For a one-day trip in Lima, visit Plaza de Armas, Larco Museum, Huaca Pucllana, Barranco, see the street arts of Barranco and try paragliding.
Lima is the capital of Peru, which stands right on the Pacific Coast. Lima is the third-largest city in America. Aside from just visiting the historical place Machu Picchu, you can still do various activities in the capital.
12 Things To Do On A One-Day Trip To Lima, Peru
If you are on a tight schedule of a day or two, this article can help you by guiding how to spend your only day in Lima in the most adventurous and satisfying manner.
1. Sightseeing on Foot at the Plaza de Armas
The very first thing most tourists do after setting foot in Lima is walking around the Plaza de Armas. It also goes by the name Plaza Mayor. The whole city is centered on this square-shaped plaza since its founding time, back in 1535.
You can see many cultural & historical landmarks around this plaza, namely Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, etc. The plaza is surrounded by tree lines with a fountain at the center to relax. You can further take a tour on foot to see the President’s house.
The cathedral has magnificent exteriors & interiors to view, but you need to buy tickets to see its full beauty. Make sure to come early in the morning to enjoy the sightseeing & to avoid crowds.
2. A Visit to the 18th Century Larco Museum
Larco Museum is the most famous & impressive museum in Lima, and it is definitely on the list of every guide to visiting Lima. This museum is situated in an old mansion & contains thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts. The interior of the museum is a portrait of an 18th-century vice-royal building.
Larco Museum is one of the world’s first museums that offer visits to its storerooms. This is also famous for its Chimú, Cupisnique, Nazca & Inca cultures & a collection of erotic ceramic arts.
3. Try the Peruvian Cuisine
From the Spanish conquistadors to Chinese immigrants, various multicultural histories have fused Peruvian cuisines and made it the best cuisine in South America.
Ceviche is the most famous dish in Peru. It is so popular that Peruvians celebrate Ceviche day every year on 28th June. It is a dish of raw fish cooked with lime juice & served with sweet potato & corn.
Other mouth-watering dishes are Aji De Gallina (a spicy chicken stew), Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries), and Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food).
4. Visit the Ancient Ruins of Huaca Pucllana
Lima is not all about tall architectural buildings. It does an excellent job of preserving old archaic histories & buildings like the ruins of Huaca Pucllana at the heart of Miraflores in Lima.
Huaca Pucllana is a civilization constructed back in the 5th century, also known as the Lima culture. You can travel there both during the daytime or at night. However, at night the site remains closed. You can dine in there among the mystic lightings of the temple & enjoy the stunning view.
5. Witness the Street Arts of Barranco
You will see some real gems of street painting in Barranco. With infinite palm trees & pastel-colored mansions, the street paintings become more lively & glamorous.
Having gotten the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition, Barranco’s street paintings offer plenty of artsy vibes to the enthusiasts. If you want to get away from Plaza de Armas & poke around freely, Barranco is the perfect place for you.
6. Visit Aliaga House’s Ancient History
The Aliaga House was founded by Jerónimo de Aliaga back in 1535. That said, this mansion is the same old as Peru itself. Also, it’s the only oldest mansion in South America to have the same family for generations after generations.
You will find tons of impressive Peruvian artifacts & cultural belongings here. For anyone who comes to Lima, this is a must-go-to place to experience ancient history and culture.
7. Cat Park at Parque Kennedy
Cat Park is right in the middle of Miraflores of Lima. If you are a cat lover, definitely check this place out. The park was initially called Parque Kennedy after America’s late President John F. Kennedy.
Since over 100 types of stray cats live there, the park eventually got the name “Cat Park”. However, nobody knows where these cats came from. There’s been a theory that these cats used to live in a church to hunt mice, but when chased, they eventually got here & took shelter.
8. Cliffside Larcomar Shopping Mall
Larcomar Shopping Mall is situated in Malecon of Lima. This incredible shopping mall stands on a cliff and offers some of the most astonishing views. There are over 70 famous brands’ shops & almost 20 renowned restaurants.
If you want to dine or shop along with some breath-taking views, Larcomor is worth a try.
9. The magic Water Circuit of Parque de la Reserva
One of the most incredible things to do in Lima is visiting the Parque de la Reserva during the evening time. The magic water circuit of the Parque de la Reserva has even been listed in Guinness World Records for being the largest water fountain complex, containing a total of 13 fountains.
Their laser and lighting shows will keep you dazzled. Also, these lightings use Peruvian Folk music to introduce tourists to Peru’s rich cultural history.
10. Paragliding
Lima is mainly known for its magnificent paragliding views. If you have the adrenaline rush, don’t hesitate. The tall cliffs & strong wind make Lima perfect for paragliding.
Go to the south of Parque del Amor in Malecon & sign up on the spot to experience this lifetime view.
11. Sandboarding
If paragliding is too risky, but you love adventures, sandboarding can be an excellent option for you.
Just 1.5 hours away from Lima, you will find Aucallama. You can try sandboarding there to get the same thrill.
12. Don’t Miss Out on Pisco Sour
As they say, “In Rome, you drink wine,” therefore, you must taste their Pisco Sour drink in Peru. It is a cocktail made by mixing pisco with simple syrup, lime juice, egg white, Angostura bitters & ice.
Like the Ceviche, Pisco Sour is so famous that Peruvians celebrate the annual Día del Pisco Sour day on the first Saturday of February.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty more to do in Lima. Spending a single day is never enough. However, most of these are doable if you are planning to stay a single day in Lima. So save some money, fix a date and pick Lima for your next one-day trip to have an amazing time.
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