Discover what to do in Lima and its best tourist spots.
Lima is a fascinating city, worth discovering. From natural spaces to attractive architectural works, the places to visit in Lima seem endless. Join us to discover which destinations you can't miss when visiting this city, let's take a look!
You might also be interested in: The best healthy restaurants in Lima.
What Should You Know About Lima?
Before traveling to Lima, it's important to know its most relevant aspects. This city is located in the central coastal area of Peru, specifically on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Mostly, it enjoys a fairly significant urban extension that has been consolidated over time.
However, it's worth noting that Lima also has natural spaces surrounding the entire city, such as the coastal desert and the valleys that are glimpsed in the vicinity of the Lurín, Chillón, and Rimac rivers.
Regarding its population, the last census conducted in 2023, yielded a figure of 10,151,200 inhabitants, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI).
As for the climate, it's important to mention that Lima has 4 seasons. Summer is quite hot, with temperatures rising to 29°C. The warm season occurs between the months of December and March. On the other hand, winter comes with minimum temperatures of 14°C, between the months of June to September.
Precipitation in Lima is not usual, given its mostly desert climate. However, drizzles tend to occur sporadically during the winter. Now, due to the Humboldt Current, it's common for the climate in this city to be humid.
The Best Tourist Places in Lima
Now that you know the most significant data about the city, it's a good time to discover the best tourist places in Lima. Without further ado, let's take a look at this list we've prepared for you.
1. El Olivar Park
If you're looking for things to do in Lima, you can't miss the opportunity to visit El Olivar Park in the district of San Isidro. Its name is due to the large number of olive trees planted, which to date total around 1,670. In addition to this, within the park, you can find other interesting spaces such as libraries, art galleries, and a theater.
Important Information:
- It is located on Avenida Los Incas Street, San Isidro, Lima.
- The park is constantly open, so there is no limit to access hours.
2. Larco Museum
The Larco Museum is another option for places to visit in Lima. One of its main peculiarities is that it houses a lot of pre-Columbian history. As if this were not enough, the experience becomes much more attractive due to the variety of gardens that decorate the place.
Important Information:
- It is located exactly at Av. Simón Bolívar 1515, Entrance through Navarra 169, Pueblo Libre.
- The museum's opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
3. Punta Negra
Punta Negra is one of the tourist places in Lima that you shouldn't miss. This resort has a variety of wonderful beaches and the best waves in the district, making it ideal if you like adventure. The elevated rocks and the nighttime landscape are among the main attractions of the place.
Important Information:
- To reach Punta Negra, you must travel to kilometer 45 of the Pan-American South Highway.
- Its beaches have open access throughout the day.
4. Plaza de Armas
You can't travel to Lima without making a stop at the Plaza de Armas. The city's most important buildings can be seen directly from this place, so you will discover, among other things, the Cathedral of Lima, the Presidential Palace, and much more. Also, in the center of the square, there is a colonial-era fountain that takes us much further into the history of the region.
Important Information:
- It is located exactly at Jirón Junín, block 1, Lima.
- It is open to the public all day.
5. Nor Yauyos- Cochas
Nature is present in the city of Lima, and a good example of this is Nor Yauyos-Cochas. It is a natural reserve with more than 200,000 hectares protected by the Nevado de Pariacaca. One of the most important attractions of this place is the Cañete River, which surprises with its impressive waterfalls.
Important Information:
- The reserve is located in the districts of Canchayllo and Llocllapampa.
- It is open to the public 24 hours a day.
6. Lima Art Museum
The Lima Art Museum is one of the best places to visit in Lima. In this place, you can discover history from the pre-Columbian, republican, and colonial eras through artistic pieces. The MALI museum currently has approximately 3,000 works of art.
Important information
- Its exact address is Parque de la Exposición, Av. 9 de Diciembre, 125.
- The opening hours to the public are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
7. Magic Water Circuit
The Magic Water Circuit is a unique experience that you can't miss. This wonderful place consists of multiple water fountains that create an impressive light show, making it ideal to visit at night. It is a peaceful destination, perfect for attending with family, friends, or as a couple.
Important Information:
- Its exact address is Jirón Madre de Dios s/n, as a reference, it is near Plaza San Martín.
- It is open from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and the entrance fee is s/ 5.
8. Plaza San Martín
Plaza San Martín is an essential stop when it comes to what to do in Lima. This place was built during the republican era, at the beginning of the 20th century. In the central part of the square, there is a large sculpture in honor of San Martín, who was one of the founders of the city of Lima.
Important Information:
- Its exact address is Av. Nicolás de Piérola block 9.
- It is an open space 24 hours a day.
9. Miraflores Boardwalk
Visiting the Miraflores Boardwalk is a great opportunity to have the best view of the sea. Among other things, you can walk along high cliffs and get a close look at the Pacific Ocean that dominates the Lima skyline. This area is ideal for walking, taking photographs, or biking.
