Destinations >> Lima Overview

Colonial meets modernity in Peru’s largest city. Lima is a thriving metropolis dating back to the 1500s. Discover a dynamic culture through the city’s attractions, museums, archaeological sights, gastronomy, beaches and more.

Cheat Sheet

Sleep in the Belmond Hotel in the fashionable Miraflores District – Eat classic Peruvian food at Brujas de Cachiche – Drink at the stylish Huaringas Bar and enjoy traditional pisco cocktails – See the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu – Shop in Larcomar, Lima’s Cliffside shopping mall – Get outside and see the ruins of the Pucllana Temple at night – Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the birth place of Lima

WHAT TO DO IN LIMA

With such a rich history, visitors will find no shortage of things to do in Lima. Museo Larco is a top stop for any traveler. The museum, housed in an 18th-century viceroy’s mansion, holds ceramic works, gold and jewels and a separately housed collection of pre-Columbian erotica. Just a short trip from Lima’s center, Pachacamac is a pre-Columbian archaeological site, settled around 200 AD, comprised of stone palaces and pyramids. Iglesia de Santo Domingo and it’s adjacent convent boasts beautiful tile works and gardens. It is the burial site for three revered Peruvian saints as well. Peruvian gastronomy is also taking the world by storm and in Lima Astrid y Gastón is not to be missed. The highly revered restaurant currently ranks as no. 33 on the World’s 50 Best list and is one of the top dining destinations in all of South America. Come for contemporary Peruvian cuisine from chef Gastón Acurio and be sure not to miss his summer garden ceviche.

WHAT TO TAKE TO LIMA

Lima is located in a valley surrounded by desert making it an extremely dry city with a coastal fog that brings in humidity from time to time. Expect temperatures in the mid-70s from December-March and a little cooler, in the mid-to-high 60s for the rest of the year. Dress according to the season and pack layers to accommodate for cooler nights. Pack footwear to match your activities and make sure to account for the bumpy terrain of the city center—ladies leave your heels at home.

WHAT TO BUY IN LIMA

Alpacas are native to Peru and are bread there for their coats which yield a fiber very similar to wool. Shop for everything from brightly colored blankets and sweaters to gloves and hats made from alpaca coats. Also find handmade ceramics and other crafts and a variety of silver jewelry—many local galleries carry sought-after silverwork wears.

HOW IT WORKS IN LIMA

Forget the hassle of negotiating luggage at the airport. Ship your luggage seamlessly to and from Lima with Luggage Free. When you’re on your way, just pack your luggage as you normally would and Luggage Free will pick it up from your home or office whenever you schedule a pick-up, delivering it to your hotel or place of lodging guaranteed. On your way home, the process is reversed and Luggage Free will pick up your luggage from your hotel and deliver it back to you safely.