Lima, the capital and largest city of Peru, was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535, as the City of the Kings, or «the city of the Kings.» It is located on a deserted coast facing the Pacific Ocean. With a population of 9 million, Lima has become a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial mansions and modern buildings, beautiful parks and bohemian bars. The historic center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 due to the large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era such as the monumental Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco. San Isidro is the elegant residential area where most of the embassies have their offices. Miraflores, mainly a commercial area, is the district where most of the hotels and restaurants are located. Lima is known as the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas with Creole food, Chifas (Chinese food), Cebicherias (seafood) and Pollerias (grilled chicken). The climate is mild and comfortable. Temperatures rarely drop below 12 ° C (54 ° F) or rise above 29 ° C (84 ° F) throughout the year.
Weather in Lima, Perú
The Weather in Lima, Perú is humid due to its proximity to the sea but at the same time with high cloud cover during most of the year, the weather in Lima, Perú is not typical combination for coastal cities, which is why it is a remarkable phenomenon.
The temperature varies according to the time of year, since there are a couple of seasons marked summer and winter that does not bring snow, only that the temperature drops more than usual.
On the other hand, Lima is a city at the same time desert because it practically never rains, a factor that favors walking tours during a trip to the city.
Best times to visit Lima
According to its characteristics, the eeather in Lima, Perú is very pleasant and cool, so any time of the year is good to visit the city.
However, to enjoy Lima in its greatest splendor, the ideal is to visit it during the summer because the cloudiness decreases considerably and allows, among other things, to enjoy the beauty of the sea.
Whether summer or winter, in both cases it is important to use sunscreen to take care of the skin.
Gastronomy – Lima
Lima’s gastronomy offers the visitor a great variety of typical dishes; exquisite stews with the best seasoning in America that delight even the most demanding palates. This city offers visitors excellent restaurants (from 3 to 5 forks) that have qualified personnel and the best service that put it at the level of the great cities of the world. Among the main dishes of Lima gastronomy we have:
- Carapulcra.
- Cau Cau.
- Ox heart anticuchos.
- Lima cause.
- Lomo saltado.
- Aji de gallina.
- Ceviche.
- Marinade.
- Tacu tacu.
- Chicken rice.
- Rice with duck.
- Rice with shells.
- Stuffed potato.
- Grilled chickens.
To drink, we recommend the ice-cold and refreshing chicha morada, also be sure to try our famous PISCO SOUR. Sweets and desserts such as Mazamorra Morada and Arroz con Leche, sigh a la Lima, doña pepa nougat and picarones.
Access Roads
Land: The most popular way to travel in Peru is by land. From Lima there are interprovincial transportation services through the North and South Pan-American Highways, the Central Highway and the Pativilca – Huaraz penetration route; via asphalt roads.
Air: Jorge Chávez International Airport (located in the Constitutional province of Callao, 30 minutes from downtown Lima) is the main gateway to Peru. From here, you can find flights to the different tourist destinations and cities in the country, with the exception of Huancayo and Ica. All international flights arrive and depart from this airport.
Things to do in Lima, Perú
Here is a list of the best things to do in Lima, Perú
Huaca Pucllana
The Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site in the heart of Miraflores. This truncated pyramid was the site of ceremonies for the Lima Culture, the Wari and the Ychsma, 3 pre-Inca societies. A walk that will make you travel years back.
If you have time, we recommend you also enjoy the restaurant inside.
Miraflores boardwalk
Los Malecones de Miraflores, one of the must-see things to do in Lima is the Malecón of the Miraflores district from where you will have the best view of the coast.
Explore perfectly manicured parks and gardens, as well as the Kiss monument and CC Larcomar.
Larcomar
Larcomar, a shopping center nestled on the Miraflores cliff. Here you can go shopping, eat in excellent restaurants, have a good time but above all.
From here you will have one of the best panoramic views of the Costa Verde and the beaches of Lima.
Magic Water Circuit
The magic water circuit is an open-air night tour full of lights, music, water and lots of magic, it is perhaps the most visited tourist attraction in Lima.
An unmissable visit to do in Lima and one that you will not regret, especially if you travel with children.
Lima cathedral
The cathedral of Lima is the most important in Peru because it is considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Inside are the remains of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima, as well as the museum of religious art with an extensive collection of “santísimos”.
Catacombs
Below the Convent of San Francisco de Asís are the Catacombs of Lima that served as crypts for members of associations of the city’s Catholic faithful.
It is shocking to see how the bones and skulls of the corpses were organized inside the catacombs in order to make better use of the space.
Green Coast
The Green Coast is the road that runs along the beaches of the Lima coast and has parks and boardwalks for the enjoyment of locals and tourists. From here you will have a different perspective of Lima.
Favorite place for surfers and you would have the opportunity to learn to surf.
Bridge of Sighs
The story behind the Bridge of Sighs says that if you walk across this bridge holding your breath, your wish will be fulfilled.
True or not, we recommend you visit this picturesque place in Barranco, with beautiful gardens, churches and a variety of excellent bars and restaurants around.
Main Square
The Plaza de Armas is the most emblematic point of the historic center, that is why it is included in the list of what to do in Lima.
In this square the city was founded and independence was proclaimed. Around this square are important buildings such as the Government Palace of Peru and the Cathedral of Lima.
Other things to do in Lima, Perú: Visit museums and some islands with sea lions
Larco Museum
Steeped in history and valuable collections of gold and silver from Peru from pre-Columbian times, the Larco Museum is a recommended visit for travelers with at least a week in the city.
It is the most famous museum. It takes about half a day to visit it. In addition to the museum, you can explore its gardens and enjoy a coffee inside.
The Palominos Islands
The Palominos Islands belong to the trio of islands home to the sea lions, part of the Peruvian marine life. Getting there must be from Callao.
The rides on these islands are done by boats and it depends on the weather sometimes you can swim with the wolves. Recommended visit to do in Lima during the summer.
Touring Peru is discovering endless mysterious places, with hidden stories in corners that you may have never seen before stepping on this country. We recommend you to visit another impressive destinations in Cusco like the tour to rainbow mountain peru or the humantay lake tour from cusco, which only takes one day. But if you are gonna to stay more days in Perú, other archaeological places you can know will be the choquequirao trek peru, the salkantay trek to machu picchu, and the classic inca trail 4 days 3 nights.
