4-Day Lima Discovery: Historic Squares to Love Parks

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May 8, 2024 ·

Lima 4 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 4-day cultural odyssey through Lima, Peru's bustling capital, with a curated itinerary that promises an immersive experience. Begin your journey at the verdant San Martin Plaza, a serene city park, before marveling at the architectural grandeur of the Lima Cathedral. Next, stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas and witness the stately Government Palace of Peru. Day 2 invites you to the Museum of Arts in Lima (MALI), showcasing exquisite art collections, followed by the enchanting fountains at Parque de la Reserva. As dusk falls, prepare to be dazzled by the Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park. Your third day is dedicated to Peru's rich history with visits to the Museo de la Nacion and the Larco Museum, home to pre-Columbian art. Conclude your adventure on Day 4 at the ancient Huaca Pucllana Site Museum and unwind at the romantic Parque del Amor in Miraflores, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This itinerary is designed to create lasting memories and a deep connection with Lima's cultural heartbeat.

ColumbusLima
From THB 13438
Cheap flights
Top 6 hotels in Lima
TOP 1
Melia Lima
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Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
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Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
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4 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 1

1

San Martin Plaza

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Kickstart your Lima adventure at the iconic San Martin Plaza, a verdant city park nestled in the bustling heart of the capital. As the first stop of the day, this half-hour visit offers a tranquil retreat amid the city's vibrant energy. The plaza, named after Peru's liberator, José de San Martín, is a perfect starting point to immerse yourself in Lima's rich history and culture before exploring further.

Attraction info

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

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2

Lima Cathedral

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A short stroll from San Martin Plaza, the majestic Lima Cathedral awaits as your second destination. Dedicate an hour to marvel at this architectural masterpiece, a testament to Lima's colonial past and religious heritage. The cathedral, with its imposing facade and stunning interiors, stands as a beacon of faith and history in the Plaza de Armas, inviting visitors to explore its hallowed halls and absorb the serene ambiance.

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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Continuing the journey through Lima's historic core, the next half-hour is spent at the bustling Plaza de Armas. This iconic square is the pulsating heart of the city, surrounded by emblematic buildings and echoing with tales of the past. As you wander through the plaza, the harmonious blend of history, culture, and daily life unfolds before you, offering a glimpse into the soul of Lima.

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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Conclude your day's exploration at the stately Government Palace of Peru, where history and governance converge. Set aside an hour to admire the grandeur of the town hall, which serves as the official residence and office of the President. The palace's striking architecture and the ceremonial Changing of the Guard are highlights not to be missed, providing a fitting finale to a day steeped in Lima's rich tapestry of heritage.

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

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4 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 2

1

Museum of Arts in Lima-MALI

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Kickstarting the second day with an artistic immersion, the Museum of Arts in Lima, commonly known as MALI, presents a splendid array of art that spans several millennia. Nestled in the heart of the city at Paseo Colón 125, this cultural gem offers visitors an hour-long journey through Peru's rich artistic heritage. From pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary exhibitions, MALI captivates with its diverse collections and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts exploring Lima.

Attraction info

  • Paseo Colón 125, Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Fri, Sun,10:30am-6:00pm;Open on Sat,10:30am-5:00pm

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2

Parque de la Reserva

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Continuing the day's exploration, a short stroll leads to the serene Parque de la Reserva. This city park, a verdant oasis amidst the urban landscape, is perfect for a tranquil hour of relaxation. With its well-manicured gardens and impressive fountains, the park serves as a delightful interlude, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle and a chance to recharge before the evening's spectacle.

Attraction info

  • Jr. Madre de Dios S / N, Cercado de Lima, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 3:00pm-10:00pm
0.02 km
3

Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park

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As dusk falls, the Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park becomes the highlight of the evening. This enchanting attraction, located within the Parque de la Reserva, promises two hours of mesmerizing displays where water, light, and music converge to create an unforgettable experience. The park's record-breaking fountains dance in a symphony of colors, captivating visitors of all ages and beautifully concluding the second day of the Lima itinerary.

Attraction info

  • Jr. Mother of God | Reserve Park, Lima 15046, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 3:00pm-10:00pm
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4 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 3

1

Museo de la Nacion

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Kicking off Day 3 of our Lima adventure, we immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Peruvian history at the Museo de la Nacion. Nestled in the heart of San Borja, this museum is a treasure trove that offers a profound journey through Peru's diverse cultural heritage. Spend a couple of hours marveling at the extensive collection of artifacts that span from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. The Museo de la Nacion is not just a museum; it's a gateway to understanding the soul of Peru, making it an essential stop in our cultural exploration of Lima.

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

Larco Museum

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Continuing our cultural quest in Lima, we make our way to the enchanting Larco Museum. With just an hour's visit, this museum, located in the tranquil district of Pueblo Libre, promises an intimate encounter with Peru's ancient past. The Larco Museum is renowned for its stunning collection of pre-Columbian art, housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building. Its beautifully curated displays of pottery, textiles, and gold and silver artifacts are a visual feast, while the lush gardens offer a serene retreat. This museum is a testament to the artistic achievements of Peru's ancestors and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

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4 Days in Lima Itinerary: Day 4

1

Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

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Begin your final day in Lima with a journey back in time at the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, a pre-Incan clay pyramid right in the heart of the Miraflores district. This ancient architectural marvel offers a glimpse into the Lima culture that flourished between 200 and 700 AD. Spend about 30 minutes marveling at the adobe and clay pyramid, and immerse yourself in the rich history displayed within the museum's exhibits. Located at Ca. Gral. Borgoño cuadra 8, this site is not just a monument but a testament to Peru's ancestral civilizations.

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

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2

Parque del Amor

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After delving into ancient history, take a leisurely half-hour stroll to the Parque del Amor, situated along the scenic Malecon Cisneros. This charming city park, inspired by Barcelona's Park Güell, is a celebration of love and a popular spot for couples. With its iconic sculpture 'El Beso' (The Kiss) by Victor Delfín, and mosaic walls bearing romantic quotes, the park offers a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect place to reflect on your Lima adventure and enjoy the serene beauty of the city's coastline.

Attraction info

  • Malecon Cisneros, Miraflores 15074, Peru
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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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.
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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 4 Days Itinerary