Lima surprised us in the best way! We visited in June 2025 and found it full of energy, culture, and delicious food. Usually, we pass through capital cities quickly, but Lima had so much to offer. From stunning coastlines to centuries-old cathedrals, this coastal capital kept us curious. Its mix of colonial charm and modern energy was perfect for a short stay. Our adventure travel family explored lively districts, wandered ancient ruins, and took day trips that made Lima a great base. We stayed in the safe and vibrant Miraflores neighborhood, where we could walk to shops, restaurants, and the ocean. The girls especially loved the mix of city life and nature! If you’re planning your own Lima Peru itinerary, here’s how we made the most of our time and the top things to see in Lima with kids. Let’s go!
Peru is packed with adventure! It’s home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the incredible Amazon rainforest. But Lima? It’s often overlooked. We’re here to tell you … don’t skip it! Peru’s capital city offers history, world-famous cuisine, and easy access to nearby day trips. From ceviche to surfing, you’ll be surprised by the variety.
Peru is also easy to reach from many places in the U.S. There are direct flights from major cities. June is winter in Lima, but it’s still mild. Perfect for walking and exploring. If you’re planning a bigger Peru trip, Lima is a great place to start. It gives you a taste of the country’s culture before heading to the Andes or the jungle. In short, Peru is beautiful, budget-friendly, and full of adventure. Add it to your family travel list!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Miraflores District
Usually, we fly into a capital city and leave right away. But this time, we stayed! Miraflores surprised us. It’s clean, coastal, and full of things to do. This part of Lima is known for its surfing (not something we imagined in Peru) and its scenic cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. There’s a long boardwalk with playgrounds, parks, and ocean views. It felt safe and walkable, even with the girls.
You can stroll through Parque Kennedy and watch street performers. Or explore the art markets and pick up soft alpaca scarves. There were endless food options, from street vendors to trendy cafes. We even found a churro stand that Buttercup now dreams about!
In the evening, the area buzzed with energy. Locals and travelers mingled near the parks and fountains. If you’re wondering where to stay in Lima, Miraflores is perfect for families.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
The Full Tour in Lima!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Walking Around Lima’s Historical District / El Centro
We started our Lima adventure with a walking tour through the Historical District. It was the perfect way to learn about Peru’s colonial past. El Centro is full of grand plazas, Spanish-style churches, and vibrant streets. The girls loved spotting all the different architectural styles. Our guide shared fun stories that kept Buttercup and Spider Monkey engaged.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
The Best Walking Tour in Lima!
Things to See in Lima: Plaza San Martin
This wide, elegant plaza is named after José de San Martín, the liberator of Peru. It’s surrounded by white colonial buildings with French-inspired facades and a statue of San Martín himself standing proudly in the center.
The plaza has a rich historical feel and is often full of music, protests, or celebrations. It’s a great place to start your walking tour and get a feel for Lima’s cultural pulse. The girls loved chasing pigeons here, and we enjoyed sitting under the trees watching city life go by.
Things to See in Lima: Catedral de Lima
The Cathedral of Lima is a must-see! It’s one of the most important churches in the country. It holds the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador. The outside is stunning, but the inside is even more impressive with high ceilings, ornate altars, and side chapels full of artwork!
Things to See in Lima: Convento de San Francisco and the Catacombs
This was a highlight of our walking tour! The convent has beautiful yellow walls, peaceful courtyards, and impressive baroque architecture.
But the real excitement came in the catacombs! Beneath the convent lies a maze of tunnels filled with neatly arranged bones from thousands of burials. It was both spooky and fascinating. Our guide explained how the catacombs were used before modern cemeteries existed. The girls were wide-eyed the whole time. This spot combines eerie excitement with rich history. It’s unforgettable and one of Lima’s top attractions!
Things to See in Lima: Plaza de Armas
This is Lima’s main square and the historical heart of the city. It’s surrounded by some of the most iconic buildings in Lima, including the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace. The bold yellow buildings and palm trees give it a distinct and photogenic look.
There’s also a beautiful central fountain that dates back to the 1600s. This plaza was lively, full of families, vendors, and local school groups.
Things to See in Lima: Palacio de Gobierno
Right on the northern side of the plaza is the Palacio de Gobierno, also called the Presidential Palace. This is where the President of Peru lives and works. The building is massive, elegant, and full of history.
The original palace was built by Francisco Pizarro in the 1500s and has been rebuilt several times since. Although we couldn’t go inside without an advanced reservation, just seeing it from the outside was exciting. It gave us a sense of the country’s leadership and history right in the heart of Lima.
