A city with a population of around 10 million people, it's not all hustle and bustle. Stop to enjoy one of the food capitals of the world, with rich history preserved within the city limits, beautiful colonial architecture and expansive museums. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by such a large city full of so many people, however, there is so much to do and see while visiting. In this post find some of our favorite things we did in Lima to help navigate a few days around the city.
Huaca Pucllana Site and Museum
One of the older sites of Peru, Huaca Pucllana is located in the Miraflores district. A huaca is an ancient pyramid made up of clay bricks. There are hundreds of these spread out across Lima and beyond, but Huaca Pucallna is one of the biggest and best preserved. Artifacts found in the pyramid include decorative pottery depicting sea animals, sarcophagi, and various daily tools. The site is still being excavated and is predicted to be completed in 50 years! You can still see Huaca Pucllana, and tours are given in both English and Spanish. Small groups are lead around the site, while a guide explains the building techniques and culture of the Wari people, some of the first inhabitants of this region.
Pachacamac
Pachacamac is a very large and important archaeological site located just outside of Lima. This ancient huaca complex was first constructed by the Lima people around 200 AD. The Wari moved in shortly after and expanded on the site before the Incan civilization finally arrived in the mid-1400s. They built up the site further and added a sacred Temple of the Sun, and a house of the chosen women, which remain as the major attractions today. This site is located around 40 km (25ish miles) from Lima and can be reached through piblic transport or taxi.
Chinatown
Be sure to save room for chifa because Lima has some of the best Chinese food outside of China. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, you will find many stalls and venders selling tasty street food, as well as traditional restaurants to suit any budget. There is a lot of Asian influence throughout Peru, and this is especially showcased through its food. In a stop through Chinatown you can indulge in this wonderful and delicious fusion of cultures.
Miraflores and Barranco
Looking for cool areas around Lima to wander around and eat food? Look no further! Miraflores and Barranco are two really cool neighborhoods to stroll through. Miraflores is well known for its shopping, the Inka markets and is home to some of the most famous restaurants in the world. Maido, ranked number 6 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants is located in Miraflores along with Mayta, ranked number 46. Be sure to book reservations in advance! Barranco on the other hand is a romantic area of town with plenty of colonial mansions, art and music. Be sure to visit Love Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art to explore modern artists around the Lima region. This neighborhood is a great place to stay with its ocean views and plenty of delicious restaurants to try.
Museums
Lima posses many museums that are worth a visit. It's hard to choose between the National Museum, the Gold Museum, the Larco Museum, the National Museum of Peruvian Culture, the Art Museum, the Natural History Museum or any of the many others.
The Larco Museum stands out for its expansive collection of ceramics and rare artifacts from cultures around the country. The museum offers a unique exhibit through the sexual ceramics where cultures depict the beginning to the end of life and everything in between. Lastly, their archives are open for viewing, showcasing a massive collection preserved by Rafael Larco Hoyle.
Lima's Churches
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is a can't-miss attraction when visiting Lima. This baroque style monastary is one of the oldest and most interesting churches in Peru. It is best known for its underground catacombs which hold thousands of bones arranged in various geometric designs. It is both creepy and fascinating at the same time! Tours are obligatory and are led in English and Spanish. Along with with the catacombs you will explore a beautiful library containing centuries old texts, elaborate woodwork and paintings dating back to the 16th century.
The Lima cathedral is another massive 16th century church located in the historical center. Right on the main plaza, it is said the Francisco Pizarro himself laid the first stone after founding Lima, and his grave is located inside. Now mostly a museum, a quick stroll around the interior will give you glimpses of valuable religious artifacts and impressive baroque style architecture.
The church of La Merced is our pick for the third most beautiful church in the historical center. La Merded is an incredible, eye-catching, Spanish- baroque style church built around 500 years ago. Through the years, fires and earthquakes caused damage to the church, so there have been several reconstructions done. Regardless, it is a wonder this adobe and brick facade still stands today. To visit the La Merced, head a few blocks south of the Plaza Mayor de Lima.
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