Lima Walks: Centro, Miraflores and Barranco

November 5, 2026

Lima is a city of separate districts joined by short rides, so the best walks are three distinct routes rather than one long one. Each is flat or gently sloped and takes two to three hours at an easy pace. The UK government reports gunpoint robberies in Miraflores and Barranco, so carry little and keep your phone out of sight at the kerb.

Historic Centre

Start at Plaza San Martin and walk along the pedestrian Jiron de la Union to the Plaza Mayor, where the Cathedral and Government Palace face the square. The route is roughly 3 km with stops. Continue to the San Francisco convent, where the catacombs are visited on a guided tour, and finish with a drink at Bar Cordano on Jiron Ancash 202, which a guide lists as open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 20:00. Walk by day only, stay on the main streets and avoid the side streets towards Barrios Altos and the bridges across to Rimac. Protests are common in this part of the city and can close roads, so check the news first.

Miraflores clifftop

Start at Parque del Amor on the Malecon and walk along the cliff-top paths, which are paved and have separate cycle lanes. You pass parks and viewpoints and can finish at Larcomar, the centre built into the cliff. The route is about 4 to 5 km if you walk the whole stretch. The beaches lie below the cliff, behind a fast coast road, and are reached by ramps and a footbridge. Do not try to climb down the cliff face.

Barranco

Begin in the main square and walk to the Puente de los Suspiros, a wooden footbridge from the 19th century. Follow the Bajada de Banos down towards the sea, past murals and cafes, then climb back up and visit the Museo Pedro de Osma at Pedro de Osma 421. Paths here are cobbled with some steps. The area is busiest in the evening. Take an app taxi home after dark.

Guided walks

Free walking tours and paid guides operate in the Historic Centre and in Callao Monumental, a street-art district west of the centre. Check that your guide is licensed and agree what is included. In Callao, stay with the guide and go by day.

What to carry

Water, sunscreen and a light layer, since the coast is cool and grey for much of the year.
Comfortable shoes for cobbles.
A small amount of cash and one card, with the rest left at your hotel.
A taxi app on your phone.

Where not to walk

Do not walk up Cerro San Cristobal from Rimac. Armed robberies on the approach have been reported, and tourists should go only with a licensed operator or registered taxi.

Getting between districts

The Metropolitano bus runs along the Via Expresa between Miraflores, Barranco and the Historic Centre. The trunk fare is S/ 3.20 and cash is not accepted at the turnstiles, so you need a rechargeable card. The UK government advises using licensed or app-based taxis rather than hailing in the street. Read the UK safety advice for Peru before you go.

Compare Lima walking tours if you would like a guide.