3 Days in Lima 2025: Complete Guide to Peru's Culinary Capital
Explore Lima's perfect blend of colonial heritage, coastal beauty, and world-class cuisine. Our 3-day itinerary covers Historic Center, Miraflores cliffs, and the restaurants that put Lima on the global map.
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What's the perfect 3-day itinerary for Lima?
Day 1 explores the Historic Center and Larco Museum, Day 2 focuses on Miraflores coastal experiences and ceviche, and Day 3 dives deep into Lima's world-famous culinary scene. Budget $50-180 per day including meals and activities.
Related questions:
- • How much does 3 days in Lima cost?
- • What's the best area to stay in Lima?
- • Is 3 days enough for Lima?
Your 3-Day Lima Adventure
TL;DR: Explore Lima's highlights in 3 action-packed days covering 22 attractions with a budget of €$150-$390-540 per person.
- 1 Day 1 focuses on colonial history and pre-Columbian treasures ($35-80 in activities)
- 2 Day 2 explores Miraflores cliffs, markets, and authentic ceviche experiences ($45-120 total cost)
- 3 Day 3 celebrates Lima's world-class dining scene with markets and restaurants ($60-200 budget needed)
- 4 Sea level location means no altitude adjustment - perfect Peru starting point
- 5 Stay in Miraflores for safety and convenience or Barranco for artistic atmosphere
- 6 Total 3-day budget: $150-540 per person including all activities and meals
Lima captivates with a 3-day journey through South America's culinary capital, where colonial grandeur meets Pacific Ocean views and world-renowned gastronomy at sea level. From the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center to the clifftop parks of Miraflores, from Maido's #1 world ranking to street-side ceviche stalls, from ancient Larco Museum treasures to Barranco's bohemian art scene, Peru's capital defies expectations as one of the world's great food destinations. With daily costs ranging from $50 to $180 per person, this carefully crafted itinerary balances essential sights with culinary adventures, proving why Lima has emerged as a must-visit destination beyond just a gateway to Cusco. The best time to visit is December through April during the warm summer season. This itinerary covers approximately 55 kilometers of exploration through historic districts, coastal neighborhoods, and gastronomic adventures that showcase Peru's incredible diversity.
Your 3-Day Lima Itinerary
Day 1: Colonial Legacy & Ancient Treasures
History & Culture
Day 1
Discover Lima's colonial grandeur and Peru's most impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts
Total Cost
USD35-80
Walking Distance
8 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 8 km journey!
Day 1 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas)
Heart of Spanish colonial Lima surrounded by Government Palace, Cathedral, and Archbishop's Palace with changing of guard ceremony
💡 Tip: Free to explore plaza. Cathedral entry S/10 ($3). Changing of guard at noon daily. Stay alert - pickpockets target tourists
Lima Cathedral
Impressive colonial cathedral containing Francisco Pizarro's remains and beautiful baroque altar
💡 Tip: Entry S/10 ($3). Audio guide S/10 recommended. See Pizarro's glass tomb. Beautiful carved choir stalls
Casa de Aliaga
Oldest continuously inhabited house in Americas (1535), still owned by same family with original furnishings
💡 Tip: Entry S/35 ($10). Must book tour in advance. Fascinating insight into colonial aristocratic life
San Francisco Monastery
Colonial monastery famous for its library, catacombs with 70,000 skulls, and beautiful tilework
💡 Tip: Entry S/15 ($4). Catacombs not for claustrophobic. Beautiful colonial library. Photography restrictions inside
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Cordano • Traditional Peruvian
💰 USD12-20 per person
Must try: Traditional ceviche, Anticuchos, Chicha morada
Historic restaurant since 1905
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Transport to Larco Museum
Travel from Historic Center to Pueblo Libre district via taxi or Metropolitano bus
💡 Tip: Taxi S/25-35 ($7-10) most convenient. Metropolitano bus S/2.50 but requires transfers. Museum closes 10 PM
Larco Museum
Peru's finest collection of pre-Columbian art including famous erotic ceramics in beautifully restored mansion
💡 Tip: Entry S/30 ($8). Audio guide S/20 recommended. Don't miss erotic gallery. Museum cafe excellent for afternoon break
Pueblo Libre Exploration
Walk through traditional Lima neighborhood around museum with local markets and authentic atmosphere
💡 Tip: Safe neighborhood for walking. Local markets and cafes. More authentic than touristy Miraflores
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 3+ hours
Return to Miraflores
Travel to Miraflores district for dinner and safer evening activities
💡 Tip: Miraflores much safer for evening activities. Many restaurant options. Stay in tourist areas after dark
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
La Mar Cebichería • Contemporary Peruvian ceviche
💰 USD25-40 per person
Must try: Ceviche clásico, Tiradito, Leche de tigre, Pisco sour
Gastón Acurio's famous cevichería
🚇 Getting Around
safety: Historic Center safe daytime, avoid after dark
transport: Taxis most convenient between districts
timing: Allow time for travel between areas
money: Bring cash - many places don't accept cards
🏨 Where to Stay: Miraflores hotels convenient for Day 1 evening and Day 2 coastal activities
Day 2: Coastal Charms & Ceviche Culture
Coast & Cuisine
Day 2
Experience Lima's dramatic Pacific coastline, traditional markets, and authentic ceviche experiences
Total Cost
USD45-120
Walking Distance
10 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 10 km journey!
