Lima in 2 Days: everything you need to know

If you are wondering what to see and do in Lima, let me tell you that it is a very interesting city, with hundreds of activities to do and a lot of monuments, palaces and ruins to visit. All these spaces are full of history, which goes from the pre-Inca period to the present day. There are many options, and while 2 days may seem like a short time to tour a city, the capital of Peru has the particularity that you can explore it largely on foot.

From the ruins of Huaca Pucllana, dating from pre-Columbian times, to the Miraflores boardwalk, or the Plaza Mayor of Lima, the city is perfect for getting lost and discovering its timeless charm. It also has some excellent museums that retrace the region's past, with artifacts and pieces that boast hundreds of years of antiquity. That is why I have put together an itinerary specially designed for you to make the most of your 2 days in the capital of Peru. Join me!

Start your first day in Lima with a must-see walk through its picturesque old town, then visit the coast and some of its amazing history. I've come up with a tour of the main sites of interest, so wear comfortable shoes because... Here we go!

Lima Main Square

Upon arrival, and after your transfer from the Lima airport, there is no better place to start your tour than the historic heart of the city. Around the Plaza Mayor you will see, among other things, the Cathedral of Lima. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a place of pilgrimage and devotion for the Catholic faithful of the region. This imposing structure is a must-see if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture. Built in the 16th century, the Cathedral of Lima is one of the main examples of colonial architecture in Peru.

Its façade reflects the influence of Renaissance and Gothic styles, with elaborate ornamental details that captivate. The interior houses a wealth of artistic and religious treasures. Of particular note are the impressive altars carved in wood, adorned with gold leaf, which narrate biblical passages and venerated saints. The main altar, dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, is a masterpiece of sculpture and goldsmithing. Numerous paintings and frescoes depicting religious scenes can also be admired.

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

Just a 15-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor, you will find the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. This beautiful church and convent houses an impressive network of subway catacombs, this being one of its highlights. Descending a stone staircase, you can immerse yourself in a labyrinth of subway corridors that house the remains of numerous archbishops and important personalities of the colonial era. This space, although it may seem macabre, is absolutely fascinating.

The religious complex, built in the 17th century, is one of the most important and emblematic destinations in the city, and offers an absolutely unforgettable experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and mystery it holds. Definitely a must-see if you are passing through Lima.

In addition to the church and catacombs, the complex also houses a historic library with a vast collection of ancient books and important documents. This library is considered one of the most important in Latin America and has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Lima Museum of Art (MALI)

Just a 20-minute walk from the San Francisco Convent is the incredible Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI), which houses a large collection of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to contemporary times. The museum is housed in an impressive neo-colonial style building, located in the Parque de la Exposición. Its collections span thousands of years of history and offer a unique insight into Peru's artistic evolution.

You can see the permanent exhibits, with unique archaeological pieces, such as ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and gold and silver objects. These works of art reveal the technical skill and artistic sophistication of ancient Peruvian cultures. In addition, works from the Nazca culture, famous for its mysterious lines in the desert, stand out.

The museum also houses an important collection of colonial art, which reflects the fusion of European and indigenous traditions during the period of the Spanish conquest. Visitors can admire colonial paintings, sculptures and altarpieces depicting religious and everyday themes of the period. These works of art are a window to Peru's colonial past and show the influence of European culture in the country.

Miraflores Malecon

In the afternoon, I suggest you take bus 301 to the incomparable Malecón de Miraflores. Walk along the Malecon and admire the breathtaking views of the sea, as well as the famous Larcomar shopping mall. This beautiful promenade along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean offers breathtaking views, lush green areas and a variety of activities to enjoy.

The Malecon stretches for several kilometers, has ample green areas, parks and manicured gardens that invite you to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Here you will find open spaces to have a picnic, practice outdoor sports or just sit and contemplate the tranquility of the sea. In addition, many of the parks along the Malecón have sculptures and public art, which add an artistic and cultural touch to the landscape.

Parque del Amor

One of the landmarks along the Malecon is the Parque del Amor, which pays homage to love and romance. This park features a famous sculpture called "El Beso" (The Kiss), created by the renowned Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin. The place is popular among lovers, and offers a romantic spot to enjoy ocean views, beautiful gardens and inspiring art.

In addition to its natural beauty and green spaces, here you will find a wide range of dining options, with restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors where you can savor delicious Peruvian food while enjoying ocean views. There are also small kiosks and food stalls offering local specialties, such as fresh ceviche, anticuchos and picarones.

Huaca Pucllana

Just a 15-minute walk from Parque del Amor is Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site located in the heart of the Miraflores neighborhood. It is an ancient adobe pyramid dating back to the time of the Lima culture, which flourished between the 5th and 8th centuries A.D.

