Lima, Peru-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Miraflores

Morning

  • Arrive in Lima and check-in to your hotel in Miraflores, a safe and trendy neighborhood with stunning ocean views.
  • Visit the Miraflores Malecón, a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for a morning stroll.

Afternoon

  • Head to Parque Kennedy, a lively park filled with street performers, food vendors, and souvenir shops.
  • Stop by Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ruin in the heart of Miraflores.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Mar, a popular seafood restaurant with fresh ceviche and stunning ocean views.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Malecón and enjoy the street performers and live music.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Antigua Miraflores: A charming boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures in Lima, especially in the mornings and evenings.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (4-7 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel (approximately 30-40 minutes, 50-60 PEN).
  • Use Uber or local taxis to get around Miraflores.

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you navigate and interact with locals.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Parque Kennedy.

Day 2: Exploring Historic Lima

Morning

  • Take a guided tour of Casa de la Independencia, the historic building where Peru declared its independence from Spain.
  • Visit the nearby Plaza Mayor, the heart of Lima’s historic center and home to the Government Palace.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Museo Nacional de Antropología, which showcases Peru’s rich cultural heritage through artifacts and exhibits.
  • Stop by San Francisco Monastery, a stunning colonial-era monastery with impressive architecture and catacombs.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Central Restaurante, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Peruvian cuisine.
  • Take a stroll around the historic center, enjoying the street performers and lively atmosphere.

Where to Eat:

  • La Lucha Sangucheria: A popular spot for delicious sandwiches and coffee.

Things to Know:

  • The historic center can be quite busy and crowded, so plan accordingly.
  • Be respectful of religious sites and dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Miraflores to the historic center (approximately 20-30 minutes, 20-30 PEN).
  • Use local buses or combis (minivans) for shorter trips within the city.

Tips:

  • Hire a reputable guide to get the most out of your historic Lima tour.
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Peruvian desserts like picarones and suspiro de limeña!

Day 3: Foodie Heaven

Morning

  • Visit Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace filled with fresh produce, meats, and seafood.
  • Take a cooking class at Culinary Institute of Lima, learning how to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes.

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Barranco, known for its street art, hip restaurants, and lively nightlife.
  • Visit Puente de los Suspiros, a picturesque bridge with stunning views of the ocean.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Osso, a popular restaurant serving creative Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on meat dishes.
  • Take a stroll around Barranco, enjoying the street performers and live music.

Where to Eat:

  • El Cevicherito: A casual spot for delicious ceviche and seafood.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Mercado Central.
  • Barranco can be quite lively at night, so plan accordingly if you’re not looking for a party atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from Miraflores to Mercado Central (approximately 20-30 minutes, 20-30 PEN).
  • Use local buses or combis (minivans) for shorter trips within the city.

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to try new foods and flavors at Mercado Central.
  • Explore Barranco’s street art scene, which features vibrant murals and graffiti.

Day 4: Day Trip to Pachacamac

Morning

  • Take a guided tour to Pachacamac, an ancient Inca site located about an hour south of Lima.
  • Visit the Templo del Sol, a stunning temple dedicated to the sun god.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Pachacamac Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits on the history and culture of the site.
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying traditional dishes like ají de gallina (shredded chicken in aji amarillo sauce).

Evening

  • Return to Lima and enjoy dinner at La 73, a popular restaurant serving contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
  • Take a relaxing stroll along the Malecón, enjoying the ocean views.

Where to Eat:

  • El Patio de la República: A charming spot for traditional Peruvian dishes in a historic setting.

Things to Know:

  • Pachacamac can be quite hot during the day, so bring sunscreen and water.
  • Be respectful of the site and its history, avoiding littering and respecting any restricted areas.

Transportation:

  • Take a guided tour or private transportation from Lima to Pachacamac (approximately 1-2 hours, depending on traffic).
  • Use local buses or combis (minivans) for shorter trips within the city.

Tips:

  • Hire a reputable guide to get the most out of your Pachacamac tour.
  • Don’t forget to try some local fruits like lucuma and guanabana!

Day 5: Last Day in Lima

Morning

  • Visit Museo de Arte de Lima, which showcases an impressive collection of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to modern times.
  • Take a stroll around the trendy neighborhood of San Isidro, known for its upscale shops and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at Astrid & Gastón, a renowned restaurant serving innovative Peruvian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Visit Larco Museum, which features an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and exhibits.

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Malabar, a popular restaurant serving creative Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.
  • Take a final stroll along the Malecón, enjoying the ocean views and reflecting on your amazing trip to Lima.

Where to Eat:

  • Café San Juan: A charming spot for coffee and pastries in a historic setting.

Things to Know:

  • The Museo de Arte de Lima can be quite crowded, so plan accordingly.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting museums and cultural sites.

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service from your hotel to the museum (approximately 10-20 minutes, 10-20 PEN).
  • Use local buses or combis (minivans) for shorter trips within the city.

Tips:

  • Don’t forget to try some local coffee and chocolates before departing Lima.
  • Exchange any remaining soles (Peruvian currency) for USD or your local currency at a reputable exchange office.