Lima : Capital of Peru

Top 13 Things to Do in Lima

Lima is the capital and the most important city of the Republic of Peru. It is located on the central coast of the country, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. On January 18, 1535, Francisco Pizarro founded the city with the name of the City of the Kings. However, the name “Lima” comes from the current valley of the river “Rímac”; which means in Quechua language, the talking river or the river that makes noise. In this blog article, we present you 13 incredible things to do in the department of Lima.

Where to sleep in Lima  ?

In Lima you will find from really cheap hostels to much more comfortable hotels from 1 to 5 star. Most of the accommodations are located around or close its main square.

One of the most important things, if not the most important of the trips, is the lodging. Normally this represents 50% or more of your expense and can make your stay unforgettable, in a good or bad way.

To book a hotel always keep the following in mind:

• Location.
• Access to public transport.
• Cleaning.
• Breakfast.
• Free WIFI.
• Room size.
• Treatment of staff.
• Quality of service.
• Read reviews from other travelers.

Plaza Mayor of Lima

Plaza de Armas de Lima or The Plaza Mayor de Lima, is the founding site of the city of Lima, capital of Peru. It’s the main public space of the city. It is located in the historic center of Lima, around it the Government Palace of Peru, the Cathedral of Lima, the Church of the Sagrario, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace of Lima and the Club de la Unión, stand soberly. The Municipality and the Cathedral face to face bear witness to the stamp of the Hispanic line.

Larco Museum

This museum is surrounded by beautiful and colorful gardens, the Larco Museum exhibits more than 5000 years of history of ancient Peru; through a fascinating collection of ceramic erotic and metallurgical pieces (see the Andean kamasutra in this museum).

National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History of Peru

The National Museum of Archeology and History of Peru is the oldest in our country and the most representative for its varied and vast cultural heritage; part of which can be seen in our rooms and galleries, making the museum a meeting place with the complete history of Peru. Without a doubt, a place you should go to, yes or yes.

Peruvian gold museum

Before going, remember “Museo Oro del Peru” and its twin museum, “Museo Armas del Mundo”, are located in Monterrico, in Lima’s District of Santiago de Surco. Due to the city’s permanent traffic congestion, they become quite far from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro and other more central districts. At “Museo Oro del Peru”, a collection of over 8,000 pieces of pre-hispanic gold, silver, copper, wood, ceramics, textiles and other objects representative of the many different local ancient cultures. At “Museo Armas de Mundo”, an exhibition of more than 20,000 weapons from all over the world, including arms, daggers, swords, guns, rifles, shields, helmets, uniforms and so on. A very complete collection, indeed. If possible, a guided visit would be strongly recommended.

Miraflores

It is an exclusive residential and upscale shopping district south of downtown Lima. This district is also one of the most affluent places that make up the city of Lima. It has various hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and department stores.

Magic water circuit

This is one of the large-scale municipal projects, an icon of the city of Lima and a symbol of the recovery of public spaces in Lima. It has thirteen cybernetic fountains, supported with the highest technology where music, water, sound and laser lights are mixed to present unique and incredible shows.

Barranco

Barranco district is considered to be the city’s most romantic and bohemian, being the home and working place of many of Peru’s leading artists, musicians, designers and photographers.

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site belonging to the Lima kingdom, from the period of regional developments (200 – 700 AD). It is built almost entirely with adobes and filled with pebbles and sand. It is made up of a 25-meter-high pyramid and a set of patios, squares and enclosures.

Miraflores boardwalk

Lovely location for sunset and lovers. Great to come here in the evening with your partner or family, enjoy the stroll, and the views of the Pacific Ocean. Various restaurants await you to enjoy the marvellous and fresh seafood here in Lima.

Pachacamac

Pachacamac is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Peru, and in its heyday it was the most consulted oracle in the Andean world. They built Pachacamac on the right bank of the Lurín Valley, very close to the river of the same name, very close to the sea and in front of a group of small islands that are named after this sanctuary. Pachacamac is a large architectural complex with many buildings, that were built at different times.

San Francisco Convent and Catacombs Museum

The San Francisco Monumental Complex is a true jewel of colonial art in its various expressions; Each corner in its spaces tells us about the transcendent realities and the reason for being each one of them, works done with a lot of patience, effort and heart because they were done to teach Franciscan spirituality and so, that they are spaces that allow to give glory to God.

Caral

The sacred city of Caral-Supe or simply Caral, is an archaeological site where the remains of the main city of the Caral civilization are found. It is located in the Supe valley, near the current town of Caral, 182 kilometers north of Lima. It is attributed an antiquity of 5000 years and is considered the oldest city in America, since it has not been found until now on our continent, another older site with such a diversity of monumental buildings, with different ceremonial and administrative functions.

El parque de las leyendas

In this zoo you can see samples of the great variety of animal species from the jungle, highlands and coast of Peru. Apart from the Peruvian species, the park has an area called “International Zone” where we find a great diversity of animals from the rest of the world.

What are the top attractions to visit ?

1. Museo Larco
2. Miraflores
3. Circuito Mágico Del Agua
4. Barranco
5. Huaca Pucllana

What are the most popular things to do with kids ?

1. Circuito Mágico Del Agua
2. Miraflores
3. Miraflores boardwalk
4. El parque de las leyendas

If you would like to get to Machu Picchu hiking; click on the following link: Machu Picchu Treks.