Lima Peru 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Miraflores Exploration

  • Accommodation: Stay in Miraflores, a safe and vibrant district with many hotels and Airbnbs. Recommendations include: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Airbnb Apartments in Larcomar.

  • Breakfast: Visit Baker’s Café for a delicious Peruvian-style breakfast.

  • Activities:

    • Explore Larcomar, a modern shopping center with stunning cliffside views and local artisan shops.
    • Walk along the Malecon de la Reserva, enjoying the Pacific Ocean views.
    • Visit Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid dating back to the Lima Culture (100-700 AD).

  • Lunch: Try Cevicheria La Mar by celebrity chef Gastón Acurio for amazing ceviche.

  • Afternoon: Relax at one of Miraflores’ beautiful parks, such as Parque Kennedy, or take a quick trip to the Love Park (Parque del Amor) for a great view of the cliffs.

  • Dinner: Dine at Zela for contemporary Peruvian cuisine.

Day 2: Historic Lima

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a meal at El Huequito, famous for its chicharrón (fried pork rinds).

  • Activities:

    • Visit the Plaza Mayor, including the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall.
    • Explore the San Francisco Monastery with its beautiful library and catacombs.
    • Stroll through the Park of the Reserve (Parque del Reserva) to see the famous fountains, especially the Magic Water Circuit.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Astrid y Gastón Picantería for affordable Peruvian dishes.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Museo de la Nación for an insight into Peru’s history and culture.

  • Dinner: Dine at Central by Virgilio Martínez, if you prefer a fine-dining experience, or Tostaduría Bisetti for delicious sandwiches.

Day 3: Barranco District & Bohemian Nightlife

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at El Encuentro, a charming café.

  • Activities:

    • Walk around the colorful streets of Barranco, visiting places like the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), and the Pedro de Osma Museum.
    • Explore the Museo Pedro de Osma, showcasing pre-Columbian and colonial art.
    • Relax at the Parque James Ferrero or Playa de Barranco.

  • Lunch: Try Barra Fresca for refreshing seafood dishes.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Casa de Aliaga, one of Lima’s oldest mansions.

  • Dinner: Dine at Astrid y Gastón, if you missed it on Day 2, or Maido, another restaurant by Gastón Acurio known for Nikkei cuisine.

  • Evening: Experience the nightlife in Barranco, visiting bars like Bar Barranco or La Cigale Pisco Bar.

Day 4: Lima’s Art & Museums

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local bakery such as Panificadora La Famiglia.

  • Activities:

    • Visit the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) to see pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
    • Head to the MALI (Museum of Latin American Art) for contemporary art from Latin America.
    • Explore the Museo Larco, which houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and gold artifacts, along with its famous erotic gallery.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Tanta, a Peruvian fusion restaurant by Gastón Acurio.

  • Afternoon: Relax at the Park of Love (Parque del Amor) in Miraflores or take a quick trip to the Parque Watec in Chorrillos, a water park with great views of the ocean.

  • Dinner: Dine at Canta Rana, known for its seafood dishes.

Day 5: Day Trip to Huacachina or Pisco

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.

  • Activities:

    • Take a day trip to Huacachina, an oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and dune buggy rides (Recommended tour: Huacachina Day Trip).
    • Alternatively, visit Pisco (approx. 2.5 hours by bus from Lima) and explore its vineyards or take a Pisco Sour-making class (Recommended tour: Pisco Day Trip).

  • Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant during your day trip.

Things to Know:

  • Peruvian Soles (PEN) is the local currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash on hand for smaller businesses.
  • Spanish is the official language, although many people in touristic areas understand basic English.
  • Lima’s weather can be quite chilly, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.
  • Tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • The city has excellent public transportation (Metro), as well as Uber and taxis for getting around.

Tips:

  • Try local desserts like Mazamorra Morada or Suspiro de Limena during your stay.
  • Take a Peruvian cooking class to learn about the country’s unique cuisine.
  • Visit a local market, such as Mercado Central de Surquillo, for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.