Things To Do
Culinary Tour of Lima
When you think of Peruvian cuisine, ceviche might come to mind, but that’s just a taste of its rich culinary landscape. Influenced by Spanish colonization and migrations, Peru boasts Creole cuisine from Afro-Peruvian heritage, Chinese-Peruvian fusion called "chifa," and Nikkei dishes inspired by Japanese immigration. Peru has won the World’s Leading Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards for seven years running, the only country to hold this record since 2012. With five Michelin-starred restaurants—three of which rank in the global top five—Peruvian cuisine stands as a global culinary powerhouse. Restaurant Recommendations: Mérito (Modern) El Mercado (Seafood) Isolina (Traditional) Mayta (Modern Cuisine) Rafael (Mediterranean influence) Osaka Pardo y Aliaga (Nekkei) La Gloria (Mediterranean influence) La Mar Cevicheria (Seafood) Cosme (Peruvian-Asian fusion) Shi Nua (Chinese) Amaz & Mar (Amazon Cuisine) Troppo (Italian) Make Reservations
Maido - #1 restuarant in the world
If you’re visiting Lima, Maido is an absolute must. Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world, it offers a stunning Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) dining experience that celebrates Peru’s fresh seafood and bold flavors with Japanese precision. The tasting menu is creative and beautifully presented, and the service is warm and attentive, making the entire experience unforgettable. Perfect for a special night out or anyone wanting to explore the best of Lima’s culinary scene. Reservations will need to be made at least a month in advance, they sometimes have last minute cancellations.
Everyday Eats
Here are recommendations for casual dining options, offering a relaxed yet satisfying culinary experience: Tanta - A large menu with many options, multiple location (Lunch and Dinner) San Antonio - A cafe with many options, multiple location ( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) Panchita - Rustic and tradition food (Lunch and Dinner) Jeronimo - Variety of options (Lunch and Dinner) El Pan de la Chola - Cafe, multiple location (coffee and sandwhices) La Lucha Sanguchería - Peruvian-style sandwiches
Adventure out of Lima
If you’re short on time and can’t squeeze in a trip to Machu Picchu—don’t worry, Peru still has plenty of magic to offer! Just a few hours from Lima, you’ll find the breathtaking desert landscapes of Paracas and Huacachina—two must-see spots for thrill-seekers and scenery lovers alike. Hop on a dune buggy or ATV (or both!) and ride across the sandy dunes of the Paracas National Reserve. Want something straight out of a movie? Huacachina is home to a real-life oasis surrounded by massive golden dunes—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Paracas is about 3.5 hours from Lima, and Huacachina is about 4 hours away. The best part? You don’t need to worry about the logistics—many tours on TripAdvisor offer roundtrip transportation from Miraflores. So if you’ve got a free day and an adventurous spirit, this is one side of Peru you don’t want to miss!