Huaca Pucllana is a fascinating place for those looking to immerse themselves in Peru's rich pre-Inca history and culture. The pyramid, built with handmade adobe, stands out for its imposing structure and intricate architectural design. As you explore the site, you will marvel at the terraces, courtyards and platforms that soar skyward, giving you a breathtaking view of the surrounding cityscape.

The site is believed to have been used for religious and political rituals, and was also a place of residence for the ruling elite. Archaeologists have discovered human burials, offerings and ceramic remains, providing valuable insights into the burial practices and beliefs of the Lima culture.

End this first day in Lima with an intimate dinner in an unbeatable location: Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, where you can savor the best Peruvian cuisine. And if you want more, you can sign up for one of the great gastronomic tours of Lima, an unforgettable experience for your palate.

For this second and last day in the city of Lima I propose you to take a tour through the history and art of Peru. You will explore the bohemian neighborhood and the Parque de la Reserva, among other things, so get ready because here we go.

La Reserva Park

Head to the district of El Rimac to visit this beautiful park, known for its famous magical water circuit. The Parque de la Reserva has entered the Guinness Book of Records for being the public park with the most fountains in the world. I recommend you to enjoy its light and color shows. Definitely one of the things you can not miss if you visit Lima. It is a perfect place to enjoy Lima in summer.

Also known as the Parque de las Aguas, it is one of the most popular destinations in the city and offers a memorable experience for those who visit it. As mentioned above, one of the most outstanding features of the Parque de la Reserva are its spectacular water fountains. The park is home to the famous "Magic Water Circuit," a set of 13 ornamental fountains that combine water, lights and music in a breathtaking visual spectacle.

Each fountain has its own design and theme, and some even allow visitor interaction, such as the Fountain of Wishes, where you can toss a coin and make a wish.

Barranco District

About a 25-minute walk from the Parque de la Reserva, you'll find Lima's bohemian neighborhood: the Barranco district. Like a sort of Lima's Montmartre, here you can enjoy its vibrant artistic atmosphere, colorful streets, art galleries and theaters. The Barranco Cultural Center is a focal point for cultural events, exhibitions and artistic presentations.

In addition to its coastal location, the district is known for its colonial architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets. Strolling through the streets of Barranco allows you to appreciate the beauty of the colorful colonial houses and well-preserved historic buildings. One of Barranco's most prominent attractions is the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), an iconic wooden bridge built in the 1870s. The bridge, surrounded by history and romantic legends, is a popular place to take a stroll and enjoy the panoramic views of the district.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)

If you are a contemporary art lover and want to see the work of some of Peru's leading artists, I recommend a visit to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC).

Located about 15 to 20 minutes from Barranco, the MAC houses an impressive collection of contemporary art spanning diverse disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, installations and audiovisual media. Permanent and temporary exhibitions feature works by Peruvian and international artists, offering a fascinating insight into current artistic trends and expression.

The architectural design of the MAC building is most appealing. The modern, avant-garde building was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who sought to create a space that would dialogue harmoniously with its urban surroundings. The design includes a glass façade that allows natural light to enter, creating a bright and dynamic atmosphere inside.

Beach circuit

End your second and last day in Lima with a stroll along its incredible beaches. Peru's capital city has a beautiful coastline and several beach resorts along the Beach Circuit. You can enjoy a nice walk on the beach, practice water sports or just relax in the sun.

Some of the most popular beaches near Barranco include Playa Makaha, Playa Las Piedritas and Playa Los Yuyos. A perfect trip if you plan to visit Lima in the month of December, as remember that this is precisely when summer begins in Peru.

Makaha is located in the district of Miraflores, it is a very popular beach among surfers. The waves at Makaha are ideal for surfing and you can also find surf schools in the area. Although with only 2 days in Lima you may not have enough time to enjoy the beaches to the fullest, it is well worth taking a look at them, and maybe, you will start thinking about coming back.

The city of Lima is perfect for walking around, as many of its main attractions are located in the center of the city. However, from there to the coast, the Malecon de Miraflores and other places also of great tourist attraction, you have about 1 hour walking, so it is convenient to take a bus or the subway. There is only one subway line in Lima, which runs along its 26 stations, practically the whole city, so it is worth it.

If you are used to using apps like Cabify or Uber, Lima is perfect for this, as they are very practical and affordable. Buses can also be a good option, lines like 301 are perfect to move around the city safely and quickly.

Many of the places I mentioned are included in the route of some of the best tourist buses in Lima, so if you want to get a general idea of the charms of the city, it might be a good idea to sign up for this city tour.

As you can see, Lima is a city full of options to spend an incredible few days. Here you can explore its history, pre-Columbian art, parks, vibrant cultural life and indulge in the exuberant flavors of Peruvian cuisine, with ceviche as the most characteristic dish. Either way, you will see that visiting Lima is a unique and unforgettable experience. I hope you found the itinerary interesting, I can only say have a good trip!