Located right on the Pacific Coast, Lima holds a remarkably diverse set of activities to match the interest of any traveler.
From classic historical buildings to sandboarding down some of South America’s largest dunes and trying out unique culinary fusions, Lima has so much to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know when traveling to Lima, including accommodations, the best places to try local food, costs, and the top tours to make the most of your visit.
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Weather in Lima
While there isn’t a bad time to visit Lima, or any other destination in Peru, it’s good to keep in mind that each season will offer different weather, experiences, and scenery.
Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Lima has two main seasons throughout the year – summer and winter.
Summer runs from mid-November till March, reaching its highest temperatures in February (75°F/24°C on average).
The winter season is mild and temperatures rarely go below 62°F/17°C. During the winter months (April to October), there is some rain, but it’s usually a soft mist rather than a rainfall.
Lima’s beautiful coast will enchant you with incredible views.
Accommodation in Lima
The capital of Peru is an incredibly lively city that’s home to over 11 million people. While this gives you plenty of options when it comes to activities, choosing accommodation in Lima can get quite overwhelming.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Lima, here are four of our top picks.
JW Marriott Hotel Lima
JW Marriott is a beautiful boutique-like hotel offering an ocean view for most rooms. Guests can make use of an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa that includes a sauna, massage, and body treatments.
Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport
Costa del Sol is a great hotel located literally right next to Jorge Chavez International Airport. It’s the perfect option if you’ll have a very short stay in Lima. The accommodation awaits guests with a bar/lounge and sauna, as well as good-sized soundproof rooms with air-conditioning, WiFi, and a minibar.
Innside by Melia Lima Miraflores
Located in Lima’s Miraflores district, Innside by Melia offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and an on-site bar. Rooms are equipped with WiFi, a private bathroom, and air-conditioning, and are spacious enough for families.
Casa Republica
Casa Republica is set in a newly renovated 1920s mansion in the hip Barranco neighborhood. All rooms come with free WiFi and a buffet breakfast is available, as well.
Lima Cuisine
Peru is an incredibly diverse country, and that’s reflected in the country’s culinary scene.
With a fusion of indigenous cultures, Asian cuisine, Hispanic influence, and flavors from the Amazon and Andes, it’s easy to see why many call Lima the gastronomical capital of Latin America.
Here are some of the top restaurants and local markets that you should add to your to-do list when visiting Lima.
One of the most popular dishes in Peru is Lomo Saltado.
Restaurants
If you are looking for a more sophisticated dining experience, Lima has plenty on offer.
Peruvian chefs are well-known for innovating their dishes and flawlessly incorporating local and international flavors.
Let’s look at the four places that deserve a place on your list of best restaurants in Lima.
Amaz
If you’re looking to indulge in traditional Amazonian cuisine, Amaz is the place to be.
Along with delicious food, Amaz offers a menu specially designed for sharing, making this a perfect place to visit with your favorite people.
Astrid & Gaston
Astrid y Gaston is one of Lima’s most popular high-end restaurants. It offers an exciting menu that features a plethora of novel dishes such as Peking-style guinea pig bao.
Astrid y Gaston has a store, as well. There, you’ll find a selection of fine cocoa truffles, local products, and products from Peruvian artisans.
This restaurant is known for its delicious food and its beautiful building.
Central
Located in the charming Barranco district, Central offers visitors a chance to indulge in a redefined Peruvian cuisine enhanced by ingredients from Peru’s coastal region, the Amazon, and the Andes.
Ranking as number two on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2022, Central is a must-visit for anyone looking to treat their palate to something new and unique.
Maido
Maido is a fantastic choice if you’re curious about finding out how Peru and Japan seamlessly blend together on a plate. The unique fusion of these two cuisines is known as Nikkei and derives multicultural flavors from ingredient mixes carefully crafted and developed over centuries.
Maido ranks 11th on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and its chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura is sure to amaze your taste buds.
Local Markets
Whether you’re looking for a more affordable way to taste Peruvian cuisine or a memorable shopping experience, Lima’s local markets have it all.
Let’s look at two markets that have successfully preserved their quaint charm over the years and certainly earn a visit.
You’ll be astonished by the immense variety of exotic fruits you can find in Peruvian markets.
Mercado N. 1 de Surquillo
The Surquillo Market is undeniably one of Lima’s best markets and a hot spot for food lovers.
The market offers local fruits and vegetables, dry goods, meat, spices, and an array of other food gems that can only be found in a Peruvian market.
At the heart of the Surquillo Market, you’ll find several food stalls that prepare fresh seafood dishes and delicious meals for very reasonable prices.
Mercado Municipal San Isidro
The San Isidro market is a popular destination for many travelers. It’s well-maintained and gives you an opportunity to enjoy a first-hand experience of the daily Peruvian routine.
On the market, you can find fruits and vegetables from local farms, herbs, fish, dairy products, and even pastries. You can also enjoy breakfast or lunch, as well as sample local Peruvian coffee and seafood.
Lima is an enormous city with lots of tourist sites that are waiting to be discovered by you.
What To Visit in Lima
Although Peru’s capital is often seen as the stopover to popular destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu, the city has its own exciting attractions. There are also numerous activities you can enjoy. Check out the 10 top-rated things to do in Lima and add them to your trip.
If you find yourself in Lima, be sure to take the time to explore this vibrant city and visit some of its top sites before heading off to your next destination.
