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Lima, Peru, is a sophisticated playground for DINKS seeking a perfect blend of world-class gastronomy and coastal luxury. From the trendy galleries of Barranco to the Michelin-starred tables of Miraflores, the 'City of Kings' offers an elevated urban escape designed for those who appreciate the finer details of travel. Without the constraints of a family itinerary, you are free to dive deep into Lima’s vibrant nightlife and rich history at your own pace.

We've been to Lima many times and have explored it in-depth. It's an amazing city with a lot to offer fellow DINKS. We'd highly recommend a minimum of seven full days to explore the city thoroughly and maybe take a side trip along the way. We'll get into a suggested itinerary below, but for now let's start with the most amazing sites to see in the beautiful coastal city of Lima, Peru!

Huaca Pucllana - For those DINKS that are interested in history, archaeology, and ancient cultures. This archaeological site shows a unique view of how the Lima culture lived and their traditions, offering important information about pre-Inca times. An ancient adobe pyramid located right in the city, which features an upscale restaurant overlooking the illuminated ruins at night. Great for a romantic dinner for two! You can make dinner reservations here - https://www.resthuacapucllana.com/.

Barranco - The bohemian heart of Lima, perfect for boutique art galleries, trendy cocktail bars, and romantic walks across the Bridge of Sighs. Similar to traditions in other cities, couples place padlocks on an adjacent fence by the bridge to symbolize lasting love and connection, often throwing the key into the pathway below. Local tradition says that if you make a wish and hold your breath while crossing the bridge for the first time, your wish will come true. Our wish came true on this bridge!

Convent of San Francisco in the Cercado de Lima (Historic Center) - A 17th-century Spanish baroque convent that houses a library, art and catacombs. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988 that includes the Church of San Francisco.

Larco Museum - A private museum housed in an 18th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and a famous collection of pre-Columbian erotic pottery (definitely not for the shy). You can purchase tickets here - https://www.museolarco.org/en/ for the museum. After visiting the museum we recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the Cafe Museo Larco. It's a highly-regarded restaurant known for it's Peruvian and international cuisine served in a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens of the museum. We ate there and the food was amazing!

Plaza de Armas (aka Plaza Mayor) - The historic center and birthplace of the city. Founded by Francisco Pizzaro in 1535. It features a 17th-century bronze fountain surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture like the Cathedral of Lima (tickets are usually around $ 8 USD), the Government Palace and a beautiful square with gardens. There are great photo opportunities here!

Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) - Located in the historic Palace of the Exhibition, it houses thousand of years of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to contemporary eras.

Islands of Callao - Located off the coast, these islands are a popular eco-tourism destination featuring wildlife, nature, and history where you can take a boat tour from the port to the Palomino islands to swim with sea lions and see Humboldt penguins (yes that's right, penguins) in their natural habitat. Key islands include San Lorenzo (the largest, featuring historic naval sites), Palomino (known for swimming with sea lions), and Cavinzas (known for it's seabirds). There are various tour companies that offer excursions here that you can find on GetYourGuide.com and Tripadvisor.com.

Parque de la Reserva (aka the Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park) - Features a spectacular light and fountain show that is particularly impressive after dark. You can purchase tickets here - https://circuitomagicodelagua.pe/.

Real Felipe Fortress of Callao - A massive 18th-century colonial military structure designed to protect Lima from pirates and European powers. Built between 1747 and 1774, it is a key historical monument, functioning as a fort, a final Spanish refuge during independence, and currently, the Peruvian Army Museum. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific, the bustling Callao port, and the surrounding city from its high stone towers. Visitors can photograph preserved cannons, explore inner courtyards, and see the La Punta peninsula from this 18th-century military site. The price of admission is usually around $ 4 USD per person.

Malecon de Miraflores is a six mile stretch of clifftop parks perfect for paragliding, cycling or walking with panoramic views of the Pacific ocean. It's a perfect location to catch a romantic sunset!

Lima Beaches & Surfing - Lima is known for it's beautiful beaches. Though some are sand and some are rocks. The most popular is Makaha beach known for great surfing. We highly recommend if you're looking for beginner surfing lessons to contact Escuela De Surf Para Principiantes. They are fellow DINKS and you can contact them here - https://www.facebook.com/surfparaprincipiantes at the number listed.

Ahhhhhh, spas!!! Lima has it's share of luxurious spas as well. Some of DINKS Lifestyles most relaxing and luxurious spas that we'd recommend are -

Zest Spa in the Belmond Miralfores Park - It offers panoramic ocean views and treatments using indigenous Peruvian ingredients like organic cocoa and Andean sea salts.

