Free walking tour Miraflores: Living history by the sea

Our partner will be waiting for you in front of the Miraflores City Hall (by the water fountain). Look out for the green flag in their hands!

Right in the heart of the district lies one of Miraflores’ green lungs — a peaceful spot where nature, culture, and even gastronomy come together to create a place for meeting, relaxing, and having fun amid the buzz of the city.

Located within the 22,000 square metres of the Central Park — which also includes the 7 de Junio Park — this site became home in 2023 to a bust of John F. Kennedy, the US president who was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas.

At Kennedy Park, visitors enjoy the company of the many friendly cats that roam its green spaces, visit the Virgen Milagrosa Church, and take part in a variety of cultural events. It’s also the perfect place to sample some delicious street food.

On this tour, you’ll make a short and free stop at the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll discover the story of Peruvian cacao — from how it’s grown to how it’s turned into handcrafted chocolate. Your guide will also tell you what makes Peruvian chocolate so special: its uniqueness lies mainly in the country’s diverse climate, which produces beans with fruity, floral, nutty and caramel notes.

Before becoming the cosmopolitan district it is today, Miraflores was known as a quiet getaway spot. That’s why, back in the 19th century, you’d find what were known as ranchos — country or holiday homes.

It was in one of these ranchos that Ricardo Palma (1833–1919) spent the final years of his life. He was the author of Peruvian Traditions, a collection of witty chronicles that captured the customs and quirks of Peruvian society.

Nicknamed the “beggar librarian,” Palma was also responsible for restoring the National Library of Peru, which had been looted by Chilean forces during the occupation of Lima (1881–1883) in the War of the Pacific.

Today, his house is a museum that pays tribute to this beloved writer. If you’d like to dive deeper into his life and work, it’s well worth a visit after the free tour.

From Palma’s ranch on General Suárez Street to the Porras Barrenechea mansion on Colina Street, we move on to another notable Miraflores resident who left his mark through his intellectual work and contributions to understanding Peru’s national history.

Born in Pisco, Raúl Porras Barrenechea (1897–1960) stood out as a historian, professor and researcher. Politically, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Peruvian Senate.

Today, the house where the author of Peruvian Historical Sources—his most important book—worked tirelessly is home to the Raúl Porras Barrenechea Institute of the National University of San Marcos.

With a sprinkle of laughter and smiles, you’ll get to know the historic circus La Tarumba. Founded back in 1984 by the enthusiastic Fernando Zevallos and his group of young artists, it was born with one clear purpose: to bring joy to the hearts of Peruvians. But not only that – Zevallos and his team were also driven by a bigger dream: to promote art, theatre, and circus as powerful tools for social development and for building a better Peru.

From the thoughts and legacy of one of Peru’s great 20th-century intellectuals, we turn to the creativity and vibrancy of Miraflores’ handicraft markets, where ancestral knowledge and traditions are expressed in countless forms.

Ayacucho altarpieces, Pucará bulls, Chulucanas ceramics, Cusco-style religious imagery, fine alpaca wool textiles, and paintings of Andean landscapes are just some of the expressions of folk art that reveal the deep cultural wealth of Peru – a country of makers.

Take the chance during your walk to pick up a unique souvenir from your time in Peru. By doing so, you’ll not only be helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship but also supporting the local economy and small-scale artisans.

Before the Spanish conquest or invasion, several societies and cultures thrived in what is now Lima. A remarkable reminder of this pre-Hispanic past stands tall in Miraflores — the Huaca Pucllana, your next stop on the free tour.

The main structure of this ceremonial and administrative centre is a 25-metre-high stepped pyramid, built with small adobe bricks. It’s believed that rituals were held here to honour ancient deities.

The origins of Pucllana date back to around 200 AD, with the first builders belonging to the Lima culture. Later, the site was occupied by the Wari and Ichma peoples. By the time the Spanish arrived, the huaca had already been abandoned.

The free tour wraps up poutside the Huaca Pucllana, — a safe and welcoming place where, we’re sure, you’ll want to linger a bit longer before continuing your walk along the charming streets of Miraflores.