To get you started, here are seven of the best attractions in Lima.
Lima Museum of Art (MALI)
Located at the Exposition Park, the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is considered to be a cultural heritage site.
The MALI museum hosts an impressive Peruvian art exhibition that ranges from furniture from the Colonial era to traditional textiles and ceramics.
The site is also an amazing place to go for a walk, enjoy the park’s gardens, and see Renaissance-styled buildings.
Entrance Fee: $9/ 30 Soles
We recommend you check the museum’s website if you want to check which exhibitions currently take place.
Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy in Lima is a great place for a stroll, a picnic, a bike ride, or even an outdoor workout. On the premises, you can find street food vendors, painters, street performers, and even an amphitheater.
Circuito Mágico del Agua
Found at the Park of the Reserve in historic center of Lima, the Circuito Mágico del Agua is a spectacular performance that uses visual art to exhibit the local culture.
There are over 15 different water fountains that can be enjoyed during the day or evening. If you want to see their light performance, though, be sure to visit in the late afternoon.
Did you know that the magic water park is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records?
Port of Callao
El Callao is a historical seaside city in the constitutional province of Lima.
The port of Callao is an important trade route into and out of Peru and one of the biggest seaports in the country.
The city has several islands, including San Lorenzo and Palomino where you can witness sea lions. Apart from that, we wouldn’t recommend visiting Callao as a tourist as it’s one of the most dangerous parts of Lima.
Huaca Pucllana
In the heart of the Miraflores neighborhood lies the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana.
Built with staggered platforms, this adobe and clay pyramid is believed to have been used as part of ceremonial and administrative tasks of the Lima society.
While you’ll need a guide to visit Huaca Pucllana, at $4.50/ 15 Soles per ticket, the fees are relatively low.
You can combine the visit of the Huaca Pucllana with the visit of its delicious restaurant right next to it.
Larcomar
Larcomar is a shopping center built into the cliffside, right underneath the Miraflores district.
The complex has good entertainment, food, and shopping options. Because of its location, Larcomar offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the top things to do in Lima at night.
Malecón de Miraflores
When visiting Larcomar, be sure to check out the Miraflores Boardwalk, too.
The Boardwalk, also known as the Malecon de Miraflores, gives a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the beaches that stretch along its coast. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most recommended places to visit in Lima due to its stunning views and accessibility.
Watching sunsets at the Malecón in Miraflores may be one of the most beautiful moments in Lima.
Exploor Peru Tours from Lima
There is nothing quite as rewarding and inspiring as traveling to new places and exploring new worlds.
When in Lima, a guided tour is a perfect way to explore the city and its surroundings, and also get to learn some unique facts along the way.
Because adventures seem different to everyone, here are some options to help you pick out the right one for you.
Huacachina Day Tour
If you like adventurous activities, you might want to try our Huacachina day tour from Lima.
Huacachina is the only desert oasis in South America and an incredible destination for outdoor activities.
With our day tour, you’ll kick-start your adventure with a guided tour of a local winery where you can taste local wine and Pisco. After that, you’ll head off to the oasis where you can go on an exciting buggy ride and try sandboarding.
Without a doubt, the Huacachina Oasis is a must on your to-do list traveling to Peru.
Sandboarding in Lima
If you’re short on time but still want to go on a memorable adventure without crowds around you, sandboarding in Peru is a wonderful option.
Generally speaking, the best place to do that in Lima is Chilca. The Chilca tour takes half a day and comes with an experienced sandboarding instructor and professional equipment.
2-Day Paracas & Huacachina Tour
If you have some extra time and want to explore the beautiful region surrounding Lima, be sure to check out the 2-day Paracas and Huacachina tour.
As part of the tour, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in a number of activities, including visiting the Paracas National Reserve, exploring an authentic vineyard, and sandboarding down the dunes in Huacachina.
Make sure to have your camera ready when visiting the Paracas National Reserve so you can capture these breathtaking views.
Customized Lima Tours
Want to see the best of Lima but also make sure you are free to manage your own itinerary? We recommend booking a private city tour.
Upon request, we can help you create the perfect itinerary for you with the must-visit sites of Peru’s capital.
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
With fascinating history, enchanting authenticity, and world-famous restaurants, Lima is a thoroughly rewarding destination for food lovers, urban explorers, and anyone looking to start their Peruvian adventure on the right foot.
Looking for the best things to do around Lima? Check out our Huacachina Oasis Guide.
Christine Thompson 13 March, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Hey guys! Just wanted to take the time and thank you for the helpful content, I love it!! We already booked a tour with you guys for July in Cusco, so excited!
See you soon, Christine
Oliver from Exploor 14 March, 2022 at 9:40 pm
Hey Christine! Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it! So excited to show you around in Cusco soon! If you need anything else just let us know. All the best from Peru, Oliver
Claire McAlisson 21 February, 2022 at 12:06 pm
Cool tips and recommendations! Some of them are definitely on my list. BUT how save are the markets? Is it possible to go with my friend or is it better to hire a local guide?
Konsti from Exploor Peru 21 February, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Hello Claire,
thanks for your message and I`m glad that you like the content! The markets are safe and my recommendation is that you go there during the day. Furthermore, make sure to leave your belongings (watch, jewelries etc.) at the hotel. Best, team exploor