7 Day Itinerary

Day one While Lima is not regarded as one of South America’s most dangerous cities, petty theft and robberies are still disarmingly common in many areas. Reduce your chances of such incidents by making your base in Miraflores, one of the city’s wealthiest areas and home to accommodations to suit all budgets – from backpacker to blowout. Spend the day sightseeing in the neighborhood – don’t miss the Museo Arqueologica Amano, at Retiro 160, for a great collection of Nazca and Chancay artifacts.
In the evening, check out the live music and theater (Monday to Friday) at Parque Kennedy, where there is also a lively market most nights of the week. Scores of bars and restaurants can be found at Calle San Ramon, opposite from Parque Kennedy. Take taxis to and from your accommodation after dark – they are plentiful and cheap.

Day two. Take a bus into central Lima, and check out the impressive Plaza de Armas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is colonial Lima at its best. Here you’ll find the city’s cathedral, as well as the Gobierno Palace. Aim to be here for midday, to catch the changing of the guards. The plaza is lined with shops and cafes, so stop for lunch before paying a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace, next to the cathedral. Take a bus back to Miraflores and enjoy a meal before taking in a film (many are in English with Spanish subtitles) at Cine Club Miraflores, Av Larco 770.

Day three. Head back into Centro, and more historic sites. Don’t miss the baroque San Francisco church at the corner of Jr Lampa and Amash. English-speaking guides cost less than US$5, half price for children. Other sites worth seeing can be found at Plaza Bolivar, including the Museu del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, whose displays of torture instruments are morbidly fascinating. Grab a bus back for dinner and drinks in Miraflores.

Day four. After breakfast, head for the pleasant neighbourhood of Barranco. You can take a colectivo bus here, or make the 45-minute walk from Miraflores. During the summer the neighbourhood’s beach is the main draw, while the art galleries and artists workshops attract visitors year round. There are lots of spots to enjoy lunch and an evening meal here, and plenty of guest houses for those who fancy a break from Miraflores.

Day five. Take a bus out to the east of Lima, to Puruchuco. Here you’ll find a reconstructed pre-Inca Palace, and an interesting museum. Excavation work is being carried out nearby, and if you ask nicely you may be able to watch the archeologists at work. Soccer fans might want to catch a game at the nearby stadium.

Day six. For a relaxed day out, take a bus to Parque las Leyendas, at Av La Marina Cuadra 24 . This family-friendly spot combines a zoo with tropical gardens, and there are some wonderful native South American species, including the magnificent Amazonian Jaguar. Entrance is less than US$5. Enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the cafes before heading back to Miraflores. Nightowls might want to have a bite to eat and drinks at Haiti, Parque Kennedy, which is open virtually 24-hours.

Day seven. Spend the last day of your Lima trip shopping and sightseeing. There are some good boutiques in Miraflores itself, while in central Lima the main shopping strip leads from Plaza de la Armas to the Jr de la Union. There are lots of souvenir shops here, perfect for picking up mementos for loved ones back home.