Heavenly Spa in the Westin Lima - One of the largest urban spas in South America, featuring an extensive hydrotherapy circuit and a wide range of holistic style massages.

The Spa at the Country Club Lima Hotel - A classic, elegant choice located in San Isidro, providing personalized wellness rituals in a historic setting.

Hotel Recommendations for DINKS

Miraflores Area (Ocean views & Walkable)

Belmond Miraflores Park – Iconic luxury with spectacular views of the Pacific ocean from their rooftop. Dine at their restaurant Tragaluz where culinary theater is a way of life and relax at their onsite Zest spa.

JW Marriott Hotel Lima – Situated right on the Malecón within steps of the beach and Costa Verde (it's the cliff that you see in the first photo at the top of the blog) this hotel is a reliable upscale option. Enjoy delicious Asian and Peruvian cuisine at their restaurant onsite and stop by the lounge for a drink. They offer a health club with a full range of equipment and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Intercontinental Real Lima Miraflores - Located in the heart of Miraflores, this hotel is the ideal location to discover Lima. They offer Lima's largest rooftop infinity pool with a sundeck, ocean view fitness studio and their Presence Spa with four treatment rooms including a couples’ suite, relaxing massages, facials, wet & dry saunas, and a serene relaxation lounge.

San Isidro Area (Business luxury & Quiet)

The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center – A sleek high-rise luxury hotel with a renowned spa located in Lima's vibrant financial and shopping district. There's also an indoor pool, beauty salon and a fitness center. The hotel has two restaurants and four bars.

Country Club Lima Hotel – A classic, elegant “old Lima” feel, very polished, exclusive and upscale. There are more than 300 works of art from the Pedro de Osma Museum located onsite, which tell the history of Lima's past. They offer a pool, Yaku spa offering hydrotherapy, wraps, exfoliations, facials, and hairstyling. They also have a fitness center, restaurant and a bar.

Swissôtel Lima – With a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a gym, spa, saunas and a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. It also has five on-site restaurants.

Various Festivals in Lima!

First Saturday in February - National Pisco Sour Day - The City of Lima hosts major festivities, including tastings, cocktail competitions, and special promotions in bars. Below is a recipe for a great tasting Pisco Sour -

A classic Pisco Sour is a frothy, sweet-and-sour Peruvian cocktail made by shaking 2-3 ozs. of Pisco, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, 1 oz. simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with 3 drops of Angostura bitters for a traditional herbaceous aroma.

May 2nd - Ultra Peru - An electronic music festival with the world's top EDM DJ's with unparalleled stage designs and top tier production.

4th Sunday of July - National Pisco Day - Peru celebrates its national spirit. Usually around the same time as their Independence Day. Pisco is produced in the coastal regions of Lima, such as Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and the Valleys of Locumba, Sama and Caplina in the department of Tacna. The beverage is obtained through the fermentation and distillation of grapes, without the addition of other alcohols or sugars.

July 28th & 29th - Fiestas Patrias (aka Peru's Independence Day) - It's celebrated with various parades, concerts, and fireworks.

August - Lima Jazz Festival - A prominent cultural event, featuring a mix of local and international talent. The festival highlights diverse jazz styles, including Afro-Peruvian fusion, and typically showcases artists from countries like Peru, Italy, Brazil, and the United States, fostering a cosmopolitan musical environment.

August - Festival de Cine de Lima - Organized by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) through its Cultural Center, this major event brings together the Latin American and international film community.

First part of September - Mistura Food Festival - A renowned culinary event and one of the largest food festivals in Latin America, attracting foodies from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of Peru’s diverse cuisine and culinary traditions, bringing together top chefs, food vendors, and culinary enthusiasts for a huge gastronomic celebration. The event also features cooking classes, demonstrations, and competitions, as well as live music and entertainment.

October 18th, 19th & 28th - The Senor de los Milagros festival (aka The Lord of Miracles) - One of the largest Roman Catholic processions in the world, celebrated annually in October, primarily in Lima, Peru. The month features traditional foods, most notably Turron de Dona Pepa (a sweet nougat).

December 24th & 31st - Navidad + Año Nuevo (aka Christmas & New Year's Eve) - There are usually quite a few events like holiday lighting ceremonies, concerts, and midnight celebrations. Seeing the city in it's holiday decor is amazing! Experiencing the end of year holidays in Lima is special with all the fireworks going to very late at night.

Seven Day Itinerary Idea for DINKS!

Day 1:

More than likely your flight will come in very late or early morning so we'd suggest checking into your hotel and getting all situated and putting away those packing cubes before heading out to explore this beautiful city. Yes, packing cubes. If you don't have a set we'd highly recommend them. You can fit so much in them! These are our go-to packing cubes for carry-on travel that keep everything organized without overpacking.

