Lima, the City of Kings, is often seen as a quick stop before the Andes. While a trip of four days or more is highly recommended to fully experience its history and culture, you can still cover the absolute essentials in a shorter visit.
If two days is all you have, this 2 day Lima travel itinerary is designed to give you a perfect taste of the city’s highlights. Our guide is designed for efficiency. As Lima locals, we’ve grouped the activities by location to help you with getting around Lima without wasting precious time in traffic.
How to Spend 2 Days in Lima
Day 1: A Journey Through Pueblo Libre
Devote your first day to exploring the heart of Peruvian history in Pueblo Libre. This is a crucial start to your trip. In fact, it provides the historical context that will make your visit to Machu Picchu and Cusco so much more meaningful.
Day 1 Lima Travel Itinerary
- Morning: Mateo Salado & Larco Museum. Start your day with a visit to Mateo Salado. This is the largest archaeological site in the city. The pre-Inca pyramid complex is an impressive testament to the Lima and Ichsma cultures, right in the heart of the modern city. Afterward, head to the nearby Larco Museum, widely considered Peru’s best. Housed in a magnificent 18th-century colonial mansion, it holds an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian art. Don’t miss the famed erotic pottery collection and the stunning gardens.
- Lunch: Larco Museum Café. For a truly elegant experience, have lunch at the Larco Museum’s own restaurant. The restaurant is set in a beautiful courtyard, offering delicious Peruvian fusion cuisine.
- Afternoon: Pueblo Libre Walking Tour & MNAAHP. After lunch, consider taking a Pueblo Libre walking tour. A guided tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the district’s historically significant and dynamically bohemian vibe. You’ll learn about its role in the country’s independence and why Pueblo Libre is also known as the ‘village of the liberators‘. Plus, you will see hidden plazas and colonial mansions. Next, visit the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru (MNAAHP). As the country’s oldest and most important museum, it provides a deeper dive into Peru’s vast historical narrative.
- Dinner: Criollo Cuisine. For dinner, try one of Lima’s two best Criollo restaurants. Both are located in Pueblo Libre. Choose between the historic Antigua Taberna Queirolo, a living piece of Lima’s history and the oldest restaurant and bar in the city. Or visit El Bolivariano, known for its traditional, hearty dishes.
Travel Tip: Personally, I’d do both. I would visit Antigua Taberna Queirolo to try their pisco before or after enjoying dinner at El Bolivariano. Antigua Taberna Queirolo can get quite loud inside at night. But it’s definitely worth visiting for the ultimate Lima photo opportunity!
Day 2: The Historic Centre & Bohemian Barranco
Your second day is for experiencing the colonial grandeur and modern, artistic side of Lima. You will start in the historic heart of the city and end your day in a beautiful, bohemian coastal district.
Day 2 Lima Travel Itinerary
- Morning: The UNESCO Historic Centre. Begin at the Plaza de Armas. This is a stunning example of colonial architecture. Admire the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. You can often witness the changing of the guard at noon. Just a few blocks away, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is a must-see for its magnificent architecture and the eerie catacombs below. The catacombs hold the remains of tens of thousands of people. They offer a fascinating, albeit somber, look into the city’s past.
- Lunch: A quick bite in the Historic Centre. Grab a quick lunch at a local spot as you wander through the historic center. Then, make your way to your next destination.
- Afternoon: Barranco’s Bohemian Charm. Take a ride-share (Uber or InDrive) to the artsy, bohemian district of Barranco. Known for its vibrant street art, colorful colonial mansions, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk. Stroll across the famous Bridge of Sighs. Then, make your way down the winding path known as the Bajada de Baños for stunning ocean views.
- Evening: Ceviche by the Sea & Sunset. Lima is the culinary capital of South America. As a result, no Lima travel guide is complete without indulging in its national dish. Find one of Barranco’s top-rated cevicherías for a fresh and delicious seafood dinner. Savor a plate of perfectly marinated fish while enjoying the sea breeze.
- As your trip comes to an end, find a spot along the Malecón in Barranco. Enjoy the spectacular ocean views and watch the sunset over the Pacific. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your incredible 2 days in Lima.
Final Travel Tips
- Getting Around: For efficiency and safety, use ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDrive.
- What to do in Lima: This itinerary focuses on the absolute essentials. If you have any extra time, consider a Lima food tour or visit the Magic Water Circuit in the evening.
- Drinking Water and Ice: Ice is safe to consume in Lima. But stick to bottled water for drinking and never drink the tap water in Lima or elsewhere in Peru.
- Cash and Payment: Virtually everywhere accepts credit and debit cards with tap and go payment facilities. You won’t need much cash in Lima. For cash withdrawals, use Banco de la Nación which is fee free for most foreign cards.
- Where to stay in Lima for convenient access to the main tourist attractions? We would recommend getting a hotel, airbnb or VRBO in Pueblo Libre, Jesus Maria, Magdalena del Mar or San Isidro. All are safer than Miraflores and closer to the main tourist attractions and the airport.
- Is two days enough? While this 2 day Lima travel itinerary covers the city’s core highlights, we believe a minimum of four days in Lima is needed to fully appreciate the city’s depth. This is especially true if you want to take in rewarding day trips like Caral.
This guide is the perfect way to see most of the basics in Lima. It covers the most important, historically significant and rewarding tourist sites. But for a truly immersive experience, we highly recommend extending your stay to four or more days. With just 2 days in Lima, you’ll leave wishing that you had spent more time in this amazing city!
