Top 5 Things to See in Lima
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on October 8, 2020 by James Bustamante
If you are planning your next trip to Peru you should definitely spend a few days on the Top 5 things to see in Lima.
Lima is an important stop on your way to hike Machu Picchu. There are quite a few things to see during your stay and therefore should be part of your itinerary.
As usual, we have put together a brief article making a quick outline of 5 places you should see while in the Peruvian capital of Lima. Enjoy!
The Government Palace
First on the list of things to see in Lima would be the president’s house.
Government Palace is the official residence and office of Peru’s president.
This french inspired government building sits on the banks of the Rimac River and faces the “Cerro San Cristobal” (San Cristobal Hill) which happens to be the city’s highest point.
It sits at roughly 1,000 feet above sea level (300 meters).
If we go back to the time of the Incas, Cerro San Cristobal had a strategic as well as a spiritual meaning.
So much so that It was actually the home of the last Inca chief.
The Spanish Conqueror was so fond of this site, that he decided to build the first Spanish palace on the very spot in the year 1535.
The current French-inspired mansion was constructed in the 1930s. Access to the palace is restricted, for the most part, however, special tours can be arranged.
Travelers Tip: The government palace tour can be included in your Machu Picchu travel package as long as it is requested with enough anticipation.
The Church of San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco is one of the best-preserved colonial-style churches in all of Lima.
It was Built resembling the baroque-style of the late 1600s.
Once you see it for the first time you can’ help but be impressed by its architecture.
The adjoining monastery has a superb collection of ancient religious texts.
Some of which were brought over by Spanish priests after conquering the local Incas.
Most Peru travelers that head to the San Francisco church do so to visit its catacombs.
These catacombs were actually part of Lima’s original cemeteries.
They were built under several churches as part of a tradition.
Historians say an estimated 75,000 bodies are buried under the San Francisco church alone.
Once you enter these catacombs you instantly notice that many of the remains are still exposed.
Some are stacked in strange patterns in circular stone pits.
Needless to say, a catacomb tour is not for the squeamish or the claustrophobic.
This is one of the oddest things to see in Lima yet interesting nonetheless.
Most travelers coming to Peru have no idea about the more obscure activities available for the trip.
They simply put their focus on the road to visit Machu Picchu and have no idea these tours are available.
This however is a mistake, there are many interesting, less known tours to be part of while in Peru.
The Huaca Pucllana
Contrary to what most travelers believe, you don’t have to trek into the Andes to see the remains of Peru’s ancient civilizations.
Between Lima to Machu Picchu, there are plenty of places of cultural significance to the locals.
Lima has a large number of historical ruins, known as “Huacas”.
These large structures can be spotted in many neighborhoods from the modest Lurin to the upscale district of San Isidro.
They are generally fenced off to the general public. This however is done in the spirit of preservation for these ruins since they are normally part of a reservation.
One of the major exceptions is the Pucllana Temple, or Huaca Pucllana, in the city’s Miraflores district.
This adobe ceremonial center was likely built around 500 A.D. during the cultural height of Lima’s history.
Much of the site has been restored and excavations continue to uncover artifacts and the occasional mummy.
Visiting the Huaca Pucllana might be your first taste of ancient Peruvian ruins and not the Machu Picchu tour like most travelers originally assume.
El Malecon de Miraflores
Lima has always been known as the “Garden City” thanks to its large system of public parks.
The Miraflores district in particular has spent years improving and adding to its green spaces, with a special emphasis on “El Malecón”.
This six-mile stretch of parks is situated along the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean.
“The Malecón” is a perfect place for jogging, biking, taking in the breathtaking view, or even paragliding over the cliffs.
You can have a leisurely walk or go for a run as well as visit one of the restaurants situated near the Malecon.
There is even a place that makes crepes overlooking the immense Pacific ocean.
Make sure you get a great view of the ocean and experience as much as possible in this coastal city.
This might be the last chance you have of visiting this area of Peru before you travel to Machu Picchu.
Larcomar
Along the boardwalk in the Miraflores district is Larcomar.
This is a multilevel entertainment, food, and shopping center that caters to most tastes.
The entire complex is built into the cliffside and the entrance is on Block 6 of Malecón de la Reserva Avenue.
If you see the Marriot hotel then you are right across from the Larcomar center.
Take the stairs down just before you get to the cliff’s edge.
Larcomar has breathtaking ocean views, which you can enjoy from numerous restaurants offering Peruvian flare.
This is a great place to go while on your last few hours in Lima (buy some gifts for your friends back home), before heading to the airport.
Alternatively, if you are on your first days in Lima then you can visit the supermarket at Larcomar for all your supplies.
Larcomar also has a PeruRail desk. If you want to purchase or simply pick up your train tickets you can do so here.
Other than your Machu Picchu reservations, train tickets are among the more important paperwork you’ll need during your trip.
Conclusion
Cusco is amazing and the gateway into the Inca ruins however Lima has its own unique set of activities to offer.
Make sure to spend at least 2 days in the capital before heading to the amazing Andes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to See in Lima
Where is Miraflores located?
The Miraflores district is located at around 30-45 minutes from the Lima international airport. It is surrounded by the districts of Surco, San Isidro, Surquillo, and Barranco.
Does Larcomar have good restaurants?
Larcomar has several local chain restaurants focusing on Peruvian cuisine as well as American chains like Chillis or Fridays. There is something for everyone from cheap food to gourmet cuisine.
Can I enter the government palace in Peru on my own?
No. You will need to be part of a programmed tour of the palace.
Is there a restaurant inside the Huaca Pucllana?
Yes. There is a gourmet restaurant called by the same name “La Huaca Pucllana”. It mainly serves native Peruvian cuisine.
Are there Catacombs under the church of San Francisco?
Yes. There is a whole system of catacombs underneath the church of San Francisco in Lima.
Can I include the Catacombs underneath the Church of San Francisco as part of my Lima tour?
Yes. We can program a visit to the Catacombs underneath the church. There are usually done in the late afternoon and only on certain days so make sure to ask on the next availability.
