What to visit in the capital of Peru?

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Capital of Peru, Lima is a city ​​with undeniable charm with many sites to visit. Its history, its architecture, its culture and its unique gastronomy make Lima a mandatory passage during your trip to Latin America. Located in the very west of the country along the Pacific coast, its geographical location allows it to take advantage of the sea air and a pleasant access with the ocean. Gastronomic capital, Lima is home to many restaurants where you can taste the best culinary specialties of the country. With its agglomeration, Lima is home to almost half of Peru’s population. The climate is there sweet and fresh all year, between 12 and 28 degrees on average.

The Historic Center of Lima

Step back in time, immerse yourself in Lima’s history and take a tour of theformer capital of the Viceroyalty of South America for almost three centuries. Lima was for a long time one of the most prosperous on the continent, with for example the creation of the very first university on the continent, San Marcos, opened in 1551. However, in 1746, following a violent earthquake, the city was destroyed 90%, which strongly hindered its growth.

To immerse yourself in the time of ancient times, go Plaza MayorOr Plaza de Armas, located in the heart of the historic center. The latter is bordered by the main official buildings of the city such as the residence of the President of the Republicthe executive headquarters, the Government Palace, the splendid cathedral of Lima, or the Palace of the Archdiocese. Not far from the square, visit thesan francisco church, one of the few monuments that resisted earthquakes in the 17th century. Then take a tour of the Casa de Correos y Telegrafos, a beautiful building that also houses the Peruvian Gastronomy Museum. There Casa Aliaga is also worth a visit, a magnificent colonial house classified as a historic monument since 1972 which houses many treasures.

Lima is a capital with an immense culture, thanks to an important historical and multicultural heritage and the interest of its inhabitants for art. THE Bellas Artes cultural center is a good example. The latter offers many activities open to all fields, in order to promote an intercultural approach. Also visit the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, one of the country’s largest collections of ethnographic pieces. Finally, a word to art and photography lovers, the Courret photography studio and its archive of 157,800 photos is truly the emblem of Art Nouveau in the capital and is an absolutely unique building with its sculptures on its facade.

Where to eat : tantorun by the famous chef Gaston Acurio, is a modern bistro that offers basic snacks to the best traditional specialties.

The San Isidro District

The pleasant and chic district of San Isidro is home to some surprising areas such as theolive grove and its 1,500 olive trees spread over 23 hectares, classified as a National Monument, and located in the center of a residential area. The archaeological site Huaca Hullamarca is one of the major sites of the city and retraces a fascinating history with very different uses depending on the period; it was used as a temple at first, then as a cemetery and finally as a village under the Incas from the 15th century.

Where to eat: Taste invitation with chef Raphael Osterling at his second restaurant called El Mercado. You will discover the richness of gastronomic influences, from Chinese to African origin, passing through Italian or Japanese heritage, and thus discover all the specialties of Peruvian gastronomy. All in a very warm setting with a green terrace.

The Miraflores District

Go for a walk at love park, the romantic promenade par excellence with its breathtaking view of the ocean and the cliffs. The center is often animated by musicians or artists of all kinds. At the foot of the cliffs, the costa verde runs along the Pacific and serves the beaches of the city. Finally, right in the middle of the urban center, visit the surprising and extensive archaeological site Huaca Pucllana built in the 5th century. It is also the district to go out for a drink in one of its many bars (like in Bizarro Bar or even at Huaringas Bar)or to have a bite to eat.

Where to eat: In this area there are many excellent restaurants, and the list is very long. Our favorite remains theAmazon, a creative and original restaurant that offers the specialties of the Amazon region, too often forgotten. You can taste there paiche (fish from the Amazon) accompanied by mandioca and plantains. The atmosphere of the restaurant is just as exotic. You can also go to IK and its incredible tasting menu, or at La Mar cevicheriawhich was ranked best cevicheria of the city or even fiestafor its flavors from the northern Peruvian coast.

Barranco District

Go stroll in the bohemian and romantic district on the edge of the ocean, where you will come across artists and intellectuals of all kinds. In the evening the quiet streets wake up to give way to many pubs, bars, restaurants or nightclubs. Take a tour of the various museums in the neighborhood such as the Mario Testino Museum (MATE) in the heart of the district, beautiful residence which retraces the journey of the famous photographer from Lima Mario Testinoor the Pedro de Osma Museum interesting for its rich collection of works from the 16th, 22nd and 18th centuries.

Where to eat : The 73, installed on an old train station, is an original place decorated in the colors of the buses of Lima, and endowed with a pretty terrace overlooking a park. We recommend the chocolate churros. Another option, the small restaurant Isolina, a good typical address that offers homemade dishes, inspired by the roots of the gastronomic richness of Lima. The portions are very generous, and you can share to taste more choices on the menu.

The District of Santa Beatriz

This district, rich in history, notably houses the Palais de Justice in the capital, inspired by the eclectic style of the Palais de Justice in Brussels. Built in 1924, come and admire the Rimac Palace, often referred to as the French Palace. This building was the first building in the city. In the Parc de l’Exposition, take a walk or visit the Lima Arts Museum (MALI), pillar of the cultural life of the city and surrounded by its many statues. Continue your walk in the Reserve Park and admire the Magic Water Circuit, the largest public water jet complex in the world. Many sound and light shows are organized there.

Not far away, the National Stadium which hosts the biggest sporting or musical events in the capital.

The neighborhoods of Chorillos, Rimac, Callo and others

A must in the city remains without hesitation the highest point of Lima, the Mirador del Cerro San Cristóbal. Perched at 400m, climb this hill to admire the exceptional panorama over the whole city up to the beaches of Chorillos.

Just west of town, meet at Callao, port built in the 17th century. It is the largest port in the country and the very first in South America. You enjoy the nearby beaches, as well as the fortress of King Philip built in 1747, a very impressive fortress for the time, which served to defend against corsair and pirate attacks. It is also possible to observe the largest population of sea lions in the country on theIsla Palmino since the punta.

In the neighborhood of surcovisit the gold museuma building built on two floors, with the arms museum and the gold museum, where you can admire an immense collection of gold objects or clothing belonging to pre-Columbian civilizations.

In the surrounding area…

The surroundings of Lima offer a great diversity of beaches nestled at the foot of the Miraflores cliffs And Barrancosuch as the range of Waikiki, Redondo, Barranquito or The Pampilla. A little further along the coast to reach the southern beaches like San Bartolo, Punta Hermosa Or Punta Negra where you can learn to surf, sail or windsurf.

More informations : https://www.peru-excepcion.com/regions-perou/region-de-lima/lima