Lima Travel & Vacation Guide

Home to a large Chinese population, it would be only appropriate for Lima to have its own version of a Chinatown. This is the place where visitors come to try the authentic Chifa, the Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. However, keep in mind that this is not like your typical Chinatown: it is smaller, rather chaotic and somewhat rough around the edges. But if you feel like venturing into the hustle and bustle of this neighbourhood, you'll be rewarded with traditional dim sum, Peking duck and many other Asian delights.

A rich young woman falls in love with a street sweeper. Forbidden by her father to be with the love of her life, she spends her days sighing from her window hoping to see him again. That's just one of the legends surrounding the origins of this small pedestrian bridge's name. Today, legend has it that if you can hold your breath while walking the length of the entire bridge, which is 44 metres long, your wish will come true. This one is a truly breathtaking attraction in the artsy district of Barranco. Whether you decide to try your luck or not, a visit to the area will never be wasted, as it is home to many nice eateries and pubs. And if you keep walking past the bridge, you'll ultimately end up at Barranco Beach.

Across from the Government Palace sits one of the city's historic jewels. Casa de Aliaga is not only the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, but also the oldest house in America, which was owned by Jerónimo de Aliaga since 1535, and still serves as a home for his descendants eighteen generations later. Richly decorated salons, vintage furnishings and some artefacts, including the sword used by Jerónimo de Aliaga when he conquered Peru are showcased here.

In the heart of Miraflores lie the remains of a pre-Inca pyramid, built around 500 AD and said to have served as a ceremonial and administrative centre for a coastal indigenous civilisation. Visits to the complex are also possible at night when the setting gets even more dramatic. Don't miss the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, which offers you a front-row seat to the ruins (mentioned in the Dining section of this guide).

Showcasing over 45,000 artefacts that span over 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history, this museum is a true cultural experience not to be missed while in Lima. Its location is as historic as the treasures on display inside. It was built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid and is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion. Ceramics, textiles, gold and jewels are presented throughout its rooms, but the most unique room here is, by far, the Erotic Gallery, where ceramic pieces depicting sexuality, fertility and maternity are shown. Pay a visit to its beautiful garden and the restaurant overlooking the pyramid for a taste of Peruvian cuisine.

Soak up 3,000 years of Peruvian history with an impressive collection of paintings, textiles, ceramics and furniture that spans the period from pre-Columbian to Republican times at the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI). Nearby, you will find the Museum of Italian Art, and if you are into modern and contemporary art, head south to Barranco and pay a visit to the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), the only one of its kind in the city.

The amount of churches in Lima can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Wherever you look, you will find beautiful religious buildings rich in both architectural detail and history, especially when walking around the city centre. To make your life easier, we have selected five churches that are well worth visiting: 1. Lima Metropolitan Cathedral (2nd picture) In the city's main square, the cathedral is not only Peru's most important catholic church but also the first one ever built, dating back to the foundation of Lima in 1535. Inside the cathedral lie the bones of the city's conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. 2. Basílica and Convent of San Francisco (1st picture). A curious fact about this church is that it was built on top of catacombs, which served as a cemetery during colonial times. A visit to its basement will surprise you with bones and skulls of around 25 thousand people. 3. Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima. It was erected in the exact place where Santa Rosa was born. Here, you can explore the grounds where the city's patron lived and treated the poor. 4. Basilica and Convent of San Pedro. Many consider it to be the most beautiful church in Lima. Check out its magnificent interior and see for yourself. 5. Parroquia Santa María Reina. Its unusual oval shape is the big draw here. *Bonus: Church of La Merced. Even if you decide not to enter this one, just take your time admiring the stone carvings on its beautiful facade.

At night, the Parque de la Reserva comes alive with a magical show of water, music and light put on by thirteen cybernetic fountains. The shows take place from Tuesday to Sunday at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, and 9:30pm. There is a small entry fee and it is advised to bring a plastic bag along so you can keep your belongings dry. A must-see attraction especially if you are traveling with kids.

Located in a beautifully decorated historic house, Ayahuasca is your quintessential restobar. Comfortable sofas, dimmed lights, high-quality food and an extensive list of pisco-based drinks are all part of the experience here. The Ayahuasca sour is a local favourite.

A youthful and boisterous vibe is what you can expect from BarBarian, where beer bottles from all over the world adorn the wall and 15 rotating taps of craft beers along with over 30 different bottle options flow freely into the late hours. The real treat here is being able to choose from its unique variety of in-house brews infused with traditional Peruvian flavours, plus your favourite bar foods to satisfy your munchies.

A turn-of-the-century mansion turned into a funky restobar where multiple rooms, each decorated with a different theme invite you to a fun and unforgettable night. Added to this are an outdoor patio, a vibrant terrace and a healthy dose of live music topped off with their beloved brick oven pizza.

Conceived as a bar and a cultural centre, this old restored mansion in Barranco is probably one of the best venues to catch a live show in Lima. Local bands take the stage while the bar offers an array of drinks along with an assortment of appetizers. Visit their website for a complete list of upcoming events.

On a typical evening here, you will find a young-at-heart party crowd sipping cocktails while tapping their feet to the greatest hits from the 80s and 90s. Drinks are a bit on the pricey side, but the exquisite atmosphere matched by tasty tapas make it all worth it.

For an authentic criollo and Afro-Peruvian experience, be sure to book a table at Peña Don Porfirio. Performances by local dancers accompanied by live music continue to attract both locals and tourists every Friday night. The food menu is also worth exploring although the highlight of your night will definitely be the lively fiesta taking control of your hips.