Things to See in Lima: Municipal Palace of Lima
This impressive government building is located right on the Plaza Mayor. It’s painted the same bright yellow as other colonial buildings around the square. The architecture features grand arched windows and wooden balconies.
The Municipal Palace is where the mayor and city council of Lima conduct business. The building itself dates back to the early 20th century but was designed to reflect the baroque and neocolonial styles of Lima’s earlier buildings. We admired its tall entrance doors and decorative ironwork, which gave it a stately and official feel.
We learned that it has a grand interior with murals depicting scenes from Lima’s history and ceremonial rooms used for city events and visits from dignitaries. While it wasn’t open for tours during our visit, just seeing it as part of the Plaza Mayor gave us a better understanding of Lima’s municipal heritage.
Things to See in Lima: Basilica and Convento de Santo Domingo
The basilica’s bell tower was striking! This bell tower has stood since colonial times. It played a key role in city life by calling residents to prayer, warning of danger, and marking celebrations. The structure has endured centuries of earthquakes and still offers a unique look at Lima’s history from above.
For families, the tower adds an interactive layer to the visit. You can take the winding wooden staircase up to an open-air landing. At the top, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Lima’s old city. You can see nearby plazas, domes, and even the coastline on a clear day. The bells themselves are massive and beautifully preserved, hanging above in a space that feels frozen in time.
Lima Peru Itinerary: Learning About Peruvian Camelids
One fun part of our visit was learning how to spot the differences between real alpaca, baby alpaca, vicuñas, and the fake stuff! Our guide took us to a local artisan shop that explained the fibers and we got to feel them ourselves.
Real baby alpaca is incredibly soft, while vicuña is rare and expensive. This hands-on experience was both fun and useful. The girls loved petting the sample fabrics and guessing which ones were real. We now feel like camelid experts!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Huaca Pucllana
After our morning in El Centro, we walked to Huaca Pucllana. This ancient adobe pyramid sits right in the middle of Miraflores! It was just a few blocks from our hotel, so it made for an easy visit with girls. The contrast between the ancient structure and modern high-rises around it was stunning!
We took a short guided tour that gave great insight into Lima’s pre-Incan past. Spider Monkey loved climbing the viewing platforms to see the layers of brick. The girls were amazed that this structure survived earthquakes, city growth, and time!
We learned that Huaca Pucllana was used for rituals and sacrifices over 1,500 years ago. The pyramid is made entirely of hand-shaped adobe bricks, stacked in a way that protects it from earthquakes. Our guide explained how the site had once been forgotten, buried beneath the growing city, until it was rediscovered and preserved. We even met a friendly Peruvian hairless dog, a native breed that once guarded these sacred spaces.
There’s even a small museum on-site with pottery and artifacts. The visit was short and sweet, perfect for little attention spans. If you’re short on time in Lima, this is one of the best historical sites to explore. It wrapped up our Lima city sightseeing perfectly!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Paracas Day Trip
One of our favorite Lima day trips was to Paracas. We booked a private tour that left early in the morning. After a scenic drive along the coast, we reached Paracas. This was the departure point for our boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos.” The girls were thrilled as we sped across the water with the wind in our hair!
One of the highlights of the boat ride was spotting the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the cliffs along the coast. This huge ancient design looks like a giant three-pronged candlestick and is visible from miles away. No one knows exactly who made it or why, but it’s believed to be thousands of years old.
As we approached the rocky islands, we were surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. Hundreds of birds flew overhead. Nesting along the jagged cliffs, we spotted the famous Humboldt penguins waddling along the rocks! These penguins are endangered, with less than 12,000 left in the wild.
Then came the sea lions! There were hundreds lounging on the rocks and swimming near the boat. The girls were completely captivated!
There were also many different species of seabirds, including boobies and cormorants. These birds are important to Peru’s coastal ecosystem and its economy. Here, the valuable seabird droppings, called guano are collected and sold as a rich, natural fertilizer.
Follow along on our post “What to Expect on an Islas Ballestas Tour in Paracas Peru” to learn more.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
The Best Day Trip from Lima!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Huacachina Day Trip
Another amazing day trip from Lima took us to the desert oasis of Huacachina. The Huacachina Oasis is one of the only natural desert oases in all of South America! This tiny village is built around a palm-fringed lagoon, surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see. It looked like something out of a storybook! We hopped into a dune buggy for an exhilarating ride over the dunes. Our driver sped up and down the golden hills, treating it like a desert rollercoaster. The girls were squealing with excitement and holding on tight.
We stopped at the top of one of the tallest dunes to try sandboarding. The views were incredible! There were endless waves of sand in every direction. Even Spider Monkey gave sandboarding a try! You lay belly down on the board and zoom down the slopes! The rush of speeding down a dune with the desert wind in our faces was unforgettable.