Today would be a good day to explore the area where your hotel is located. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and take in the sights nearby. Maybe stroll along the Malecón (Parque del Amor) with beautiful sea views and enjoy dinner at Maido, a very upscale restaurant in Miraflores offering a fusion of Japanese & Peruvian cuisine. A relaxing first day!

Day 2:

Grab some breakfast at your hotel or a nearby Peruvian bakery (the homemade bread is so good). Visit Barranco to visit some of the art galleries. After visiting the art galleries and exploring, head over to the Puente de los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs). Don't forget your lock and key! Before you walk over the bridge, make a wish, hold your breath and walk over the bridge and exhale once you've crossed it.

Enjoy a ceviche lunch (fresh fish cooked in lime juice) in Barranco at Restaurant Javier with oceanfront views. You can walk down to the beach from this area via a bridge. Enjoy the fresh sea air and then head back to your hotel to freshen up for a nice dinner and enjoy the local bars/live music at night.

Day 3:

Have a traditional Peruvian breakfast of pan con chicharron (featuring crispy, fried pork belly served on a roll, typically topped with sweet potato slices and salsa criolla, which is onion with lime juice and cilantro).

After breakfast visit Plaza Mayor for some beautiful photos and the Cathedral and the San Francisco Monastery. There are some large souvenir shops in the area that helps support the locals so please make sure you check them out.

Day 4:

If you've enjoyed the fresh flavors of Lima so far, we'd highly suggest a cooking class from Luchito's https://luchitoscookingclass.com/ so you can enjoy making Peruvian food once you get back home. They offer several options and one of them includes visiting a local market.

If you'd like to go and explore a local market on your own though, we'd highly suggest visiting the Mercado de Surquillo. You can have lunch there too! Enjoy learning about the different Peruvian spices (be careful, some spices are very hot) and local food.

For dinner we'd highly recommend going to Chinatown and eating at San Joy Lao. It is the best Chinese food we've ever had, absolutely amazing!

Day 5:

After breakfast visit the Larco Museum and if you'd like to go a little bit out of the main central area you can visit Huaca Huallamarco in San Isidro which is another ancient pyramid structure.

In the evening head to the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant in Miraflores for a beautiful, romantic dinner for two.

Day 6:

Take a day trip to Pachacámac, which is a massive archeological complex about 25 miles south of the city where you can see ancient coastal temples. You can find information here - https://www.tourinperu.com/other-tours/lima/pachacamac-tour or a full day trip to Paracas & Huacachina at https://limaexperience.com/product/paracas-and-huacachina-sunset-picnic/. Huacachina is a desert oasis and tiny village. At its center are the green waters of the Huacachina Lagoon, ringed by palm trees and thought to have therapeutic properties. The lagoon's shores are dotted with bars and clubs. You can take Dune buggies across the high, rolling sand dunes surrounding the village. It's a lot of fun!

Day 7:

Visit El Olivar park in San Isidro (it has over 1,600 olive trees that are hundreds of years old along with a lagoon, birdlife, library and a museum).

Enjoy brunch with last-minute shopping at the artisan markets before having a final nice dinner at Central Restaurant (voted one of the world's best restaurants). You can make a reservation here - https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/.

After dinner pack up those packing cubes and get ready to head back home.

Optional Extras

If you'd like a customized and private tour of areas throughout Peru we highly recommend - https://www.incaexpert.com/destinations/peru.

If you're interested in paragliding over the Pacific ocean and Costa Verde, we recommend - https://www.kunturfly.com/.

Extra DINKS Tips

We recommend that you use Uber while in Lima. Regular taxis can be unreliable and unsafe.

For added peace of mind while traveling, we’d highly recommend an under-clothing travel pouch. It’s slim, discreet, and perfect for carrying your passport, credit cards, and money under your clothes. It works really well, you can't even see it beneath your clothes. Watch your belongings in touristy areas.

Most flights from the states arrive in the late evening or very early in the morning so, we recommend setting up your ground transportation before travelling with a well respected company to take you to/from your hotel.

It's best to exchange money at your hotel. If you do exchange currency at a bank or local currency exchange, please watch your surroundings like you would in any large city.

We noted in the blog prices in USD equivalent, but please note the local currency is the Peruvian sol.

Also, don't forget when it's winter in the States it's summer in Lima and vice versa.

Want more ideas, inspiration, and real-life tips for living your best life as a couple? Explore more at DINKS Lifestyle, your go-to space for Dual Income, No Kids living.