On my most recent visit to Lima in Peru, I found there was so much to explore, which I possibly could not have in one trip. From its charcoal cliffs and special food to its history and coastal location, Lima is more the food capital of South America. And yet, it does not have the tourist attention like other South American cities do.
However, it has been gaining tourist traction at a snail’s pace. Now that it has been recognized as the culinary capital of South America, there are still a lot more areas and activities that need to be explored. Despite Lima’s smog and traffic, the city deserves a chance to be more than a stopover for people traveling to Machu Pichu.
I planned my recent trip to Lima keeping this feat in mind. I wanted to go to unexplored places and do unconventional activities in Lima. So let me go through all that I did and that you should do too, on your next trip to Lima.
One bonus tip, book in advance to get good deals on hotels. I booked mine three months prior and thank the heavens for my Spectrum internet, because the deal only had a couple of hours left in expiry. I got a mini heart attack due to a minor outage. But thanks to my handy Spectrum servicio al cliente, it was resolved just before the deal expired and I was able to book it. I would advise you to avoid this close call by booking ahead of time.
1. Museo Andrés del Castillo
Popularly known as the Mineral Museum of Lima, Museo Andrés del Castillo is located in Jirón de la Unión. Housed in a 19th-century building with pristine Spanish tile, this is not typical mundane boring museum. It is a private museum that boasts a wide collection of minerals and stones from all around Peru. These are meant to develop an understanding of the general Peruvian history and the dark colonial Spanish mining business in South America.
Apart from stones and minerals, there is also an eye-catching display of pre-Columbian Chancay pottery and Nazca textiles. I loved the virtual tour of the mineral mines that showcase the mineral wealth of Peru. You should visit if you are someone who gets bored of paintings and silent museums.
2. Bioferia Miraflores
What is better than locally grown Peruvian organic food? Lima has a lot of options in farmers’ markets or Sunday markets. I happened to come across Bioferia Miraflores, a small street market organized for local farmers, by environmental organizations. It first opened up in 1999 and has been a weekend thing since then.
Located in Parque Reducto de Miraflores, the market provides a stage for local farmers and producers to sell their organic produce at fair prices. You can find the best quality Peruvian fruits, veggies, natural honey, jams, and seeds, among a variety of things. I really liked the cheese from Chillón Valley which the seller told me was of high nutritional value.
3. Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo
Also known as the Basilica and Maximus Convent of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, it reflects Lima’s religious history. The beautiful religious compound was constructed in the 16th century. It is famous for Santa Rosa’s skull, which is contained in a silver urn.
One of the Stunning Altarpieces
You enjoy its shady patios, roam around its Spanish tile-decked corridors, and take pictures in front of its Bell Tower reflective of Late Baroque architecture. It has a grand and beautiful interior, with multiple altarpieces of various Catholic saints. These are reflective of neo-classical style and boast the turquoise and gold color combo.
4. Huaca Pucllana
Who would have expected to find historical ruins in Miraflores’ upscale surroundings but I did. Huaca Pucllana is a historical structure from pre-Columbian times. The pyramid structure is built from seven platforms. It dates back to the years between 200 AD and 700 AD.
You can opt for the daily tours which will take you through the history of the area and the astonishing irrigation channels. The entry cost is pretty cheap and the guide will also take you through the uncovered tombs and large walled rooms used for ceremonial offerings. Creepy but cool!
5. Cebicherias in Lima
How could I be talking about Lima without discussing its food potential? A cebicheria is where local ceviche is sold and ceviche is a significant food in South America. In Peru, it is commonly referred to as ‘cebiche’ and you can find it in local spots and fancy restaurants. Raw fish, cubed and dressed in lemon juice, salt, onion, and chili is a simplicity at its best.
There are many variations available now, from it being served with corn or even a sweet potato. I had the purple crab cebiche from Don Fernando Restaurant in the Jesus Maria neighborhood, but there are a lot of places where you can try it. Mar Cebicheria Peruana and Cebicheria Colonial are other options with really good reviews.
6. The Olive Forest
Lima is not the greenest of the cities, but that does not mean you cannot explore its forestation. El Olivar is famous for its olive trees. It was first planted by the Spanish, around five hundred years ago and it continues to thrive even today. It spans across 10 hectares, and El Olivar was declared a national monument in 1959.
It boasts around 1670 olive trees and 227 other species of trees, which are over four hundred years old. You can find many species of local birds like Cuculi, Turutpupilin, and the Fiddler. There is also the Cultural Centre for you to explore and the Children’s Library.
Wrapping Up
There are so many things to do and explore in Lima. These activities barely scratch the surface of Lima’s potential. Make sure to try unconventional activities when you go!