All Peru Roads Lead to Lima: How to Spend 2 Days in Peru’s Capital
Sunday at Kennedy Park
All Peru roads lead to Lima - so there’s no skipping this coastal metropolis. Lima is the first stop in any international flight to Peru but it’s more than just a quick layover city. As the capital of Peru and the gastronomical center of Latin America, Lima is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, pre-Incan ruins, and South American coastlines.
Compared to other parts of Peru, Lima feels like a world away (but a world very familiar to Western city dwellers). There’s a plethora of things to do in this modern/ historical city but if you’re pressed on time, spend at least 2-3 days. Here’s our rough guide to optimize a short stay in Lima!
How to Get to & Around Lima
Flight From Cusco to Lima
Flying to Lima
As mentioned above, all Peru roads lead to Lima. Every international flight to Peru will stop in the city’s airport. Machu Picchu may be Peru’s main attraction, but don’t forget to spend a few days in Lima before or after staying in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. My advice? End your Peru trip in Lima.
Bus - PeruHop
If you’re coming from another Peruvian city or maybe Bolivia, you can take the PeruHop bus. Peru Hop is a hop on, hop off private bus system with routes from Peru to Bolivia. The ticket is super easy to use - just choose your route and schedule the day/time to use your ticket on their website. The bus will pick you up from your accommodations, and the ticket is valid for 1 year (so you can take your time exploring each stop on the route if you wanted). Here are some of their routes to and from Lima.
Strolling Through Barranco
Uber in Lima
Once you’re in Lima it’s fairly easy to get around - thanks to cheap ubers. Where you stay will dictate how much you’ll walk or uber. Luckily we stayed in a centrally located area in Miraflores and only had to take a few ubers. So keep this in mind when booking your Lima stay.
Where to Stay in Lima: Miraflores
Miraflores is an upscale suburban district in Lima filled with parks, restaurants, shops, and museums. Its central and tourist friendly location attracts many travelers, making it the most ideal neighborhood to stay in Lima.
Charming Miraflores B&B
Residencial Miraflores B&B
For an affordable, charming, and centrally located bed and breakfast in Lima, look no further! Residencial Miraflores B&B is a restored 18th century, colonial mansion in the Miraflores neighborhood. The B&B is family ran and the home’s vibrant colors and decorations give it a warm, homey feel. The owner and host, Ana Maria, made our stay wonderful. She was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all things Lima. From booking to check out, she was available to answer any questions and it was a pleasure chatting with her and learning about local life in Lima.
Our room and beds were comfortable, spacious, and clean - it was like we were staying at a relative’s house. Ana Maria, her husband, and adorable dog also live in the compound. They serve a filling breakfast and it was a lovely start to our days chatting with Ana Maria at the dining table.
The B&B is centrally located - a few blocks from Huaca Pucllana ruins, Kennedy Park, restaurants, shops + only a 45 min drive to the airport. Residencial Miraflores B&B was the perfect place to stay during a short trip in Lima. Skip the basic hotels or crammed hostels and stay here for an authentic, local stay.
Double Room With Breakfast: $65 per night
Other Neighborhoods to Consider in Lima: Barranco
This artsy, bohemian neighborhood was my favorite district in Lima. Not as central as Miraflores, but very hip and close to the beach.
What to Do in Lima, Peru
Graffiti Mural in Barranco
1) Fine Dine at Central Restaurant
Lima is the gastronomical capital of Latin America and home to 2 of the Top 10 restaurants in the world. Eating at one of the Michelin starred/ fine dine restaurants is a top bucket list item in Lima. It will be pricey but worth it for at least 1 meal. Be sure to make reservations at least 2 months in advance.
We were torn between Central Restaurant and Maido. But Virgilio Martinez won us over with his Chef’s Table episode. Central incorporates food from each ecosystem and altitude in Peru. This 3 hour/ 12 course meal was one of the best dining experiences of my life. Each plate is exquisite and takes you on a journey through the culinary world of Peru. Not only will your taste buds be happy but you’ll also gain an appreciation for every local ingredient.
2) Visit the Artsy Barranco Neighborhood
This bohemian neighborhood filled with graffiti murals, art galleries, and sweeping views of the ocean is a hipster haven. Barranco happened to be the new home of Central Restaurant. So before our lunch reservation we strolled around the neighborhood to make space for our appetite.
Be sure to visit Barranco’s iconic landmark the “Bridge of Sighs” - a wooden bridge built in 1876. The surrounding area is beautiful - lush foliage, rustic alleys, and quaint cafes that make for lovely photo opps.
4) Visit & Eat at the Huaca Pucllana Ruins
Huaca Pucllana was one of the most impressive ruins I visited in Peru. These ancient ruins were the ceremonial center for the Lima society - dating back to the 5th century and pre-Incan times. Be sure to take the informative and fun walking tour through the ruins. In addition to the well maintained ruins there are alpacas, guinea pigs, and a garden on site.
The ruins overlook Lima city and there’s an incredible restaurant on site. It was one of our favorite meals in Peru and the best ceviche we had on the trip. Great dinner for a romantic night out, a celebratory occasion, or if you just want a memorable meal in Lima. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
5) Try Lucuma Ice Cream
Lucuma, also known as the “Gold of the Incas”, is a native fruit and popular superfood in Peru. Lucuma is found in many cakes, pastries, and other desserts. How does Lucuma taste like? Delicious! It has a unique flavor of maple and sweet potato.
Our tour guide at Huaca Pucllana highly recommended Lucuma ice cream at a gelato shop in Miraflores called 4D. The ice cream shop is just a few blocks away from the ruins and worth to stop by before or after visiting Huaca Pucllana.
6) Take a Sunday Stroll Around Kennedy Park
Something about a Sunday stroll in a city - people are in better moods, wearing comfy clothes as opposed to stuffy suits, and genuinely enjoying their day. A few blocks away from our B&B is Kennedy Park also known as the “Central Park of Lima”. We were lucky to be there on a Sunday and it was such a joy witnessing local life in Miraflores.
Kennedy Park is filled with artists, food stalls, and family friendly activities. Every Sunday, locals gather in the middle of the park to also dance salsa. So much fun to watch and we even decided to join the circle!
7) Eat Nikkei Food - Peruvian/ Japanese Cuisine
Think sashimi marinated with rich, Latin flavor - Nikkei food is Peruvian and Japanese cuisine combined. Lima is home to the second largest Japanese population in South America which has had a huge influence in the city’s food scene.
From budget to fine dine, there are tons of Nikkei restaurants in Lima, especially in Miraflores. We went to Matsuei a few blocks from our B&B and it was delicious and reasonably priced.
Other options: For fine dining and the best of the best, make reservations in advance to Maido. For a mid range, Nikkei restaurant in Miraflores, our host highly recommended Shizen Barra.
Vegetarian Course in Central Restaurant
Exploring Lima was a great end to our Peru travels (especially for our taste buds). As much as we loved the Andes Mountains, it was nice transitioning back to a familiar sea level elevation in Lima. Make time for Lima on your Peru itinerary and spend at least 2-3 days in this coastal city. After all, all Peru roads lead to Lima.
Have you been to Lima? If so, what else would you recommend for a 2 day itinerary?
