Layover in Lima: Top 3 Things to Do

You're off to Peru, now what to do? Chances are that you will have to pass through Lima no matter what, so you better make the most of it.

​As a bustling city with nearly 10 million people, 43 districts, and thousands of years of history and tradition, this is where the magic happens.

If you know where to look, you can be immersed in the fusion of ancient and modern cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exotic flavors. With one full day in Lima, you have enough time to dive in and get a feel for the city that will engage all of your senses. Even with a half-day layover, you can venture out for a light version of Lima. The only suggestion: come curious! The following are our recommendations for the top three things to do in Lima, Peru to take advantage of the destination.

---

---

Larco Museum

---

The Larco Museum, located in the district of Pueblo Libre, offers a stunning private collection of artifacts that date back more than 4,000 years, covering several civilizations that inhabited Peru's coastal area well before the Incas entered the scene. Think ceramics, textiles, and golden masks, oh my! And if you're looking for something you don't see every day, they even have a special exhibit of erotic pre-Columbian ceramics. Just as impressive as the archeological collection is the museum café, located on a gorgeous terrace with garden views in the middle of the 18th-century mansion.

---

Larco Museum
Av. Simón Bolivar 1515, Pueblo Libre, Lima 21
T (00511) 461-1312 - 461-1835
Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
www.museolarco.org

---

---

Lima Food Tour

---

Lima has been declared the leading culinary destination in the world eight times over the last decade, so the foodie scene should be on your list of things to do in Lima. You'll find all kinds of restaurants around the city, from traditional neighborhood holes in the wall (known as huariques) to some of the best restaurants in the world (Central, Maido, Astrid y Gastón) with menus that will have your mouth watering before the cutlery is on the table. But where to eat and what to order with so little time in Lima? Luckily, there's a solution: five-hour food and city tours that maximize your time by showing you around three of the city's main districts while trying different dishes, exploring new ingredients, and getting a crash course in Peru's socio-economic history. Full disclosure here, we run these tours at The Lima Gourmet Company, however, they've been listed as the top activities to do in Lima repeatedly, so we feel it's safe to say that fellow travelers also consider them a must-do to make the most of your time. ¡Buen provecho!

---

The Lima Gourmet Company
T +51 997 599 415
Day Tours Mon-Sun 9:30 AM -2:30 PM
Evening Tours Mon-Sat 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
​www.limagourmetcompany.com

---

---

Malecón in Miraflores and Barranco

---

Sometimes the best way to get to know a city is just by taking a relaxing stroll, catering to your inner flâneur as you saunter along the coast, watching the passersby, and taking in the relaxed west coast vibe. One of the most visually stimulating stretches of Malecón is walking from Miraflores to Barranco until you reach the Bridge of Sighs. You'll find beautifully landscaped parks, a lighthouse, rollerbladers and cyclists, little juice bars and kiosks, paragliders, and of course, the captivating views of Lima's coastline.

---

With those three activities, you're set. You've got culture, cuisine, and charm, and you will have seen the best of Lima!