Tourism» Touring in Lima
Lima is considered to be unique not only because of its geography, but also because of its history and cosmopolitan air. It is the essential cultural destination in South America: a capital that offers art, fashion, music culture and endless nights full of adventure. There is a new gastronomic scene seeking to revalue our exquisite ancient legacy, merging it with new and fresh techniques, and you will find a splendid offer of high-standard restaurants. In addition, other aspects of Peruvian culture such as music and design are found in Lima through a series of unique proposals that enrich the tourist visit.
Here you will find a variety of activities to enjoy Lima and get to know it better, as well as Callao.
Should you have a spare morning, afternoon or night, do not hesitate: take one of our sightseeing tours and find out more about the attractions in Lima and Callao. You can either take a bus around the city or a boat trip to the islands near Callao. If you wish to go shopping, try the malls in Miraflores and San Isidro, where you will find beautiful handicraft, clothing made with fine natural fibers and magnificent jewelry. You can´t miss a visit to the ateliers and boutiques of our prestigious Peruvian designers.
1. City tour
If you choose going by bus, please access the following sites for further detail:
http://www.cslima.com/tours.htm
http://www.mirabusperu.com/tours.htm
These are some of the main attractions you will visit during your stay:
Lima Cathedral:
Main Square. Tel: (511) 427-9647. Visits: M-S from 09:00 to 16:30.
Located in the very same place where the first main church in Lima was. Its interior is somewhat austere, though it holds a few side altars and, of course, the remains of Francisco Pizarro. In addition, you may visit the Religious Art Museum, which holds an important collection of canvas, sculptures, chalices and chasubles.
Main Square
Centre of the ancient colonial city, within its perimeter you will find the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace and the Municipality of Lima. In the middle of the main square you will find a bronze water fountain dating from the XVII century.
Government Palace
Main Square of Lima. Tel: (511) 311-3908. Visits: M-F from 8:30-13:00/14:00 - 17:00.
Residence of Francisco Pizarro (1535), who built the palace on a piece of land that belonged to Taulichusco, ‘curaca’ of the Rimac Valley. Since then, this place has been the center of the politic power in Peru. In the 1920s, a fire consumed it and was then rebuilt. It holds numerous patios and halls dedicated to the distinguished figures of Peruvian history, carefully decorated with impressive pieces of artwork. Every day at 11.45, the Patio of Honor is the setting for the change of guard carried out by the Batallón de los Húsares de Junín.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
Jr. Ancash cdra. 3. Tel: (511) 427-1381, extensión 111. Visits: M-S from 9:30 to 17:30.
This is an architectural complex dating of the XVII century, which includes the church, convent and the small square. Its front part was cut in stone and holds Corinthian-style columns, as well as an open cornice with arches where we can appreciate the Immaculate Conception. The cloister area, decorated with tiles, holds the Viceregal Museum of Art. In addition, you may visit the catacombs (underground galleries), used as cemeteries during the Colony.
General Cemetery Presbítero Matías Maestro
Jr. Ancash s/n, cuadras 16-20. Visits: M-f 08:00 to 18:00. Night guided-visits are offered every last Thursday of the month (except on December). Tel: (511) 385-2084 / 385-2117 (extension 233).
This was the first cemetery in the city of Lima. Inaugurated in 1808 by the Viceroy Abascal, the author of the plans was the renowned architect and minister, Matías Maestro. It holds more than 766 mausolea with neoclassic style, with statues and sculptures inspired in saints and theological virtues.
Miraflores
Miraflores is a tourist district and holds a great part of the accommodation offer in the city. Here, you will find modern commercial areas, theatres, cinemas and art galleries. Nice green areas like Parque Kennedy, a get-together point for artisans, painters and folk music bands.
Barranco y Chorrillos
An old aristocratic sea-side town dating of the early XX century, it is now the main bohemian neighborhood of Lima, with beautiful, old big houses and hidden spots that offer music and cultural shows, as well as clubs, pubs and coffee shops.
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftociudades.asp?ids=1305&ic=1&pdr=658&jrq=3.14
2. Adventure
Paragliding
For those who love adventure and adrenaline, Lima offers paragliding tours along the coast. Just go to the Parque Raimondi in Miraflores (next to the Parque del Amor) and you will find experienced instructors (from 12.30 to 18.00) that will take you in a double paraglide across the sky of Lima. The average price is US$50.00 and the ‘ride’ takes between 10 and 15 minutes.
Surf
For those who love the ocean and waves, there are several places where you can rent equipment. If you are willing to learn how to surf, Lima’s waves offer the best conditions to learn. Surf lessons last between 2 and 3 hours and include the surfing board and wetsuit. The average price for the class is 60 soles. Add an extra 70 soles if you need to rent equipment.
For more information, dial 5748000 (24-hour service).
3. Literary Routes
That Lima of Mario Vargas Llosa
If you admire the work of this renowned Peruvian writer, you have to visit the places that revolve around the universe of his work. The following link will enable you to download the guide to those settings in Lima that inspired four of his books: Sunday (from The Chiefs), The Cubs, The City and the Dogs, and Conversation in the Cathedral.
PDF Guide:
http://media.peru.info/catalogo/Attach/vargas_10549.pdf
4. Museums
The legacy in Peru is very ample and for those who visit Perú Moda 2010 and are interested in textiles, there is no better option than to visit the Amano Private Museum. In this museum you will find textiles as old as 2.500 years. You will find this museum in Calle Retiro 160, Miraflores. Visits only upon request: M-F from 15:00 to 17:00. For appointments call 441-2909.
For more information, go to:
http://inc.perucultural.org.pe/serv11n.shtml
5. Gastronomy
Lima is the capital of gastronomy in South America. Its cuisine emerges as a result of the fusion of the best cuisines, such as the Andean, Spanish, African, French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Don’t miss the cebiche, causa, lomo saltado or any of its captivating deserts. And, of course, enjoy the Pisco Sour, Peru’s famous cocktail.
Should you desire to take a gastronomic tour, please go to:
www.culinarytour.com.pe
www.atasteofperu.com
www.peruculinaryvacations.com
www.thousandflavors.com
This is a ranking of the best restaurants in Lima:
http://elcomercio.pe/edicionimpresa/Html/2007-09-21/imecluces0787705.html
6. Endless nights
Flirty and unstoppable, Lima dresses-up every night and those who love partying, dancing and having a good time go out and explore. Why not start the night with a good drink in one of the best bars? You may want to choose between a cozy, laid-back bar like Juanito in Barranco (surely an institution) or the most exclusive ones in Astrid & Gastón, Rafael and Rodrigo. There is a wide choice in the middle. Ayahuasca Bar or Picas Bar are the ‘in’ places now and encourage fashion mingling, whereas Huaringas is probably the safest bet for those who want to dive in the world of ‘sours’ (from the traditional ‘pisco sour’, to the ‘coca sour’, or one with rocoto (Peruvian typical chili), grapefruit, strawberries, etc.) For those who look back in time and feel a bit nostalgic, we recommend a visit to the old bar in the Gran Hotel Bolívar. Located across the San Martin Square, right in the middle of Lima, this place is famous for its pisco sour known as ‘Cathedral’ and for having hosted the greatest figures, such as William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Cantinflas and Ava Gardner. A night in Lima is not complete without dancing. Exclusive discotheques, alternative spaces, gay bars and salsa clubs: all together in one city.
For more information, go to:
http://www.peru.info/s_ftossttmenu.asp