Blog | 5 Must-See places to visit in the city of Lima

Hello bloggers! Did you know that Lima has a great number of tourist attractions that offer a unique and enriching experience?

Lima is a city full of history, culture and beauty that offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. From the historic center with its colonial monuments to the modern coastal districts such as Miraflores, Lima has something for everyone.

Peru’s rich gastronomy, vibrant art scene, archaeological sites, and the warmth of its people all contribute to making Lima a fascinating destination. Whether exploring its museums, enjoying the food in its varied restaurants, or strolling through its parks and boardwalks, there is much to discover in this vibrant city.

That is why some of the places you might consider visiting during your stay in the capital of Peru are:

Table of Contents

Convent of San Francisco in Lima:

History: The San Francisco Convent in Lima is one of the most important religious complexes in Latin America. It was founded shortly after the arrival of the Spaniards and has witnessed several historical events over the years.
Architecture: This convent is known for its baroque and renaissance style architecture. The church attached to the convent is famous for its subway catacombs, which served as a cemetery in colonial times.
Catacombs: One of the most fascinating features of the Convent of San Francisco in Lima are the subway catacombs. These chambers house an extensive network of corridors and tombs, and are believed to contain the remains of tens of thousands of people.
Library and Museum: The convent houses a valuable library and museum that exhibits a rich collection of religious art, colonial paintings and historical artifacts.
Cloisters and Courtyards: Like the Convent of San Francisco in Cusco, the Lima complex also has cloisters and courtyards that offer a quiet and beautiful space for contemplation.

Magic Water Circuit in Lima:

Location: The Magic Water Circuit is located in the Parque de la Reserva, in the district of Lima. This park is known for hosting a series of ornamental and spectacular fountains.
Interactive Fountains: The circuit consists of a series of interactive fountains that offer a spectacle of lights, music and water. Some fountains allow visitors to walk through them, creating an immersive experience.
Fantasy Fountain: The Fantasy Fountain is one of the largest and most spectacular fountains in the circuit. It presents a water, light and music show that tells magical stories through its projections and visual effects.
Tunnel of Surprises: This tunnel is a unique experience that allows you to walk through a curtain of water. It is exciting and refreshing, especially during hot days.
Labyrinth of Dreams Fountain: This fountain creates a water labyrinth that visitors can walk through. It is a fun option, especially for children.

The Magic Water Circuit is a perfect place to enjoy with family or friends, especially at night when the lights highlight the beauty of the fountains. There are also rest areas and green spaces to relax.

Main Square of Lima:

Location: The Plaza Mayor is located in the historic center of Lima, surrounded by important buildings and historical sites.
Cathedral of Lima: On one side of the square, you will find the majestic Cathedral of Lima. This cathedral, built in the 16th century, houses artistic treasures and relics.
Government Palace: Another important building that borders the square is the Government Palace, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Peru. You can witness the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the palace.
Municipality of Lima: On the opposite side, you will see the Municipal Palace of Lima, the seat of local government. The architecture of the building is impressive, and the square is the scene of civic events and festivals.
Fountains and Gardens: The Plaza Mayor has ornamental fountains and well-kept gardens, offering a pleasant space to relax and enjoy the historic surroundings.
Events and Celebrations: Throughout the year, the Plaza Mayor is the scene of cultural events, festivals and celebrations, especially on important dates for the country.
Colonial Architecture: The buildings around the square represent Spanish colonial architecture, with viceregal style balconies and artistic details.

Huaca Pucllana:

Location: It is located in the district of Miraflores, in Lima. In spite of being in an urbanized area, the Huaca Pucllana remains as an important archaeological vestige.
History: This huaca is an archaeological complex dating back to the Lima culture, which preceded the Inca culture. It is believed to have been an important ceremonial and administrative center.
Architecture: Huaca Pucllana stands out for its adobe architecture, with pyramidal structures and patios. The staggered construction is characteristic of pre-Inca architecture.
Museum and Archaeological Site: In addition to the ruins, the site has a museum that exhibits objects found during excavations, such as ceramics and utensils used by the ancient population.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are offered that allow you to explore the different areas of the archaeological complex. The guides provide information about the history, architecture and culture of Huaca Pucllana.
Restaurant with a View: A unique feature is the restaurant located on site that offers panoramic views of the huaca. It is a popular place to enjoy Peruvian cuisine while contemplating the ancient archaeological site.
Cultural Activities: Occasionally, cultural activities and events are held at Huaca Pucllana, such as presentations of traditional dances and temporary exhibitions.

Pachacamac:

Location: Pachacamac is located in the district of Lurin, south of Lima. It is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the region.
History: This archaeological complex has a long history dating back to pre-Inca times. Pachacamac was a religious and pilgrimage center, dedicated mainly to the god Pachacamac, a deity worshipped by many cultures that inhabited the region.
Architecture: The site contains temples, pyramids, plazas and courtyards. The architecture shows the influence of various cultures over time, including the Lima, Wari and Inca cultures.
Temple of the Sun: One of the highlights of Pachacamac is the Temple of the Sun, an Inca construction that stands out for its design and strategic location.
Museum: Pachacamac has a museum that houses a collection of objects found in the area during archaeological excavations. These objects include ceramics, textiles and jewelry.
Pilgrimage Site: During its heyday, Pachacamac was an important pilgrimage center where people from different regions traveled to make offerings and seek the blessing of the god Pachacamac.