2-Day Historic & Cultural Dive into Lima

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May 7, 2024 ·

Lima 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day journey through the vibrant streets of Lima, Peru's captivating capital. Your adventure begins at the San Martin Plaza, a serene city park where you can ease into the local atmosphere. Just a short walk away, marvel at the architectural splendor of the Lima Cathedral, a testament to the city's rich history. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, before visiting the stately Government Palace of Peru. Conclude your first day with the spiritual serenity of the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. Day two dives deeper into Peru's culture with a visit to the Museo de la Nacion, where you'll spend a couple of hours exploring Peru's past and present. The Huaca Pucllana Site Museum offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations with its impressive ruins. Find romance or relaxation at the Parque del Amor, a scenic city park overlooking the Pacific. Finally, enrich your cultural experience at the Larco Museum, home to a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. This 2-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Lima's most iconic sights, seamlessly blending history, culture, and the beauty of urban parks.

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Top 6 hotels in Lima
TOP 1
Melia Lima
Melia Lima
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5/5
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Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
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Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
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5/5
328 reviews
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2 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 1

1

San Martin Plaza

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Begin your Lima adventure at the verdant San Martin Plaza, a serene city park nestled in the bustling heart of the city. As the first stop of the day, this half-hour visit offers a peaceful moment to appreciate the local ambiance and the plaza's significance before delving into the rich tapestry of Lima's historical landmarks.

Attraction info

  • Nicolas de Piérola Ave., Cercado de Lima 15001
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended nearby restaurants

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El Italiano
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El Rincon Que No Conoces
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El Otro Gramadal Restaurante
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Museo del Pisco
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2

Lima Cathedral

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Just a short stroll from the tranquility of San Martin Plaza, the majestic Lima Cathedral awaits. Dedicate an hour to explore this architectural masterpiece, a testament to Lima's religious heritage and historical grandeur. Its imposing facade and sacred interiors are not just a feast for the eyes but also a journey through the city's spiritual lineage.

Attraction info

  • Jiron Carabaya | Plaza de Armas de Lima, Lima 15001, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,9:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,9:00am-9:45am,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,11:00am-12:00pm,1:00pm-5:00pm
1 min,0.15 km
3

Plaza de Armas

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Continue your historical exploration with a visit to the iconic Plaza de Armas, a mere stone's throw from the cathedral. This central square, steeped in history, serves as the perfect backdrop for a half-hour immersion into the cultural heart of Lima, where the past and present converge in a vibrant display of city life.

Attraction info

  • Historic Center, Lima District 15001, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open from 6:00am-11:00pm
2 min,0.2 km
4

Government Palace of Peru

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A short walk from the Plaza de Armas, the stately Government Palace of Peru stands as a symbol of political history and power. Spend an hour at this impressive town hall, where the intricate details and the grandeur of the official residence and workplace of Peru's president will captivate your interest and imagination.

Attraction info

  • Main Square | Zocalo, Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open on Sat,7:00am-7:45am,8:00am-9:00pm;Open on Sun,11:00am-12:00pm,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open on Mon-Fri,7:00am-9:00pm
6 min,0.5 km
5

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco

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Conclude your day with the spiritual serenity of Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. This Taoist temple, with its hour-long visit, offers a unique blend of religious and architectural splendor. Its hallowed halls and peaceful courtyards provide a reflective end to a day filled with the exploration of Lima's most treasured historical sites.

Attraction info

  • Jirón Lampa and Ancash, Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-6:00pm,Holidays 09:00 am to 6:30 pm.The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lima City Center
Lima
|0.43km from city center
6.8/1014 Reviews
6.8/10Perfect14 Reviews
Lima City Center
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|0.51km from city center
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2 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 2

1

Museo de la Nacion

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Kickstart your second day in Lima with a deep dive into the country's history at the Museo de la Nacion. Spend a couple of hours exploring the extensive exhibits that showcase Peru's rich cultural tapestry, from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. Located on Avenida Javier Prado Este, this museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and curious travelers alike, offering a profound understanding of the nation's heritage.

Attraction info

  • Avenida Javier Prado Este 2466, San Borja, Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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2

Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

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Next on your itinerary, a short visit to the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum will transport you back to Lima's pre-Columbian era. Nestled in the heart of Miraflores, this ancient adobe and clay pyramid stands as a testament to the Lima Culture. The on-site museum provides fascinating insights into the rituals and daily life of the people who thrived here long before the city's modern hustle and bustle.

