Tourist Attractions in Lima Peru — Best Places to visit

Tourist Attractions in Lima Peru to visit | Get to know the best list selected by inkan milky way so that you can better enjoy the Peruvian capital and the Lima povince. The places we mention next have a historical, cultural and natural connotation.

1. Plaza de Armas + FREE tour

Don’t miss The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor de Lima, is the nerve center of the capital of Peru, therefore the most important buildings are located at this Plaza, for example the Viceregal Palace or Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace , the Palace of the Union Club and the City Hall.

Right at the center part of this Plaza there is a beautiful water fountain from the spanish occupation period and until the 80s, kilometer zero would began from this spot. The last Sunday of the month of July of each year is the national day of Pisco, on that day the water is replaced by Pisco—white wine destilled.

this Plaza is open all day long, but in sometimes there are strikes in the historic center of Lima and the first thing that is closed is the main square.

👉BOOK A FREE TOUR😉 in the historic center, our expert Guides will take you to the most emblematic places on foot, the experience takes about 2.5 hours, Reserve your FREE tour here, at the end of the tour, you can leave a donation according to the quality of the walk, see thousands of reviews here and check out the places we cover below:

Nota para peruanos: Los free tours están disponibles solamente para turismo receptivo. Los peruanos deben reservar el city tour Lima y moderna.

• See meeting points and times here
• Jiron de la Union street
• Bernardo O’Higgins house — exterior visit
• Eugene Courret’s photographic studio — exterior visit
• Post and Telegraph building — exterior visit
• Osambela house — exterior visit
• Santo Domingo Church — interior visit of the main nave
• The Plaza de Armas and surroundings:
  • The Presidential Palace — exterior visit
  • The Cathedral — exterior visit
  • City Hall Palace — exterior visit
  • The water fountain of the colonial period — kilometer zero
  • The Changing of the Guard in Lima — optional
• Cordano bar — optional
• House of Peruvian Literature — interior visit
• Pisco tasting — optional
• Colonial city wall Park
• Church of San Francisco — exterior visit
• Pontius Pilate house — exterior visit
• This tour ends next to the Plaza de Armas de Lima

2. Cathedral of Saint John

It’s a construction that dates back to the colonial period (16th and 17th century), the first construction was under a Baroque style but it was unfortuantely destroyed by the 1746 earthquake and rebuilt with a different architectural style known as Neoclassical. of the 16th century. Almost the entire skeleton of the cathedral is made on wood covered with plaster.

It’s located in the eastern part of the Plaza Mayor in Lima, it’s open every day from 9 am to 5 pm — except holidays, the entrance price is 15 Soles per person.

3. The Lima Art Museum (MALI)

If you want to know everything about Peruvian history from pre-hispanic, colonial and republican times focused on art, then explore the MALI museum, 3000 years of art in one place.

It’s located at the Parque de la Exposición, avenida 9 de Diciembre 125 in the historic center of Lima, it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday starting 10 am until 7 pm, the entrance fee is 15 Soles per person.

4. Plaza de San Martín

This square dates back to the Republican era of Peru (beginning of the 20th century), when the city started expanding beyond the historic center. In the central part of the Plaza, there is an equestrian figure and a Rider. The Rider represents one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Peru, born to Argentina: Don José de San Martin and that is why it is also called Plaza San Martin.

Curious fact: At the lower part of the equestrian figure there is a Llama (animal) that was built right on the head of the figure that represents the motherland (a woman statue), apparently there was a misunderstanding between the city hall authorities and the Spanish architect (Mariano Benlliure). The authorities asked the architect to carve Llama (Fire), not an Animal called Llama as well.

It’s located only four blocks away from the Plaza Mayor of Lima in the historic, it is open 24 hours, all day long, the entrance free is free.

5. Magic Water Circuit

It’s a modern and romantic place suitable for families and children from all ages, the place is fully decorated with many water fountains that make an awesome combination with “Juego de Luces” or Game of Lights. There are also musicians or local bands.

It’s located in Jirón Madre de Dios near Plaza San Martin, it’s open every day from 3 pm to 10 pm, the entrance fee is 5 Soles per person.

6. Church of Santo Domingo

Visit the church of Santo Domingo in Lima city, which dates back to the colonial era; it is a good spot to learn more about the life of the Three Peruvian Saints: San Martin de Porres, Santa Rosa de Lima and San Francisco de Solano. Additionally the first university in South America known as the University of San Marcos was founded in 1560 in this this church.

It’s located between in between Jirón Camaná and Jirón Conde de Superunda in the historic center, it’s open every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, the entrance fee is 15 Soles per person.

