Lima, the City of Kings, is a sprawling, dynamic capital whose districts offer a huge range of experiences. This itinerary moves past the standard tourist loop to provide a deeper engagement with the city’s foundational history, local life, and incredible pre-Columbian roots.
This 3 day Lima travel itinerary focuses one full day each on the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the historically significant district of Pueblo Libre, followed by a choice between an artistic coastal quarter or a deep dive into ancient civilization.
Day 1: The Grandeur of the UNESCO Historic Center
This day is dedicated to the preserved heart of Lima, where the city’s early colonial history comes to life.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Plaza Mayor & Changing of the Guard
- Start at the main square, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral.
- Try to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Government Palace (usually around 11:45 AM).
- Late Morning: Cathedral of Lima & Archbishop’s Palace
- Tour the Cathedral, the final resting place of Francisco Pizarro, and admire the ornate wooden balconies of the Archbishop’s Palace next door.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Local Spot near Plaza San Martín
- Head a few blocks south to Plaza San Martín, a memorable square in its own right, and find a traditional Peruvian “menú” (set lunch) at a local eatery.
- Afternoon: Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
- Explore this UNESCO gem. The highlight is the unique Catacombs, an underground burial site for an estimated 25,000 people.
- Late Afternoon: Jirón de la Unión Stroll
- Walk along this famous pedestrian street that connects Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martín, taking in the colonial buildings and modern street life.
- Evening: Magic Water Circuit (Parque de la Reserva)
- Take a rideshare to this park to witness the Guinness World Record-holding complex of water, light, and laser fountains. It’s a spectacular end to your day.
Travel Tip: Avoid Plaza San Martín if there are protests ongoing or scheduled for that day (i.e. Gen Z Protests). Plaza San Martín is almost always the destination where the protestors congregate.
Day 2: The Foundational History of Pueblo Libre
Pueblo Libre is where the history of Peruvian Independence was written and where the country’s most significant cultural artifacts are housed. This day is a must for anyone that’s interested in history, culture and art.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex
- Start your day at this impressive Pre-Columbian site, an ancient adobe temple complex consisting of five stepped pyramids. It’s the largest archaeological site in Lima.
- Exploring this history gives you context before diving into the museum collections.
- Mid-Morning: Museo Larco (Larco Museum)
- Head to one of the world’s most impressive museums, housed in an 18th-century mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid.
- It offers a stunning 5,000-year chronological overview of ancient Peruvian history.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Larco Museum Restaurant
- Dine at the museum’s acclaimed restaurant, taking in the attractive atmosphere of the gardens and mansion courtyard.
- Afternoon: National Museum & Pueblo Libre Walking Tour
- Visit Peru’s oldest and most important museum, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, located within a wing of the historic Quinta de los Libertadores.
- Recommendation: Follow this with a local walking tour to explore the area’s independence history and hidden colonial architecture.
- Evening: Dinner at a Local Institution
- Dine at either Antigua Taberna Queirolo, Lima’s oldest bar (open since 1880) for traditional criollo food and Pisco, or try Rural Restaurante for modern Peruvian novoandina farm-to-table cuisine.
Day 3: Choose Your Adventure
For your final day, choose the focus that best complements your historical and cultural journey: Coastal Art, or Ancient Archaeology.
OPTION A: Artistic Barranco (Art & Sea)
The district with the most colorful street art and delicious cevicherias, perfect for a relaxed final day of art, food, and ocean views.
- Morning: Barranco Plaza & Bridge of Sighs
- Start at the central Municipal Park and walk the wooden Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros).
- Follow the Bajada de Baños down toward the coast.
- Late Morning: Street Art & Galleries
- Explore the colorful backstreets of Barranco, known for impressive street art and numerous galleries like the MATE – Mario Testino Museum or smaller artisan shops near the plaza.
- Lunch: Ceviche by the Water or Traditional Tavern
- Barranco is a great place to try fresh ceviche, or you can opt for a celebrated spot like Isolina Taberna Peruana for authentic, hearty Peruvian classics.
- Afternoon: El Malecón Stroll & Pacific Views
- Walk north along the coastal parks (the malecón) that connect to Miraflores, enjoying the cliff-top views of the Pacific Ocean and watching paragliders take off.
- Evening: Nightlife in a Historic House
- Barranco is somewhat famous for its active bar scene. Have a final pisco sour at a bar housed in a converted, well-kept old mansion. Or return to Pueblo Libre, for craft beer, live music and salsa!
OPTION B: Day Trip to Caral (Ancient Civilization)
An ambitious, full-day trip to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. Caral is a 5,000-year-old city that’s a contemporary with ancient Egypt. It’s the site of the oldest civilisation in the Americas. And Caral has pyramids that are contenders for the title of the world’s oldest.
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Departure for Caral
- This is a full-day (12 hour) commitment (approx. 3 hours drive each way). You must book a dedicated tour with transportation that includes hotel pickup.
- Midday: Guided Tour of the Sacred City of Caral
- Spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the complex of stepped pyramids and ceremonial plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Supe Valley.
- Lunch: Regional Lunch in Huacho or Barranca
- Your tour will typically stop for a late lunch in a nearby coastal town like Huacho or Barranca to enjoy fresh seafood or other regional specialties.
- Late Afternoon: Return Journey to Lima
- The drive back will take you back to your hotel in Lima, typically arriving around 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Evening: Relaxed Dinner
- Opt for a simple, relaxed dinner close to your accommodation after a long day of travel and ancient exploration.
Lima Travel Tips for the Independent Explorer
- Lodging: Stay in Pueblo Libre. This provides excellent access to both the Historic Center (Day 1) and its own cultural sites and museums (Day 2), minimizing the long taxi rides you would need to endure if you were staying in Miraflores or Barranco.
- Transportation: Use Taxi Apps. Use apps like Uber, Cabify, or InDriver instead of flagging down taxis on the street to ensure a regulated price and added safety.
- Money: Always Carry Some Soles (Cash). While restaurants and stores accept credit cards, smaller market stalls and street food vendors often require cash. You don’t need a lot, but have some cash in smaller bills.
- Food: Try a Menú at Lunch. Look for menú signs near lunchtime. This is a very affordable, set-price meal that includes an appetizer, main course, and drink, offering great local value.
- Culture: Embrace the Altitude of the Coast. Lima is at sea level, so you won’t suffer from altitude sickness here. This makes it an ideal place to start your Peru trip before heading to the Andes (Cusco or Machu Picchu).
Planning Your Full Peruvian Experience
This intensive 3 day Lima travel itinerary is designed to give you a deep immersion into the city’s culture and history. If your trip to Peru allows for more time, consider expanding your stay in Lima with our specialized 2-day, 4-day, or 7-day Lima itineraries.
These longer Lima travel guides offer detailed plans for integrating Lima’s culinary experiences, connecting to the coast, or adding a trip to the southern desert oases.
