Pariwana Travel Guide - Lima

Lima isn’t just a stopover; it’s the heartbeat of Peru. A mix of colonial elegance, ocean views, and constant motion, this city wakes up early and goes to sleep late. It’s the meeting point for surfers, artists, digital nomads, and backpackers who want to feel South America’s pulse before heading to the mountains or the jungle.

Here at Pariwana Hostels, we see Lima as more than a gateway. It’s where cultures collide, flavors surprise, and friendships start over pisco sours.

Why you’ll love it:

• A mild, year-round climate (expect a misty “garúa” from June to October).

• Easy airport access – about 45 minutes from Miraflores, the traveler’s hub.

• A coastline perfect for sunsets, jogs, or watching paragliders float above the Pacific.

Lima is loud, flavorful, and full of contrasts. Don’t rush through it. Give it a couple of days, walk its streets, talk to locals, and you’ll see why travelers end up staying longer than planned.

Planning ahead saves you time and soles.

When to go:
December to April brings blue skies and beach weather. From May to October you’ll get Lima’s trademark fog — cooler, cloudier, but with fewer crowds.

Entry & practicalities:

• Most travelers from the Americas and Europe don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days.

• Exchange money only at certified exchange houses or ATMs.

• Spanish is the main language, but you’ll get by with English in tourist areas.

• Bring both a rain-resistant jacket and sunscreen — the weather flips fast.

• Buy a local SIM card (Claro, Entel, Bitel) for cheap data and easy navigation.

Transport:
Use Uber, InDriver, or Cabify to reach your hostel from the airport. Public buses are cheap but chaotic; apps are safer and still budget-friendly.

At Pariwana, we always tell guests: keep an open mind and your camera ready. Lima rewards curiosity — from street art to ceviche stands hidden down small alleys.

Founded in 1535, “The City of Kings” became Spain’s crown jewel in South America. Today it’s a metropolis of ten million — part colonial, part modern, always alive.

Stroll through the Historic Center and you’ll find grand plazas, carved balconies, and yellow-painted churches that echo centuries of stories. Then head south to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, packed with murals, music, and nightlife. Miraflores, where we’re based, is the modern face of Lima — clean, safe, and right on the cliffs above the Pacific.

Local culture in a nutshell:

• Limeños are friendly but reserved at first. A smile and a “gracias” go a long way.

• Food is conversation — don’t be surprised if locals spend hours talking about lunch.

• Sundays are family days; many shops open late or close early.

Lima isn’t a city to check off a list. It’s a place to feel — through its flavors, its rhythms, and its people.

Picking the right neighborhood can define your experience, and trust us — Miraflores is the place to be.

🌊 Miraflores: Safe, walkable, and packed with everything you want: ocean views, surf spots, parks, cafés, and nightlife. It’s home to most hostels, restaurants, and cultural events. From here, every part of the city is within easy reach. It’s no coincidence that our Pariwana Lima Hostel is right here — central, social, and steps from the malecón.

🎨 Barranco: Lima’s artsy soul. Think street art, boutique galleries, and relaxed bars. Perfect for creative travelers who like things a bit offbeat.

🌳 San Isidro: Beautiful and quiet — but mostly for business travelers or those visiting companies based there. Fewer backpacker vibes, more suits and offices.

⚠️ Historic Center: Stunning by day but less safe and less connected by night. Visit, photograph, enjoy — then head back to Miraflores to sleep soundly.

Our tip: Stay where the action is. In Miraflores, you’ll meet other travelers, share stories, and start adventures that continue all over Peru.

👉 Grab your free maps and explore Lima like a local: Free Maps – Pariwana Hostels

Yes, Lima traffic has a reputation — and it’s earned. But moving around doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan a bit.

From the airport:
Use official taxi apps or Airport Express buses. Avoid unregistered drivers who approach you inside arrivals.

Within the city:

• Metropolitano: a bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes connecting north to south Lima. Cheap, efficient, and crowded at rush hour.

• Ride-hailing apps: Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are safe and inexpensive.

• Bike or walk: Miraflores and Barranco have scenic paths along the cliffs — perfect for slow travel days.

Rush hour reality: 7–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m. are gridlock zones. Use that time to chill in a café or watch the sunset from the malecón instead of sitting in a cab.

