{"id":1204,"date":"2020-05-20T17:48:46","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T22:48:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/atracciones-lima-a-donde-ir-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T23:45:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:45:48","slug":"places-to-visit-in-lima-tourist-attractions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/places-to-visit-in-lima-tourist-attractions\/","title":{"rendered":"Lima: Tourist Sites and Attractions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Magic Water Circuit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ballestas Islands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Historic Center of Lima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Huacachina Oasis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Miraflores<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From an excursion to the sanctuary of a pre-Inca god to surfing lessons<\/strong> on a beach right on the city\u2019s edge.
From a tour through the narrow passages of ancient catacombs to a dazzling water<\/strong> show with dancing fountains in a magical circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n

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From a square named France, where there\u2019s a neo-Gothic church<\/strong> and people play chess, to the buzzing commercial energy of a Chinatown<\/strong> where Oriental food has a uniquely Peruvian flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Lima really is this varied and wonderful<\/strong>\u2014the ever-growing capital of Peru, a destination that will charm you with its Historic Centre, museums, bohemian and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods<\/strong>, and beaches so close it\u2019s impossible not to see them, admire them, and explore them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come to Lima and let yourself<\/strong> be swept away by a metropolis with so much to show, teach and share with you. Go on, don\u2019t hesitate\u2014this is your next destination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural and Natural Sites<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Historic Centre of Lima<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A walled city<\/strong> of 50,000 inhabitants\u2014this was colonial Lima: small and very different from the bustling metropolis it is today. Yet, despite all the changes, its Historic Centre has preserved the essence<\/strong> and elegance that led to its designation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you wander the streets of the so-called Damero de Pizarro<\/em>, you\u2019ll step into the past\u2014mansions, churches, convents<\/strong>, squares, balconies and historic lanes shape the old city\u2019s character. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the catacombs of San Francisco, among other sites of major historical and cultural interest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cathedral of Lima<\/h3>\n\n\n
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When Lima was founded on 18 January 1535, a baroque-style basilica was built<\/strong> on one side of the Plaza de Armas<\/a>. However, it didn\u2019t survive the 1741<\/strong> earthquake. The deep religiosity of the time called for a new temple, and its construction began at the end of the 18th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current Cathedral of Saint John was designed by Mat\u00edas Maestro, who was tasked with making it earthquake-resistant.<\/strong> To achieve this, he used wood in its structure\u2014an element that makes it both distinctive and unique in its design<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convent and Church of Santo Domingo<\/h3>\n\n\n
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One of the oldest religious monuments in the city<\/strong>, this convent was built in the 16th century. Over time, its cloisters housed Santa Rosa de Lima<\/a>\u2014the first woman from the Americas to be canonised\u2014and Fray Mart\u00edn de Porres<\/a>, the first mulatto saint<\/strong> recognised by the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located at Jir\u00f3n Caman\u00e1 170, just one block from the Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo invites you to admire its colonial architecture<\/strong>, enjoy its religious art, explore the valuable books and manuscripts in its library, and feel the divine inspiration<\/strong> behind the paintings that adorn the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plaza Francia<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Serene, modest, and often overlooked by visitors<\/strong>, this square will charm you with its simple beauty. It dates back to the 17th century<\/strong>, when the Dominican Order decided to build a church and retreat house away from the main square<\/a> (now Avenida Garcilaso de la Vega).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completed in 1611, the surrounding area became known as the Recoleta square<\/strong>, which we highly recommend visiting to admire the church of the same name<\/a>. It stands out for its neo-Gothic style<\/strong>, setting it apart from most religious buildings in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The square\u2019s current name was adopted during Peru\u2019s centennial independence celebrations in 1921, when the French community gifted a replica of the Statue of Liberty to the nation<\/strong>. It was placed in front of the Recoleta church. One more detail about this little corner of the Historic Centre<\/a>\u2014if you\u2019re a chess fan<\/strong>, get ready to play, as it\u2019s a popular spot for enthusiasts of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convent and Church of San Francisco<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This religious complex is considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America<\/strong>, both for its architecture and its treasures. Inside its colonial library, you\u2019ll find the original document declaring Peru a Republic, signed on 15 July 1821, as well as the official declaration of independence<\/strong> made on 28 July that same year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Francisco is also famed for its catacombs<\/strong>. Built in the mid-17th century, these underground galleries served as burial sites for around 36,000 people during the colonial period<\/strong>\u2014a practice that began when Christians were persecuted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The convent of San Francisco<\/a> is located at the intersection of Jir\u00f3n \u00c1ncash and Jir\u00f3n Lampa in Lima\u2019s Historic Centre. You can visit it from Monday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chinatown<\/h3>\n\n\n
