Lima: More than just a stopover

Lima is typically an arrival and departure point for most travelers, but is so much more than an international airport: it is also a city full of history and interesting sites, which deserves at least a one or two-day stopover.

Lima is not just the Peruvian capital, it is also home to a third of the country’s population. With more than 8 million inhabitants, Lima is over ten times more populated than Arequipa, the country’s second biggest city. This truly demonstrates the importance and influence of the capital city, with many Peruvians saying “Peru is Lima”.

What to do in Lima?

Lima was the most important city on the continent for over two centuries, as well as being the capital of Peru’s vice-kingdom. The leftover glory of this past is visible in the form of a historical center which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunning churches and colonial constructions.

Lima is also home to some of the best museums about pre-Colombian history and the wealth of Peru’s heritage. Amongst others, some of the most interesting ones are the Archeology and Anthropology museum, the Larco Herrera, the gold museum or the Museum of the Nation.

There are also some Pre-Colombian archeological sites in the region, such as the Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores or the Pachacamac site, about 18 miles from Lima.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Miraflores is the cultural center of the city as well as being the safest and most lively district, with its parks, hotels and restaurants.

This will be the perfect time to taste the up-and-coming Peruvian gastronomy. Amongst Lima’s numerous restaurants, one of our recommendations would be La Mar, owned by Peru’s most recognized chef, Gaston Acurio. Mangos would be another recommendation, due to its fantastic lunch buffet on a lovely terrace overlooking the Pacific, or Rosa Nautica, for a romantic dinner above the waves.

If you have a free day in Lima towards the end of your stay, this could be the moment to stock up on some souvenirs. The vast artisan markets of Miraflores boast an incredible choice, and everything you could possibly like from the different stops along your tour.

Finally, for lovers of nature, Lima is also the starting point for an excursion to the Palomino Islands, which are home to a huge population of sea lions and marine birds. During this excursion, you will also have the possibility to swim in the ocean with sea lions (wearing a wetsuit of course, the water is cold!). This excursion is a fun alternative to the Ballestas islands visit, for those who won’t ride along the pacific coast down to Paracas.