Attraction info

  • s/n, Ca. Gral. Borgoño cuadra 8, Miraflores 15074, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 30-90 minutes
  • Open on Mon, Wed-Sun,9:00am-4:15pm

Recommended nearby restaurants

Huaca Pucllana
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La Rosa Nautica Restaurant
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La 73 Paradero Gourmet
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La Plazita
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Ache
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3

Parque del Amor

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After delving into the past, embrace the present at Parque del Amor, a charming city park renowned for its romantic atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Located along Malecon Cisneros, it's the perfect spot to relax for half an hour, take in the whimsical sculptures, and perhaps steal a kiss by the iconic 'El Beso' statue, all while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

Attraction info

  • Malecon Cisneros, Miraflores 15074, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
19 min,10.3 km
4

Larco Museum

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Conclude your cultural journey at the Larco Museum, a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts. With just an hour to spare, immerse yourself in one of the most impressive collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. Housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building in Pueblo Libre, the museum's beautifully curated displays and lush gardens offer a serene backdrop to reflect on Peru's ancestral legacy.

Attraction info

  • Av. Simón Bolivar 1515, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-7:00pm,Shorten opening hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st

Recommended nearby restaurants

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Perroquet Restaurant (Country Club Lima Hotel)
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Where to Stay Tonight

7.2/1013 Reviews
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Top things to do in Lima-2025

TOP 1
Las Ballestas
Las Ballestas
4.4/5 · 27 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 522 review
Highlights:
Bird Island is known as Lima's Little Galapagos, where deserts, cliffs, oceans, and rugged reef islands form a barren but vibrant natural landscape. From a distance, there is nothing at all, but from a close distance, there are countless seabirds perching on the rocks, especially black and white seabirds standing densely together. The plankton swept in by the cold ocean current provides abundant food for seabirds and marine mammals, and flocks of birds leave layers of guano on the cliffs. The 50-meter-thick guano provides high-quality natural fertilizer. The ecological wonder is unforgettable.
View more
TOP 2
Larco Museum
Larco Museum
4.2/5 · 33 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 12,797 review
Highlights:

Located in Lima, Peru, the Larco Museum is a museum dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Peru. Founded in 1926, the museum is housed in an 18th-century colonial-style building surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum houses more than 5,000 exquisite pieces of pottery, textiles, and gold and silver jewelry, vividly showing the richness and diversity of ancient Peruvian civilization.

The museum is known for its unique exhibition methods, especially its open storage rooms, where visitors can get a close look at a large number of artifacts that are not displayed in regular exhibition halls. In addition, the museum also has a special exhibition hall that displays sexual-themed pottery from ancient Peruvian culture, providing a unique perspective on the life of ancient society.

The experience of visiting the Larco Museum is not limited to the indoor exhibitions. Visitors can also stroll through its charming gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. There is a restaurant on site that serves authentic Peruvian cuisine, making it a great place to rest and taste the local flavor. Whether you are a tourist interested in history and culture or a traveler looking for a unique experience, the Larco Museum is a destination worth visiting.

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TOP 3
Lima Main Square
Lima Main Square
4.4/5 · 73 review
Highlights:
Lima's Plaza de Armas, also known as the central square, is the birthplace and core of Lima and also the spiritual and cultural center of Lima. palace. The older part is the bronze fountain in the center of the square, built in the 17th century. There is a Spanish colonial building on the square.
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TOP 4
Centro Historico
Centro Historico
5/5 · 3 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 5,109 review
Highlights:

The Historic Center of Lima is located in Lima, the capital of Peru. It is the core area of ​​the city. There are buildings in different styles of different periods in the area, such as Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical styles, and are influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moorish, Andalusian and Caribbean styles.

The representative attractions of the Historic Center of Lima are the balconies of Lima, which were built in the late 17th and 18th centuries and are the Spanish cultural center of Peru; there are also the 16th-century Lima Cathedral and the National University of San Marcos, which have witnessed the historical development of Peru. Here, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere and the fusion of various cultures.

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TOP 5
San Martin Square
San Martin Square
4.2/5 · 51 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 802 review
Highlights:
Plaza San Martín was opened on July 27, 1921 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Peru's independence. It was named after San Martin, the father of the liberation of South America, and in the center stands a statue of a nation with extraordinary achievements in the American War of Independence. The statue of the hero Saint Martin with a prancing horse and a gun is one of the more representative public spaces in Lima. It is located in the historical center of Lima, a world heritage site, close to the Plaza de Armas. It is surrounded by yellow buildings and tall palm trees, including the famous Bolivar Hotel. There is a broad street in the middle of the square - Via Nicolas de Pierola.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Lima 2 Days Itinerary