Important information
- It is located at Mal. de la Reserva 275, Miraflores.
- It is an open space 24 hours a day.
10. Caral
Caral was the oldest civilization in Peru and the entire American continent, making it one of the best places to visit in Lima. An important fact is that its development dates back to the same period as the Egyptian civilization, making it a destination full of culture and history worth appreciating.
Important information
- It is located in the province of Barranca, Lima Region.
- It is an open space 24 hours a day.
11. Church of Santo Domingo
The Church of Santo Domingo is an important destination among places to visit in Lima, as you will have the opportunity to discover the history of the city's most relevant saints: San Francisco de Solado, San Martín de Porres, and Santa Rosa de Lima. Within this church, the first university in South America was founded, the current Universidad San Marcos.
Important Information:
- It is located exactly between Jirón Camaná 170 and Jirón Conde de Superunda 262, Lima.
- It has opening hours from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
12. Parque de la Exposición
The Parque de la Exposición houses the most important museums in the city of Lima, as well as a great variety of green areas, ideal for recreation. An important fact is that this park was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2006.
important Information :
- It is located on Avenida 28 de Julio, Lima.
- The park is open from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
13. Campo de Marte
Campo de Marte is a park that stands out, among other things, for its green spaces to share with friends and family, as well as its variety of monuments, such as the Monument to the Defenders of the Frontier and the Monument to the Mother. One of its most important attractions is the "Ojo que Llora," a monolith located in the back.
Important Information:
- It is located at Av. de la Peruanidad, 931, Jesús María.
- It is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
14. Love Park
Lima has an ideal stop for lovers, and it is none other than Parque del Amor. At first glance, this beautiful place has gardens full of flowers and the sculpture "El Beso" (The Kiss). All this romantic atmosphere is much more attractive when sitting on the ceramic benches with a variety of colors and interesting messages.
Important information
- It is located on the Malecón de Miraflores, Lima.
- It is a public space, open 24 hours a day.
15. Legends Park
Parque de las Leyendas is another must-visit if you're looking for things to do in Lima. It is a fascinating space that combines nature and culture. Among its main attractions are the wildlife area, the zoo, and an area specially designed to learn about Peruvian history and culture.
Important Information:
- It is located at Av. Parque de las Leyendas, San Miguel.
- Its opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
16. Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is a pre-Inca archaeological site located in the district of Miraflores in Lima, Peru. It is an impressive ceremonial complex built by the Lima culture between the 4th and 8th centuries AD. Its imposing adobe structures have withstood the test of time and still offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient architecture and worldview of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the region.
Important information
- It is located at Calle General Borgoño, block 8, Miraflores, Lima.
- Its opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
17. Palomino Island
Islas Palomino are a group of small islands located off the coast of Lima, Peru, in the Pacific Ocean. These islands are known for being home to a large colony of sea lions, as well as various species of seabirds. These are a popular destination for wildlife observation excursions and diving.
Important information
- It is located exactly 6 miles from the port of the Constitutional Province of Callao.
- The visiting hours for the island are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
18. The Picturesque Town of Antioquía in Huarochirí
The Picturesque Town of Antioquía is a charming village located in the province of Huarochirí, in the Lima region, Peru. Known for its cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial houses, and a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. Undoubtedly, it is one of the places to visit in Lima that you cannot miss.
Important Information:
- It is located exactly in Antioquía, Province of Huarochirí, Department of Lima.
- It is a town open to visitors 24 hours a day.
19. Kennedy Park
Kennedy Park is another option to consider if you don't know what to do in Lima. Located in the district of Miraflores in Lima, Peru, it is famous for its population of stray cats. It is estimated that there are around 120 cats that roam freely in the park and are cared for by local volunteers and animal protection organizations.
Important Information:
- It is located in Miraflores, bordered by Diagonal and Larco avenues and Schell street. Lima.
- Its opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
20. Oasis de la Huacachina
Huacachina Oasis is a beautiful and picturesque oasis located in the Ica desert, in southern Peru. This unique tourist destination is only a few minutes from the city of Ica and is known for its spectacular landscape of sand dunes surrounding an emerald green lagoon. Huacachina is famous for being the only natural oasis in South America.
Important information
- It is located exactly in the coastal desert of the Pacific.
- Its opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with an entrance fee of s/ 15 per person.
Discover the magic of Peru in person and live the best experience of your life!
As you saw before, there is so much to do in Lima and this is not all, as Peru offers countless options to discover. If you want to explore the city and take home a wonderful memory, don’t hesitate to take the different Tours in Lima
We want to accompany you to discover the best of the Inca country, are you ready? Then pack your suitcase and let's travel together!