Historic Center of Lima
The Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site, offers a unique blend of the past and present of Peru. Visiting its churches, streets, and historic buildings is like stepping back in time and experiencing old Lima.
Its beautiful squares and monuments, grand colonial and republican-era mansions with balconies, numerous churches housing priceless works of art, and traditional restaurants and taverns full of local flavors are some of the attractions that can be explored on foot.
The best part of walking through the Historic Center is that most tourist attractions are close to each other. A great starting point is the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas, adorned with a beautiful colonial fountain. Facing the plaza, you will find the stunning Lima Cathedral and the Municipal Palace of Lima.
The plaza is intersected by Jirón de la Unión, one of the most important streets in Lima’s historic center, known for its variety of shops and its connection between Plaza Mayor and key sites. Walking along this street, you can reach Barrio Chino (Chinatown) to enjoy Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine) or visit some of the capital’s most important museums, such as:
• The Museum of the Holy Inquisition,
• The San Francisco Convent and Catacombs Museum,
• The Santo Domingo Convent Museum,
• The House of Peruvian Literature,
• And many other wonderful museums in the city center.
San Francisco Convent and Catacombs Museum
The San Francisco Convent and Catacombs Museum is one of the most visited sites in Lima’s historic center due to its extensive collection of historical and artistic artifacts representing Peruvian colonial art.
For over 400 years, the Franciscan order has curated an impressive collection of exhibition rooms featuring:
• A series of paintings depicting the life of Saint Anthony of Padua,
• Liturgical ornaments,
• Religious garments,
• Silverware and household items,
• And many objects showcasing the historical significance of the era.
The visit also includes access to the convent’s catacombs, an underground crypt with passageways that house the skeletal remains of Lima’s early inhabitants, offering insight into the funerary practices of the past.
Additionally, the museum organizes cultural activities such as conferences, heritage conservation courses, concerts, dance performances, and theater presentations.
Opening Hours:
• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address:
Intersection of Jr. Ancash & Jr. Lampa
Plazuela San Francisco, Lima
Pucllana Site Museum
The Huaca Pucllana archaeological complex, built between 450 and 650 AD by the Lima culture, was constructed using millions of adobe bricks.
After its abandonment in 800 AD, the top of the pyramid was repurposed as an elite cemetery by the Wari, the first great Andean empire. Later, around 1000 AD, the Ychsma culture used the site as a repository for offerings and a burial ground.
Today, the Pucllana Site Museum offers visitors a tour of the archaeological site, an exhibition hall displaying artifacts recovered from excavations, and a park featuring native flora and fauna.
The museum includes Pukllaywasi Hall, an interactive experience designed for all audiences, particularly visually impaired visitors and children. Developed in collaboration with the company Cálidda, this exhibit focuses on the pre-Hispanic history of Huaca Pucllana and the central coastal region, combining an educational narrative with tactile elements to enhance the visitor experience.
Address: Calle General Borgoño, Block 8
Opening Hours:
• Daytime Visits: Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Night Visits: Wednesday to Sunday (except the first Sunday of each month), 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM (prior reservation required via online form)
Admission Fees:
• Daytime Entry:
• General Admission: S/. 15.00
• Reduced Admission: S/. 7.50
• Nighttime Entry:
• General Admission: S/. 17.00
• Reduced Admission: S/. 8.50
Contact Information:
• Email: huacapucllana@miraflores.gob.pe
• Phone: (01) 6177148 / 913864037
Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva
The Magic Water Circuit, located in Parque de la Reserva and inaugurated on July 26, 2007, is the largest fountain complex in a public park worldwide.
The circuit features 13 cybernetic fountains that combine music, sound, and laser lights to create stunning displays. Each fountain is named based on its visual effects, including Magic, Fantasy, Illusion, and Rainbow, among others. The Magic Fountain is the tallest, with a water jet reaching 80 meters (262 feet) high.
Additionally, the park has five ornamental fountains, such as the Indigenitas Fountain and the Sevillian Fountain, which feature sculptures representing cultural and natural motifs.
While the circuit opens in the afternoon, the nighttime light show, called the Fantasy Fountain, is the highlight of the experience. This 25-minute audiovisual spectacle projects images onto a 95-meter (312-foot) water screen, creating a breathtaking display.
Parque de la Reserva is also home to over 20 species of urban birds and a wide variety of plants, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. Thanks to continuous maintenance efforts by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima, the park remains in excellent condition.
Address:
Jirón Madre de Dios S/N, Lima 15046
Opening Hours:
• Monday to Sunday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Multimedia Show Times: 7:30 PM, 8:10 PM, and 9:00 PM
Admission Fees:
• General Entry: S/. 5.00
• Children under 5 years old enter for free (with a physical DNI for verification).
Larco Museum
The permanent exhibition at the Larco Museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history through an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art.
The entrance fee includes access to:
• The Permanent Exhibition, which focuses on the Andean worldview and the development of its society.
• The museum’s storerooms, housing 30,000 archaeological pieces.
• The renovated Erotic Gallery "Checan".
