Lima, the sprawling capital of Peru, is far more than just a quick layover. While most one-week itineraries for Peru split time between Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, a full 7 days in Lima allows for a truly immersive experience.
This itinerary is for the traveler who wants to go beyond the highlights and deeply explore the city’s history, culture, world-renowned culinary scene, vibrant arts, and fascinating coastal ecosystems.
With a full week in Lima, you’ll have time to savor every moment. Furthermore, you can explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and even take a couple of rewarding day trips!
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, providing the historical context that will make your visit to the rest of Lima and Peru, so much more meaningful.
- Morning: Mateo Salado & Larco Museum. Start your day with a visit to Mateo Salado, the largest archaeological site in the city. This pre-Inca pyramid complex is an impressive testament to the Lima and Ichsma cultures. Its location right in the heart of the modern city provides a powerful contrast between ancient and urban life. 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 & MNAAHP. After lunch, consider a leisurely walk or guided tour to immerse yourself in the district’s historically significant and dynamically bohemian vibe. Then, 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. End your day at one of Lima’s two best Criollo restaurants in Pueblo Libre: Antigua Taberna Queirolo or El Bolivariano.
Travel Tip: Antigua Taberna Queirolo is the oldest bar and restaurant in Lima, opened in 1880. It’s an essential stop for a pisco sour and photo.
Day 2: UNESCO Historic Centre
Your second day is dedicated to the colonial grandeur and bustling streets of Lima’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Morning: Plaza de Armas. Begin at the historic main square, a stunning example of colonial architecture. Admire the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. If you arrive around noon, you might just catch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Government Palace.
- Late Morning: Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Just a few blocks away, this is a must-see for its magnificent architecture and the eerie catacombs below. The catacombs hold the remains of tens of thousands of people and offer a fascinating, albeit somber, look into the city’s past.
- Lunch & Exploration: Wander through the historic center, finding a local spot for lunch. Walk down the pedestrian-friendly Jirón de la Unión to see the colonial balconies that give the city its unique character.
- Evening: Magic Water Circuit. As the sun begins to set, head to the Parque de la Reserva to witness the incredible Magic Water Circuit. This park holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in the world. The choreographed light, sound, and water show in the evening is a truly magical experience.
Travel Tip: Around Plaza Bolivar and Parque 3 de Octubre in Pueblo Libre, you’ll find the same styles of balconies.
Day 3: A Taste of Barranco and Miraflores
This day is for a more relaxed, sensory experience. It focuses on Lima’s artistic soul and world-class seafood.
- Morning: Barranco’s Bohemian Charm. Begin the day in 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 and make your way down the winding path known as the Bajada de Baños for stunning ocean views.
- Lunch: Ceviche by the Ocean. No 7 days in Lima is complete without indulging in its national dish. Find one of Barranco’s top-rated cevicherías for a fresh and delicious seafood lunch.
- Afternoon: MATE and the Malecón. After lunch, visit the MATE – Mario Testino Museum, which showcases the work of the world-famous photographer. Afterwards, walk or take a taxi up to Miraflores. The Malecón in Miraflores is a series of parks along the cliffside. Walk the path, visit the famed Love Park, and watch the paragliders soar over the Pacific Ocean.
- Evening: Culinary Exploration. Miraflores and Barranco are home to some of the world’s best restaurants. Consider splurging on a meal at one of the top culinary destinations to experience Peru’s acclaimed gastronomy firsthand.
Travel Tip: If you’re more interested in Peru’s more modern history than art, parks and photography, consider visiting the Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion (LUM).
Day 4: Day Trip to the Ancient City of Caral
For a truly unique experience, dedicate a day to a day trip to Caral. This will be a long day of around 12 hours. But it’s well worth it to witness the oldest known civilization in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years.
- Full Day Excursion: Caral is located about 3-4 hours north of Lima. For this reason, it requires an early start. It’s recommended to book a guided tour that includes transport, a professional guide, and lunch. This is a profound and humbling experience that puts the entire timeline of Peruvian history into perspective.
Day 5: Coastal Wildlife and Urban Life
This day is about exploring Lima’s coastal ecosystems and a more urban, local experience.
- Morning: Birdwatching in Humedales de Ventanilla. Take a trip to the Humedales de Ventanilla, a significant wetland area just north of the city. It’s one of the best spots for birdwatching in Lima, where you can see a variety of migratory birds and local species in a protected environment.
- Afternoon: Explore Monumental Callao. Venture to the revitalized port area of Callao. The district of Monumental Callao is a burgeoning art hub with incredible street art, independent galleries, and a unique, grittier charm. It offers a completely different vibe from the more polished districts and a fantastic opportunity for photography.
- Evening: A Local Meal. Enjoy a more casual, local dinner in Callao or return to Pueblo Libre for a relaxed meal at one of the lesser know and yet amazing restaurants.
Day 6: Day Trip to the Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands
Take a full-day tour to the southern coast for a completely different experience.One that combines marine wildlife and a glimpse of an ancient mystery.
- Full Day Excursion: A popular day trip from Lima combines two famous sites: the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines. Often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” the Ballestas Islands are teeming with marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds. After the boat tour, the trip continues inland for a flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor.
Travel Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to avoid the boat and in particular, the flight over the Nazca Lines.
Day 7: Relaxed Exploration & Departure
Your final day is for a more relaxed pace, allowing you to revisit a favorite neighborhood or discover a new one.
- Morning: A Lima Food Tour. Immerse yourself in the culinary scene with a professional Lima food tour. These walking tours take you through different neighborhoods, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history of Peru’s world-renowned gastronomy.
- Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping. Instead of heading to the more expensive, touristy markets in Miraflores, we highly recommend you do your last-minute souvenir shopping in Pueblo Libre. Markets like the Gran Mercado Artesanal offer the exact same products—from alpaca sweaters and textiles to ceramics and handcrafted jewelry—but at significantly reduced prices. This is where locals and savvy travelers come to find authentic Peruvian goods at a fraction of the cost.
- Final Farewells: Spend a final moment enjoying a coffee with a view, and reflect on your incredible 7 days in Lima.
- Evening: Final Dinner. Enjoy a final celebratory meal, perhaps at one of the world-renowned restaurants you saved for last. Or try some more of Lima’s amazing street food. Then, head to the airport for your departure.
This Lima travel guide shows that a full week in Peru’s capital can be a rewarding experience. And it shows that far from being just a stopover on your way to Cusco, Lima is a world-class destination in it’s own right.
Lima offers a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy and natural beauty. But only for those who take the time to thoroughly explore it!
