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Our capital city, Lima, is also a top destination of tours for many visitors all year long. It is very different from Cusco! First, all coastline of Peru is a long desert, which actually extends into Chile; it’s a flat geography, where the Andean range is seen on the distant horizon. It allows wonderful views of desert sands and equally wonderful views of the greenish Pacific ocean.
In Lima, visitors can have archaeological experiences but also contemporary ones; there are Inca remains, Spanish contributions but also our leading-edge gastronomy and nightlife. Next, we will share with you seven top activities you can do in Lima with TOUR IN PERU!
PACHACAMAC TOUR:
This is an amazing Inca archaeological site; they marched down from the Andes and annexed all the Peruvian coast, including Lima. The place was a sanctuary in reverence of the god Pachacamac, deemed creator of the universe and the one who caused tremors and earthquakes; also, it was an oracle to which hundreds of pilgrims came to ask about their fortunes. The Incas built an astonishing religious complex there, which is still standing. You will instantly recognize Inca architecture at the site. It’s a half-day tour in the desert, which also includes other destinations!
PALOMINO ISLANDS
In front of Lima City coast, we have the wonderful Palomino Islands! It’s a very different tour, as we go on a boat to see the amazing, unique fauna of the area: birds and sea lions, penguins. The views of the ocean and the islets are priceless! Finally, the cherry on top: you can swim with the adorable, friendly, playful sea lions. Also, hear from our guides tales about the many pirate ships who arrived at the Lima coast and made trouble… top of the tours really!
LIMA CITY TOUR:
This is certainly a marvelous package! Includes all the history of our capital city. Beginning with the famous archaeological remains of Huaca Pucllana (Huaca=holy place in Quechua, the Inca language), and then going around downtown to learn about the history of Spanish conquest and the fabulous Renaissance architecture they brought to build churches and government buildings, particularly at the Plaza de Armas (Main Square – exactly, just like Cusco!). Finally, enjoy the immense view of the Pacific ocean at Lima’s trendiest mall, Larcomar, perhaps delighting with our national drink, the pisco sour.
MUSEO DE ARQUEOLOGÍA E HISTORIA
This is the most important museum in Lima; the exhibit ranges from about 3,000 b.C. to the times of Spanish conquest and after (16th century onwards). There you will see amazing remains from pre-Inca times, like the famous Raimondi Stone and actually, wonderful pieces from the many civilizations that arose in Peru before the Incas, like Paracas textiles and Nazca pottery. Among many other interesting facts, the museum’s houses were home for both of Peruvian founding fathers, Jose de San Martin and Simon Bolivar; most of the decoration and furniture is still in place.
LA PUNTA DISTRICT
It’s an insider tip for tours from those who really know the good spots in Lima. In the early 20th century, La Punta was a place for the wealthy, the aristocrats and also their favorite beach. Later, they left the area but the houses are still there and the coastline is amazing for walks looking at the sea; the elegance of the urban design is still there too. Finally, it is a wonderful place to try the national dish of Peru, called ceviche and all kinds of yummy seafood; there are many great restaurants in front of the beach.
PARQUE DE LAS LEYENDAS:
A typical tradition for people in Lima, it’s like their zoo, but actually more than this: there are botanic collections and archaeological remains too. The fauna is spectacular: you’ll find animals whose habitat is only Peru, like some felines, birds, Andean camels and Amazonian species, but also classic ones like African tigers and lions. Really top of the tours for those who want to visit the capital of Peru.
BARRANCO NIGHTLIFE:
This one is like the club district of Lima; many discos (including LGBT+ ones), restaurants, bars and so on, on the edge of the Pacific ocean, in the middle of a beautiful, romantic architecture of mansions, squares and bridges, For a typical experience in Peru, we recommend going to one of the peñas criollas, where bands play the town’s bohemian music of early 20th century (based on mid-tempo acoustic guitars and wood percussion), which has become classic (it is now called música criolla). Also, these restaurants offer a variety of really fine national food and drinks. Finally, there are live música criolla dances by professional entertainers.
When in Peru, you can also enjoy Lima City! If so, keep these seven top tours in mind and ask our team for more information and booking!