Additionally, visitors can enjoy the outdoor areas of the museum, featuring beautiful landscapes and spaces to explore.
The museum also has a Café-Restaurant, where guests can enjoy Peruvian and international cuisine in a romantic and intimate atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Opening Hours:
• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Reduced Hours (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1): 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Fees:
• General Admission: S/. 40.00
• Seniors (60+ years with ID): S/. 30.00
• Students (with ID): S/. 20.00
• Minors (up to 17 years old, with ID): S/. 20.00
• Children under 8 years old: Free
Access to the Larco Museum Café-Restaurant is free, but prior reservation is recommended.
Address:
Av. Simón Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Libre, Lima 21, Peru.
(Entrance via Navarra Street.)
Barranco District
Barranco is one of the most vibrant and bohemian districts in Lima, offering tourists a wide range of cultural activities.
Some of the best things to do include:
• Strolling through its picturesque streets and admiring the architecture of old mansions.
• Walking along the scenic boardwalk filled with lush greenery and fresh air.
• Visiting art galleries or enjoying an afternoon at one of the cafés or restaurants in the area.
Barranco is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture, with a relaxed and creative atmosphere that reveals the city's most artistic and extravagant essence.
Since it is a small district, visitors can easily explore its main attractions on foot in just one afternoon.
Top Attractions in Barranco:
• Municipal Park (the district’s main square), where you will also find the Municipal Library.
• Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a wooden bridge connecting to the Bajada de los Baños and the bars in the area.
o According to local legend, if you cross the bridge while holding your breath and making a wish, it will come true.
Museums in Barranco:
If you enjoy museums, be sure to visit:
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
• Pedro de Osma Museum
• Jade Rivera Museum & Art Gallery
Barranco Nightlife:
Barranco is also known for its exciting nightlife, offering a mix of bars, peñas (traditional folk music venues), and nightclubs for all tastes.
Some of the best nightlife spots include:
• Bars & Lounges: Juanito, Ayahuasca, Victoria Bar
• Criollo & Folk Music Venues: La Peña del Carajo, La Peña Don Porfirio
• Salsa & Dance Clubs: Barranco Bar
Whether you're looking for culture, art, scenic walks, or a fun night out, Barranco is the perfect destination to experience Lima’s most artistic and lively side.
Miraflores District
The Miraflores District is considered a must-visit destination in Lima, known for its wide range of tourist attractions, rich history, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant commercial and cultural scene.
It boasts excellent hotels, exquisite gastronomy, and a prime coastal location, making it the perfect seaside destination for visitors, especially those who enjoy water sports like surfing.
Top Attractions in Miraflores
Some of its most famous tourist spots include:
• Museo de Sitio Pucllana
• Amano Museum of Pre-Columbian Textile Art
• Scenic coastal boardwalk (Malecón)
• Beautiful parks such as:
o Kennedy Park (the district’s main square)
o Love Park (Parque del Amor)
o El Faro (The Lighthouse)
• Larcomar Shopping Center, a modern mall built into the cliffs, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and stores, all with breathtaking ocean views.
Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary
Pachacamac was the most important ceremonial center on the Peruvian coast.
Its temples attracted large crowds of pilgrims, as Pachacamac was an oracle known for its ability to predict the future and control seismic activity. People from all over the Andes traveled to the sanctuary seeking answers or solutions to their problems.
The primary material used in its construction was adobe (mud bricks).
At the Pachacamac Sanctuary, visitors can explore palaces, plazas, and significant temples that date back over 1,000 years. Some of the most remarkable structures include:
• The Temple of the Sun
• The Acllahuasi, both built during the Inca Empire
Additionally, the site houses a museum displaying artifacts discovered during excavations, including sculptural ceramic offerings from the Wari period (700–1100 AD), featuring representations of animals and plants.
Accessibility at the Pachacamac Museum
The museum has implemented sensory tools for visitors with visual impairments, including:
• Braille maps and guided information
• Free wheelchairs for individuals with mobility limitations
• Electric carts available for elderly visitors and people with disabilities who wish to explore the archaeological center but require assistance with mobility
Location
Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 31.5
Lurín District, Lima
Opening Hours
• Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last ticket sale: 4:30 PM)
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last ticket sale: 3:30 PM)
Entrance Fees (Applicable to all visitors regardless of nationality)
• General Admission: S/15.00
• Children & Teenagers (0–17 years): S/1.00
• Higher Education Students (with ID): S/5.00
• Special Visits (guided only): S/20.00
• Guided Tour Service (subject to availability): S/50.00
Special rates available for seniors (60+), military personnel, teachers, and people with disabilities.
On the first Sunday of every month, admission is free for Peruvians and legal residents (with valid DNI or foreign residency card).
Recommendations for Your Visit
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for long walks.
• Dress appropriately for walking and outdoor activities.
• Use a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (for face and body).
• Keep children under adult supervision at all times.
• Stay hydrated throughout your visit.
• Follow the instructions given by museum staff.
• Respect the archaeological site and museum by not littering.
