Day-by-day plans for 3, 5, and 7 days — organised to make the most of your time.
Two focused days covering the must-sees for travellers passing through en route to Cusco or Machu Picchu.
Morning: walk the malecón clifftop promenade, browse Larcomar, visit Huaca Pucllana (the ancient pyramid in the middle of Miraflores). Afternoon: explore Barranco on foot — the Bridge of Sighs, the clifftop views, the street art on Bajada de los Baños. Evening: dinner in Barranco — try Isolina (traditional Peruvian comfort food) or Central if you booked months ahead.
Morning: Larco Museum — one of the world's finest pre-Columbian collections in a beautiful colonial garden setting. Allow 2–3 hours. Lunch: Café del Museo in the garden. Afternoon: Miraflores shopping — Mercado Indio (handicrafts) or Larcomar. Evening: farewell dinner in Miraflores — Maido for Nikkei cuisine or La Mar for the best ceviche at mid-range prices.
Four days to explore the city properly, including a half-day at the Islas Palomino and the full range of Lima's extraordinary food scene.
Arrive, check in, walk the clifftop malecón. Visit Huaca Pucllana in the afternoon. Dinner in Miraflores.
Morning at Larco. Afternoon exploring Barranco on foot. Evening dinner and drinks in Barranco — the neighbourhood is best after 7pm when the restaurants fill.
Full morning: boat tour from Callao Port to the Palomino Islands. Sea lion swimming option (bring a swimsuit and book in advance). Afternoon: recover in Miraflores. Evening: make this the night for your best Lima restaurant — Maido, La Mar, or Central if you planned ahead.
Morning: Olive Grove of San Isidro (the Bosque El Olivar — a free park of 500-year-old olive trees in the city centre, remarkable). Afternoon: final shopping at Mercado Indio or Miraflores craft shops. Early dinner before overnight flight if applicable.