Lima

Discover Lima: A Perfect Stopover Destination

If you have free time, explore Lima’s beautiful Miraflores district. It’s a vibrant area with stunning ocean views, lush parks, and lively cafes.

This is the final part of a four-part journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes. From bustling cities to pristine coastlines and towering Andean peaks, Peru offers a diverse adventure.

Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima recently expanded. On June 1, a new terminal opened, three times larger than the old one. The $2.4 billion upgrade now welcomes 40 million more passengers annually. Many travelers are heading to iconic sites like Cuzco and Machu Picchu, but Lima itself deserves a dedicated visit.

Lima is a fascinating mix. It’s the second-largest desert capital after Cairo. Despite its desert surroundings, it hugs the Pacific Ocean and has three rivers flowing through the city. With a population of 11.2 million, it’s the largest city in Peru—a place where ancient ruins meet modern cuisine.

If you’re on a layover, don’t miss these top attractions:

Stroll along El Malecón
Lima’s coastline is one of its best features. If you’re short on time for surfing or swimming, enjoy the breathtaking water views from El Malecón. This six-mile coastal walkway passes through several neighborhoods, connecting green parks, cafes, and scenic spots.

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Visit Love Park

Along El Malecón in Miraflores, a clifftop neighborhood that overlooks the ocean, stop by this park with curved, colorful mosaic walls and “LOVE” spelled out on the grass with flowers and plants.

While everyone from families to solo travelers frequent the park, it’s meant for couples.

Appropriately inaugurated on February 14, 1993, Love Park features El Beso, a larger-than-life sculpture from famed Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín of lovers passionately kissing.

Step Back in Time at Huaca Pucllana

Experience Peru’s rich history without climbing Machu Picchu. Situated in the upscale district of Miraflores, right across from the modern Carnal Steakhouse, lies the fascinating archaeological site: Huaca Pucllana.

This ancient pyramid was a pre-Inca temple and played a significant role in traditional ceremonies. Despite age, it remains remarkably well-preserved.

Built using the bookshelf technique, the pyramid’s adobe bricks are stacked vertically, which helped protect it from Lima’s earthquakes.

Visit the site to admire the pyramid and explore the on-site museum to discover more about its history.

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Dédalo Arte y Artesania is an essential stop.

See Art in the Barranco Neighborhood

The pedestrian-friendly Barranco serves as the artistic heart of Lima. Writers, poets and artists live and work in this bohemian district filled with vivid European-influenced architecture amid palm trees. Come here to peruse spots like Dédalo Arte y Artesania, a mansion-turned-gallery that showcases everything from jewelry to furniture made by Peruvian artists.

Walk to the back of the gallery to discover a charming brick courtyard with an ancient ficus tree’s leafy branches and origami bird installations dangling over café tables.

It’s a great place to refuel after a day of exploring Barranco.

Make another stop at Jade Rivera World, a gallery dedicated to the eponymous Peruvian painter, ceramicist, sculptor and muralist. The multi-talented Rivera’s work revolves around themes of Latin identity and the environment — his El Hogar de un Suspiro, where a girl struggles to hold a basket on her shoulders filled with books, vegetables, people and other responsibilities.

Make a wish on this bridge.

Cross the Bridge of Sighs

This Barranco attraction was built in the 1870s to connect two sides of a ravine. It’s a favorite spot for photos and some magic. According to local lore, if visitors cross the 144-foot wooden pedestrian bridge while holding their breath, their wish will come true.

Unwind in Olive Park

While tourists flock to Love Park, you’ll find locals strolling through Olive Park in the financial district, San Isidro. The less-crowded green space offers an oasis with walkways that take you past more than 1,600 olive trees, which the Spanish brought over more than 400 years ago, and a pond with fish and turtles.

Keep an eye out for the park’s more than 60 bird varieties, like the noisy scrub blackbird or the bright-gold saffron finch.

Enjoy Lima’s Iconic Drink at The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center

Sip a Pisco Sour
When in Lima, a must-try is the Pisco Sour, Peru’s famous cocktail. It’s made with pisco, a Peruvian grape distillate recognized as Cultural Heritage. The drink also includes lime juice, egg white, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters for garnish.

The Westin Lima Hotel features a stylish Lobby Lounge Bar where you can enjoy classic cocktails and mocktails. Look for the glowing display of pisco bottles—these highlight Peru’s iconic spirit. Popular drinks like Pisco Mule and Algarrobina (similar to eggnog with pisco and Peruvian carob) await your taste.

Sit at the white marble bar, savor the sweet-tart flavor of your Pisco Sour, and admire the vivid murals with characters like mermaids enjoying drinks—perhaps a toast to Peru!

Dive into the Culinary Scene
Lima is South America’s food capital. Renowned restaurants like Astrid and Gastón, Central, Mayta, and Maido showcase Peruvian cuisine’s diverse flavors.

However, you don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy authentic local street food. Try anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), butifarra (sandwich with ham and salsa criolla), and aji de gallina (shredded chicken in a spicy, creamy sauce).

Save room for desserts: