Best Lima Tours & Trips

How Many Days in Lima is Enough

We recommend spending 3-4 days in Lima to fully explore the city. This allows enough time for a thorough Lima city tour, visits to major museums, and relaxation in the coastal area. Five days will allow you to take day trips to nearby destinations such as Huacachina.

The Best Time to Travel to Lima

The best time to visit Lima is during the summer, from December to April. During these months, average temperatures range from 65 to 81 °F (18 to 27 °C), with plenty of sunshine and clear skies, perfect for hiking and beach activities. The rest of the year is characterized by persistent coastal fog, locally known as “garúa,” during which the city is often overcast. While there is less sunshine, it is still a great time to explore museums and enjoy the local cuisine, and there are fewer tourists.

Getting Around Lima

In Lima, you can choose to take the Metropolitano, which is a BRT system. It connects Miraflores, San Isidro, and the city center, and is a convenient option often used by tourists.

If you need to take a cab, it is recommended to negotiate the price in advance or use online taxi platforms such as Beat, Cabify, or Uber, which are safer and more reliable.

If you want to travel to cities such as Cusco and Arequipa, you can choose between long-distance buses and domestic flights.

Top Attractions in Lima, Peru

Lima's charm lies in its diverse districts and rich history. Here are some top things to see in Lima.

Lima Main Square: This is the historical center of Lima and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by landmarks such as the Municipal Palace of Lima, Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace of Lima, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Lima.

Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima: A representative example of colonial Baroque architecture. The most famous attraction is the underground crypt, where visitors can view well-preserved skeletons and underground passages.

Pucllana Site Museum: This is a mud-brick pyramid ruin dating back to the pre-Inca period between 200 and 700 AD. It was once the political and religious center of Lima culture and has now been converted into an archaeological site and museum where visitors can see the preserved pyramid, ritual sites, and excavated artifacts.

Larco Museum: This is one of Peru's most famous museums. The museum has an extraordinary collection of ceramics, textiles, gold, and silverware, showcasing more than 5,000 years of pre-Columbian history. There is also a garden and café inside the museum.

Love Park: Located in the Miraflores area, the park features a large sculpture of a couple kissing in the center. The surrounding benches and walls are decorated with colorful patterns and love poems.

Bridge of Sighs: Built in the 19th century, this bridge has a romantic atmosphere. Legend has it that if you cross the bridge for the first time and hold your breath, your wish will come true. There are also several cafes and galleries nearby.

Day Trips from Lima

For visitors with more time to spare, Lima excursions offer opportunities to explore beyond the city. We have some recommended destinations.

Pachacamac: Located about 30 kilometers southeast of Lima, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. It is an important pre-Inca archaeological site. You can visit temples, pyramids, and museums to learn about ancient Peruvian civilization.

Islas Ballestas: Take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.

Huacachina Oasis: This destination is usually combined with Islas Ballestas for a day trip. It is a natural oasis surrounded by desert, ideal for sandboarding, desert buggy rides, and other activities.

Where to Stay in Lima

When choosing where to stay in Lima, we recommend the upscale coastal areas of Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores is close to the coastal cliffs and the city center. Barranco is an area with a strong artistic atmosphere and extraordinary street art. Traveling from these two areas is very convenient. Of course, you can also choose San Isidro, which is Lima's business district and a quieter environment.