Choose from 1,039 Fun Things to Do in Central And South America
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Liberdade
Home to the world’s largest Japanese population outside Japan, the Sao Paulo district of Liberdade is a densely-populated neighborhood that’s a popular spot for locals and tourists looking to get a taste of Japanese culture and cuisine in Brazil.
Liberdade was settled in the early to mid-20th century by Japanese immigrants brought to Brazil to work in the coffee plantations around Sao Paulo. Since 1970, many people of other Asian ethnicities, especially Chinese and Koreans, have also moved into the area.
Marked by the nine-meter tall red Torii (Japanese Shinto arch) on Rua Galvão Bueno, and lined with Japanese-style street lamps, Liberdade offers a similar feel to other little Tokyo’s around the globe. It’s a particular draw to young Paulistano manga and anime enthusiasts, who are often seen dressed up as cosplay characters almost any day of the week, but especially on weekends.
The streets of Liberdade are filled with vendors and shops selling all varieties of Japanese and Asian goods including food, clothes, bags, shoes, and anime. On weekends, the Liberdade Street Market is an especially good place to find oriental handicrafts, as well as other street market goodies.
Practical Info
Liberdade can be easily be reached by subway via the Liberdade station on Blue Line 1. The weekend Liberdade Street Market is in full swing from 9am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil
From $ 59
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Like a mirror that reflects the beauty of the surrounding peaks, Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked in a valley of the Cotopaxi National Park at over 12,400 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level, forms part of Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Head south from Quito and enjoy the constantly changing scenery along the Pan-American Highway, with unrivaled views of volcanic peaks including the majestic, snow-capped Cotopaxi.
Near the lagoon, there are hiking and bike trails as well as opportunities for horseback riding. The lagoon is home to at least 24 species of birds, including native waterfowl such as the rare Andean ibis, slow-swimming Andean ducks and coots and the endangered Andean condor. Mammals that roam the areas surrounding the lagoon include llamas, deer and rabbits.
All of this natural beauty is ideal for taking pictures, and a walk around the lake highlights different viewpoints.
Practical Info
It’s wise to arrive early, before the clouds cover the mountains and before the wind picks up, so that the calm lake perfectly reflects the surroundings. Remember that it’s cold at that altitude, with temperatures around 45 F to 57 F (7 to 14 C), so dress accordingly.
Address: Quito, Ecuador
From $ 45
Leme Beach (Praia do Leme)
Leme Beach is a natural extension of famous Copacabana, although unlike its popular, high profile neighbor, Leme Beach is a calm stretch of sand where fishermen, locals, and neighborhood residents enjoy the calming sound of the sea without the choking crowds. While technically located along the same stretch of sand as Copacabana Beach, Leme Beach is the final half mile of the northern stretch of the beach. Here, visitors will also find Leme Fort—an historic outpost used by the military that still houses collections of guns. For a view looking down on Copacabana Beach, make the climb up the forested hill on the northern end of the sand, where monkeys prance in the coastal treetops and a breeze rolls in off the sea. For another shot of the horseshoe shaped beach, follow the coastal walking trail around the rocky headland, where fishermen line the rocky shore and casually cast their lines. Looking south, the glitz and glamor of Copcabana is visible off in the distance—but the scene right here at Praia do Leme is tranquil and welcomingly calm.
Practical Info
Leme Beach is approximately a ten minute drive or thirty minute walk from the middle of Copacabana. To reach the beach, follow the Metro to Cardeal Arcoverde and transfer to bus 590, or save yourself time by taking a taxi before strolling out to the sand. The currents here can sometimes be strong, and pay attention to warning flags about info on current conditions.
Address: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 120
Lima Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)
Lima’s Plaza Mayor (main square) is central Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic heart and birthplace.
Landscaped with palm trees, elaborate lampposts, flower beds and greenery, the square’s focus is the 1650 tiered bronze fountain in the center and the statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback nearby.
Visit at 11:45am to watch the changing of the guard, or visit any time to find an empty seat and watch the world wander by.
There’s plenty to look at, with the cathedral on one side and the beautiful balconies of the Palacio Arzobispal next door. Several other attractive buildings with balconies and arched porticoes line the square, including the City Hall and Government Palace.
Landscaped with palm trees, elaborate lampposts, flower beds and greenery, the square’s focus is the 1650 tiered bronze fountain in the center and the statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback nearby.
