Plan Your Trip to Lima: Best of Lima Tourism
Lima, Peru
Essential Lima
Things to do
Food & drink
Browse collections
Traveller Spotlight

The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush in Peru’s Capital
- Buggy Huacachina616Further south, outside the city toward the Ica region, you’ll find an oasis of fun and adventure. That is a real-deal oasis—complete with water and palm trees all surrounded by tall sand dunes. Hop on a dune buggy and go for a fast and bumpy wild ride around this desert scenery, then slide down on a board—the desert’s version of boogie-boarding—´till your shoes are full of sand. Finish out the day watching a color-shifting sunset in this otherworldly place.
- Lunahuana Rafting Peru155A favorite getaway for Lima locals, the town of Lunahuana makes a great day trip or weekend away at just two-and-a-half hours outside of the city. Plenty of visitors come to enjoy the countryside bobbing along the Cañete river. But you can dial up your heart rate by opting for whitewater rafting and ziplining over the trees. And definitely make time for a pit stop in one of the local restaurants to sample the area’s delicious river prawns.
- Balcon del Cielo89An hour south of Lima, the small town of Azpitia delivers postcard views surrounded by mountains. It’s the perfect backdrop for mountain biking around the hills and vineyards. Set out in the morning, and stop for lunch at Balcon del Cielo, a local restaurant famous for its magnificent views of the valley and the local river. This area is also famous for its Pisco, so do as the locals do and stop, stow the bike, and sample a few.
- Toboganes de Songos10Up for more hiking and rock-climbing? Not too far from Autisha Canyon, you can find the small town of Songos where you can scramble around in the outdoors. But what makes this place extra special is a series of rock slides naturally carved by the river for thousands of years. You can actually slip ‘n’ slide your way down and then plunge into the cool river waters at the end.
- Puenting Peru6For a full day of adrenaline, head 50 miles east from Lima and you’ll reach the Autisha Canyon, a great place to spend a day hiking and rock climbing to find pristine waterfalls. End the day with your heart in your throat as you bungee-jump from a bridge over a rugged canyon.
- Mar Adentro Excursiones705If you like close encounters with Mother Nature, this is the activity for you. Just off the coast of Lima, you can find the Palomino Islands, an archipelago packed with a colony of more than 8,000 curious wild sea lions. These guys swim up so close, you can almost touch them. You’ll also see loads of sea birds and even adorable penguins!
- Tubos Surf School129Lima’s waves are famous in the surfing world, and the city hosts several surfing competitions throughout the year. If you’ve never been on a board, this is the perfect place to learn the sport. With several schools right on the coast, you can make a fun day of it and get inspired by the many pros who surf here year around.
- Parapuerto30Here’s a factoid: Lima is the only major capital in South America overlooking the ocean. Put that backdrop to use and go paragliding. You’ll pick up some wind and fly over the sea to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. If you’re lucky, you might see a family of dolphins surfing the waters underneath.
- Pirqa40Reach new heights here on the tallest climbing wall in Perú. On top of having walls with different levels of difficulty, Pirqua also has a great coffee shop and a super friendly crew ready to teach you the ins and outs of this popular sport.
Trending in the forums
- By Nittfan3 replies
- By LaTravgirl16 replies
- By Julie F11 replies
More Lima Picks
Iconic things to do
Top-rated by travellers
Lima travel advice
Official Taxis and Ride-hailing Services
According to forum posts, travelers can utilize official taxis directly from the airport, such as Green Taxis, or use the Taxidatum service. Ride-hailing options like Uber are available; however, Uber's airport operations may be limited to drop-offs, with pickups taking place in a designated parking lot outside the terminal.
Public Transportation Options
For those considering public transportation, the Airport Express buses connect the airport to Miraflores, a popular tourist destination. Additionally, local bus number 18 is a cost-effective option, taking about 70 minutes to reach Miraflores from the airport.
Shuttle and Specialized Transportation Services
Some hotels offer shuttle services, which can be arranged directly through the accommodation. This service often provides a streamlined and stress-free option for getting to and from the airport.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Accommodation Recommendations
Some travelers have recommended staying in the Miraflores area, specifically at places like Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro, which is close to parks, the boardwalk, and various attractions. Miraflores is noted for its central location and popularity among tourists. Additionally, El Patio Hostal in Miraflores has been mentioned for its proximity to Larcomar and Kennedy Park, suitable for shorter stays.