Download Moovit or Google Maps offline before heading out; they’ll keep you on track even without signal.

Getting around Lima is part of its adventure — a chaotic symphony that, once you get used to it, becomes half the fun.

Lima is a city to explore slowly, one neighborhood at a time. It’s layered with history, street art, and ocean air — and every corner has a surprise.

Historic Center: The colonial heart of Lima. Start at the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by yellow-faced buildings, the grand Cathedral, and the Convent of San Francisco, where the catacombs tell a darker side of the city’s story. At night, catch the Magic Water Circuit, a light-and-fountain show inside Parque de la Reserva — it’s beautiful and very local.

Miraflores: This is Lima’s modern, social core — and our home at Pariwana. Don’t miss the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid rising in the middle of the city. Spend your afternoon strolling the malecón, watching surfers and paragliders, or discovering restaurants, bars, and cultural events that make Miraflores the heartbeat of young Lima.

Barranco: Bohemian and colorful. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, hunt down murals, or chill in one of its live-music bars. It’s the spot to feel Lima’s creative energy.

Callao Monumental: A restored port district turned street-art hub — perfect for photos and local food.

You can’t understand Lima without tasting it. Food is part of our identity — bold, fresh, and full of history.

Here’s what every traveler should try:

🍋 Ceviche: raw fish marinated in lime juice with chili, onion, and sweet potato — the ultimate coastal dish.
🍗 Lomo Saltado: a stir-fry of beef, onion, tomato, and fries, kissed by soy sauce — a legacy of Chinese-Peruvian fusion.
🥔 Causa Limeña: mashed yellow potato layered with avocado and chicken or tuna.
🍛 Ají de Gallina: shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce made with yellow chili.
🔥 Anticuchos: marinated beef-heart skewers grilled on the street — smoky, spicy, and unforgettable.
🍮 Desserts:Suspiro a la Limeña and picarones (sweet pumpkin doughnuts).

Wash it all down with a Pisco Sour or a purple Chicha Morada juice.

Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America, so come hungry — even the markets serve world-class food.

👉 Learn more about Peru’s cuisine:

• 7 Must-Try Peruvian Dishes for Every Traveler

• Where Locals Eat in Lima – Real Restaurants by Food Type

When the sun sets, Lima wakes up in a different way. From rooftop bars to Afro-Peruvian rhythms, the night here is social, musical, and full of personality.

Barranco: Start here. Its cobblestone streets fill with music, from live rock bands to peñas playing criollo guitar and cajón. Bars like Ayahuasca or La Noche de Barranco are local legends.

Miraflores: The modern party district — rooftops like Open or Bardo mix great cocktails with Pacific views. You’ll also find art cinemas, theaters, and cultural spaces that keep the scene dynamic all week long.

Tips for safe fun: use rideshare apps, stick with your group, and avoid walking alone late at night — the usual big-city sense works fine here.

👉 Check out our activity calendar here: Pariwana Lima’s Activity Lineup.

At Pariwana, nights often start with drinks in our bar and end with new friends planning tomorrow’s adventures.

Lima’s shopping scene goes far beyond souvenirs. You’ll find everything from handmade art to fine chocolate — all with Peruvian flair.

For design and local art: check out Dédalo in Miraflores. It features Peruvian designers, artists, and elegant keepsakes — perfect for gifts that go beyond the usual keychain.

For food lovers: the Surquillo Market is heaven. Pick up coffee beans, cacao nibs, Andean grains, or local snacks to take home.

For classic handicrafts: explore the Inka Market and Indian Market, both in Miraflores. Bargaining is expected — 10-15 percent off is fair if you do it politely.

For sweet souvenirs: grab a box of Ibérica chocolates, a true Peruvian classic.

Buy directly from artisans whenever you can — it supports local families and ensures you take home something authentic.

If you’ve got extra days, the region around Lima is packed with ancient ruins, desert oases, and ocean adventures — all within easy reach.

Pachacámac: pre-Inca ruins just 40 minutes away, overlooking the Lurín Valley.
Caral: the oldest civilization in the Americas (5,000 years!) — about three hours north.
Palomino Islands: boat trips from Callao to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.
Lunahuaná: rafting, local wine, sunshine, and relaxation.
Paracas & Huacachina: a desert paradise — think sandboarding, buggies, and that famous oasis sunset.