Visit at 11:45am to watch the changing of the guard, or visit any time to find an empty seat and watch the world wander by.
There’s plenty to look at, with the cathedral on one side and the beautiful balconies of the Palacio Arzobispal next door. Several other attractive buildings with balconies and arched porticoes line the square, including the City Hall and Government Palace.
Practical Info
Plaza de Armas is in Lima’s city center. The pedestrianized Jiron de la Union runs southwest to Plaza San Martin, linking Lima’s two main squares.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Lima 100, Peru
From $ 26
Lighthouse Reef
Lighthouse Reef is an incredible atoll, a coral island encircling a lagoon, in the Caribbean Sea, and was made famous by legendary sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, who rightfully declared it one of the top ten diving locations in the world.
Follow in Cousteau's footsteps by diving in the Great Blue Hole, the underwater sinkhole in the center of the lagoon. Interact with the fauna of the coral reef, including amazing Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks, barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and hundreds of different fish on a guided or independent dive.
Follow in Cousteau's footsteps by diving in the Great Blue Hole, the underwater sinkhole in the center of the lagoon. Interact with the fauna of the coral reef, including amazing Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks, barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and hundreds of different fish on a guided or independent dive.
Visit Long Caye, where you can snorkel in the protected lagoons and see the bountiful wildlife, including rare birds, iguanas, and other tropical species. The experience will only be matched by visiting Half Moon Caye, the idyllic island that includes a national park and a bird sanctuary.
You can reach Lighthouse Reef by dive boat or water taxi from Belize City, as well as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Many snorkeling or diving tours have daily excursions to Lighthouse Reef, highlighting the Great Blue Hole.
If you will be snorkeling or diving, be sure to invest in some high quality water shoes, as walking on the coral reefs can be tricky and potentially painful.
For extended visits, look into resorts on Big Northern Caye and other surrounding areas.
Address: Lighthouse Reef, Belize
From $ 420
Llanquihue Lake
The town of Puerto Varas sits on the banks of Llanquihue Lake in Chile’s magnificent Lakes District. The lake itself, the second-largest lake in the country after General Carrera Lake, sits at the base of the near-perfect conically shaped Osorno Volcano, adding to its already picturesque qualities.
The shores of the 336-square-mile (870-square-kilometer) lake share a German heritage, yet each attracts visitors for a different reason. Puerto Varas is the lake’s adventure capital, while Frutillar on the western banks of the lake appeals to Chilean tourists on summer holiday. The charming Bavarian-style town of Puerto Octay offers remote accommodations on the north shores of the lake, and rustic Ensenada on the eastern banks sits at the entrance to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
Practical Info
To get a comprehensive feel for Llanquihue Lake, consider renting a car and driving around it, stopping at the various towns along the way.
Address: Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile, Chile
From $ 34
Lima Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
Much like New York and San Francisco, the city of Lima has its own Chinatown (Barrio Chino). Peru’s ethnic Chinese community comprises an estimated 1.5 million people — some five percent of the total population — and the hub of that community lies in the heart of Lima’s historic district. The neighborhood was founded by Chinese immigrants during the mid nineteenth century when Chinese import companies began opening commercial houses in the area.
Visitors pass through the red Chinese archway and into a maze of traditional Chinese architecture. Streets are lined with Buddhist temples, shops selling traditional ingredients and medicinal herbs, and dozens of Chinese restaurants, known locally as chifas. Come at midday, and many restaurants will offer set menus.
Practical Info
Chinatown is located within easy walking distance of the Palacio de Gobierno and Plaza de Armas. If you get lost, ask for the Arco Chino, Chinatown’s traditional gate.
Address: Chinatown, Lima, Peru
From $ 50
Leon Dormido
The translation of Leon Dormido, a giant rock formation rising sharply out of the ocean, is 'sleeping lion.' The remains of a lava cone split into two parts, in English it is also known as 'Kicker Rock.' The formations have eroded due to hundreds of years of weather and sea and now tower 500 feet above the water below.
Located off the coast of San Cristobal Island, boats that visit the rocks can navigate through the narrow channel between the two formations. Much marine wildlife does the same, and this is one of the most common places to see Galapagos sharks as well as turtles, rays and sea lions. It's an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling, as the mild current sweeping between the two rocks often means diverse groups of reef fish. Frigate birds are also common, and many other species can be seen above the water. Whether you conclude that the rocks resemble a lion or a boot, Leon Dormido is a Galapagos icon for a reason.
