Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant city full of contrasts, where ancient history meets modernity, and culture mixes with world-class gastronomy. With its Pacific coast, rich colonial heritage, and diverse neighborhoods, Lima offers a unique experience for travelers. This week-long itinerary is designed for you to make the most of your time in this fascinating city, exploring its top attractions, sampling its exceptional food, and immersing yourself in its unique culture.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Historic Center
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Arrival in Lima: Upon landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport, take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle to your hotel in central Lima. Make sure you are staying near the Plaza Mayor to facilitate your exploration of the historic center.
Breakfast in San Martín: Start your day with a traditional breakfast in one of the cafes in Plaza San Martín. Try a butifarra (ham sandwich) and a Peruvian coffee.
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Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Lima: Visit the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the historic center of Lima. Here you will find the Cathedral of Lima, an impressive structure that dates back to the 16th century. Explore its interior and discover the crypt where the conquistador Francisco Pizarro is buried.
Government Palace: Right next to the Plaza Mayor, you can watch the changing of the guard at the Government Palace, the official residence of the President of Peru. This event occurs around noon and is an interesting experience for visitors.
Lunch at El Cordano: Head to El Cordano, a historic restaurant near the Government Palace, to enjoy lunch with traditional Peruvian dishes like ají de gallina or lomo saltado.
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Church and Convent of San Francisco: After lunch, walk to the Church and Convent of San Francisco, famous for its catacombs and impressive baroque architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and explore the underground crypts.
Chinatown: End your afternoon exploring Lima's Chinatown, known for its Chinese markets and restaurants. Try some chifa, the Peruvian-Chinese culinary fusion.
Evening
Dinner at Central Restaurant: For a high-end dining experience, reserve a table at Central, one of the best restaurants in Lima and the world. Enjoy a tasting menu that highlights Peruvian ingredients and flavors.
Day 2: Barranco and Miraflores
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Breakfast in Miraflores: Start your day with breakfast at La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla in Miraflores. Try their delicious sandwiches and fresh juices.
Parque Kennedy: Stroll through Parque Kennedy, the heart of Miraflores, and observe the street artists and cats that inhabit it.
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Barranco: Take a taxi or walk to the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco. Visit the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic structure where you can make a wish while crossing it without breathing. Explore the colorful streets filled with murals and art galleries.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC): Discover modern art at the MAC and enjoy temporary exhibitions by Peruvian and international artists.
Lunch at Isolina Peruvian Taberna: Try traditional food at Isolina, a restaurant known for its generous portions and homemade dishes such as seca de res and tacu tacu.
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Walk along the Miraflores Malecón: Return to Miraflores and walk along the Malecón, a series of parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Love Park and enjoy the sculptures and mosaics inspired by love.
Larcomar: End your afternoon at Larcomar, a shopping center with sea views. Here you can shop, have a coffee or just enjoy the view.
Evening
Dinner at Maido: Book dinner at Maido, a Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) restaurant that is famous for its innovative tasting menu.
Day 3: Culture and Art
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Breakfast at the Surquillo Market: Visit the Surquillo Market for an authentic breakfast. Try fresh juices and dishes like tamales or chicharrón.
Lima Art Museum (MALI): Spend the morning exploring the MALI, which houses an extensive collection of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to contemporary times.
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Lunch at El Rincón Que No Connells: Enjoy lunch at this emblematic restaurant, founded by famous chef Teresa Izquierdo. Try traditional dishes such as ají de gallina and suspiro a la limeña.
Reserve Park and Magic Water Circuit: After lunch, visit the Reserve Park. Stroll through the gardens and, if you are in Lima in the afternoon or evening, don't miss the Magic Water Circuit, a show of water fountains and lights.
Evening
Dinner at Astrid y Gastón: End the day with dinner at Astrid y Gastón, one of Lima's most renowned restaurants, known for its focus on contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
Day 4: Ruins and Nature
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Breakfast at the Hotel: Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Huaca Pucllana: Visit the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian adobe pyramid located in the heart of Miraflores. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of this ancient civilization.
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Lunch at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: Enjoy lunch with views of the ruins at the restaurant located within the archaeological complex. Try contemporary Peruvian dishes in this unique setting.
Parque de las Leyendas: Spend the afternoon exploring Parque de las Leyendas, a zoo and botanical garden that is home to a variety of Peruvian flora and fauna. You will also be able to see some archaeological ruins within the park.
Evening
Dinner at La Mar: For a culinary experience dedicated to the sea, dine at La Mar, a cevicheria famous for its freshness and variety of seafood. Don't miss the classic ceviche and tiradito.
Day 5: Excursion to Pachacámac
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Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel.
Excursion to Pachacámac: Organize a half-day excursion to Pachacámac, an important archaeological site located about 40 km south of Lima. Explore the ruins of this ancient ceremonial center and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Lunch in the Lurín River Valley: Have lunch at one of the country restaurants in the Lurín River Valley, where you can try fresh local dishes and enjoy the rural atmosphere.
Return to Lima: Return to Lima in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to rest or explore on your own.
Evening
Dinner at Amoramar: Enjoy dinner at Amoramar, a restaurant in Barranco known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious Peruvian fusion cuisine.
Day 6: Beach and Relaxation Day
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Breakfast at the Hotel: Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Punta Hermosa Beach: Head to Punta Hermosa, one of the most popular beaches near Lima. Enjoy a day of sun and sea, and if you are a surfer, take advantage of the waves.
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Lunch at Beach Restaurant: Enjoy a fresh lunch at one of the beach restaurants. Try grilled fish and fresh seafood.
Relaxation on the Beach: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming or simply sunbathing.
Evening
Dinner at Costanera 700: Return to Lima and dine at Costanera 700, a restaurant that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting.
Day 7: Shopping and Farewell
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Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy your last breakfast in Lima at the hotel.
Inca Market: Spend the morning shopping at the Inca Market in Miraflores, where you will find a variety of Peruvian crafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.
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Lunch at Punto Azul: For your last meal in Lima, enjoy lunch at Punto Azul, famous for its ceviche and seafood dishes.
Museo Larco: End your afternoon at the Museo Larco, a museum that houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and erotic ceramics. The museum gardens are a perfect place to relax before your departure.
Evening
Dinner and Farewell: Enjoy a light dinner near your hotel before heading to the airport. Opt for a quiet place where you can reflect on your trip and enjoy your last hours in Lima.
Departure: Take a taxi or shuttle to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your week in Lima.
Lima is a city that offers a cultural, historical and gastronomic wealth that deserves to be explored in depth. With this week-long itinerary, you will have the opportunity to see its main attractions, taste its unique cuisine and experience local life. Whether you are interested in ancient history, contemporary culture or simply want to relax on its beautiful beaches, Lima has something for everyone. Happy journey!