🇵🇪 Lima 5 Day Itinerary | Explore Ancient Cultures, Coastal Cuisine & Colonial Charm

Table of Contents

🗺️ Day 1 – Arrival & Colonial Lima Walking Tour

Lima 5 Day Itinerary starts as you arrive at Lima Airport. Take an official taxi (~S/60–80) or airport shuttle (~S/25) directly to your hotel in Miraflores. (~S/10, ~1 hour).
Getting Around: On foot is best for central Lima; streets are pedestrian-friendly with plenty of shaded colonial arcades.

🏛️ Highlights & Cultural History

Begin your Lima 5 Day Itinerary exploring Plaza Mayor, the historic birthplace of Lima. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, this square is surrounded by architectural gems like the Government Palace (home of Peru’s president) and the Cathedral of Lima, where Pizarro himself is entombed.
Wander to the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its eerie catacombs holding over 25,000 skeletons and a vast library of colonial-era books.
Along the way, admire baroque balconies and brightly painted colonial mansions that earned Lima the nickname “City of Kings.”

🍴 Food Recommendations

Lunch: Savor lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) at El Cordano, a 100-year-old tavern near Plaza Mayor (~S/40–50).
Dinner: Head to Amaz in Miraflores for Amazonian-inspired dishes like paiche fish stew (~S/70–100).

💰 Budget: ~S/150–200 ($40–55), including meals, transport, and entry fees.

📍 Transportation & Itinerary

Begin your Lima 5 Day Itinerary on Day 2 by walking or biking along the Malecón, a scenic coastal clifftop promenade with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Bike rentals available (~S/15/hour).
Take a quick taxi or Metropolitano bus to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district (S/6–10).

🏛️ Highlights & Cultural History

Start with Parque del Amor (Park of Love), famous for its mosaic walls and romantic ocean vistas.
In Barranco, stroll through colorful streets lined with colonial mansions and cross the legendary Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), steeped in local folklore.
As part of this Lima 5 Day Itinerary, spend the afternoon at Museo Larco, a world-renowned museum in an 18th-century mansion, showcasing pre-Columbian gold artifacts and erotic ceramics.

🍴 Food Recommendations

Lunch: Try ceviche at Canta Rana, a beloved Barranco eatery (~S/40–50).
Dinner: Dine at Isolina Taberna Peruana, famous for hearty Peruvian comfort food (~S/70–90).

💰 Budget: ~S/180–250 ($50–65)

📍 Transportation & Itinerary

Take a 30-min taxi ride to Huaca Pucllana (S/25–30), a pre-Inca adobe pyramid in Miraflores. Guided tours available (~S/15).
Spend the afternoon walking around Miraflores’ Kennedy Park and its bustling artisan markets.

🏛️ Highlights & Cultural History

As part of your Lima 5 Day Itinerary, visit Huaca Pucllana to learn about Lima’s pre-Hispanic culture that thrived from 200–700 AD.
Kennedy Park is famous for its dozens of friendly stray cats and local art vendors.

🍴 Food Recommendations

Lunch: During your Lima 5 Day Itinerary, enjoy modern Peruvian dishes at Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, with views of the ruins (~S/100–150).
Dinner: Try anticuchos (beef heart skewers) at Panchita (~S/60–80).

💰 Budget: ~S/220–300 ($60–80)

📍 Transportation & Itinerary

Book a half-day tour or taxi to Pachacamac, a massive pre-Columbian archaeological site (~S/70 entry + S/50–70 transport).
Return to Lima and explore Surquillo Market, a haven for local ingredients and exotic fruits.

🏛️ Highlights & Cultural History

At Pachacamac, uncover stories of ancient pilgrims who visited this sacred city to honor the god Pacha Kamaq.
Surquillo Market offers a glimpse into daily Peruvian life, from native potatoes to Amazonian spices.

🍴 Food Recommendations

Lunch: Try lomo a lo pobre (beef with fried plantain and egg) at La Red (~S/40–50).
Dinner: Splurge on a 10-course tasting menu at Central, ranked among the world’s top restaurants (~S/500–600).

💰 Budget: ~S/400–600 ($110–160)

📍 Transportation & Itinerary

Head to Callao Monumental, an urban art hub, by taxi or Uber (~S/30–40).
End your trip with a sunset at El Parque Kennedy or back at Malecón de Miraflores.

🏛️ Highlights & Cultural History

In Callao, discover vibrant murals and galleries within restored colonial buildings. Guided street art tours available (~S/20).

🍴 Food Recommendations

Lunch: Feast on tallarines verdes (basil pasta with steak) at El Mirador (~S/50–70).
Dinner: Have a farewell cocktail at Mangos overlooking the Pacific (~S/80–100).

💰 Budget: ~S/250–350 ($70–90)

🌐 For more information and travel tips, visit the Official Peru Tourism Website.

If you’re planning to explore Argentina further, don’t miss our Ultimate Buenos Aires 5 Day Itinerary | Unforgettable Tango, Cuisine & Culture for an immersive experience in the capital city.