Travel Keyring

Lima travel guide

Peru

Basics

CountryPeru

Time zoneAmerica/Lima

CurrencyPEN

Official language(s)Spanish

It's advisable to have herbal tea prepared to aid digestion when trying the local food.

Places to visit

National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru

A major national museum presenting Peru's archaeology, anthropology, and historical heritage. Its collections range from ancient artifacts to colonial-era materials.

Travel tipThe museum is fairly large, so it helps to plan a route through the key galleries first.

San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs

A landmark complex featuring a baroque church, monastery, and the famous catacombs. It is especially popular with travelers who enjoy history and architecture.

Travel tipThe catacombs include stairs and narrow passages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Parque de la Reserva

An urban park famous for its fountain show, best enjoyed in the evening when the lights are on. It is popular with families and casual visitors alike.

Travel tipThe fountain show is especially impressive after dark, so plan to arrive around sunset.

Larco Museum

One of Peru’s best-known private museums, especially famous for its pre-Columbian ceramics and metalwork collection.

LocationAv. Simón Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Libre, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationPlaza San Miguel / Museo Larco bus stop

HoursDaily 09:00–22:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt sits in a quiet residential area, so visiting in daylight and combining the museum with the garden café is a good idea.

Miraflores Malecón

A scenic promenade along the Pacific cliffs, with ocean views, parks, and bike paths.

LocationMalecón de Miraflores, Miraflores, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationBenavides / Larcomar stop

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipSunset is the best time for views, and a light jacket helps because the sea breeze can be strong.

Historic Centre of Lima (around Plaza de Armas)

A UNESCO World Heritage old town where you can see the cathedral and colonial-era architecture in one area.

LocationPlaza Mayor de Lima, Cercado de Lima, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationEstación Jr. de la Unión / Plaza Mayor stop

HoursPlaza: Open 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThis is mainly a walking area, so wear comfortable shoes and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots.

Parque del Amor

A park on the Miraflores coastal cliffs, famous for the lovers’ sculpture and sea views.

LocationMalecón Cisneros, Miraflores, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationParque del Amor / Larcomar stop

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGo in the late afternoon to enjoy both sunset and night views, and bring a windbreaker for the sea breeze.

Barranco District

A vibrant area to experience Peru's arts and culture.

HoursOpen free of charge

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThere are many great spots for photos.

Plaza Mayor

The main square of Lima, surrounded by historical buildings and cafes.

Hours08:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day.

National Museum of Peru

A museum to explore Peru's history and culture.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

Admission10 PEN

Travel tipIf possible, join a guided tour.

Food to try

Maido

A world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for modern Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

LocationCalle San Martín 399, Miraflores, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationBenavides stop

HoursTue–Sat 13:00–23:00

AdmissionPaid tasting menu

Travel tipReservations fill up fast, so book early; lunch tasting menus are often easier to secure.

Anticuchos stall (night street food in Lima)

Anticuchos, grilled beef-heart skewers, are a classic Lima night-market and street-food favorite.

LocationBarrrios populares y ferias nocturnas, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationPlaza de Acho stop

HoursEvening to late night

AdmissionCheap per skewer

Travel tipChoose stalls that look clean, and if it’s your first time, ask for less spicy sauce to keep it easy to enjoy.

Central

A celebrated restaurant that creatively showcases ingredients from Peru’s different altitudes, highly popular with travelers too.

LocationAv. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationBarranco stop

HoursTue–Sat 12:30–21:30

AdmissionHigh-end tasting menu

Travel tipDemand is very high, so try to reserve as soon as your trip dates are fixed.

Larcomar

A popular area with restaurants and shops located by the beach.

Hours12:00 - 23:00

Admission50 PEN

Travel tipEnjoy dinner with a great view of the sea.

Events

Lima Film Festival

A major film event featuring Latin American and international cinema. Screenings and conversations with directors and actors are part of the appeal.

WhenAround November each year

Admissionvaries by screening

Travel tipPopular screenings can sell out quickly, so review the timetable early.

Pachamanca Festival

A representative food festival centered on pachamanca, the traditional Andean earth-oven dish. It often combines local food culture with performances.

WhenAround July to August each year

Admissionvaries by event

Travel tipDates can shift slightly each year, so check official announcements before going.

Lord of Miracles Procession

Lima’s most famous religious event, known for its purple procession and huge crowds of devotees.

WhenAround October every year

LocationCentro de Lima, Lima, Perú

Nearest stationJirón de la Unión station

HoursDuring the event period, daytime to night

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt gets extremely crowded, so use public transport and check the procession route in advance.

Lima Art Exhibition

An annual exhibition featuring artists from Lima.

WhenAround April every year

Travel tipCheck out the works of contemporary artists.

Lima Cultural Festival

An annual cultural event held in Lima.

WhenAround October every year

Travel tipDon't miss out on the various cultural events and traditional performances.

Lima Music Festival

A music festival held during the summer.

WhenSummer (June to August)

Travel tipEnjoy different genres of music.

Subway lines

Line 2: Evitamiento → Mercado Santa AnitaLinea 1: Villa El Salvador → Bayóvar

Basic travel phrases (Spanish)

Hola

Hola · Greeting

Gracias

Gracias · Thanks

Mucho gusto

Mucho gusto · Nice to meet you

Que tengas un buen día

Que tengas un buen dia · Wishing a good day

Bienvenido

Bienvenido · Welcome

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