The Best Travel Guide for Lima, Peru (South America)

Despite Lima being huge and the capital of Peru, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself during the week I spent here with my friends from the United States. The best travel guide for Lima, Peru is below and showcases some of the most remarkable, iconic, and diverse spots to explore while here, whether you're here for a day, a few days, or a week!

Recommended amount of time: 3-7 days. The length of your stay depends on your schedule and preferences. While Lima may be overlooked by some, I found immense joy in spending a delightful week here.

1. Places of stay

2. Activities X Markets

   1. Night Clubs x Bars

3. Restaurants x Cafes
   

1. Places of stay

• Airbnb: My accommodation choice during my stay, perfect for three people with ample space. Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Barranco, it offers a convenient location atop a cafe and supermarket.

• Waikiki Hostel Miraflores: Stayed here for a night before my friends arrived. While it served its purpose, I believe Viajero Kokopelli offers a superior stay experience.

• Viajero Kokopelli Barranco: Housed in a beautifully renovated old mansion, this hostel is an absolute gem. With a bar next door and close to the bar strip in Barranco, excellent co-working facilities, and complimentary filtered water, it provides a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
  

2. Activities

• Bridge of Sighs: A picturesque sight as you stroll down to the beach, adorned with art and bustling with artists.

• Playa Los Yuyos: Nice beach in Barranco, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

• Surfing: A must-do activity while in Lima! With numerous companies available, I've provided a link to the one we used. Enjoy a thrilling hour-and-a-half lesson with expert guidance throughout! Watch out: there are sea urchins in the water!

• Rent bikes and bike around Miraflores! One of my favorite activities! Cycling around Miraflores allowed us to cover a lot of ground and explore various attractions such as the waterfront, Love Park, Indian Market, Huaca Pucllana, JFK Park, and the charming streets.

• Indian market: Don't miss this bustling market, offering a wide array of local products. We made a pit stop here during our bike ride.

• Huaca Pucllana: While biking around the city, we took a moment to admire this archaeological site from the outside, which was just as impressive!

• Parque John F. Kennedy:A spacious park bustling with activity, featuring a prominent cathedral. We paused here during our bike excursion.

• Love park: A renowned park exuding love and charm, making it a must-visit spot.

• Free Walking tour of the city center: Highly recommended and offered by most hostels! Since the city center is a bit far from other attractions, this tour is a cost-effective way to explore it.

• Chinatown: While in the city center, be sure to explore Chinatown and try some CHUFA!

• Larcomar: An exquisite outdoor mall offering stunning sunset views and located in the heart of Lima.

• Paragliding: An exhilarating experience, especially during sunset! I've linked the company we used, but there are many others to choose from.

• Coyote’s Tattoo: A fantastic spot with talented tattoo artists, providing a seamless and affordable experience. Conveniently located in Miraflores.

• La Feria Unión de Barranco: A charming market in Barranco featuring food, clothing, jewelry, and natural products, offering a delightful shopping experience.

a. Night clubs x Bars

• Boulevard Barranco: The ultimate bar strip in Barranco, perfect for a lively night of bar-hopping. Each bar offers its own vibe, making it easy to find the spot that suits you best. Plus, we lucked out with free drinks at every stop—didn't have to buy a single one all night! Hahaha.

• Bizarro Bar: Get there before 11 for free entry and wait for the party to start! With two rooms—one pumping EDM and the other playing Spanish music—it's an absolute blast!

3. Restaurants X Cafes

• Siete Sopa: A fantastic spot to savor local cuisine without the crowds of tourists, and the prices are just right too! My experience here was delightful, especially with the fresh and delicious on-the-house bread.

• Rustica Barranco: An amazing waterfront venue to enjoy drinks during sunset! While it's a bit touristy, the food wasn't too shabby either. Sometimes the touristy spots are worth it, right? ;)

• Arepa Cafe: A Venezuelan gem nestled in the heart of Barranco.

• Punto Azul: A renowned ceviche hotspot offering a wide variety of options. Our meal here was outstanding—we tried the ceviche, lomo saltado pasta, and octopus, and everything was top-notch!

• Shimaya Barranco: Craving sushi, we stumbled upon this iconic spot. Opting for the combo on the sushi rolls was a great deal. Shimaya can be found all over the city.

• Isolina: Though we never got the chance to dine here, it's evidently a popular spot—every time we passed by, there was a line out the door. You might want to make a reservation or be prepared for a wait!

• Mona Rosa Cafe: A charming café in Barranco offering homemade treats, pasta dishes, ice cream, and other brunch delights. Just be aware that the portions are on the smaller side.

Next stop: Huaraz via night bus!

Xoxo,

Chelsey