Lima Cathedral, Peru

Lima

Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, in colonial times Lima was considered the City of the Kings, and UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1988.

On first impressions Lima is often overlooked, but beneath the soaring commercial structures that crowd the skyline of Peru’s capital city, is an endearing historical centre that has preserved its glorious past despite the passage of time and the ravages of the Pacific sea air. Aside from the treasure trove of attractions in Lima’s historical centre, the financial district of Miraflores is home to many boutiques, beautiful parks, leading hotels and superb restaurants.

Cathedral, Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru

A little more about Lima

Among Lima’s highlights is the beautiful historic centre with the Plaza de Armas, which has served many purposes including impromptu bullfights, and buildings such as the Convent of San Francisco and the Casa Aliaga, a beautiful mansion that is currently the oldest continuously inhabited private dwelling in the southern hemisphere.

Of all the fine churches in Lima, few compare to the colonial-era splendour of Iglesia de San Francisco and its eerie crypt of catacombs that lie beneath the monastery’s foundations, making it a must-see for most visitors.

Lima Cathedral, Peru
Lima Cathedral, Peru

There are also numerous prestigious museums and private collections that offer an excellent insight into the country’s rich heritage, such as the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, home to over 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history. So whilst many see Lima as the gateway to the rest of Peru, the city is certainly worthy of a few days exploration.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Lima Coastline, from Miraflores Distrcit, Peru
Lima

Rooftop Dining Experience

Dine at one of the impressive rooftop terraces and sip sundowners with views over the Pacific Ocean.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Local woman weaving textiles, Peru
Lima

Visit a Pre-Columbian Textile Museum

Stroll around the Amano Pre-Columbian Museum with its exquisite collection of ceramics and textiles.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Villena Rey Bridge, Miraflores District, Lima, Peru
Lima

Explore Miraflores

Stroll around the city, uncovering its plethora of local eateries and artisan markets, or amble along the 6-mile boardwalk that hugs the coast and try beginners’ surfing.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Saint Francis Monastery, Lima, Peru
Lima

Convent of San Francisco Library

Explore the stunning library hidden within the Convent of San Francisco monastery.

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our Peru experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Villa Barranco £££££

  • Peru
  • City

A charming property that heralds from the 1920s, Villa Barranco is a former home now converted into a small boutique hotel that sits close to the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the eateries and galleries that are now synonymous with this cultural and artistic district, the property’s lush private garden and ocean-view rooftop bar double as serene retreats away from the bustling city. Its nine wood-floored elegant rooms and suites, each exceptionally and uniquely furnished, are flooded with light through large windows and interspersed with brightly coloured paintings. Some even feature private terraces, while others boast balconies and split-level interiors.

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Hotel B £££££

  • Peru

A once residential seaside mansion that dates back to 1920, Hotel B was carefully restored by a team of sculptors and carpenters under the supervision of an Italian master woodworker. A tranquil candlelit library houses books and antiquated decorative maps, while an enclosed jasmine-scented central patio provides an ideal al fresco breakfast setting.

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Belmond Miraflores Park £££££

  • Peru
  • City

An elegant high-rise property overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Belmond Miraflores Park is an exclusive all-suite hideaway in the residential district of Miraflores in Lima, known as The City of the Kings.  Two immersive restaurants, the 11th-floor Observatory and The Tragaluz offer romantic chandelier-clad and al fresco dining options, while a heated rooftop infinity pool, gym and Andean-inspired spa round up the luxe on-site facilities. Its 89 plush suites, all with handsome views towards the coastline or cityscape, fuse large marble bathrooms with authentic Peruvian aesthetics, and some even offer private indigenous flower garden terraces and panoramic plunge pools.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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