Lima Holidays
Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage capital, Lima is one of South America’s largest cities, a sprawling, bustling metropolis. Set on Peru’s arid Pacific coast, Lima holidays offer a tantalising combination of city delights and culinary excellence. Lose yourself in historical intrigue, beautiful architecture and frothing surf breaks.
Lima holidays are best spent roaming the city, experiencing first-hand the vibrant amalgamation of past and present. The city boasts an array of historical attractions. Wander one of the many respected museums, including Museo Larco, home to an impressive collection of ancient ceramics and pre-Colombian artefacts. Part of Lima’s UNESCO Historic Centre, explore Basilica de San Francisco and its catacombs - a beautiful display of colonial architecture. While you’re meandering, head to Plaza de Armas, Lima’s central square. Here you’ll find the ornate Government Palace, the vast Cathedral of Lima and the brightly-painted Municipal Palace.
Lose yourself in winding city streets on a Lima holiday
Emerge from your historical explorations to green tranquillity and beautiful views in the palm-speckled parks of Miraflores. El Malecón, in particular, spreads an array of green spaces, clinging to the cliffs above the coast. Another popular neighbourhood, Barranco offers its own appeal. Discover colourful buildings, captivating street art and some delightful coffee shops. As dusk falls, wander over the romantic La Puente de Los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs).
The myriad culinary treasures would be reason enough for a holiday to Lima. Lima’s world-class culinary scene introduces you to all that is great and glorious about Peruvian food. Stroll through the Boulevard of Gastronomy in the Surquillo district for an impromptu foodie tour of Peru’s culinary capital. Savour crispy calamari, succulent shrimp cioppino, the famous Peruvian ceviche (and oh, so much more). Toast pisco sours as you watch the sun set over the ocean.
If your mouth is already watering, it’s time to book your Lima holiday. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists today.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Here’s a selection of some of our Lima holiday itineraries. If you can’t see quite what you’re looking for, get in touch. Almost anything is possible.
Cuzco & Machu Picchu with Belmond
Guide Price £2,799 pp
Join us on an exciting trip through Cusco and Machu Picchu aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. Set high up on the slopes of the Andes Mountains, the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu welcomes you within the middle of a...
Rail journeys
The Best of South America Tour
Guide Price £5,199 pp
For an insight into South America in just two weeks, take our Highlights of South America tour. Visit the very different cities of Lima and Cuzco in Peru, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Be amazed...
Cultural holidays
Highlights of South America Tour
Guide Price £5,799 pp
From the ancient mountain ruins of Machu Picchu to the dazzling beaches of Rio de Janeiro, South America has it all when it comes to outstanding natural beauty and fascinating sights. There’s much to see and do in this fascinating...
Adventure holidays
Peru & Ecuador World Heritage
Guide Price £4,199 pp
Discover the best that Peru and Ecuador have to offer when it comes to rich culture and local heritage. In Peru, we’ll roam and explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage cities of Lima and Cuzco. In the former, you can...
Wildlife holidays
Our favourite hotels
Our favourite places to stay are below. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help.
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![a clock tower in front of a building]()
Church of San Francisco
Lima is filled with colonial churches, but the Church of San Francisco is the best preserved one. The inside is ornate, with the main alter and choir stalls carved out of wood, the side naves painted in a Spanish and Moorish style, and an elaborate lattice dome. Beneath the church are intriguing catacombs that hold about 75,000 bodies. Many of the remains are exposed or stacked in circular stone pits. Next door, the monastery has a large collection of ancient religious texts to peruse.
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Miraflores
Literally meaning, 'look at the flowers', the district of Miraflores is filled with iris, cactus, and palm-filled parks interrupted by swaths of verdant green grass and modern shopping areas. Along the cliff tops high above the Pacific Ocean, the six-mile stretch of parks that make up El Malecón is perfect for jogging, bicycling, or just absorbing the magnificent view.
Best time to go to Lima
Positioned as a coastal desert, Lima experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year, with little rainfall but plenty of high humidity. The best time to visit Lima is between the months of December and April (temperature averages of 22 ̊C-24 ̊C). May to November offer Lima’s coolest months, and are often foggy and overcast.
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Robert
Destination Specialist
“Parque Kennedy - named after the 35th US president - hosts nightly events, from dancing shows to art exhibits. It’s also home to hundreds of cats that prowl the park at night. Spend an evening watching the cats and the people, while snacking on picarones - a delicious Peruvian desert of fried sweet potatoes dipped in honey.”
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“The Miraflores boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, providing miles and miles of stunning views. Rent a bike from one of the rental companies and enjoy a scenic bike ride up and down the coast.”