Day 2 Schedule
Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Parque del Amor & Cliff Walk
Start at Love Park with Gaudi-inspired mosaics, then walk cliff paths with spectacular Pacific Ocean views
💡 Tip: Best morning light for photos. Often cloudy (garúa) May-November. Paragliders launch from cliffs - amazing to watch
Malecón Boardwalk
Continue walking along clifftop boardwalk through multiple parks with ocean views and gardens
💡 Tip: 6-mile walkway along cliffs. Joggers and cyclists frequent. Many parks and viewpoints along route
Indian Market (Mercado Indio)
Traditional market in Pueblo Libre with fresh produce, local foods, and authentic Lima market experience
💡 Tip: Go hungry - great street food. Try fresh juices and traditional snacks. Practice Spanish with vendors
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Chez Wong • Traditional ceviche
💰 USD20-35 per person
Must try: Classic ceviche, Mixed seafood, Leche de tigre
Legendary hole-in-the-wall cevichería
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Barranco District Walk
Explore Lima's bohemian neighborhood with colorful street art, galleries, and 19th-century architecture
💡 Tip: Very photogenic district. Many art galleries and studios. Safe for walking daytime. Gets lively at night
Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros)
Romantic wooden bridge over steep ravine, inspiration for famous Peruvian waltz and local legends
💡 Tip: Make a wish while crossing and holding breath - local tradition. Very popular for photos
MATE Mario Testino Museum
Photography museum showcasing work of famous Peruvian photographer Mario Testino in beautiful restored mansion
💡 Tip: Entry S/20 ($5). Rotating exhibitions of fashion and portrait photography. Beautiful colonial mansion setting
Evening (6:30 PM onwards)
Duration: 4+ hours
Sunset at Costa Verde
Watch Pacific Ocean sunset from beaches below Miraflores cliffs - dramatic end to coastal day
💡 Tip: Take taxi down to beaches. Watch for strong currents if walking on beach. Beautiful sunset views
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Isolina Taberna Peruana • Traditional Peruvian home cooking
💰 USD18-30 per person
Must try: Ají de gallina, Anticuchos, Tacu tacu, Traditional desserts
Cozy tavern with family recipes
🌙 Evening Options
- • Lima's best nightlife district
- • Barranco Bar, Ayahuasca Restobar
- • Live music venues throughout district
- • Tourist police presence at night
🏨 Where to Stay: Barranco hotels offer artistic atmosphere, Miraflores provides more dining options and convenience
Day 3: Culinary Capital Deep Dive
Gastronomy & Markets
Day 3
Immerse in Lima's world-famous food scene from traditional markets to internationally acclaimed restaurants
Total Cost
USD60-200
Walking Distance
6 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 6 km journey!
