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Jan
10
Lima Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Peru
A trip to Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Pizarro. Once considered the most beautiful city in the Americas, Lima is still a beautiful city. It blends the modern with beautiful Renaissance and colonial architecture. Although once considered too dangerous to visit, Lima’s security issues have been resolved. Lima’s main transportation hub is Jorge Chavez International Airport.
Flights to Lima
Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport services both domestic and international flights and is the main transportation hub for the city. The airport handles over six million passengers a year and is located six miles from the city centre. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Lima try lastminute.com. Lima is the gateway into Peru and from here domestic connections to places like Cusco and Trujillo are easily available. The best way to get from the airport to the city is by taxi or transportation arranged by your hotel.
Transportation within Lima for visitors is limited to taxis. Driving oneself is still not considered safe, although the number of car-jackings has significantly declined in recent years. If negotiating taxi fares is not your cup of tea, it is easy to arrange car hire with a driver, and rates are very reasonable.
Lima
Sightseeing in Lima
Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, was the centre of old Lima. With a beautiful bronze fountain crowning the plaza, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Around the square, you will find the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace) where you can witness the guard change daily at noon. The City Hall is on the west side, while the Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace should also be visited. A must-visit in Lima is the Museo de Oro del Peru, or Gold Museum, where you can see the most incredible gold artefacts.
For most visitors, Lima is simply an entry point into Peru, being the main transportation hub. Most people spend two to three days at most in the capital and then travel on to famous sites such as Macchu Picchu, the southern beaches or the Pachacamac ruins.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Lima, like any good South American city, has a vibrant nightlife. There is something for everyone here, from bars and clubs, to live music and dancing. The best areas are Miaflores and Barranco, known as party central. Although there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, make sure you don’t miss the local peña. Many peña are located near the Puente de los Suspiros, and they incorporate live music and dancing for a small cover charge. If you are brave, try the local delicacy: guinea pig!
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Lima offers a great range of shopping, from boutiques to handicraft shops, from budget to outrageous. Traditional handicrafts include rugs and tapestries, hand knit and gold items. Some incredibly beautiful jewellery can be found in Lima, with both silver and gold items on offer with a high degree of workmanship relative to price. The Central Market, or Mercado Central, is crowded and the place where locals shop. Beware of pickpockets. Bargaining for a good price is also an important practice in Peru.
Daytrips
There are a number of islands, towns and small villages just outside of Lima that are perfect for daytrips and quick getaways. For partygoers who wish to mix relaxation, sand, sun and club hopping in the same trip, Barranco is the place for you. Roam the gorgeous parks and colonial mansions during the day and explore the nightlife, bars and clubs after sunset.
Located roughly 30 minutes off the coast of Lima is the five-mile long Isla San Lorenzo. If spelunking, hiking and water sports sound appealing, then this island is definitely worth a trip as caves, ravines and abysses are all a part of the natural scenery.
The easy way to reach Isla San Lorenzo is by departing Puerto del Callao via boat or ferry. But, for a more athletic and physical excursion, head to the coastal hills of Lomas de Lucumo. Here, hiking, bike riding and even paragliding are normal day to day activities along with taking in the scenic views and natural surroundings.
Must-see attractions
Start a day of sightseeing and venturing around the city with a pseudo-religious experience. The Iglesia de La Merced is the first church to ever hold mass in Lima and has been standing since 1534. After visiting the oldest church in Lima, head over to the Plaza Mayor as it is close by.
The Plaza Mayor is located in the centre of town and is one of the most historical sites in the entire city. This is the founding grounds of Lima, where events such as bullfights, executions and political demonstrations have taken place throughout the years. For more family fun, head over to the Parque de las Leyendas.
As the only zoo of its kind, the Parque de las Leyendas is split into three sections representing terrain and natural characteristics of Peru. There’s no shortage of activities and entertainment within the zoo complex as a number of restaurants, play stations and archaeological exhibits line the park.
For a more relaxing and romantic excursion spend some time at the Banos Turcos Windsor. This is a fully serviced spa specialising in complete rejuvenation and pampering sessions. Chose from Turkish baths, eucalyptus saunas or simply float around the indoor pool. There are also salon services available so there’s no reason for leaving without a new manicure and pedicure.
Best time to go
As with most South American and Latin American cities, Carnaval is one of the liveliest festivals and times of the year. Just days before the Catholic observation of Lent, Lima comes to life with a vibrant heart beat and pulse. Of course, it’s no coincidence that tourism is at a high during this time of year.
Lima has a fairly warm climate throughout the year with very little rainfall. Winter is an excellent time of year to escape the colder temperatures and bask in sunny days that usually top the thermometer at roughly 26°C.
Rainy day suggestions
Spend a rainy day at the Museo de la Nacion and enjoy an educational walk through Peruvian military history and artefacts. Roam through four floors and over thirty years of memorabilia and exhibitions.
For a more contemporary and modern art experience, head over to the Museo de Arte de Lima. Take most of the day to browse through rotating and permanent exhibitions from not only Peruvian artists but artists from all over South America.
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