Practical Info
Located near the San Cristobal Island, Leon Dormido takes approximately one hour to reach by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The site can only be visited by boat, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide.
Address: San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
From $ 225
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse marks the dangerous rocks at the entrance to Ushuaia Bay in the Beagle Channel. Locals often wrongfully call this the Lighthouse at the End of the World, which is technically incorrect because the lighthouse Jules Verne made famous in his novel lies further east, but it’s oddly accurate, too; it’s the last mainland reference most sailors see on their way to Antarctica.
Located just five miles from Ushuaia, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is a common destination for short tourist sailing trips. The waters surrounding the lighthouse are a sea-goers dream, as penguins and both South American and fur sea lions are spotted regularly. Bird life is abundant, too, with black eyebrow albatrosses, steamer ducks and upland geese often seen on the nearby islands. Many tours also include landing on Karelo Island.
It’s worth mentioning that the region is stunning, but harsh. The weather – and most commonly the wind - can be fierce, but it’s all part of the southern Patagonian experience.
Practical Info
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is neither accessible to the public nor manned by a lighthouse keeper. It is a fully automated lighthouse. The only way to reach the location is by boat.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 82
Lima Art Museum (Museo de Arte de Lima MALI)
The Lima Art Museum features works from more than 3,000 years of Peruvian history, spanning from pre-Columbian societies through today—including art from the Moche, Chimu, Nazca, Inca, and pre-Columbian cultures. Paintings, ceramics, textiles, silverwork, and more are on display, with 17,000 pieces in the collection.
The Basics
Prebooking tickets to the Lima Art Museum allows you to skip any lines and have more time to spend with the art. The museum showcases the serpentine history of Peru through its many different periods, as told through paintings, ceramics, textiles, silverwork, and drawings. Audio tours, weekend art workshops, and Spanish-only Sunday guided tours are included with admission.
Some ticket packages to see Lima Art Museum may include entrance to other museums, such as the Central Bank Museum. Private art-focused tours may include a stop at the museum as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to Lima Art Museum is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and art lovers of all ages.
- No flash photography is allowed in the museum.
- Visitor facilities include a cafe, free Wi-Fi, and elevator access for travelers with limited mobility.
- Many displays are in both English and Spanish.
- While no large bags are allowed in the museum, they can be checked free of charge.
- The museum is free Thursday from 3pm and 7pm and the first Friday of each month between 5pm and 10pm.
How to Get There
The Lima Art Museum is at the Parque de la Exposición on Paseo Colon in downtown Lima. The following bus lines pass near the museum: 1701, 301, 4505, and EX1. Expect about a 30-minute trip from Barranco or Miraflores.
When to Get There
The Lima Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am- 7pm and until 5pm on Saturday. For warmer, sunnier days, visit Lima from December to April. Temperatures are moderate throughout the year, with little rainfall. During the cooler months of May through November, expect a thick, misty sea fog rolling through.
Take Your Time
Art lovers may want to spend a whole day absorbing this massive museum. Holding the world’s most important collection of Peruvian art, the Lima Art Museum has 17,000 pieces spanning over three millennia. A more cursory walk-throughs takes a couple of hours, but you won’t get a full taste of the museum’s offerings.
Address: Paseo Colon 125, Lima 15046, Peru
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery
Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery got its start when Don Manuel Joaquín Díaz Escudero Alvarez de Toledo — grandfather of the current owners — brought back strains of wine grapes from France and planted them at a wine estate in the middle of Santiago. Years later in 1999, the Díaz family planted the first vines on their property in Casablanca Valley.
Today, Loma Larga is famous for producing some of the best cool climate reds in Chile. It’s one of the few area wineries making more red than white and the first to grow Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec grapes in Casablanca Valley.
Throughout the week, Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery opens to visitors who can tour the vineyards on horseback, learn about the history and production with a tour of the production facilities or participate in sommelier-led tastings. Visitors can pick up bottles of their favorites at the winery shop.
Practical Info
Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery is open seven days a week from 9:30am to 6pm.
