Things to do & places to visit in Lima Region, Peru

Lima Region #2 destination in Peru 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 111.7k traveler reviews, of 228 attractions. Timezone: America/Lima, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 22:06.

Top things to do (35)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Museo Larco (12.6k reviews) from $10.26
- Recommended to enjoy and learn
Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

MUSEO LARCO OPENS FROM 9AM TO 10PM, DAILY. The Museo Larco is housed in an exquisite 18th century vice-royal mansion, built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum’s galleries exhibit the finest and most magnificent gold and jewelry treasures from Ancient Peru and the renowned erotic collection, one of Peru’s most celebrated attractions. Founded in 1926 and located in Lima, the Museo Larco holds the largest and most important archaeological collection of Ancient Peru in the world. Peru is known worldwide thanks to the legendary Inca Empire on the Andes Mountains; however few are aware that this society existed only for the last 100 years before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores. The Museo Larco portrays to the visitor an engaging narrative, recounting 5000 years in the development of Peru’s pre-Columbian history; thus becoming the ideal means to understand and enjoy Ancient Peru. On the Museum’s terraces overlooking its vibrant and stunning gardens, find Museo Larco´s Café restaurant, where one can savour the best of Peruvian and International cuisine.All in all, it’s accurate to say that to become fascinated by Peruvian history, the journey begins at Museo Larco! See more..
5.0 Lunahuana Rafting Peru (136 reviews)
- Extremely Awesome!!! Bestial!!!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Wow! Lunahuaná is a MUST if you enjoy Adventure Sports. Beautiful place with nice people. We contacted Edgar from Lunahuaná Rafting Peru to help us choose our package. Attention & Service was outstanding. Safety is their priority. Our guides were Miguel & Rivaldo- they are solid & awesome pros! We did Rafting, ATV rides, Canopy/Zip Line & Rapel. Lunch was excellent at El Molino Hotel & Restaurant. Do not leave without eating Yucas Fritas! See more..
5.0 Peruvian Worldview Tours (100 reviews)
- Can’t miss tour!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Day Trips

We had such a great day and saw so much for our day in Lima. Marcos was such a good guide and knew all the history. We had a great lunch at a local market. This tour lets you see the history but also the culture of Lima. Marcos was the best guide we could have asked for. See more..
4.5 Circuito Magico Del Agua (17.8k reviews)
- lovely visit
Friday: 3:00 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

If you like water fountains, colourful lights and music, then this is a must do. (If you think the Bellagio fountains are exciting, this will blow your mind!) It's a very large park and there's various types of fountains and light shows happening. Great place to wander and enjoy the evening. Definitely watch the show that happens. I saw the bicentennial show and it was basically a recap of Peru's history (short summary: pre-Incans, Incans, Spanish and revolution) and it was amazing to see it play out with the music, water and light show. See more..
4.5 Miraflores (15.7k reviews)
- Trendy Cool Hotspot
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This beachfront residential district features many of Lima's excellent shops, restaurants, nightspots and first class hotels. See more..
4.5 Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) (8.173 reviews)
- Big Plaza
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

Once considered the heart of old Lima, this grand plaza features many important architectural monuments and buildings including a magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1650, the Archbishop's Palace with its elegant balconies and the Government Palace dating from 1924. See more..
4.5 Huaca Pucllana (7.396 reviews)
- Great Archeological site in the heart of Lima!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Built by millions of adobe bricks, these ruins once served as an administrative center and a pre-Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the God Pachacamac. See more..
4.5 Barranco (6.810 reviews)
- Puente de los Suspiros
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

Every year we go to Perú, we take a Combie (Van Bus) to Barranco and visit el Puente de los Suspiros, which is a mayor attraction, and walk downn to the beach, and this is fun. Sometines, we eat al La Cerverceria, Canta Rana, Isolina, Restaurante de Juan, or other, and there are many good restaurants in Barranco. I certainly recommend you to take a combie for US$0.50 and take the local transportation to see the beatiful city of Barranco, if you don't know, where to take the combie to Barranco, ask anyone and they will tell you, See more..
4.5 Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas (6.376 reviews)
- Fantastic architecture
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:15 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