Day 3 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Mercado de Surquillo
Traditional market where Lima's best chefs shop - authentic ingredients, exotic fruits, and local specialties
💡 Tip: Go with empty stomach. Try exotic fruits, fresh juices, ceviche. Watch for amazing variety of potatoes and peppers
Food Tour or Cooking Class Option A
Join guided food tour through markets and street stalls, learning about ingredients and techniques
💡 Tip: Several companies offer excellent tours. Include market visit, street food, and restaurant stops
Cooking Class Option B
Hands-on cooking class learning to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with market visit
💡 Tip: Book through hotel or online. Usually includes market shopping, preparation, and full meal
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Included in tour/class or El Mercado • Market stalls or contemporary
💰 USD0-25 per person
Must try: Whatever you've been learning about, Fresh ceviche, Traditional preparations
Educational and delicious
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Museo Gastronomía Peruana
Museum dedicated to Peru's culinary heritage from pre-Columbian times to modern innovation
💡 Tip: Entry S/30 ($8). Interactive exhibits about food history. Good complement to morning market experience
Pisco Tasting
Visit pisco bar or distillery to learn about Peru's national spirit and cocktail culture
💡 Tip: Several pisco bars in Barranco. Learn difference between pisco types. Try classic pisco sour
Final Shopping & Relaxation
Browse artisan markets for food-related souvenirs or relax at café reflecting on culinary journey
💡 Tip: Buy Peruvian chocolate, coffee, or pisco to take home. Larcomar mall good for final shopping
Evening (7:00 PM onwards)
Duration: 4+ hours
Farewell Dinner Preparation
Choose from Lima's world-class dining scene based on budget and preferences
💡 Tip: Reservations essential for top restaurants. Dress codes vary. Consider tasting menus for full experience
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Central (splurge), Astrid y Gastón (upscale), or Antigua Taberna Queirolo (traditional) • World-class to traditional Peruvian
💰 USD25-200 per person
Must try: Tasting menus, Wine pairings, Innovative Peruvian cuisine
Choose based on budget for farewell dinner
🏨 Where to Stay: Savor final night in Lima knowing you've experienced one of world's great food destinations
Complete Budget Breakdown
Complete 3-day costs per person in Lima, excluding accommodation. All prices in USD with Peruvian Sol conversions at 2025 rates.
Budget Traveler
💰$50-70 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Menu del día lunches excellent value
- • Street food safe and delicious
- • Metropolitano bus system cheap
- • Many museums very affordable
3-Day Total
$150-210
Attractions
$45-75 total
Meals
$60-105 total
Transport
$30-45
Extras
$45-75 (shopping, tips)
Mid-Range
💎$80-120 per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • Food tours provide great value and education
- • Mid-range restaurants outstanding quality
- • Cooking classes worth the investment
- • Taxis convenient between districts
3-Day Total
$240-360
Attractions
$75-120
Meals
$120-210 total
Transport
$45-75
Extras
$75-135 (food experiences, quality shopping)
Luxury
👑$130-180+ per day
per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
- • World-class restaurants at reasonable prices
- • Private food tours available
- • Premium cooking classes with celebrity chefs
- • Luxury hotels often include breakfast
3-Day Total
$390-540+
Attractions
$120-180
Meals
$240+
Transport
$75-120
Extras
$150+ (premium experiences)
💡 Smart Money-Saving Tips
Soles better rate than USD
Menu del día lunches S/15-25 ($4-7)
Street food incredibly cheap and safe
Metropolitano bus S/2.50 vs taxi S/15-25
Many museums under S/20 ($5)
✨ Worth the Splurge
Central or Maido tasting menu - $150+ life-changing
Professional food tour - $60 educational and delicious
Cooking class - $70 hands-on cultural experience
Quality pisco tasting - $25 learn about national spirit
Note: All prices are estimates for 2025 and exclude accommodation. Actual costs may vary by season and booking timing. Prices shown in EUR.
Essential Planning Tips
Food Safety & Street Food
Lima's street food is generally very safe if busy with locals. Look for high turnover, hot temperatures, and clean preparation. Ceviche safe when fresh - trust your instincts. Tap water not recommended - stick to bottled. Food markets offer incredible variety and authentic experiences.
Getting Around Lima
Traffic horrendous - allow extra time between districts. Metropolitano BRT system efficient but crowded. Taxis plentiful but agree price first or use meter. Uber works well in tourist areas. Walking good within districts but not between them. Airport 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
Safety Considerations
Miraflores and Barranco very safe for tourists. San Isidro upscale and secure. Historic Center safe daytime but take taxis at night. Don't display valuables. Use hotel safes. Beach areas have strong currents - swimming dangerous. Tourist police present in main areas.
Weather & Climate
Coastal desert climate - rarely rains but often overcast (garúa) May-November. Summer (December-April) sunny and warm, best for beaches and outdoor activities. Winter (June-September) cool and grey but mild (60-70°F). Pack layers year-round. Ocean cold due to Humboldt Current.
Money & Costs
Soles preferred but USD accepted at poor rates. ATMs common but fees high. Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Many places cash only especially markets and street food. Tipping 10% restaurants, round up taxis. Lima generally more expensive than rest of Peru.
