IO things to do in Lima
Get to know the Peruvian capital with a stroll and visits to the markets and a nearby oasis
1 Mosey along the Malecón
The first activity on your itinerary should be a leisurely stroll along El Malecón. The coastal walkway follows the Pacific, tiptoeing around neighbourhoods and hugging sea cliffs. Beginning in the tourist hot-spot of Miraflores and working through boho Barranco and on to Malecón de la Marina, it’s a way to get acquainted with Lima.
2 Daytrip to a desert oasis
Nestled in mountainous sand dunes as if no more than a glimmering mirage is the oasis of Huacachina. This small village springs from the fertile edges of a lagoon before dissipating into the immense desert beyond. Incredibly compelling and seemingly fragile, it’s a must do if you have extra time to allocate to a daytrip from Lima. Try sand-boarding, go for a thrill ride on a dune buggy, or take a paddleboat on to the lagoon.
3 Swim with sea lions
Hop a boat to Islas Guaneras for a half-day trip that includes a supervised swim with the dogs of the sea, otherwise known as sea lions. Here, in their natural environment, these marine mammals are welcoming hosts to two-legged interlopers. You’ll also spot Humboldt penguins and other wildlife on your excursion.
4 Stroll the markets
A true barometer for the soul of a city, markets are unmissable for experienced collectors and bargain hunters. It’s at markets where you’ll often make life-changing culinary and cultural discoveries. In Lima, head to Mercado Central for a multi-level experience of varied goods, Mercado de Surquillo for food, and Feria Artesanal to barter for handmade crafts.
5 Visit Huaca Pucllana
Collide with ancient history in the centre of Lima’s tourist district of Miraflores. Sitting incongruously within its urban backdrop, the clay pyramid of Huaca Pucllana was built by the Lima culture and dates back to 500AD. Today, it continues to reveal archaeological gems with scientists discovering three 1300-year-old mummies as late as 2010.
6 Glide over it all
For those who prefer to, quite literally, level-up their experience of Lima, make your way to Miraflores and take your pick from the seaside paragliding tour operators there. Soar above ocean and city on a tandem, 10-minute flight that lays out the expansive Peruvian capital in all its tropical desert beauty, from its weather-carved cliffs to its seemingly endless concrete sprawl.
7 Blend into Barranco The
bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco is the epicentre of edgy happenings. Admire street art, watch life unfold from hip bars and cafes, shop boutiques and admire the Art Deco aesthetic. When the sun goes down, the party ramps up, so stay and play or retreat to quiet quarters.
8 Eat at top restaurants
Lima is a gastronomical capital, not just in the context of Peru, but throughout the world. While the Netflix series Chef’s Table featured Virgilio Martinez and his restaurant Central (which you’ll find in Barranco), Lima has a smorgasbord of refined eateries helmed by clever curators of ingredients. Book a table at Astrid y Gaston or Japanese-fusion restaurant Maido to experience the finessed flavours of Peru.
9 Visit the dead
The sunny-yellow facade of the Monasterio de San Francisco belies its basement boneyard where, in the catacombs, you’ll find extensive crypts of artistically arranged femurs and skulls of pre-16th century Catholics. Above ground, the baroque monastery and church is worth exploring for its cupola and library.
10 Get pisco-ed
Just moments into a trip to Peru, you’ll no doubt find yourself with the country’s signature drink in hand. A pisco sour is ubiquitous, refreshing and always followed by a second. Hook up with one of the many pisco tasting tours that culminate in a masterclass.