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In the mid-19th century<\/strong>, thousands of Chinese migrants\u2014mostly from Hong Kong\u2014arrived in Peru. In the early stages of this migration, many of them worked on coastal plantations<\/strong>, as there was a demand for cheap labour<\/strong> following the abolition of slavery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gradually, they began to establish themselves in their new homeland. Their talent for trade and cooking<\/strong>, coupled with their honesty and strong work ethic, helped them gain recognition in these areas. As with most migration waves, the Chinese tended to settle in specific neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how Lima\u2019s Chinatown<\/a>, the oldest in South America<\/strong>, came to be. Located in the Historic Centre, Cap\u00f3n Street is its most important thoroughfare. Take the chance to have lunch or dinner at a chifa<\/em>\u2014a restaurant where Chinese cuisine meets unique Peruvian flavours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barranco<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Quaint, romantic and bohemian<\/strong>\u2014that\u2019s the essence of Barranco<\/a>, the coastal district with a republican charm, home to some of Lima\u2019s most iconic spots, such as the Bridge of Sighs<\/a> (Puente de los Suspiros<\/em>) and the Bajada de los Ba\u00f1os<\/em>. The area also boasts museums and art galleries<\/strong> that fuel a lively cultural scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barranco\u2019s nightlife is exceptional<\/strong>. Whether you fancy dancing and toasting, savouring delicious dishes, or simply enjoying a good chat, its bars, pubs, nightclubs<\/strong>, restaurants and caf\u00e9s offer plenty of options for a fun night out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huaca Pucllana in Miralflores<\/h3>\n\n\n
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In the modern, cosmopolitan district of Miraflores lies one of Lima\u2019s best-preserved archaeological sites. Thanks to its central location, Huaca Pucllana<\/a> is the perfect place to explore Peru\u2019s pre-Hispanic past<\/strong> without leaving the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Pucllana\u2014believed to be primarily a temple\u2014was occupied by various cultures<\/strong>, including the Lima people (its earliest inhabitants), the Wari (the first Andean empire), the Ychsma, and later the Incas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site\u2019s main structure is a stepped pyramid<\/strong> located at block 8 of General Borgo\u00f1o Street, just a 20-minute walk from Miraflores\u2019 Central or Kennedy Park. You can visit by day or night\u2014and be sure to treat yourself at the on-site restaurant<\/a> afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanctuary of Pachacamac<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Pachacamac was a revered god and oracle<\/strong> along the coast and the Andes. So much so that pilgrims from various regions would travel to his sanctuary to worship him. Even the Incas, who had their own gods, respected and trusted the prophecies of Pachacamac<\/strong>, \u201cthe soul of the earth and the one who animates the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the Pachacamac archaeological complex and museum<\/a> are Lima\u2019s most significant pre-Hispanic<\/strong> legacy. Located at kilometre 31.5 of the old South Pan-American Highway, the site includes temples, truncated pyramids<\/strong>, plazas and Inca structures such as the Acllawasi<\/em><\/strong> or \u201cHouse of the Chosen Women.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can visit the sanctuary<\/a> from Tuesday to Saturday<\/strong> between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. On Sundays, it closes at 4:00 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach Circuit of the Costa Verde<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Lima is synonymous with the sea and surf<\/strong>. As the only South American capital that reaches the Pacific Ocean, a visit to its coastal beach circuit<\/strong> is a must\u2014whether in summer or winter. The Costa Verde runs through several districts, including Miraflores<\/a>, Barranco and Chorrillos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you love surfing or want to learn how to ride the waves<\/strong>, you\u2019re in the right place\u2014Lima\u2019s coastline offers professional instructors<\/strong> ready to teach you the art of surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the city\u2019s beach experience isn\u2019t limited to the Costa Verde. Both north and south of Lima, you\u2019ll find numerous beach resorts<\/strong> such as San Bartolo<\/a>, Punta Negra, Santa Mar\u00eda, Anc\u00f3n and Santa Rosa, to name just a few. So when packing your bags, don\u2019t forget your swimsuit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tres Picos<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This beach in Miraflores is the perfect spot to watch the sunset <\/strong>on a clear day and take in the towering cliffs of the Costa Verde<\/strong>. Before the beach circuit was built, these steep natural walls reached directly down to the Pacific\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Tres Picos<\/a>, you\u2019ll find a small fountain with surfboard sculptures and an accessible viewpoint<\/strong> with benches and parasols. A fun fact: in 2019, Lima and Peru\u2019s first municipal helipad was inaugurated<\/strong> here, designed to provide aerial support during marine emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Places Near Lima<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sacred City of Caral<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Known as the oldest city in the Americas<\/strong> and the mother of all cultures<\/strong> and civilisations that developed in ancient Peru, Caral holds immense historical value. This archaeological site in the Supe Valley, Barranca Province, lies just 182 kilometres north of Lima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caral<\/a>, With an estimated age of around 5,000 years<\/strong>, Caral is the perfect destination for travellers fascinated by history and the cultural development of the Americas. If that\u2019s you, you\u2019ll feel fulfilled as you explore the 32<\/strong> ceremonial and administrative adobe buildings of this sacred city<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monumental Callao<\/h3>\n\n\n