7. Catacombs of Lima and Church of San Francisco

This tourist attraction dates back to the colonial era, it was a cemetery during the spanish occupation for the middle to upper class Catholic parishioners; it is estimated that about 36,000 people were buried in this catacombs. Inside the church you will also find a beautiful colonial library, cloister, tiles, gallery and a lot of vanity art.

It’s located on Jirón Ancash 364 in the historic center, it’s open every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, the cost of admission is 15 Soles per person.

8. The Love park, Lighthouse and Larcomar

The Miraflores Malecón is one of the most romantic and popular tourist sites in Miraflores neighborhood, it is an awesome to have the best view to the Peruvian coast line and the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the boardwalk you can explore perfectly tidy parks and gardens, as well as the Monument of the Kiss at this park, you can also visit the Larcomar Shopping Center and don’t forget to visit the Miraflores Lighthouse.

The Parque del Amor is located on avenida Malecón Cisneros, 20-minute walk from Kennedy Park in the Miraflores neighborhood, it is open 24 hours a day, and the access is free.

The Lighthouse is located at avenida malecón cisneros 18 in the Miraflores neighborhood, it is open 24 hours a day, and the access is free.

The Larcomar shopping center is located on malecón de la reserva 610 in the Miraflores neighborhood, it is open from 9 am to 10 pm.

9. Bridge of Sighs and Bajada de los Baños

Barranco is one of the most colorful and bohemian neighborhoods in the entire city of Lima, it has many facilities for recreation such as parks, streets from the 50s of the last century, restaurants, bars and of surely you have to visit the Bridge of Sighs and the Bajada de los Baños—descent of bathrooms.

It’s located between Jirón Batallón and Jirón Ayacucho 271 in the Barranco neighborhood, it’s open 24 hours a day, the access is 100% free.

10. Larco Museum

The Larco Museum was founded in 1926 in Lima, it exhibits galleries that shows about 3000 years of development of the Peruvian history. It is located inside an old Spanish house dating back to 17th century.

This attraction is full of valuable gold and silver collections from ancient Peru, there is also a hall dedicated exclusively to Huacos Eróticos—small clay sculptures that show the sexual life of ancient Peruvians.

It’s located on avenida Simón Bolívar 1515 in Pueblo Libre neighborhood, it’s open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, the cost of admission is 35 Soles per person.

11. The Palominos Islands

If you love animals, then don’t leave Lima without visiting the Palomino Islands where you can experience a significant number of sea lions living on their natural habitat at these Islands. The islands are also home to large colonies of seabirds such as seagulls, guanayes, tendrils, boobies, pelicans, etc.

It’s located near the San Lorenzo Islands, it’s open every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm, the entrance fee is 15 Soles per person.

12. The Zoo of Parque de Las Leyendas

Visit the famous zoo Park of Lima funded in 1966 by Felipe Benavides during the government of President Fernando Belaúnde, it has more than 215 species and more than 2000 animals. Additionally, this park houses 54 archaeological remains from the Inca era such as temples, walls, trek, roads and paved canals.

It’s located on avenida Parque de las Leyendas 580 in the San Miguel neighborhood, pay is 15 Soles per person.

13. The San Cristóbal Hill

Don’t miss the only viewpoint of Lima located between the Rímac river and the neighborhood of San Juan de Lurigancho, it is located at 409 meters above sea level. From this viewpoint, you can see the entire historic center of Lima, Rímac neighborhood, and a large part of San Juan de Lurigancho neighborhood. You can also visit the Cross protector of Lima city, the cross is 10 meters high and it was built at the beginning of the 20th century—we suggest climbing the mountain in the summer time because there is plenty of sun—from December to March while the rest of the year is very foggy in Lima.

Access to this place is free.

14. The Sacred City of Caral

The Caral civilization is considered one of the 7 oldest civilizations in the world and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

The archaeological center of Caral is made up of around 25 settlements and it has an urban design of 68 hectares, housing 32 structures including temples, pyramids, etc. The most important function of this city was administrative and ceremonial, which is why it is called the holly city.

It’s located in the Supe Valley in the province of Barranca, it’s open every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the cost of access is 11 Soles per person.

15. The Picturesque City of Antioquia in Huarochirí

It’s a picturesque town characterized by more than 100 mural paitings and it was considered as per the Guinness Record as the city with the most indigenous-themed mural paintings. You can take photos with the mural art, visit the Amancaes viewpoint, camp in the Apu Pariacaca complex, visit the artisan festival and the Antioquia museum.

At this place, you can also try local gastronomy and enjoy its famous artisan ice creams based on local fruits.

It’s located in the town of Antioquia in the province of Huarochirí, it is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and admission is free.

