Peru: Top 3 Things to See & Do in Lima and Beyond

Lima coastline

As Peru’s cultural and business center, Lima is filled with rich history, a sort of calmer feel than most capital cities, and an undying natural beauty to its many clusters of smaller towns, it is no wonder as to why so many millions of people make their way to Lima each year.  Last October marked ten years since my last trip to Peru,  where I stayed with friends and their families and travelled extensively around this wonderful and intriguing country. If you are planning to head there and want to be sure you don’t miss out on some of its best offerings, consider filling some of your there with the following three things to see and do…

1. Discover & Explore Machu Picchu 

 Lima is the getaway to many destinations within Peru. No trip to Lima would ever be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, about one and half hours flight to Cuzco and then train or bus ride.  An incredibly impressive, historic, and famous site that is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World Before heading there, be sure to read up at least somewhat on the history and story behind this famed Inca city that the Spaniards never quite seemed to find as they took hold of the rest of the Empire. Along with doing your research, be sure to buy tickets ahead of time as each season seems to bring on, even more, popularity amongst tourists. Once you are finally there, make your way up the stairs and prepare yourself to take in one of the country’s most magnificent and awe-inspiring views available. If you want to learn even more about the wonder, hire a guide to help point out some of the highlights of the site during your time there.

train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes  (Machupicchu)

2. Marvel at the Many Museums & Architectural Wonders

Back in Lima into the main city center, you can wander about and pay a visit to the many fantastic museums and buildings that help to make the city magnificent. The city is famous for the Balcones Limeños- the balconies of Lima. Consider making your way to the Larco Museum where you will get the chance to have a look at a private collection of a very rich man obsessed with all Incan pottery and art. Next, take a stroll to Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Lima, and Huaca Pucllana -a great adobe and clay pyramid located in the Miraflores district for all architecture and history buffs.  Walking around Barranco district is a must  – a bohemian, romantic and full of character area of Lima.

3. Indulge in the Delicious Peruvian Foods

In between all of that sightseeing and exploring, there is a big chance you are going to work up quite the appetite. Fortunately, Lima can provide some of the best foods and food experiences in its part of the world with famous popular dishes like Quinoa, Chicha Morada is the purple corn, sweet and non-alcoholic drink and Chicha Jora – is the fermented corn beer, Ceviche, endless Pisco cocktails, cocoa leaf edibles, cuy – my least favourite dish, Peruvian chifa (Chinese)  and Nikkei (Peruvian and Japanese fusion)  just to name a few. If you truly want to experience all of the options out there, consider taking a fun and exciting local food tour that allows you to not only taste all of these dishes but also to taste them inside some of the most highly sought after and toughest-reservation restaurants in the city. Meet other travellers like yourself, try both delectable foods and beverages, and discover why so many people simply cannot get enough of it. Just be sure you start the tour on an empty stomach!

ceviche ©Rosana_McPhee

To get to Lima and internal flights within Peru is easily done with many flights by LAN
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Disclosure: this post was written by me and sponsored by LAN
All pictures are my copyright taken over 10 years ago, except the ceviche. Use only with written permission. thanks.

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8 Comments

  1. December 20, 2015 / 9:10 pm

    Peru looks amazing. I'd love to go there x

  2. December 20, 2015 / 9:13 pm

    Hi Hannah It is an incredible country R

  3. Andrew
    December 21, 2015 / 3:55 pm

    South America – never been, so want to go. *sigh*

  4. ana de jesus
    December 21, 2015 / 9:26 pm

    Isn't Peru stunning? One of the most culturally fascinating countries in the world. I have always wanted to visit.

  5. Pasta Bites
    December 29, 2015 / 2:25 pm

    This is on my bucket list! It's amazing… and I have never been to south america… so .. a dream destination!

  6. Meeta K
    December 30, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    Peru is definitely on my bucket list too – after reading this even more so! The lama in the garden is classic!

  7. January 20, 2016 / 6:54 am

    I would absolutely love to be able to travel more. This looks like such a stunning place!