Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a bustling city with over 11 million residents (as of 2024). This mega-city sits cliff-side, overlooking a stunning coastline and is full of rich culture, fabulous gastronomy, and vibrant sites.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, chances are you’ll land at Lima International Airport. Why not kick off or wrap up your adventure with a couple of relaxing and exciting days in this vibrant city?
Here’s how to make the most of 2 days in Lima!
Day 1: El Malecón, the Coastline, and Culture Await!
El Malecón and the Sea
A hearty breakfast is a must to start your day off right! If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, try El Pan de La Chola (Av. Mariscal La Mar 1081, Miraflores) for excellent coffee and breakfast in a trendy atmosphere.
After breakfast, stroll down to El Malecón. This is a scenic walkway that runs along the cliffs of Lima, and is lined with parks, sculptures, cozy cafés, and even a lighthouse!
It’s perfect for everyone—whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a family looking to burn off some energy, or a fitness buff on the run. Take your time strolling and enjoying the sites along the way.
There are a few key spots you won’t want to miss—each offering its own unique flavor of the city’s charm. Parque del Amor, Parque Raimondi, and El Faro la Marina (lighthouse).
Parque del Amor, the Park of Love, is a colourful and romantic spot with mosaic-tiled benches, poetic inscriptions, and the famous sculpture of a couple embracing. It’s the perfect place to take in the moment. Whether you’re with someone or wandering solo, it’s the kind of place that builds connections.
Parque Raimondi is a green space where folks gather to relax, jog, or just enjoy the view. It’s also a jump-off point for paragliders, which provides some entertainment as they float in the breeze.
El Faro la Marina is a beautiful black-and-white lighthouse standing tall over the sea. This iconic landmark along El Malecón is surrounded by a lovely park with benches, gardens, and panoramic views that make you want to stay just a little longer.
Once you’ve soaked in the views, venture down one of the pathways to the ocean where the dramatic cliffs meet the beach. The rocky shores are a favourite for surfers and boogie boarders, and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities! Snap some pics of the stunning coastal scenery and the city from below.
After these stops, hunger will likely be starting to distract you so we recommend Buena Vista Café for casual eats, tasty desserts, and satisfying espresso beverages—with an amazing ocean view over the coastline.
Huaca Pucllana: An Ancient Wonder in the Heart of Modern Lima
Another landmark you shouldn’t miss is the chance to explore Huaca Pucllana—it’s like stepping back in time right in the middle of the city.
This ancient pyramid, built by the Lima culture over 1,500 years ago, is a reminder of the civilizations that came long before the Incas.
The site is beautifully preserved, and the guided tours offer rich insight into the rituals, architecture, and daily life of a culture that helped shape Peru’s deep history.
Step Back in Time – Visit Museo Rafael Larco Herrera
Set in a stunning 18th-century mansion surrounded by gardens, the Museo Larco is an escape into Peru’s rich history. Its collection spans thousands of years, and showcases pre-Columbian art that brings ancient civilizations vividly to life.
Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and the famous (or perhaps infamous) Erotic Gallery!
The Erotic Gallery is one of this museum’s most thought-provoking experiences. The exhibit reflects how sexuality was viewed in pre-Columbian Peruvian culture.
These ancient pieces challenge modern taboos and provoke a deeper reflection into the human connection.
Before you leave, swing by the museum café for a tasty snack or delightful treat—try the chocolate mousse; it’s a cozy spot that’s anything but your typical museum café!
Dinner Time!
After the museum, seek out a restaurant that provides an authentic culinary experience.
The driver we hired took us to Panchita – Miraflores, which we would highly recommend.
They offered excellent food, descent prices (for Miraflores), and pleasant atmosphere.
This is where we were introduced to three of our top 5 favourite dishes – Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, and Papa al la HuancaÍna.
Dining in Peru is often a budget-friendly adventure compared to North America or Europe, but be mindful of those pricier spots in Miraflores—check the menu first if you’re travelling on a budget!
Day 2: Discover the Ancient Sacred City of Caral-Supe!
Bright and Early Start for a Cultural Highlight
On day 2, we absolutely recommend taking a day tour to the incredible Sacred City of Caral-Supe, nestled in the stunning Supe Valley. While it’s a bit outside of Lima, it’s easily doable in a day—just a 2 to 3-hour drive, depending on how fast your driver likes to cruise!
This noteworthy site dates back an staggering 5,000 years—around the same time as the first pyramids in Egypt and the early stages of Stonehenge. Caral spans over 626 hectares (about 1,500 acres) and is the oldest known city in the Americas!
Your tour operator will pick you up around 6:00 a.m. to begin the journey to the ancient site. If you haven’t had breakfast, just let your driver know and they’ll likely be more than happy to suggest a quick bite for the road.
You’ll journey through the expansive, arid landscape north of Lima until you arrive at the sacred site. So far, six impressive pyramid-like structures have been uncovered, along with what are believed to be ceremonial spaces, a sunken plaza, and residential areas, all offering a fascinating glimpse into this ancient civilization’s way of life.
This site was first discovered in 1905, then again in 1948, but in 1994 the site was carbon dated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old.
Interestingly, at the time of our visit, only two human remains had been found at the site! Out of an estimated 3,000 inhabitants—and up to 20,000 including nearby communities—it would be hard to believe that only two remains exist. Maybe they are well-hidden and still to be found?
You’ll notice beautiful Andean spirals throughout the site, and I couldn’t resist bringing home a lovely handmade necklace with a spiral carved into a mother-of-pearl center.
The “Andean Spiral” is apparently a symbol of equilibrium for Peruvians, representing the never-ending cycle of life and a path to the Creator.
Interestingly, similar spiral symbols have been found around the world, dating back as far as 24,000 years! We even saw the spiral symbol during our travels in Mexico, Ireland, and South Africa!
Pit Stop in Seaside Barranca
Once you’ve soaked up all the history and wonder of Caral, make sure to stop by the beachside town of Barranca for lunch. Jota Restobar is where we savoured our first bites of Peruvian ceviche and wow! The ceviche was phenomenal – one of our top 5 favourite dishes!
This restaurant sits right across from the beach, so if you dine on the patio, you can enjoy the ocean waves rolling in while refuelling.
You should arrive back to Lima around 6:30 PM (though that could vary a bit depending on your tour operator).
Classy Dinner in Barranco
Perched right on the edge of the Pacific in Barranco, Cala Restaurante blends excellent dining with amazing views. How can you beat crashing waves and golden sunsets, combined with a great meal?
The menu blends modern Peruvian flavours with fresh seafood—think ceviche, grilled octopus, and rich, comforting risottos. A must-try to end your time in Lima!
2 Days in Lima for Countless Memories
With these recommendations, your two days in Lima are sure to be filled with fun, flavour, and unforgettable experiences! From wandering through ancient ruins and vibrant neighbourhoods to savouring world-renowned cuisine and taking in stunning coastal views.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking to soak up local vibes, Lima has something special for everyone. So dive in, explore with curiosity, and let this lively city surprise you at every turn!
“First we shape cities — then they shape us.” – Jan Gehl