Address: Camino Lo Ovalle km. 2.8, Casablanca, Chile
Hours: Open seven days a week from 9:30am to 6pm
From $ 109
Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park is located in the central part of the Salta Province, and it occupies approximately 160,000 acres. It was established in 1996 to protect the high elevation vegetation located in the colorful sierras and dry gorges of this area. The cardones are column-like cactus plants that thrive in high altitudes and are found throughout the national park, which is where the park got its name. The area also boasts small forests of the leguminous Churqui. Many animals live in the national park, including more than 100 species of birds.
Three different environments are represented in the park. They include the mountainous area of the sierras, the piedmont and low lands, and the basin. Fossils from many extinct animals, including dinosaur tracks, have been found in the park. Other attractions in the park include pre-Inca cave art.
Practical Info
Los Cardones National Park is located 62 miles southwest of Salta. It can be reached by routes 68 and 33.
Address: Salta Province, Argentina
From $ 36
Lauca National Park
Founded in 1970, Lauca National Park in North Chile is part of a UNESCO-designated Global Biosphere Reserve. The park’s breathtaking scenery — snow-capped volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, hot springs and altiplano areas — attract visitors from all corners of the close. Home to more than 140 species of birds, the park is also one of the best in the country for birdwatching, and its biodiversity encompasses the Andean flamingo, giant coot, Puna Ibis and Andean condor, as well as mammals like vicuñas, vizcachas and guanacos.Lake Chungará, one of the planet’s highest lakes and a star feature of Lauca National Park, sits
at the base of the twin Payachata volcanoes, whose snowy peaks reflect off the glassy surface of the water. Trails winding throughout the park cater to visitors of all fitness levels, from the easy one-mile (1.5-kilometer) Las Cuevas interpretive trail to the longer 8-mile (13-kilometer) Cotacotani Trail.
Practical Info
Lauca National Park is located 91 miles (145 kilometers) east of Arica. Buses from Arica take slightly less than three hours.
Address: Putre, Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile
From $ 73
León Cathedral
The largest church in Central America, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed León Cathedral is a must-see while in León, a charming colonial city in Nicaragua’s northwest corner. The cathedral combines a striking blend of architectural styles with religious import and pirate-riddled history, making for a church visit unlike any other.
The Basics
Covering an entire block in León’s city center, the Cathedral of León (Basílica Catedral de la Asunción) is impossible to miss. After admiring the blend of baroque, neoclassical, and Gothic architectural elements that give the church its striking appearance, head inside to climb a narrow staircase to the domed roof. From here, you can see panoramic views of León, the La Libertad bell that announced Central America’s independence in 1821, and the historic cannons that were used during an 1824 siege of the city. In the cellar, a series of tunnels connects the cathedral to other León churches; visit on a guided tour to learn about the frequent pirate attacks that prompted their construction and walk inside three of the historic tunnels. For a more robust and hassle-free experience, visit the cathedral as part of a León city sightseeing tour or a day tour from Managua.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Quickly admire the building’s facade or plan to spend up to two hours exploring inside.
- Roof access requires some agility and shoe removal.
How to Get There
The León Cathedral is located in the city’s central plaza, right next to its main park. Leon is a popular day trip destination from Managua and a shore excursion trip from San Juan del Sur and Corinto.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Visit early in the day for the smallest crowds.
Other Cathedral Sights
In addition to its architectural beauty and rooftop views, cathedral visitors will also see the tomb of famous Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, whose final resting place is guarded by a weeping marble lion, and a statue of a black Christ that bears the hack wounds of a pirate attack.
Address: Avenida Central, Leon, Nicaragua
Hours: Varies
Admission: $6
From $ 45
Lastarria
Lastarria is one of a few small, mostly cobblestoned neighborhoods in Santiago, and it is definitely one known for its indie fashion, antiques and popular restaurants. Lastarria heads north from the Alameda (Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins), near the Universidad Católica metro station and over a few blocks to the street Merced, an area with esoteric boutiques and stores such as Plop and Tienda Nacional that sell locally published books.
There is always something going on in between the Alameda and Merced, with antiques at the Plaza Mulato Gil and exhibits at the MAVI (Museum of Visual Arts) on the Merced side. The area is home to several shops that have taken space in an old mansion and sell trendy clothing from new designers as well as woven copper and crin (horesehair) jewelry, which is unique to Chile. Lastarria also encompasses some smaller streets, such as quiet Rosal, often the site of local photo shoots because of its old, colonial-style architecture. This street is also home to a bar that calls itself the “hidden bar” (Bar Escondido), though in truth, most everyone knows where to find it.