All of these can be done as one-day or weekend getaways. Ask at reception — we love helping backpackers organize day trips that fit their style and budget.

Lima is lively, safe for smart travelers, and full of small details that make a big difference when you know them.

💰 Budget:
Backpackers can live well here on $35–50 USD a day, including meals, transport, and a hostel bed. A hearty menu lunch costs around 15 soles, and a local beer about 10.

💡 Money & cards:
ATMs are easy to find; just avoid random street machines. Most places take Visa or Mastercard. Always carry some soles for markets or taxis.

📲 Stay connected:
Pick up a local SIM from Claro or Entel with data for $5–10. Wi-Fi is common in cafés and, of course, at Pariwana.

🔌 Power:
Peru uses 220 V and plug types A and C. U.S. gear works with an adapter; U.K. plugs need a converter.

🚦 Safety basics:
Use ride apps like Uber or InDriver. Keep your phone tucked away in crowded areas. Lima is friendly, just stay street-smart.

🆘 Emergencies:

• Police 105

• Fire 116

• Ambulance 106

• Tourist Police (+51) 1 460-1060

At Pariwana Hostels, we believe travel should leave memories — not marks. Here’s how you can explore Lima responsibly.

🌿 Move lightly:
Walk or cycle whenever you can. Miraflores and Barranco have long, scenic routes along the cliffs that need no fuel but your curiosity.

💧 Ditch plastic:
Carry a refillable bottle and say no to single-use bags or straws.

🛍 Support local:
Buy directly from artisans, eat in neighborhood markets, and stay in locally-run hostels (hi 👋). Every sol spent locally stays in the community.

♻️ Stay green:
Many hostels – including ours – are working toward eco-friendly operations: recycling points, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

🤝 Connect:
Join walking tours or workshops led by locals. You’ll learn more, spend smarter, and make your trip meaningful.

👉 Travel and care with us: The sustainable actions of Pariwana Hostels

A few Spanish words can open every door (and earn you smiles).

Everyday basics:

• Hola, ¿qué tal? – Hey, how’s it going?

• Por favor / gracias – Please / thank you.

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?

• ¿Dónde queda…? – Where is…?

Peruvian slang you’ll hear a lot:

• ¡Qué chévere! = So cool!

• Causa = Buddy / friend.

• Pata = Mate / pal.

• Jato = House / place.

• Yapa = A little extra (ask for it nicely in markets).

Peruvians appreciate politeness. A simple “buenos días” and a smile go further than perfect grammar ever will.

At Pariwana, we love teaching travelers a few local words — it’s half the fun of connecting.

Travel’s unpredictable, so it’s smart to know where to turn if things go sideways.

🚨 Important numbers:
Police 105 | Fire 116 | Ambulance 106

🏥 Hospitals & clinics:

• Clínica Anglo Americana (San Isidro) +51 1 616-8900

• Clínica Internacional (San Borja) +51 1 219-0000

• Hospital Casimiro Ulloa (Miraflores) +51 1 213-0300

🌍 Key embassies in Lima:
United States (+51 1 618-2000) • United Kingdom (+51 1 617-3000) • France (+51 1 215-8400) • Spain (+51 1 212-5155) • Germany (+51 1 212-5016) • Italy (+51 1 442-0444) • Brazil (+51 1 512-0830) • Argentina (+51 1 241-4911) • Mexico (+51 1 212-7200) • Canada (+51 1 319-3200) • Netherlands (+51 1 213-9810).

Save them in your phone and keep digital copies of your passport in the cloud. Most issues in Lima are minor — lost cards, luggage mix-ups — but it helps to be ready.

Lima isn’t love at first sight; it’s love that grows. Between the surf breaks, murals, street food, and endless gray-sky sunsets, it sneaks under your skin.

By the time you’ve wandered the malecón, tasted ceviche, danced in Barranco, and made new friends over beers at Pariwana, you’ll get it: Lima has a rhythm of its own.

For many travelers, this is just the start — a launchpad to Cusco, Arequipa, or the jungle. But Lima stays with you — in your stories, your playlists, and the flavors you’ll chase long after you leave.

We’ll be here when you circle back — a bed, a beer, and a crowd of travelers waiting to hear where you’ve been.

👉 Discover more adventures at Pariwana Hostels.