16. Marcahuasi and the Stone Forest

It’s a plateau that is characterized by having quite natural aesthetic rock formations formed caused by wind erosion more or less 23 million years ago — Miocene age. At his attraction, you will also explore chullpas—cemeteries from pre-hispanic times, pre-columbian ruins, and a nice place where you can camp.

The rock formations are zoomorphic and anthropomorphic shaped attractions, the most famous one is known as “The monument of humanity” which has several faces, the lion, the llama and the turtle.

It’s located at San Pedro de Casta in the province of Huarochirí, it is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the cost of admission is 20 Soles per person.

17. Rupac Archaeological Site

It’s a pre-hispanic archaeological complex that belonged to the Atavillos civilization and it shows a set of Chulpas—cemeteries from the pre-hispanic era.

It’s known as the Machu Picchu of Lima because it’s also located on top of the mountain. To get in there, a 2.5-hour trek is required, the road is rough and along the trek, you can see a waterfall known as The bridal veil. Upon arrival, you will be able to camp and wait for sunrise to see the “mattress of clouds”—they are cloud formations located at super low levels regarding the ground, you can even literally touch them.

It’s located at Atavillos Bajos in the province of Huaral, it’s open every day from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, the cost of admission is 10 Soles per person.

18. Chancay Castle

It’s a castle built in 1923 by Consuelo Amat y León, inside the castle, you can take a thematic tour about different worldwide civilizations such as Roman, Egyptian, Persian, etc. Inside the castle, you will also find restaurants, a haunted house and a hotel.

It’s located in Chancay in the Huaral province, it’s open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, the cost of admission is 25 Soles per person.

19. Ballestas Islands of Paracas

These Islands are rock formations with an important deposit of bird guano—accumulation of feces from coastal birds millions of years ago. The islands have a lot of marine fauna; the highest concentration of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and pelicans.

During the route, you will also see the Candelabro—chandelier that belongs to the Nazca civilization and the rock formations with an elephant and Christ shapes. Get to the islands as early as possible since you will find the sea lions sleeping.

It is located in the south of Lima, in the Ica region, it is open every day, the cost of admission is 40 Soles per person.

20. Enchanted Lagoon of Moron

This lagoon is a hidden oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by large dunes and has a wide variety of fish and birds typical of the area.
You can do different activities at this attraction such as: Diving in the lagoon, sunboarding at the dunes, kayaking and finally you can also camp at night. The lagoonhas the shape of South America’s map.

It’s located in the town of Bernales in the district of Humay at the province of Pisco, it’s open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and admission is free.

21. The Oasis of La Huacachina

This oasis is an outcrop of water surrounded by large dunes, this place was inhabited by many pre-hispanic civilizations such as the Waris and the Incas according to Peruvian archeologists. The lake has medicinal properties due to its high mineral content.
Due to the high dunes located around this oasis, you can join some sandboarding activities and at see the lagoon from the viewpoint located on the northern part of this oasis—this is the best place to watch the sunset.
It’s located in the Pacific coastal desert of Ica, it is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the cost of admission is 15 soles per person.

22. The Magical Waterfalls of Huancaya

This natural attraction is characterized by the set of stepped waterfalls; the most important ones are the Cabracancha, The Pucacha and The Chin Chan waterfalls. You will also be able to cross the colonial bridge and the suspension rope bridge.

It’s located in Huancaya in the province of Yauyos, it’s open every day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, the cost of admission is 20 Soles per person.

23. Extreme Activities in Lunahuana

Lunahuaná is the favourite destination for tourists looking for adrenaline through extreme sports such as kayaking, ziplining, canopy, rappelling, rafting and mountain biking—downhill; Additionally, you can ride the ATVs on unpaved roads and take horse ridings on trails. This place also has vineyards and many restaurants serving local cuisine.
It’s located in the district of Lunahuana, province of Cañete, it’s open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and you can enter for free.

24. Churín Thermal Baths

Churín is characterized by a set of natural hot springs that can reach temperatures of 35 to 37 degrees celcius and they are known for being relaxing and having health benefits. These thermal hot springs contain minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium. You can visit thefollowing hot springs: Mamawarmi, Youth, Santa Rosa and the Lord of Miracles — the difference between the hot springs lies in their temperature, depth, size and mineral content.

It’s located in Pachangara in the province of Oyon, it’s open every day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, the entrance fee is 10 to 15 Soles per person—it will depend on which of the hot springs you want to reserve.

25. Cantamarca of Canta

It is an archaeological center that belongs to the Cantamarca civilization, here you can see Qolpas (granaries), Chullpas (cemeteries) and houses. You can also camp in this place, it is safe.

It’s located near the Chillón River in the district of Canta, it’s open every day, 24 hours a day and the admission is free.