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Things to Do in Lima

Things to Do in Lima

Lima Lima Province, Peru Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Lima's diverse geography has many outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts.

Hiking and trekking routes with difficulty levels

Within Lima

Hiking options within the city are limited. The Malecón in Miraflores offers easy, scenic walks and jogs along the clifftop.

Day Trips / Near Lima

Short hikes are possible in areas like Marcahuasi (stone forest at high altitude, moderate difficulty) and Lomas de Lachay (coastal hills, easy to moderate trails). These areas require organized transport.

Water sports and activities

  • Surfing: Popular along the Costa Verde beaches (e.g., Makaha, Waikiki). Surfing schools and board rentals are available. Wetsuits are common year-round.
  • Paddleboarding/Kayaking: Available from some surf schools or rental points along the Costa Verde.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Palomino Islands Boat Tour from Callao to see sea lions and seabirds, with opportunities to swim near sea lions.

Adventure sports and adrenaline experiences

  • Paragliding: Offered from the bluffs of Miraflores.
  • Tandem flights with experienced instructors.
  • Breathtaking aerial views of the city, coastline, and Pacific Ocean.

Cycling routes

  • Dedicated bike paths along the Malecón in Miraflores and throughout Barranco.
  • Pleasant for cycling.
  • Rental shops are common in these districts.

Mountain biking

  • Possible in the hills surrounding Lima (e.g., Lomas de Lucumo).
  • Typically requires organized tours and specialized transport.

Safety Warning for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions and ensure you book with respected tour providers for adventure sports. Personal safety equipment is important.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Peruvian culture through interactive and observational experiences.

Workshops and classes

  • Cooking Classes: Widely available, with hands-on experience with Peruvian cuisine.
  • Dance Classes: Some studios in Lima offer salsa or traditional Peruvian dance classes, like marinera.
  • Art Workshops: Smaller, independent studios in Barranco have workshops in painting, ceramics, or other crafts.

Cultural performances and traditional ceremonies

Marinera Dance

A graceful and flirtatious traditional Peruvian dance, often at "peñas" (traditional music and dance venues) or cultural shows.

Caballos de Paso Peruvian Paso Horse Shows

Displays of the unique, smooth gait of the Peruvian Paso horse. Often combined with marinera dancing at haciendas outside Lima (e.g., Hacienda Mamacona).

Folklore Shows

Many restaurants and cultural centers host evening performances with traditional music and dances from various regions of Peru.

Language learning opportunities

Numerous Spanish language schools in Lima offer short-term or intensive courses. Often combine language instruction with heritage activities.

Cultural festivals and events

Plan your visit around these lively celebrations for a cultural experience.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation amidst Lima's urban energy.

Spa and wellness center recommendations

Indulge in treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Luxury Hotel Spas

  • Many luxury hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro have high-end spas.
  • They have a range of treatments from massages to facials.

Independent Wellness Centers

Independent massage and wellness centers

Also available in upscale districts like Miraflores and San Isidro.

Other Relaxation Options

Hot springs and natural therapy

No natural hot springs directly within Lima. Day trips to places like Churin (several hours' drive north) offer spa baths.

Yoga and meditation retreats

Some studios in Lima offer drop-in yoga classes. Dedicated retreats are more common outside the city.

Beach and pool clubs

Beach clubs are typically private. Some hotels have pools available to guests for a refreshing escape.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Lima comes alive after dark with a diverse range of entertainment options.

Live music venues

  • Popular venues include La Noche de Barranco and Sargento Pimienta.
  • Some bars and eateries in Miraflores also have live music performances.
  • Peñas: Traditional venues for Peruvian "criolla" music and folk dance (e.g., Peña Del Carajo in Barranco).

Theater and performance spaces

Gran Teatro Nacional del Perú

The major venue for large-scale productions, including opera, ballet, and classical concerts.

Teatro Municipal de Lima

A historic theater in the Centro Histórico, hosting diverse performances.

Smaller Independent Theaters

Teatro La Plaza in Miraflores, showcase local and contemporary plays.

Nightclubs and dancing

Miraflores has a dense area of nightclubs for a younger crowd, playing international and Latin pop music. Barranco has a more eclectic nightlife, with bars and clubs for various genres.

Bar districts and pub crawls

Barranco's main plaza and surrounding streets make a popular bar-hopping area. Calle San Ramón (Miraflores), known as "Calle de las Pizzas," has many bars and pubs.

Late-night entertainment options

Nightclubs in Miraflores and Barranco often stay open until the early morning hours on weekends, extending entertainment options.

Nightlife Safety Tips

Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when out late. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Travel in groups when possible.

Shopping & Markets

From traditional crafts to modern boutiques, Lima has diverse shopping experiences.

Traditional markets and bazaars

  • Mercado Central (Historic Center): Huge, bustling market for almost anything, from food to theectronics.
  • Mercado de Surquillo N°1: Good for fresh produce, local food, and an authentic local market experience.
  • Mercado Indio (Miraflores): Several blocks of stalls with traditional Peruvian handicrafts, souvenirs, and alpaca products.

Artisan workshops and crafts

Barranco

Numerous little art galleries and workshops sell paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles created by local artists.

Miraflores Parque Kennedy

Artisan market stalls set up daily or on weekends, with a range of handmade crafts.

Alpaca wool products

  • Sweaters, scarves, hats, and blankets.
  • Made from high-quality alpaca wool.
  • Look for certified items for realness.

Pisco

  • Bottles from reputable producers.
  • Peru's national spirit.
  • A unique gift or souvenir.

Coffee

  • High-quality Peruvian coffee beans.
  • Excellent flavor.
  • Available in specialty shops.

Ethical shopping guidelines

Authenticity & Fair Trade
  • Look for certified alpaca products for authenticity and fair trade principles.
  • Purchase from reputable stores or directly from artisans.
Shipping and customs information
  • For large purchases, inquire about shipping services directly from the vendor.
  • Be aware of customs regulations and potential import duties in your home country.

Shopping Smart

Bargaining is common in traditional markets but not in fixed-price stores. Always check quality, especially for alpaca wool, before buying.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Activities Checklist

  • Confirm operator licenses for adventure sports.
  • Pack appropriate gear for hiking and aquatic activities.
  • Hydrate regularly, especially during high-altitude excursions.

Cultural Immersion & Entertainment Notes

  • Book cooking classes and cultural performances in advance.
  • Research local festivals and events before your visit.
  • Stay safe during nightlife by using reliable transport.
  • Practice Spanish phrases for better interaction with locals.