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In Peru\u2019s main port<\/a>, a cultural initiative is breathing new life into the city\u2019s historic charm and promoting artistic expression<\/strong>. Monumental Callao<\/a> has revived interest in the old port\u2019s once-neglected plazas and streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bordering Lima, Callao boasts a variety of attractions<\/strong> such as the Real Felipe Fortress<\/a>, Grau and G\u00e1lvez squares, the district of La Punta, and several restored buildings turned into galleries and restaurants, all thanks to this tourism-boosting project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cavinzas Islands & Palomino Islets<\/h3>\n\n\n
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When you’re near a port, the call of the sea is hard to resist<\/strong>. In Callao, you can hop on a yacht or tourist boat to visit the Cavinzas Islands and Palomino Islets<\/a>\u2014natural havens for numerous bird species and nearly 5,000 South American sea lions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t just stay on the shore!<\/strong> The sea off Callao (locals are known as “chalacos”) invites you to spot seagulls, Peruvian pelicans, cormorants, Humboldt penguins<\/strong>, guanayes, and Inca terns, among other ocean birds in this protected and tourist-friendly area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ballestas Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Sailing out to witness marine wildlife<\/strong> on these biodiverse islands is a must. Imagine the ocean breeze on your face as you gaze upon colonies of sea lions<\/strong>, pairs of Humboldt penguins, or the mysterious candelabra-shaped geoglyph<\/strong> carved by ancient peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what you\u2019ll experience on the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands<\/a>, located in Paracas, Pisco Province (Ica). Just three hours south of Lima by road, many tour operators offer day trips<\/strong> to this globally renowned Pacific gem, become a world-famous destination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huacachina Oasis<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Mirage or miracle?<\/strong> That\u2019s the question you\u2019ll ask upon arriving at Huacachina<\/a>\u2014a legendary lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Nicknamed the \u201cOasis of the Americas<\/strong>\u201d, this spot in Ica (4 hours south of Lima), and you’ll find the adventure and the quiet<\/strong> without distant to Lima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If relaxation is your goal, sit back and admire the oasis\u2019s stunning beauty<\/strong>. Craving excitement? Try sandboarding down the dunes<\/strong> or ride in a dune buggy for a heart-pounding thrill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Huacachina, you’ll also find hotels and restaurants to make your visit more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tourist Attractions for Families and Children<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Magic Water Circuit<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Think Lima is all colonial houses, churches, and museums? Worried your children might get bored in the capital<\/strong>? Think again! Lima, the \u201cCity of Kings\u201d, has plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the Magic Water Circuit<\/a> at the Parque de la Reserva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only water that… Jumping, dancing<\/strong>, laser-lit fountains steal the show in a magical nighttime performance your entire family will love<\/strong>. The show runs at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Magic Water Circuit is waiting for you<\/strong>. It’s open daily on Jir\u00f3n Madre de Dios, Cercado de Lima. General entry is 5 soles<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Park of Legends (Parque de las Leyendas)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Founded in 1964 by conservationist Felipe Benavides Barrera, this family park<\/strong> showcases wildlife<\/strong> from Peru\u2019s coast, highlands, and jungle. Located on Avenida Las Leyendas 580<\/a>, San Miguel district, the zoo also features animals from other continents.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open daily<\/strong> (including holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., adult entry costs<\/a> 15 soles, and children’s (ages 3\u201312) entry is 8 soles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kennedy Park & Miraflores\u2019 Clifftop Walks<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Strolling or cycling from Miraflores\u2019 main park<\/a> to the floral clifftop promenades with stunning views of Lima\u2019s bay<\/strong> is a perfect family activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, kids can enjoy the play area at Kennedy Park<\/strong>, while adults browse the artwork on display at the Painters’ Walk. Once at the cliffs, head towards the Park of Love<\/a>, the iconic lighthouse, and the Larcomar shopping centre. Go on\u2014your family will love it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FREE Tours of Lima <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy exploring in a group<\/strong> with an expert guide, join one of our free walking tours<\/em>!<\/strong> It\u2019s a fun, cost-free way to discover the main attractions of Lima\u2019s Historic Centre<\/strong>. At the end, feel free to leave a donation<\/a> that reflects your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more info or to book your spot<\/strong>, visit Free Tour Lima<\/a><\/em>. You can also check out rave reviews<\/a> and thousands of photos on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note for Peruvians:<\/strong> These free tours are exclusively for inbound international tourists<\/strong>. If you\u2019re looking for other tours, contact us via WhatsApp at 958745640<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Free Walking Tours Peru<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Secure your spot on our free tours led by professional, authorized, and expert guides in Free tour Cusco<\/a>, Free tour Lima<\/a>, and Free tour Arequipa<\/a>. Booking is free!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n