Alternative Neighborhoods
For those preferring a less typical city environment, the Barranco district has been highlighted as having a nice village feel. It is adjacent to Miraflores but offers a different experience. The 3B Hostal in Barranco has been praised for its comfortable and quiet location, making it a favored choice for stays under one week. For longer stays, renting an apartment in the area has been suggested for convenience, especially for those who prefer cooking facilities.
Hotel Specifics
For those looking for ocean views in Miraflores, options like JW Marriott Hotel Lima and Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima, were recommended, the latter being suitable if budget is not a primary concern. These hotels offer upscale accommodations with scenic views and amenities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Attractions
According to forum posts, travelers frequently recommend visiting Lima's historic center and the Larco Museum. The historic center offers a rich cultural experience, while the Larco Museum is praised for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
Additional Recommendations
For many users, the Huaca Pucllana and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru are also must-visit sites. Huaca Pucllana provides a glimpse into ancient civilizations with its great adobe and clay pyramid, and the National Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Peru's history.
Outdoor Activities
Some travelers said the Malecón in Miraflores is a great place for a walk, featuring scenic views along the coastline. The parks along the Malecón, such as Parque Kennedy, are perfect spots for relaxation and people-watching.
Unique Experiences
Travelers have called out Barranco for its vibrant street art and cultural scene. It's recommended for those interested in experiencing Lima's contemporary cultural offerings.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Recommendations from Travelers
According to forum posts, travelers have recommended several restaurants in Miraflores, Lima. For those interested in Peruvian cuisine, Panchita, El Bodegon, and Punto Azul are highlighted as favorites near Casa Andina Select Miraflores. Additionally, AMAZ offers a unique dining experience and is conveniently located within walking distance from the same hotel.
Nikkei Cuisine
For enthusiasts of Nikkei cuisine, which is a blend of Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions, forum contributors have inquired about sit-down dinner options in Miraflores but have not specified particular restaurants.
Varied Cuisine Options
Travelers have also suggested Punta Azul and La Lucha for diverse dining experiences, accommodating both meat eaters and vegetarians. For those exploring beyond traditional dishes, the vicinity offers international flavors including an Italian restaurant next to AMAZ.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Historic and Cultural Attractions
During a layover in Lima, travelers have suggested visiting the city's historic center, including attractions like the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs at the Monastery. The Larco Museum is highly recommended for its extensive collection and beautiful setting, offering both cultural insights and an excellent restaurant.
Neighborhood Exploration
For those interested in exploring local neighborhoods, Miraflores and Barranco are popular choices. Miraflores offers parks such as Parque Kennedy and the Larcomar area, while Barranco is known for its lively evening atmosphere with various bars and restaurants. Both neighborhoods provide a unique glimpse into the urban life of Lima.
Museum Visits
Additionally, travelers have mentioned combining visits to the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History with the Larco Museum. These museums are located in close proximity to each other and provide rich historical and cultural insights.
Layover Logistics
Travelers should ensure they manage their time efficiently as traffic can be heavy, and airport procedures may consume more time than anticipated. Some posts recommended arranging for a taxi or using reliable taxi services to navigate the city efficiently during the layover.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Luggage Storage Options Near Airport
Some travelers have used the luggage storage services available at Lima Airport, which operates 24 hours a day. Contact details provided include an email, guardianiaequipajes@gmail.com, and a phone number, (511) 922-559112. This option is convenient for those with layovers or short visits.
Alternative Storage Solutions in Lima
Many users have suggested alternative storage options such as booking a cheap hostel or hotel room in areas like Miraflores, where establishments such as Black Llama Hostel and Dragonfly Hostel offer luggage storage. Websites like Stasher also facilitate luggage storage by connecting travelers with local hotels and stores that provide this service.
Bus Station Storage
For travelers using the Cruz del Sur bus service, free luggage storage is available at their Javier Prado bus station in Lima, limited to the same day of travel. This service is exclusively for customers of Cruz del Sur.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?