Lima

Day Trips

Begin your day at the Plaza de Armas where the grand cathedral and colonial palaces stand in stately silence. Wander through the surrounding streets to admire intricate balconies and baroque architecture. Sip a cup of rich Peruvian coffee at a nearby café while absorbing the city’s vibrant history.

Descend into the catacombs beneath the San Francisco Monastery on a guided tour filled with fascinating stories. Explore the monastery’s ornate library and marvel at its vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Pause for a refreshing Inca corn drink before continuing your cultural journey.

Dine at a traditional colonial-style restaurant and savor a succulent lomo saltado or ají de gallina. Listen to live criollo music drifting through the candlelit courtyard. Conclude the night with a stroll past the illuminated buildings of the historic center.

Wander across the Bridge of Sighs and explore colorful street art. Sample artisanal coffee at a local café overlooking the cliff. Chat with street artists about their inspiration while walking through bohemian alleys.

Visit the MATE museum to admire the work of Mario Testino and discover contemporary Peruvian photography. Stop by small art galleries showcasing emerging local talents. Relax at a seaside café with a homemade pastry in hand.

Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro featuring fusion cuisine infused with Pacific flavors. Attend a live music performance in the neighborhood’s intimate bars. Soak up the laid-back vibe as lanterns and fairy lights create a magical atmosphere.

Begin along the Malecón in Miraflores, breathing in fresh ocean air and watching paragliders drift off the cliffs. Pause for a light breakfast of fresh fruit, granola and yogurt at a cliff-top café. Capture panoramic views of the Pacific for memorable sunrise photos.

Head to the pre-Inca ruins of Huaca Pucllana, taking a guided tour to learn about Lima’s ancient residents. Inspect the adobe pyramid and adjacent residential quarters while uncovering archaeological secrets. Cool off with a chicha morada drink in the museum café.

Return to the boardwalk for a seafood dinner as waves crash below. Try ceviche or tiradito at a trendy oceanfront restaurant with modern Peruvian twists. Enjoy a leisurely stroll under the stars while the lights twinkle over the water.

Travel south to the Pachacamac archaeological complex, once a sacred site for the Lima culture. Explore the Temple of the Sun and surrounding plazas guided by an expert who reveals timeworn rituals. Feel transported by the desert landscape and ancient adobe structures.

Visit the on-site museum displaying artifacts from centuries past, including pottery and ceremonial objects. Learn about the oracle of Pachacamac and the pilgrimage routes pilgrims once took across the coast. Delight in a packed lunch beneath a shady tree while recounting the morning’s discoveries.

Return to Lima and unwind at your hotel with a refreshing pisco sour. Head to a nearby restaurant offering hearty Peruvian stews like carapulcra. Reflect on the day’s archaeological wonders as an early night beckons.

Begin at a bustling local market, marveling at vibrant produce, exotic fruits and fresh seafood stalls. Sample juane, traditional corn cakes and an assortment of tropical fruits. Engage with vendors to learn about ingredients that define Peruvian cuisine.

Participate in a hands-on cooking class led by a celebrated local chef in a well-equipped kitchen studio. Prepare a classic dish such as causa, anticuchos or arroz con pato using age-old techniques. Savor your creations accompanied by a perfectly paired pisco sour.

Embark on a progressive dinner with stops at three acclaimed restaurants showcasing different regional specialties. Taste dishes from the coast, Andes and Amazon while a guide explains each chef’s inspiration. End the evening with a decadent dessert featuring lucuma or quinoa.

Start at the Museo Larco, housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion amidst lush gardens. Admire the extensive collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, gold work and textiles. Gain insights into daily life in ancient Peru as you wander through thematic galleries.

Relax in the museum’s café overlooking the central courtyard while sampling Peruvian pastries and café con leche. Visit the erotic pottery exhibit to explore a unique aspect of early Andean culture. Browse the museum shop for handmade souvenirs and books on archaeology.

Return to Miraflores for a dinner show featuring Afro-Peruvian music and dance. Watch live performances of festejo and landó rhythms accompanied by expert dancers. End the night with a lively atmosphere that celebrates Peru’s diverse cultural heritage.

Head to the surf-friendly beaches of Costa Verde and join a beginner’s surf lesson. Paddle out on a soft-top board with a certified instructor guiding each wave. Feel the exhilaration of riding your first wave against the backdrop of soaring cliffs.

Transition to a paragliding experience off the Miraflores cliffs for stunning aerial views of the coastline. Glide over the Pacific while an experienced pilot handles the technical aspects. Land softly on the beach and bask in the adrenaline high.

Sample fresh ceviche at a casual beachfront chiringuito where locals gather for seafood. Sip a chilled local craft beer as the sun sets over the horizon. Take a sunset stroll along the sand before returning to your accommodation.

Explore a neighborhood market like Surquillo, browsing stalls filled with chilies, potatoes and native grains. Chat with farmers about heirloom crop varieties and traditional farming methods. Snack on anticuchos skewers from a bustling food cart.

Visit an artisan workshop to observe craftsmen mastering techniques in ceramics, textiles or leatherwork. Participate in a short demonstration to weave a small textile or paint a ceramic tile. Learn how Peru’s diverse cultural traditions influence contemporary artisans.

Dine at a sustainable farm-to-table restaurant highlighting seasonal ingredients. Engage with the chef who sources produce from nearby organic farms. Conclude the night with a tasting menu that showcases the region’s agricultural bounty.

Venture to the Pantanos de Villa Nature Reserve where coastal wetlands invite birdwatchers. Walk along wooden boardwalks while binoculars reveal flamingos, herons and migratory species. Learn about local conservation efforts from a park guide.

Enjoy a picnic by the lagoon with typical snacks like empanadas and fresh fruit. Continue exploring lesser-known trails to encounter native flora and fauna in this oasis near the city. Photograph wildlife in its natural habitat as sunlight dances on the water.

Return to Lima and head to La Punta for a seaside dinner at sunset. Order lomo saltado or grilled fish at a restaurant with views of the marina. Relish the taste of freshly prepared Peruvian dishes against a tranquil coastal backdrop.

Begin with a yoga or meditation session on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Breathe deeply as the morning light casts a golden glow on Lima’s skyline. Reflect on your journey and set intentions for future travels.

Spend your final hours shopping in Larcomar or artisanal boutiques for last-minute souvenirs. Indulge in a light lunch of fresh ceviche or causa at a seaside eatery. Capture final photos of the ocean and cityscape as mementos.

Savor a farewell dinner at a top-rated restaurant, perhaps trying an innovative dish that blends modern and traditional flavors. Toast to an unforgettable 10-day immersion into Lima’s history, culture and cuisine. Depart with a heart full of memories and new connections.