CALLAO (LIMA)

Lima is the expansive capital of Peru that’s home to nearly 1/3rd of the entire Peruvian population. The city is divided into different regions, and a smart travel strategy is to focus your time in a region that peaks your interest most.   

The heart of the city is the Historic Center of Lima. This is where you will find the city’s most important historic, political, and religious sites. The main square is Plaza de Armas, and around it you will find the Lima Cathedral. Just down the road is the Government Palace. (Tip: Don’t miss the changing of the guard at 11:45am for free!) Around the corner is another important religious site: the Church of San Francisco. It holds an impressive library as well as the Catacombs of San Francisco, which has over 25,000 human skeletons. Other points of interest in the historic center include the Inquisition Museum, Plaza San Martin, and Union Street.

For nature lovers, consider going to Miraflores. This area boasts expansive green spaces, with the most impressive being El Malecón—a 6 mile stretch of parks situated on a cliff next to the Pacific Ocean. Other highlights of Miraflores include Parque Kennedy, the Miraflores Artisan Market, and the popular shopping mall Larcomar. Another can’t-miss site in Miraflores is Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid  that dates back to 500ce.

 If you’re looking for something more bohemian, head south of Miraflores to the Barranco district. Barranco boasts art galleries, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants that travelers with artistic flares adore. The neighborhood is the perfect place to wander and explore, but one important site to see is the Puente de los Suspiros. Lore has it that if you make a wish whilst crossing this small wooden bridge without taking a breath, it will come true.

 Two other spots to consider visiting that are outside these neighborhoods are the National Archaeological Museum and the Larco Museum. Both of these museums hold fascinating artifacts from Peru’s ancient civilizations, and are can’t misses for history buffs.

From ancient ruins to modern markets, Lima is a bucket list travel destination that has something for everyone.