Practical Info
The most direct way to get to Lastarria is from the Universidad Católica metro. Combine a visit here with a trip to the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center for photo and sculpture exhibits (exhibits closed on Mondays, though the building is still open), or a walk in Parque Forestal, just a block north of Lastarria.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 50
Leblon Beach
Fronting one of Rio’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods, Leblon Beach is a slightly quieter alternative to its neighbor Ipanema. Separated from Ipanema by a canal, the beach is popular with families with young children, as it offers a play area equipped with beach toys and playground equipment, collectively called Baixo Baby.
While calmer and less crowded than Copacabana and even Ipanema, the sandy stretch still offers beautiful views of the mountains, a string of beach bars serving caiparinhas and all the usual amenities, like chairs, umbrellas, showers and food stalls. While it’s also one of Rio’s safest and cleanest beaches, it’s still a good idea to leave valuables at the hotel and keep an eye on your belongings.
Practical Info
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach, nearby Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon has some of Rio’s top restaurants. Drinks on the beach can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, buy them at a local store and bring them with you.
Address: Avenida Delfim Moreira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
Llanganuco Lakes (Lagunas Llanganuco)
Never in your life have you witnessed such an intoxicating shade of turquoise. Here at the mesmerizing Llanganuco Lakes in Huascaran National Park, twin dollops of turquoise water shine brilliantly against the snowcapped spine of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. The first lake, Chinancocha, has rowboat rentals for enjoying a view of the mountains from out on the water, and the second lake, Orconcocha, has a loop trail that offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The tallest mountain in Peru, Huascaran, is visible from Llanganuco Lakes, which themselves are 12,631 ft (3,850m) where the air can feel thin when hiking. Even if you’re simply just standing by the water, there’s a sense of enchantment and mountain slope magic surrounding these lakes and this valley, where rugged cliffs rise in all directions as they seem to explode from the lakeshore. On tours that depart from Yungay or Huaraz, visitors will also make stops in villages and towns while en route to the lakes.
Insider's Tip: Try to visit early in the day to get the best colors in photos.
Practical Info
Since the Llanganuco Lakes are at such high altitude, be sure to bring jackets and winter clothes—even when visiting in summer. Be aware of the dangers of trekking at altitude and know the signs of altitude sickness, and by going with a guide you can experience much of the beauty you might otherwise miss.
Address: Llanganuco Lakes, Huascaran National Park, Peru
From $ 70
Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA)
The MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires) is Buenos Aires’ leading modern art institution. Since opening in 2001, the museum has amassed a varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and installation works by artists from all corners of Latin America.
The Basics
A MALBA admission ticket includes access to the museum’s vast permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, and guided tours are available in both English and Spanish. Many people combine a visit to the MALBA with other Buenos Aires art museums such as the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), the National Museum of Fine Art (Museo de Bellas Artes), and the Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection (Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat). You can also explore the MALBA as part of a city tour that includes neighborhoods like Palermo, La Boca, San Telmo, and Recoleta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Onsite facilities include the Restaurant Ninina, a museum shop, and free Wi-Fi.
- Audio guides are available in several different languages.
- The MALBA is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The MALBA museum is located along Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta in the Palermo neighborhood. Several buses stop outside the museum, and the Saldias train station is about a 10-minute walk away. The closest Subte (underground) station is Facultad de Derecho (Line H), about a 20-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily except Tuesdays year-round. On Wednesdays, entry is half-price and the museum stays open until 9pm. To beat the crowds, opt for an early-afternoon visit on a weekday.
A Walking tour of the MALBA
Founder Eduardo Constantini's private collection, more than 220 19th- and 20th-century pieces displayed chronologically throughout the first-floor galleries, is the focal point of the museum. A portfolio of the modern art movement, the collection also portrays a strong sense of geographical identity through a number of evocative political and cultural works. Highlights include art by Argentines Xul Solar and Antonio Berni, Chilean Roberto Matta, a Frida Kahlo self-portrait, Brazilian Tarsila Do Amaral’s much-celebrated Abaporu, and innovative installations by Julio Le Parc. The top-floor gallery, meanwhile, houses temporary exhibitions and a small cinema that shows art-house movies, mostly in Spanish.
