Discover the best of Peru’s vibrant capital city with this detailed guide. From coastal views to culinary delights, here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable Lima adventure!
Lima, however, features sunny, humid and hot summers from December to April, with the temperature exceeding 30°C, followed by cloudy, damp, and cool winters from May to November. Lima was quite on the contrary – sunny, hot and humid all the time during my stay, with every day above 30°C.
☀️ Best Time to Visit
Lima’s weather varies significantly throughout the year:
- Summer (December-April): Sunny, humid, and hot (30°C+)
- Winter (May-November): Cloudy, damp, and cool
- Best Time: March-April for ideal weather and fewer crowds
My Experience: I visited in early April and enjoyed perfect sunny weather, ideal for coastal walks and outdoor activities.
📅 How Many Days to Spend in Lima
I recommend spending 3 days in Lima:
- 1 day exploring historic center, China Town
- 1 day in Miraflores
- 1 day in Barranco
Check out my 9 Days Solo Travel in Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu (Part 2) for my complete Lima travel experience.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Miraflores
- Safest district
- Close to coastal attractions
- Great restaurant scene
- Perfect for first-time visitors
- Barranco
- Bohemian vibe
- Art galleries
- Hip cafes and bars
- Historic architecture
My Choice: I stayed at the Wyndham Hotel Costa Del Sol Lima City. Its location is superb, in a safe and clean area right in the heart of the city. It also has a rooftop pool bar, offering stunning views of Lima. The common areas were clean and well-maintained. My room had a great city view. Read more about my Lima experience in my 9-Day Peru Adventure Guide.
🚗 Getting Around
Transportation in Lima is convenient and affordable, and Uber is the most reliable option, it’s widely available and cheap. Expect to spend CA$5-10 daily on transportation.
📸 Recommended Itineraries & Must-See Attractions
Day 1: Historic Center
- Morning: Plaza Mayor & Cathedral
- Afternoon: San Francisco Monastery, Catacombs, China Town
- Evening: Magic Water Circuit show
Travel Tip: Visit the water circuit around 7-8 PM for the best light show experience! See my Lima adventure blog for photos.
Day 2: Miraflores
- Morning: Kennedy Park & cat spotting
- Afternoon: Larcomar & coastal walk
- Evening: Sunset at Love Park
Travel Tip: Head to Love Park around 5:30 PM for stunning Pacific sunset views.
Day 3: Barranco
- Morning: MATE Museum & street art
- Afternoon: Bridge of Sighs & boutique shopping
- Evening: Dinner in the area
🍴 Where to Eat
Lima is known as South America’s culinary capital. Here are my tried-and-tested recommendations:
- El Mundo Del Cerdo (authentic ceviche and chaufa with a local vibe)
- Tanta (chain restaurant that has great lomo saltado)
- Miraflores Central Market (perfect for quick bites)
- Central (fine dining known for its innovative Peruvian cuisine)
For more food recommendations, check out my complete Peru Food Guide, and 🇵🇪 9 Days Solo Travel in Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu (Part 1) to see where I ate.
💰 Daily Budget
Based on my 9-day Peru solo trip, here’s what you can expect to spend daily in Lima:
- Accommodation: US$70-80 (4-star hotels)
- Food: US$20-50 (from local eats to fine dining)
- Transportation: US$5-15 (Uber)
- Activities: US$10-15 (entrance fees)
📍 Plan Your Peru Adventure!
I’ve created a detailed Notion travel planner template to help make your Peru trip planning a breeze! Inside you’ll find:
✈️ Complete travel tips
📝 Customizable packing lists
🍽️ Local food recommendations
💰 Budget tracker
🗺️ Interactive Google Maps with all locations
Get Your Planner Here: ⛰️ Peru Cusco & Lima 9-Day Travel Itinerary Planner
