5-Day Lima Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Lima packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — culinary capital of south america where ceviche meets colonial charm. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Miraflores — seaside cliffs with parks, restaurants, and ocean views. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Plaza Mayor and Lima Cathedral for your first taste of what makes Lima special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Miraflores — seaside cliffs with parks, restaurants, and ocean views area. Try Ceviche — raw fish cured in lime juice with red onion, chili, and sweet potato — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Huaca Pucllana pyramid. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Barranco bohemian district. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Centro Histórico — colonial plazas, churches, and catacombs neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Anticuchos — grilled beef heart skewers from street carts at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Larco Museum — one of Lima's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $6 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Callao — port district with emerging street art and Monumental Callao project district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Aji de Gallina — shredded chicken in creamy yellow pepper sauce. Expect to spend around $15 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Monumental Callao — former port warehouses converted into galleries and murals — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Circuito Mágico del Agua — evening fountain light show in Parque de la Reserva. The San Isidro — upscale dining and Huaca Huallamarca ruins area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Lima's nightlife scene — Barranco — live music bars, peñas with folk music, and craft cocktails.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Mercado de Surquillo — local market with exotic fruits and ceviche stalls or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Mercado Indio — handicrafts, textiles, and alpaca goods in Miraflores — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Uber and DiDi are the safest and most reliable transport options
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $60 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers — Lima's garúa fog makes it cooler than expected You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet with a single cheek kiss in social situations
• Safety: Use rideshare apps instead of hailing street taxis

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$20	$60	$200
5-Day Total	$100	$300	$1000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Lima is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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