Peru’s capital is having a moment. Years of gentrification and reinvention have transformed Lima into a fun-loving cultural enclave with an inventive foodie scene to rival that of any other major city, and an infectious energy that swirls through its streets. There’s the Malecon – a scenic, cliff-side strip, dotted with parks and gardens. And then there’s the boho district of Barranco – a hip neighbourhood where the parties thrum until the early hours and the bold street art brightens the greyest of days. Lima holidays aren’t just about flying in and fleeing off to Peru’s hinterland – there’s a lot to love about the Peruvian capital.

Lima holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Peru – Lima – the Amazon – the Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    From the Amazon to the Andes - A Peruvian Adventure with your Teens

    Treat your teens to the adventure of a lifetime on this 13-day trip to Peru, pairing ancient culture with outdoor adventure

    13 days, from £3100 to £4250

  • One Country Peru – Lima – Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cuzco

    Peru’s Big Hitters - Lima, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

    Travel from Lima to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cuzco, pairing iconic Inca sites with markets, train journeys and culinary experiences.

    12 days, from £3650 to £4750

  • One Country Peru – Lima –  Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley

    The Best of Peru - Ancient Wonders, Local Traditions & High-Altitude Adventures

    Dial up the adventure in Peru on this 12-day getaway, discovering sacred ruins, colourful culture and jaw-dropping landscapes

    12 days, from £3900 to £5100

  • One Country Peru – Lima – Cuzco – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca

    Icons of Peru - An Adventure from Lima to Lake Titicaca

    Prepare to fall in love with Peru on this 11-day adventure hopping between iconic sites and lovely local spots

    11 days, from £5300 to £7800

  • One Country Peru – Lima – Amazonas – Titicaca – Cuzco – Machu Picchu

    Journey Across Peru - From Cloud Forests to the Sacred Valley

    Travel from northern Peru to Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley, crossing cloud forests, colonial cities and high Andean landscapes

    21 days, from £5700 to £8500

  • One Country Peru – Bolivia – Chile

    The Ultimate Andean Adventure - Peru, Bolivia and Chile

    Embark on the ultimate Andean adventure as you spend three weeks journeying across Peru, Bolivia and Chile

    20 days, from £6500 to £9650

  • One Country Peru - Ecuador

    From Peru to Ecuador - The Andes, the Amazon & the Galapagos Archipelago

    Spend three weeks journeying from Peru to Ecuador, pairing Inca citadels, Amazon wildlife and the volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos

    20 days, from £6500 to £7800

Lima Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Peru testimonials

12 reviews
4.7 / 5
"I was initially helped by Patrick and later by Henrietta, who were both very good. We had lovely rooms in the Amazon Lodge and Inkaterra La Casona, but our favourite hotels were Titilaka, the charming Villa Barranco and the excellent airport hotel in Lima. The trip was very well-organised and planned: Henrietta did a great job and all the guides were excellent."
A - UK
Published on 18th September 2025
"Oliver was absolutely brilliant, as was our guide in the Andes. "
C - Italy
Published on 4th August 2025
"The cookery class in Lima, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu were all memorable moments. "
G - UK
Published on 12th June 2025

What are the best ways to discover Lima?

Quell any notions of Lima not being as exciting as its South American counterparts - Buenos Aires springs to mind - as it has plenty going for it and is certainly on the up. A selection of new hotels, world-renowned museums, and superb restaurants make it one of our must-visit holiday destinations. The city's historical centre and its Plaza Mayor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with finely preserved colonial architecture.

The museums in Lima are enough to rival any capital city. Tour the gold-leaf altars and paintings of the Cathedral on the eastern edge, and visit the Church of San Francisco a couple of blocks northeast with its 17th-century convent and extensive network of catacombs. The archaeological and anthropological museum of gold contains a priceless collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts; an impressive sight even for those who didn't think themselves museum buffs (after a trip to Lima, views might change). Visit the spot in which Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535, and where Peruvians declared their independence in 1821 - a pretty significant spot for the country's inhabitants.

Lima is also considered to be the gastro capital of Latin America. The seafront district of Miraflores has fantastic seafood restaurants, and international influences are readily making themselves known. Astrid Y Gastón is the local 'celebrity chef' with his restaurant 42 previously featuring highly on the 'World's 50 Best Restaurant's' List, he also has eateries popping up in Mexico, Chile and Spain too.