Quick answer: Day 1: Miraflores Malecón, Huaca Pucllana and Barranco at sunset. Day 2: Historic Centre, Larco Museum and the Magic Water Circuit. Day 3: Paracas and Huacachina day trip.
Day 1: Miraflores and Barranco
- Morning: walk the Malecón; try paragliding if the weather allows.
- Lunch: ceviche.
- Afternoon: Huaca Pucllana, then taxi to Barranco.
- Evening: sunset on the cliffs, dinner and a pisco bar.
Day 2: History and culture
- Morning: Historic Centre: Plaza Mayor, cathedral, San Francisco catacombs.
- Lunch: Chifa in Barrio Chino.
- Afternoon: Larco Museum.
- Evening: Magic Water Circuit, then a tasting menu.
Day 3: Paracas and Huacachina
A long day trip south: Ballestas Islands boat tour, then dune buggies and sandboarding at the Huacachina oasis.
Find tours & tickets in LimaTips
- Stay in Miraflores and use apps for taxis.
- Most travellers do Lima at the start or end of a Peru trip; fly to Cusco next.
FAQ: Lima itinerary
Is one day enough in Lima?
For a taste, yes: Miraflores, Barranco and a great meal. Two days adds the centre and museums.
Should I visit Lima before or after Cusco?
Either works; doing Lima last is handy as most international flights leave from there.
More Lima guides
- Lima travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Lima
- Where to stay in Lima
- Best time to visit Lima
- Lima airport to Miraflores
- Lima food guide
- Lima to Cusco
- Paracas and Huacachina day trip
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