One Week In Lima, Peru: A Travel Guide

If you follow me on Instagram and Twitter, you know I spent a week in Lima, Peru with my boyfriend. It was the perfect trip for him to meet my grandparents and to show him my favorite thing of Peru. Their food. One week in Lima, Peru is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the Peruvian Capital. There were a few things we didn’t do, but I will still include in the list. You can never have too many options.

One Week in Lima, Peru: Where to go

1. Centro de Lima – Downtown Lima

It’s always a must to visit the center of any country’s capital. Where the old and important buildings are and where you can see part of the culture of the country. In Lima’s downtown, you will find the Government Palace, the cathedral, the main square and many other buildings. When we were there, Peruvians were celebrating Rose of Lima, it was a holiday and people was everywhere enjoying the day.

It can be a little chaotic, but it’s worth the visit during your one week in Lima, Peru.

2. Barranco – Bohemian District

The district is considered to be the city’s most romantic and bohemian, being the home and working place of many of Peru’s leading artists, musicians, designers, and photographers. It’s what we can say, a very Instagrammable place. Full of restaurants, boutiques, and beautiful buildings.

The most important thing there is el Puente de los suspiros or Bridge of sighs in English. Also, there are some Peñas around the area. What is a Peña? It’s a place where traditional dances are performed. A house band typically plays throughout the evening, providing entertainment and the opportunity for dancing. They are super fun and a great way to learn the culture. I went to La Candelaria and I had a great time. When you go, be aware of their schedules, because they don’t do it every day. Friday would be the best day to go.

3. Parque del Amor – Love Park

This is a small park located in Miraflores, in the Malecón de la Reserva. It’s a park dedicated to lovers, so the experience it’s even better if you go with your significant other. As you can see, and thanks to the view, it’s the perfect place for a romantic walk or to watch the sunset with your partner.

At the center of the park, you will find “El Beso” (the kiss, in English) a sculpture of a couple made by Victor Delfin. What it makes this place a great spot to take photos, are the surrounding walls decorated with mosaics. Walking around the area with that view is so nice! If you are lucky, it won’t be cloudy. And something you should definitely visit during one week in Lima, Peru.

4. Parque el Olivar – Olive Grove

I don’t know why, but I didn’t take any picture of the park as a whole. I just had a bunch of pictures of my boyfriend posing near a tree. This park is a great place to relax, ride a bike or to just walk around.

Is located in a residential area and some houses are inside the park, which for me was a little crazy. In and around the green area you will find the municipal building, a kids library, an art gallery, the lagoon of El Olivar and beautiful mansions from the beginning of the 20th century. It even has a Starbucks nearby!

5.  Parque de la Reserva – Magic Water Circuit

This is a must if you spend one week in Lima, Peru! This park is near downtown Lima, and it’s a wonderful place to take photos. Many brides go there to take their wedding photos, and I can see why. It’s very magical. The Magic Water Circuit has the Guinness record for the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 different fountains and many are interactive. All of the fountains are illuminated at night with continuously changing color schemes.

It’s important to say that it’s better to go near night time. Around 6 PM. So you can see better the lights. Also, if you go during summer time make sure to bring a change of clothes. You can play with the water in one of the fountains.

6. Avenida Petit Thouars – Petituars Ave. 

If you want to buy souvenirs from Peru, you have to go to the Petit Thouars Ave. There, you will find markets full of handicrafts where you can buy gifts for friends, family and yourself. From silver rings to the most amazing mirrors. My boyfriend bought a silver llama necklace for his mom, a mug for his dad, a bunch of T-shirts for him and his brother and the most fluffy sleepers made of alpaca hair.

To get there, you can tell to the taxi driver to go to Hiraoka de Miraflores. Hiraoka is a building that sells different electrical appliances. The Inca market is in front of this building, and it’s a great place to start.

7. Larcomar

Again, I failed to take a photo of this place. But it’s just under where I took this photo. Larcomar is a mall located on Avenida Jose Larco, and it is along the cliff next to the ocean (mar means ‘sea’ in Spanish). Larcomar has indoor and outdoor areas, that includes a cinema, bowling lanes, a food court, museum, tourist shops, and more.

Definitely a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with a nice view.

8. Parque Kennedy – Kennedy Park

This park is a great spot to start going across Miraflores. It has many restaurants just across the street. And my favorite thing? It’s full of cats! This park is also known as the park of cats. Why? Because there are many cats just chilling in the grass, waiting for food or for someone to gives them love.

9. Chocomuseo

We all know that Belgium and Switzerland have good chocolate. But what do you know about Peruvian chocolate? You might have realize that the cacao coming from Belgium chocolates are from Peru or another Central America country. But ChocoMuseo decided to make chocolate in countries where cacao grows. They also offer different chocolate making workshops and other activities. Perfect for one week in Lima, Peru. 

So believe me when I say their chocolate is super yummy! This place has different products made of cacao, either for your skin or to eat. What I recommend is to get the chocolate tea. It smells wonderful and it actually has some taste of chocolate. Everything is natural and organic.

10. Museo del Oro – Gold Museum

We didn’t have time to go there. It’s interesting if you like history. The ticket is S/.33  (around USD 10) and it’s open every day.

11. Jockey Plaza

This is Lima’s biggest mall. So if you are into shopping. You will definitely enjoy all the stores in there. Also, I must add that clothes in Peru is expensive, so unless you want to buy something from a local store, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Tips to enjoy one week in Lima, Peru

• Cash is everything. For taxis or souvenirs. If you go to restaurants you can pay with credit card. But is better to have cash with you.
• Taxi is the best way of transportation. Use the Uber app to know the fares. In Lima, Taxis don’t use taximeters, so you kinda have to bargain over the price. But with the app, you have an idea of how much you should pay. Also, even if you use Uber, you will get a normal taxi. There’s no difference between official taxis and common people driving their cars.
• When crossing the streets, be careful. Cars don’t respect pedestrians. Be aware of the cars or just wait for another person to cross to be sure when to do it.

Is there something else you want to know about in more detail? Are you planning to go for one week to Lima, Peru? Let me know in the comments!

• Related: One Day In Wilmington, NC: A Travel Guide
• Related: 7 Reasons To Visit Chile

Sincerely,

Melissa

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