cordano, one of Lima’s oldest and most historic cafés, located near the Government Palace. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast with coffee and pastries.
Mid-Morning: Visit a Local Market
Our tour guide took us to Mercado Municipal Nro 1, which he described as THE place to get fresh produce in town. Here, we tasted tons of different fruits. (This is also where I fainted in front of everyone, so not the greatest memory for me here).
Noon: Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima
Begin your exploration at Plaza Mayor, the main square of Lima. Here, you’ll find the Government Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony and the stunning Cathedral of Lima. The Cathedral of Lima is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about its history, architecture, and the religious artifacts housed within. Don’t miss the ornate chapels and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who founded Lima. Photos are not allowed within the Cathedral.
Lunch: Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
For lunch, head to El Bolivariano, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Peruvian dishes. My personal Peruvian favorite is “lomo saltado,” a stir-fry dish made with beef, tomatoes, onions, and fries, served with rice. I had it multiple times during our visit.
Afternoon: Visit the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs
In the afternoon, visit the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its baroque architecture and extensive. The guided tour includes a visit to the library, which houses thousands of antique texts, and the eerie catacombs beneath the church. This was one of my favorite stops in all of Lima! Photos are not allowed inside the Monastery.
Late Afternoon: Stop for a Sweet Snack and Explore the Streets of Lima
Churros San Francisco is quite literally across the street from the Francisco Monastery and ranks as one of the best locations for the fried dough dessert. I recommend picking up the classic churro which is filled with a caramel-like cream. Take your treat on the go and appreciate the incredible architecture this area of Lima has to offer.
Evening: Sunset at Parque de la Muralla
Head to Parque de la Muralla, a park that offers excellent views of the Rimac River and the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset after a day of sightseeing.
Dinner: Experience Criollo Cuisine
For dinner, visit Antigua Taberna Queirolo, a historic tavern offering a menu of traditional “criollo” (Creole) cuisine. Enjoy dishes like “ají de gallina” (chicken in a spicy, creamy sauce) and “tacu tacu” (a dish made with rice and beans).
Nightlife: Magic Water Circuit
End your day with a visit to the Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva. This park features a series of illuminated fountains with choreographed light and music shows. We didn’t get to experience this ourselves, but it looks impressive based on videos I’ve seen from other travel bloggers!
Day 3: Enjoying Miraflores
Morning: First, Coffee!
While walking the streets of Miraflores, you could throw a rock and hit a coffee shop (or two). We ended up at a cute spot called Puku Puku which we enjoyed.
Mid-Morning: Explore the Malecón
Spend the morning exploring the Malecón, a six-mile-long boardwalk that runs along the cliffs of Miraflores. Enjoy the scenic views, visit the iconic Parque del Amor (Love Park) with its colorful mosaics and romantic sculptures, and take in the fresh sea breeze. This is a great place for photos, especially if you visit early before the crowds begin to gather.
Noon: Visit the Huaca Pucllana
Next, head to Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Incan archaeological site located in the heart of Miraflores. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this adobe pyramid, which dates back to 500 AD. We missed this on our trip, but would love to visit on a return trip.
Lunch: Sandwiches and Shakes!
As In-n-Out is to California, La Lucha is to Lima. This local chain offers a robust menu of deliciously meaty sandwiches, fries and shakes and has garnered international attention from the likes of the New York Times and Travel + Leisure. Be sure to ask for LOTS of sauce, especially the garlicky white sauce for the fries.
Afternoon: Shopping at Larcomar
Spend the afternoon at Larcomar, an upscale shopping center built into the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, from international brands to local boutiques. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Late Afternoon: Visit Parque Kennedy
Explore the heart of Miraflores which also happens to be home to hundreds of cats! With lively street music, dancing, and artists, there’s so much to explore. I especially loved watching the cats cuddle into their “homes,” which are maintained by the community.
Dinner: Indulge in a Gourmet Meal
For dinner, visit La Mar, one of Lima’s best seafood restaurants or Maido, another of Lima’s top restaurants, known for its Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Both locations are popular, so make sure to book a reservation in advance, as this restaurant is highly popular.
That's a Wrap on this Lima, Peru Travel Guide!
Lima is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. From the artistic streets of Barranco to the historic landmarks of the city center and the upscale charm of Miraflores, each district offers its own unique flavor. This three-day itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to exploring the best of Lima, ensuring that you leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this vibrant city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure seeker, Lima has something special for you. Enjoy your trip!
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