Lima

Miraflores and the Historical City Center of Lima, Peru

The capital city of Lima, Peru seems like such an exotic destination. Yet, it was interesting to arrive in Lima and get all the SoCal feels — just on the opposite side of the equator! While Lima has rich history and ethnic treasures, it is also a vibrant city with surf culture, great restaurants and night life, and amazing modern art.

We were in Lima for two days at the tail-end of a week-long trip to Peru that included Cusco and Machu Picchu.

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Read about our full 7-day itinerary to Peru, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima by clicking here.

Day 1 in Lima: Exploring the Miraflores District

Before arriving at our hotel, we found a very accommodating Uber driver who drove us around to a few sites. He took us up to see the Cristo del Pacífico, “the Christ of the Pacific”, along the coast, and through the Barranco district. It was sufficient to say, “been there,” but I could have easily spent an entire day shuffling around Barranco.

Above photos: Lima, Peru

We stayed at the Belmond Miraflores Hotel. The neighborhood is lively, stylish, and has so many great things to see and do. Since we didn’t have a car, we were glad to find so many options within walking distance.

Above photo: Coastline at Miraflores District, Lima, Peru

Following our Uber-cation and bag drop at the hotel, we made our way over to La Mar for lunch. If you are a fish-seafood-eat local type of person, this place is two-thumbs-up. The dining room was packed and we were grateful for seats at the bar. The absolute freshest ceviche on the planet! We walked away with a fabulous experience and very full bellies.

Above photos: Lunch at La Mar, Miraflores District, Lima

The Miraflores District is dotted with green spaces and a boardwalk that follows the coastline. It is a pleasant walk, great for people watching, and feeling the ocean breeze. We loved the Parque Antonio Raimondi with the colorful tiled mosiacs, balconies, and view of the lighthouse.

Above photos: Parque Antonio Raimondi

Above photo: Sunset at the Miraflores Lighthouse

We felt really safe the whole time we were strolling around on foot. There were always a lot of other people around enjoying the afternoon and evening, meeting up with friends, or getting in their workout running along the boardwalk. We enjoyed the sunset over the Pacific and lingered after dark to see the night light up.

Above photo: Sunset at Miraflores

Day 2 in Lima: The Historic City Center

Our second day in Lima was reserved for exploring the sites in the city’s historical center, known as the “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings). This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes many buildings, some of which are accessible to visitors.

Above photo: Plaza Mayor

Above photos: Plaza Mayor, Lima

Before anyone got too hangry, we stopped in at the Cordano Bar for lunch, Lima’s oldest restaurant with an impressive list of patrons. Not much has changed since 1905, including some of the menu selections. But, if you have other lunch plans, this is a great place to grab a drink and sit in the same place where historical icons have met to hash over politics for over a century.

Above photo: Presidential Palace

To fully explore the city center, grab yourself a walking map from your hotel or print one off before your trip to help guide your walk around the Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor). The main landmarks include the Presidential Palace, Church and Convent of San Francisco, Balconies of Lima, the Archbishop Palace, and Cathedral of Lima. A short distance away from the Plaza you can also find Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Plaza San Martin, and numerous other attractions.

Above Photo: Church of San Francisco

Above photo: Balconies of Lima

Above photos: Archbishop’s Palace

Above photos: Cathedral of Lima

Our last stop of the afternoon was the Circuito Magico del Agua. It is just a short walking distance for the City Center and is a really fun way to end the day. It was free to walk the park during the day, but there may be an admission fee to enter the park in the evening when lights and music accompany the dancing fountains.

Above photos: Circuito Magico del Agua

As our time in Lima and in Peru drew to a close, we headed back to our hotel to collect our luggage, grab a quick dinner, and schedule our ride to the airport. I can’t finish this post without mentioning the absolutely terrifying drive to the airport. Driving in Peru is not for the faint of heart. It is a chaotic free-for-all at a very high rate of speed. Close your eyes or take a Xanex before getting in a car. You’ve been warned. Have a great trip tho!

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