Afterward, we brushed the sand off and took a stroll around the oasis. There are palm trees, a lagoon, and cute shops to explore. The girls loved seeing paddle boats on the water and spotting lizards sunning themselves on the rocks. It was hot, sandy, and so much fun!
Follow along on our post “A Complete Guide to Planning a Huacachina Day Trip from Lima Peru” to learn more.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
The Best Day Trip from Lima!
Lima Peru Itinerary: Nazca Lines Day Trip
Another unforgettable day trip from from Lima is visiting the Nazca Lines! These giant ancient geoglyphs are carved into the desert floor and are one of Peru’s greatest mysteries.
Unfortunately, our flight was canceled at the last minute because of a sandstorm sweeping through the desert. We were buckled into our seats and about to take off when the call was made to our pilots. While we were disappointed, the experience reminded us how wild and unpredictable Peru’s desert environment can be!
The Nazca Lines are best seen from a small plane, flying low over incredible shapes like monkeys, hummingbirds, and whales. We hope to return one day to see this mysterious artwork firsthand. Even though we didn’t get to fly, learning about the culture that created these designs and hearing stories about the desert weather gave us a deeper appreciation for this amazing region.
You Don't Want to Miss This Tour!
The Best Day Trip from Lima!
Things to Know About Lima
Lima Traffic
The traffic in Lima is no joke!! We learned it ranks second worst in the world after a city in India! It took forever to get anywhere. But that said, Lima was always clean and we felt safe. Our drivers were friendly, and rideshare apps worked well. Just build in extra time for delays.
Lima Is a Desert!
One of the most surprising things we learned is that Lima is actually built in a desert! It’s the second driest capital city in the world after Cairo. You would never guess that by looking at the lush parks and gardens in Miraflores. But all that greenery is thanks to irrigation, not rain. Lima receives almost no measurable rainfall during the year. The cloud cover in winter gives it a misty feel, but not enough moisture to count as rain.
This desert climate is why the city has such dramatic coastal cliffs and sandy areas just outside the urban center. It also explains why the ancient cultures here built their temples with adobe bricks. They knew how to work with their dry environment. If you venture out toward Paracas, or Huacachina, you’ll really see the desert come to life. We thought it was so fascinating to explore a coastal city that’s also one of the driest places on Earth!
Weather in Lima
In June, Lima was cool and cloudy most days. Locals call it “La Garúa” season. It wasn’t rainy but also not super sunny. We wore layers and were glad to have jackets, especially near the coast. The temperature hovered between the high 50s and mid-60s Fahrenheit.
We didn’t experience any sunshine during our stay, which surprised us since Lima is on the coast. Instead, the city was wrapped in a light mist each morning, making it feel a bit mysterious. This foggy weather is typical of winter in Lima and actually helps keep everything fresh and green. We never needed an umbrella, but we were happy to have warm clothes.
The ocean breeze made it feel cooler in the evenings, so pack accordingly. It wasn’t beach weather, but it was perfect for long walks, sightseeing, and exploring without overheating.
Earthquakes in Peru
Lima actually experienced an earthquake while waiting for our flight! It was a light one, but definitely a reminder that this region sits on a fault line. We learned that ancient cultures in Peru designed their buildings with this in mind. They used adobe bricks to absorb shock waves. In more modern times, churches were built with reeds and wood under concrete to help with movement. Pretty smart and fascinating to learn about!
The Family Verdict
There are so many places we didn’t get to in Lima. It’s a massive city with layers of history, food, and culture. But to be honest, huge cities aren’t our favorite spots. We like open spaces and quiet adventures. That said, we’re really glad we gave Lima more than a day. Miraflores felt safe and relaxed. The historical sites were meaningful and fun. The day trips were unforgettable. For our adventure travel family, Lima was the perfect starting point! The girls got to learn, explore, and play—all in one place. We’d definitely recommend spending at least a few days here before heading off to your next Peru destination.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. Also, follow along on our full 10 day family adventure through Peru!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Basics:
- Phone / Purse Combo
- Waist Pouch
- Waterproof Wet Bags
- Extra Duffle Bag / Personal Item
- Cross Body Bag
- Individually Wrapped Wipes
- Water Bottle Carriers
- Hand Soap Sheets
- Medicated Ointment for Bug Bites
- Insect Repellent
- Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear
- Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine
- Portable Restroom Kits
- Toilet Covers
- Travel Wipes
- Laundry Sheets
- Jacket / Luggage Straps
Outdoors:
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Shirt
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
