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3-Day Lima Explorer: History, Culture & Coastline
Discover Lima's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline on this unforgettable 3-day autumn adventure!
3-Day Lima Explorer: History, Culture & Coastline
Discover Lima's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline on this unforgettable 3-day autumn adventure!
Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Lima, Peru, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
~2 hours
Meet your guide in Plaza Mayor. This tour is a great way to get an overview of the historic center and its main attractions.
Book FREE walking tour
Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas de Lima)
Admire the historic colonial architecture surrounding the main square, including the Government Palace and the Archbishop's Palace.
Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas de Lima)
Admire the historic colonial architecture surrounding the main square, including the Government Palace and the Archbishop's Palace.
Basilica Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima)
Explore the interior of this impressive cathedral, a significant landmark in Lima's religious history. Consider a brief visit to the adjacent museum.
Basilica Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima)
Explore the interior of this impressive cathedral, a significant landmark in Lima's religious history. Consider a brief visit to the adjacent museum.
Convento de San Francisco & Catacombs (Monastery of San Francisco)
Take a guided tour of the monastery and descend into the eerie catacombs, which hold thousands of skeletal remains.
Convento de San Francisco & Catacombs (Monastery of San Francisco)
Take a guided tour of the monastery and descend into the eerie catacombs, which hold thousands of skeletal remains.
~1.5 hours
Visit a market like Mercado Surquillo No. 1 to sample local produce and snacks. Look for vendors selling fresh juices and traditional sweets.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Start your day with a refreshing Chicha Morada, a non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, fruits, and spices, available at most cafes.
Chicha Morada
For lunch, find a traditional Peruvian restaurant in the historic center and try Lomo Saltado, a savory stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries, often served with rice.
Lomo SaltadoAccommodation— Miraflores (coastal district)
Miraflores is a safe and lively district with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, offering beautiful ocean views.
Miraflores is a safe and lively district with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, offering beautiful ocean views.
Huaca Pucllana archaeological site
This ancient adobe pyramid offers a glimpse into the pre-Inca Lima culture. Explore the site and its museum to learn about its history.
Huaca Pucllana archaeological site
This ancient adobe pyramid offers a glimpse into the pre-Inca Lima culture. Explore the site and its museum to learn about its history.
Museo Larco (Larco Museum)
This museum houses an incredible collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and gold artifacts. Don't miss the anthropological section showcasing erotic pottery.
Museo Larco (Larco Museum)
This museum houses an incredible collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and gold artifacts. Don't miss the anthropological section showcasing erotic pottery.
~1 hours
Head to a restaurant in the Pueblo Libre district, near the Museo Larco, and try Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry beef dish.
Malecón de Miraflores (Miraflores Boardwalk)
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this scenic cliffside boardwalk. Admire the ocean views, lush gardens, and paragliders launching from the cliffs.
Malecón de Miraflores (Miraflores Boardwalk)
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this scenic cliffside boardwalk. Admire the ocean views, lush gardens, and paragliders launching from the cliffs.
Parque del Amor (Love Park) - Miraflores
Located on the Malecón, this romantic park features a mosaic wall and a statue inspired by 'The Kiss'. It's a great spot to enjoy sunset over the Pacific.
Parque del Amor (Love Park) - Miraflores
Located on the Malecón, this romantic park features a mosaic wall and a statue inspired by 'The Kiss'. It's a great spot to enjoy sunset over the Pacific.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Find a restaurant in Pueblo Libre and enjoy this traditional Peruvian stir-fry beef dish.
Lomo SaltadoAccommodation— Miraflores (coastal district)
Miraflores offers beautiful ocean views, a lively atmosphere, and is close to many attractions, making it ideal for exploring Lima's coastal side.
Miraflores offers beautiful ocean views, a lively atmosphere, and is close to many attractions, making it ideal for exploring Lima's coastal side.
Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)
Explore the bohemian streets of Barranco, known for its colorful colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. Don't miss a stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Barranco District & Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)
Explore the bohemian streets of Barranco, known for its colorful colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. Don't miss a stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Visit Museo Pedro de Osma
This museum showcases an impressive collection of viceregal art, focusing on the Spanish colonial period in Peru. It's housed in a beautiful historic mansion.
Visit Museo Pedro de Osma
This museum showcases an impressive collection of viceregal art, focusing on the Spanish colonial period in Peru. It's housed in a beautiful historic mansion.
~3 hours
Wander through the streets and alleyways of Barranco to discover impressive murals and graffiti art. Look for art clusters around the main plaza and side streets.
Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit)
Experience the stunning display of illuminated fountains and water shows in this park. Arrive before sunset to see the fountains both in daylight and illuminated at night.
Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit)
Experience the stunning display of illuminated fountains and water shows in this park. Arrive before sunset to see the fountains both in daylight and illuminated at night.
Pachacamac Archaeological Site
Visit the ancient ruins of a pre-Inca civilization, a significant religious and administrative center. Allow ample time for exploration and consider hiring a guide at the entrance.
Pachacamac Archaeological Site
Visit the ancient ruins of a pre-Inca civilization, a significant religious and administrative center. Allow ample time for exploration and consider hiring a guide at the entrance.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine
Find a traditional Peruvian restaurant and savor Lomo Saltado, a flavorful stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries, typically served with rice.
Lomo Saltado
For dinner, seek out a street vendor or casual eatery offering Anticuchos, which are grilled skewers of marinated beef heart, a popular Peruvian delicacy.
AnticuchosAccommodation— Miraflores (coastal district with parks and restaurants)
Miraflores is a safe and pleasant area with many dining and shopping options, offering easy access to most attractions.
Miraflores is a safe and pleasant area with many dining and shopping options, offering easy access to most attractions.
Export Your Trip
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Budget Breakdown
US dollars, per person, per day. Daily total: accommodation ($25) + food ($12) + transport ($10) + activities ($10) = $57. Trip total: $57 * 3 days = $171.
Good to Know
Pre-Trip Checklist
Health
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