This church and monastery of St. Francis (circa 1674) is known for its catacombs that contain the remains of more than 70,000 people and a magnificent library that houses thousands of antique texts. See more..
4.5 Miraflores Boardwalk (5.447 reviews)
- Great spot for runners and surfers
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Piers & Boardwalks

I’ve been running on this boardwalk every day for the past week and it’s so refreshing. Given how hot this city can get, it’s amazing to have the opportunity to breathe some fresh ocean air while enjoying the stream of surfers, runners and other groups exercising on the beach. There’s even a fish market if you fancy fresh sea food. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico de Lima (5.051 reviews)
- At the very heart of colonial Lima ...
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas

Lima's downtown center, with its breathtaking architecture and rich history, makes it clear why it deserves to be a Unesco World Heritage Site. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Lima (2.423 reviews)
- We attended mass here and loved it
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Oh please come see this beautiful church. After mass, they open the church for tours. It is just spectacular, and people on our Facebooks kept commenting on how spectacular the side chapels are here. The side chapels have doors I'd estimate 30 feet tall and there were 12-14 of them. See more..
4.5 Pachacamac (1.610 reviews)
- Important pre-Inca/Inca Site Deserving of More Attention
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Located only 31 kilometers from Lima, these ancient ruins are all that remain of an important religious center that was constructed more than 1,000 years before the Inca Empire. See more..
4.5 Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo (1.420 reviews)
- Beautiful Monastery!
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Built by Dominican friars in 1549, this Church and Monastery contains the tombs of Santa Martin de Porres and Peru's other famous saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. See more..
4.5 Circuito Magico del Agua (1.416 reviews)
- The world's largest fountain complex!
Friday: 3:00 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Fountains

At the "Cercado de Lima" area and sided by the "Estádio Nacional del Perú", you will find the popular "Circuito Mágico del Agua" - the world's largest fountain complex! Inside, 13 cybernetic fountains, supported by the latest technology, display a fantastic mix of water, music, sound effects and laser lights! Although "Circuito Mágico del Agua" opens its doors by 3:00 PM, I strongly recommend visits on early evenings, when the special effects can be better enjoyed. It was inaugurated in 2007 and, since then, attracts crowds of locals and tourists to visit, among others, the "Tunnel Fountain of Surprises", the "Children's Fountain", the "Magic Fountain" and the "Fantasy Fountain". Be ready for crowds, mainly on weekends. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 MALI - Museo de Arte de Lima (1.225 reviews) from $11.00
- Fanstastic collection- 1000s of years of incredible art and culture.
Friday: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The MALI’s permanent collection preserves more than 18,000 pieces –among textiles, ceramics, metal work, photography, drawings and paintings– that witness to more than 3,000 years of art history in Peru. The museum exhibits the artworks in the permanent galleries in a sequential way divided in four sections: pre-Columbian, Colonial, Republican and Modern art. It also has galleries for temporary exhibitions of national and international artists. MALI is located in the heart of downtown Lima and provides the opportunity for a first approach to Peru, through its great master pieces. See more..
4.5 San Isidro (1.044 reviews)
- Great for fine shopping
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Elegant and charming residential neighborhood located north of Lima features neo-classic architecture, cobblestone streets, excellent dining, good shopping and the Huaca Hallamarma, a restored pre-Inca pyramid that now serves as a small museum of Indian artifacts. See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (908 reviews)
- Most of the museum is under restoration
Friday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Temporarily closed The extensive archaeological collection in this museum includes more than 100,000 items from pre-Hispanic cultures including ceramics, metals, funeral offerings and carved stone figures. See more..
4.5 Caral Perú (768 reviews)
- Really great place to visit.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins

La Zona Arqueológica Caral, Unidad Ejecutora 003 - Ministerio de Cultura, es responsable de las actividades de investigación, conservación y difusión de los valores sociales y culturales de Caral, la Civilización más antigua de América. Y es la encargada de preservar el importante patrimonio arqueológico de la Civilización Caral para beneficio de las poblaciones actuales y del futuro. See more..
4.5 Costa Verde (655 reviews)
- Awesome Green Space Perfect Walking Area
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The views from this beautiful walk/bike way are postcard perfect. Had a great time walking and taking in the sights and sounds. Not much for food and beverage on the walk, however a quick 2-3 block walk from the coast will get you access to many restaurants See more..
4.5 Church and Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima (600 reviews)
- One of the 'must see' attractions in Lima
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Located on the city's Main Square or Plaza Mayor, this cathedral was built in 1564 by architect Jeronimo de Aliaga and features an ivory baroque chapel of La Inmaculada and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, known as the "conquistador of Peru." See more..
4.5 Parque El Olivar (588 reviews)
- Good for a stroll
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

This park in the center in SAn Isidro has amazing olive trees that date several hundred years. Well kept, clean and safe. See more..
4.5 San Pedro Church (Iglesia de San Pedro) (488 reviews)
- Worth the Visit
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Built by the Jesuits in 1638, this ornate church features baroque altars decorated in gold leaf, several colonial paintings and La Abuelita, the oldest bell in Peru. See more..
4.5 Casa de Aliaga (477 reviews)
- Dinner in a Peruvian Casa not to be missed
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Colonial House in Lima. Built by Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez in 1535, the same year of Lima's foundation. Ever since then the Aliaga family and their descendants have lived in the house, which is now occupied by the seventeen generation of the same family. Rebuilt and reshaped after the earthquakes, and some changes in architectural trends, the mansion has served for almost five centuries to Lima's history. See more..
4.5 Museo Pedro de Osma (464 reviews)
- Beautiful grounds, nice presentations, especially the Inca material.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

This museum maintains an extensive private collection of colonial art featuring paintings, sculptures, silverware and furniture from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. See more..
4.5 Balneario La Punta (353 reviews)
- La Punta is great for walking, looking at old houses, or even new ones, going to restaurants, looking at the ocean. ...
Spent More than 3 hours Beach & Pool Clubs

Located outside of Lima in the constitutional province of Callao, La Punta is a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and, hence, famous for its seafood. Grab a seat with a view, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere these traditional neighborhoods offer. See more..
4.5 Marcahuasi (315 reviews)
- Beautiful spiritual place
Geologic Formations

Very beautiful spot in the Andes, hidden from regular tourism, very authentic and preserved. The trip to there was a bit stressful (to me who has fear from heights), as the road does not look the safest and goes along the mountains growing in altitude with every meter. The camping place is also very nice, they rent sleeping bags and tents but bringing your own is better and cheaper, as the walk to the campsite is not even that much. The altitude may be a problem, but a Sorochi pill resolves everything in an hour. Also at night could be extremely cold. Locals sell wood for campfire which is very convenient and important at night. Special equipment or at least 3 layers of warm clothes are a necessity there! Other than the inconveniences of the cold and the altitude, the hike is not the easiest but rewarding with some of the most beautiful views I've seen. Definitely worth visiting, I went twice :D See more..
4.5 AMANO Museo Textil Precolombino (297 reviews)
- Limited, but excellent museum of textiles
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This museum features the private collection of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano, which contains selected pieces of textiles and ceramics, arranged chronologically to illustrate the development of weaving throughout Peru's Pre-Columbian cultures, featuring special items from the Chancay culture. See more..
4.5 Museo del Automovil Coleccion Nicolin (249 reviews)
- Incredible car collection!
Speciality Museums

Absolutely incredible private collection with many unique vehicles, highly recommended for all visitors. Fantastic history, stories of acquisition over 50 years and restoration work in progress. Really enjoyed it with my family. See more..
4.5 Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve (214 reviews)
- I felt like I was in Heaven (most all the time)
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

From Lima to Yauyos the trip is pretty rough (7 hours away and the road is not still good) but the landscape worth the sacrifice to get there. I do not recomend Mystical Trekking operator because most of the time we spent unpleasant moments and they did not offer everything we read at their web page. After all the negative situations we had, I definetely recomend this spot the most if you like to camp and spend some time with nature and breathe fresh air far away from chaos and the traffic of Lima. See more..