While in Peru, you will find a handful of shops and vendors devoted to selling one of the country's best treasures, the alpaca fleece. However, its quality and authenticity may vary dramatically depending on where you shop. So, don't be fooled by knock-offs and be willing to spend a few extra soles when acquiring genuine garments. Here are a few stores specialising in selling high-quality wool clothing items: Sol Alpaca Larcomar Shopping Centre Open daily from 10am to 10pm All Alpaca Avenida José Larco 1005, Miraflores Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–8pm, Sun 10:30am–6:30pm +51 1 2428051 Kuna Avenida José Larco 671, Miraflores Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 10am–7pm +51 1 4471623

A private home featuring rooms filled with one-of-a-kind Peruvian artworks carefully curated by a friendly and knowledgeable British expat. Las Pallas is not your typical mass-produced souvenir shop, only original artisan handicrafts are found here. A true hidden gem in the Barranco district.

When in the Barranco area make sure to stop by this lovely art gallery/gift shop to check out their colourful and original collection of home decor, clothing and jewellery as well as traditional and contemporary art all made by local designers. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, it's a great place to browse leisurely. Plus, they have a charming courtyard café and on Wednesdays, pizza and live music spice up the night.

For the largest selection of Peruvian chocolates, pay a visit to El Cacaotal, the place where chocolate lovers have no trouble satisfying their sweet tooth cravings. More than just a chocolate wonderland, this shop aims to provide a true immersion into the world of this sweet delight. Here, you can learn not only about the roots of each chocolate bar and the manufacturing process but also about the artisans behind them. Great place to stock up on treats for friends back home.

Give your credit card a good workout at this huge upscale mall featuring domestic and international shops, including famous designer brands together with eateries and a movie theatre.

Local vendors and independent artists came together and created La Feria, a colourful outdoor market in the Barranco district that offers an eclectic array of clothing items and arts and crafts, together with food stalls and good music in a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Larcomar is Peru's hot spot when it comes to shopping and dining. Walk around and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while your wallet gets tempted by the great selection of top brands. Be sure to take in the scenic view at one of the many great eateries and bars. A movie theatre, arcade games and an art gallery provide entertainment for the entire family.

What started as friends exchanging clothes has grown into an environmentally conscious second-hand shop that aspires to promote responsible consumption. Las Traperas operates under 3 Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle, and at their cute little shop in the bohemian district of Barranco, you will find a variety of women's clothing and accessories. Bring your own pieces and exchange them for up to half of the price.

The best time to visit Lima is from December to April. Remember that the city lies in the Southern Hemisphere, thus its summer runs from December to March and its winter from June to September. Overall, the weather in Lima is mild and warm, with plenty of fog, humidity and practically no rain. That's right, Lima is known for being the second driest capital in the world. Summer offers you sunny days and clear skies. Consequently, it also brings many tourists, increasing accommodation and flight rates. For the rest of the year, expect a misty fog covering the skies and cool temperatures. Some interesting events throughout the year: January: Anniversary of Lima February: Carnaval and National Pisco Sour Day March: Vendimia Wine Festival June: Marcha del Orgullo Lima (Gay Parade) August: Día de Santa Rosa de Lima September: Mistura (Food Festival) October: Fiesta del Señor de los Milagros

Overall, citizens of all countries within the European Union and Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, North America, South America, citizens of most Central American countries (except Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic), and citizens from the following Asian countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand DO NOT need a tourist visa. Simply a passport valid for 6 months from the date of entry to Peru. Other citizens are required to apply for a tourist visa at their nearest Peruvian Consulate. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela may enter with only a valid national identification document. The maximum stay in Peru on a tourist visa is 183 days without permission to work. For longer periods or other purposes, a visa is required.

Situated in Callao, about 11 km from central Lima, the Jorge Chávez International Airport is Peru's main airport and, therefore, the major hub for both domestic and international flights. The best way to get to your accommodation in Lima, which most likely will be in the Miraflores district, is by taking an Airport Express bus, the city's official airport service. You can buy your ticket online, on the bus (cash only), or inside the airport at their official counter in the international and domestic arrivals hall. They run every 30 minutes. They are safe, quick, and comfortable. If you are staying in another district, the most convenient way is to take a taxi (read our Taxi section for more information on taxi services in Lima). Here are a few taxi companies providing airport services: Taxidatum (Book your taxi online) Taxi Green: +51 1 484 40 01 Taxi 365: +51 981 057229 Taxi Directo: +51 1 7111111 You can pay for your taxi ride inside the airport at their sales point (the price is fixed). Both the airport bus and taxis are located right after the exit doors to the street.

The public transport system in Lima has improved in the last few years, but it's still not the best and most convenient way for tourists to move around the city. Learn more about travelling in Lima under the 'Taxi' section of this guide.

Taxis are the most convenient way to travel around Lima. Although finding a cab will not be hard, there are a few things to keep in mind before hopping into one. Many taxis in Lima are unregulated, so when offered or hailing a cab, first check if they are yellow or have checkers on the side. Keep an eye out for a license number painted on the side of the vehicle, as well as a SETAME sticker on the windscreen. Official taxis can be found at taxi stands or be called by phone. Rush hours, Sundays, public holidays, early mornings and late at night tend to be more pricey. Also, since they don't have taximeters, fares should ALWAYS be negotiated beforehand. For a more reliable mode of transportation around the city, consider ordering a ride on the Uber app.

In Peru, the standard voltage is 220 V at 60 Hz and power plugs are type A (two flat parallel pins) and C (two round pins).

Boticas or Farmacias can be easily found throughout Lima and you shouldn't have any difficulties finding your medicine here. Some of the main pharmacy chains in the city include InkaFarma, MiFarma and Boticas y Salud.

The national Peruvian postal service or Serpost is notorious for being a bit unreliable. In case you need (or want) to send some mail, send it as 'registered', just to be on the safe side. Visit their website for more information and to discover your nearest agency.