Address: Avenida Presidente Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 4
Las Tintoreras
Las Tintoreras is a small group of islands where lava formations have created several different natural habitats, thus enabling a wide range of Galapagos wildlife to inhabit the area.
There is a lagoon that reef sharks come to rest in, mangroves that make for marine iguana breeding grounds and a beach where sea lions and other marine life flourish. The turquoise waters of the bay lead to a shallow crevice, which at low tide makes it easy to spot wildlife even without getting in the water. While visitors are not allowed to swim in these waters, the nearby beach area grants the opportunity to see the sea life from below.
Perhaps the most unique sight of Las Tintoreras are the Galapagos penguins. Whether it’s penguins and sea lions playing or marine iguanas perched on lava rock, Las Tintoreras is a unique spot to see much of the Galapagos wildlife in one place.
Practical Info
Las Tintoreras is a 10-minute boat trip from Puerto Villamil. It is located on the island of Isabela in the Galapagos, and trips require accompaniment with a certified guide.
Address: Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
From $ 87
Lima Cruise Port
With roots dating back 10,000 years, Lima was once the richest and most important city in South America. Today, it boasts over eight-million residents and serves as a primary cruise port for trans-Pacific ships arriving from the Far East, as well as for cruise ships following the South American coastline.
How to Get to Lima
Your cruise ship will arrive at the Port of Callao, about seven miles from the center Lima. Taxis into the city are available at the port and are reasonably priced – the ride to the center should take around 30-45 minutes and cost around $15.
One Day in Lima
Spend your morning exploring Peru’s colonial history in central Lima. The entire area, featuring long, wide streets in a grid-like design, is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Your starting point should be the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and Government Palace. Note the beautifully restored balconies on the Archbishop's Palace and several other buildings surrounding the plaza.
From the Plaza de Armas, head to the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and Church. Take a tour of the catacombs, which contain the bones of some 70,000 people, all sorted by body part.
After lunch, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at ancient Peru or gawk at the vast collection of gold at the Museo de Oro del Peru (The Gold Museum of Peru). The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is also well worth a visit, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian art.
If you still have the time and energy, conclude your visit in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores. There, you will find Lima’s oldest historical site, Huaca Pucllana. This fourth-century mud-brick pyramid pre-dates Machu Picchu by 900 years. Visit the handicraft markets on Avenida Petit Thouars and then make your way along Avenida Larco to the Pacific Ocean. Stroll through the park and then stop at a restaurant in the Larcomar shopping mall to enjoy dinner with a view before returning to your cruise ship.
Port Information
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru, but English is widely spoken in shops, hotels and restaurants in Lima. The currency is the nuevo sol, but some hotels and shops may take US dollars. ATM's are readily available in the city center, although some may only accept local cards. Credit cards are typically accepted, with VISA cards being preferred.
How to Get to Lima
Your cruise ship will arrive at the Port of Callao, about seven miles from the center Lima. Taxis into the city are available at the port and are reasonably priced – the ride to the center should take around 30-45 minutes and cost around $15.
One Day in Lima
Spend your morning exploring Peru’s colonial history in central Lima. The entire area, featuring long, wide streets in a grid-like design, is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Your starting point should be the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and Government Palace. Note the beautifully restored balconies on the Archbishop's Palace and several other buildings surrounding the plaza.
From the Plaza de Armas, head to the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery and Church. Take a tour of the catacombs, which contain the bones of some 70,000 people, all sorted by body part.
After lunch, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at ancient Peru or gawk at the vast collection of gold at the Museo de Oro del Peru (The Gold Museum of Peru). The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is also well worth a visit, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian art.
If you still have the time and energy, conclude your visit in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores. There, you will find Lima’s oldest historical site, Huaca Pucllana. This fourth-century mud-brick pyramid pre-dates Machu Picchu by 900 years. Visit the handicraft markets on Avenida Petit Thouars and then make your way along Avenida Larco to the Pacific Ocean. Stroll through the park and then stop at a restaurant in the Larcomar shopping mall to enjoy dinner with a view before returning to your cruise ship.
Port Information
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru, but English is widely spoken in shops, hotels and restaurants in Lima. The currency is the nuevo sol, but some hotels and shops may take US dollars. ATM's are readily available in the city center, although some may only accept local cards. Credit cards are typically accepted, with VISA cards being preferred.
Address: Lima, Peru
From $ 23