Dining Culture
Lunch (almuerzo) main meal 12-3 PM. Dinner typically 7-10 PM. Reservations essential at top restaurants. Dress codes vary - smart casual usually fine. Tasting menus showcase innovation. Pisco sour national cocktail. Don't drink tap water. Food tours excellent introduction.
Customize Your Itinerary
Customize your 3 days based on interests and priorities
Foodie Deep Dive
- ✓ Multiple cooking classes
- ✓ Chef-led market tours
- ✓ Restaurant hopping schedule
- ✓ Pisco distillery visits
Additional cost: $100-200 for premium food experiences
History & Museums
- ✓ Extended Historic Center time
- ✓ Additional pre-Columbian museums
- ✓ Colonial architecture tours
- ✓ Archaeological site visits
Additional cost: $30-60 for specialized guides
Art & Culture Focus
- ✓ More time in Barranco galleries
- ✓ Contemporary art museum visits
- ✓ Street art tours
- ✓ Artist studio visits
Additional cost: $40-80 for art experiences
Coastal & Beach
- ✓ Extended cliff walking
- ✓ Beach club experiences
- ✓ Paragliding adventures
- ✓ Coastal district exploration
Additional cost: $60-120 for beach activities
Family Friendly
- ✓ Parks and playgrounds
- ✓ Interactive museums
- ✓ Beach time focus
- ✓ Gentle market visits
Business Traveler
- ✓ San Isidro focus
- ✓ Modern Lima exploration
- ✓ Executive dining
- ✓ Convenient hotel location
Additional cost: $50-100 for business-class experiences
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
summerDecApr
December-April • Sunny and warm, 70-85°F
Highlights:
- • Beach weather
- • Clear skies
- • Outdoor activities
- • Festival season
Events:
- • New Year celebrations
- • Mistura food festival (September)
winterJunSep
June-September • Cool and overcast (garúa), 60-70°F
Highlights:
- • Fewer tourists
- • Lower prices
- • Cozy restaurant atmosphere
- • Local winter season
shoulderMayOct
May & October • Transitional seasons
Highlights:
- • Moderate prices
- • Decent weather
- • Good availability
- • Fewer crowds
springNov
November • Warming up, mix of sun and clouds
Highlights:
- • Spring weather
- • Good prices
- • Less crowded
- • Improving conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days in Lima
1 Is 3 days enough to experience Lima?
Three days allows you to experience Lima's highlights: Historic Center, Miraflores coast, Barranco art scene, and world-class dining. You'll get excellent overview of culture, history, and cuisine. Food lovers might want 4-5 days to fully explore the restaurant scene, but 3 days covers essentials well.
2 Is Lima safe for tourists?
Very safe in tourist areas (Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro) with normal precautions. Historic Center safe daytime but take taxis at night. Don't display valuables, use hotel safes, stay in well-lit areas. Much safer than reputation suggests. Tourist police present in main areas.
3 What makes Lima's food scene special?
Lima has 3 restaurants in World's 50 Best including #1 Maido and #4 Central. Incredible fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese influences. World-class dining at reasonable prices. Amazing ingredient diversity from coast, mountains, and jungle. Street food culture also exceptional.
4 How do I get around Lima safely?
Use taxis or Uber between districts - walking between areas not recommended due to distance and safety. Metropolitano BRT efficient but crowded. Traffic very heavy - allow extra time. Within Miraflores/Barranco safe to walk. Airport transfers take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic.
5 How much money do I need for 3 days in Lima?
Budget $150-210 for basics ($50-70/day), $240-360 for comfortable travel ($80-120/day), or $390-540+ for luxury ($130-180+/day). This covers all meals, attractions, transport, and activities excluding accommodation. Fine dining can significantly increase costs but worth the splurge.
6 When is the best time to visit Lima?
December-April offers sunny summer weather perfect for coastal activities and outdoor dining. June-September sees cool, overcast conditions (garúa) but fewer crowds and lower prices. Year-round mild climate makes any time viable. Summer best for first-time visitors wanting full Lima experience.
Is 3 days enough to experience Lima?
Is Lima safe for tourists?
What makes Lima's food scene special?
How do I get around Lima safely?
How much money do I need for 3 days in Lima?
When is the best time to visit Lima?
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About the Author
Isabella Rodriguez
Born in Buenos Aires and raised across Latin America, Isabella brings 15 years of travel writing experience to WanderTheWorld. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, she specializes in uncovering authentic South American experiences beyond the tourist trail. When not exploring new neighborhoods in Lima or sipping wine in Mendoza, she's teaching tango in her adopted home of Montevideo.