What tourist attractions are there in Metropolitan Lima?
Contrary to what many people think, metropolitan Lima offers several tourist attractions for its citizens and tourists. From pre-Inca archaeological sites to modern constructions, the ‘City of Kings’ offers visits to places such as: the Cathedral, the Huaca Pucllana, the Cerro San Cristóbal, the Magic Water Circuit and more. Find out where it is and how much it costs!
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The Cathedral of Lima
The Cathedral of Lima is the main temple of the ‘City of Kings’. This colonial temple is located in the historic center, in front of the Main Square (and next to the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace). It is famous for its works of art from the colonial era as well as the crypt with the remains of Francisco Pizarro. The place was an important Inca temple. The construction began after the founding of the city (on January 18, 1535). It is open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. It has a beautiful architecture illuminated by a set of night lights.
- Where is it? In front of the Main Square in Lima (in Jirón Carabaya s/n).
- How much does it cost? The entrance ticket costs 10 soles (2.5 dollars approximately).
The Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is a pre-Inca archaeological site located in the heart of the modern district of Miraflores. In reality, it was an urban center where the first men of the city settled, such as the Lima culture (from 200 AD to 700 AD) as well as predecessor cultures such as the Wari and Ichma. Due to its location in the heart of Metropolitan Lima, the site was threatened due to the growth of the city. However, today it is out of danger and considered (in 2017) as Cultural Heritage of the Nation. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 3.30 pm.
- Where is it? In the heart of the Miraflores district (General Borgoño street, block 8).
- How much does it cost? 15 soles for Peruvian tourists and 7.50 soles for students (free admission for children under 5).
The San Cristobal hill
The emblematic San Cristóbal hill It is located in the populous district of Rímac. Since Inca times it was a place of veneration. Today, at the top there is a huge cross that guards the city. The views from there even reach the port of Callao. To get there, it is necessary to climb the route of the ‘thousand steps’ starting from the center of Lima. However, most visitors prefer to do so through the tourist ‘mirabuses’. There is no entry cost. At night the cross lights up in a play of artificial colors of great beauty. From any part of the city you can see the San Cristobal hill. Unfortunately the place does not have a good police guard so you should be careful of thieves.
- Where is it? In the populous district of Rímac (top of San Cristóbal hill, s/n).
- How much does it cost? The visit is free for everyone.
The Magic Circuit of Water
In the heart of downtown Lima is the Magic Water Circuit, a theme park famous for its water fountains with light shows and music. Nearby is the National Stadium of Lima. In addition to the thirteen fountains, there the tourist can enjoy outdoor shows, games for children, green areas and various sculptures. The Magic Water Circuit has eight hectares. Visiting hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm. And from Friday to Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
- Where is it? In the Parque de la Reserva (in the jirón Madre de Dios s/n, in the heart of the city).
- How much does it cost? 4 soles for the general public.
The Park of Legends
The most famous zoo in the city from Lima is located in the modern district of San Miguel. It has an immense area where up to 1,585 animals from different geographical areas are found, mainly from the coast, mountains and jungle of Peru. It also includes a felinarium, an aquarium, an outdoor animal area, a replica of mines, a replica of the tomb of the Lord of Sipán, a botanical garden and even artificial lagoons. The Parque de las Leyendas is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.
- Where is it? In the district of San Miguel (580 Parque de las Leyendas Avenue).
- How much does it cost? 15 soles for adults and 8 soles for children (from 3 to 12 years old).
The boardwalk of Miraflores
Miraflores is the preferred tourist destination for foreigners who visit Lima. The views of the sea that are obtained from there are impressive. The boardwalk includes famous parks and recreational area spaces such as: the boardwalk of La Marina, the boardwalk Cisneros, the boardwalk of the Reserve, the boardwalk July 28 and even the Park of Love. The center is located a few steps away commercial Larcomar. Many people like to play sports there. Paragliding stands out. The area is one of the safest in Lima, even to be visited 24 hours a day.
- Where is it? In the tourist district of Miraflores (boardwalk of La Reserva 275).
- How much does it cost? The visit is free for everyone.
The Puente de los Suspiros in Barranco
This historic bridge, in the Barranco district, was built in 1876. After the War of the Pacific (from 1879 to 1884) and the Chilean invasion of Lima; It was damaged and rebuilt at different times. Popular tradition indicates that by crossing the bridge, and holding your breath, the person can make a wish. In the surroundings there are cozy bars and tourist restaurants. Visiting the Bridge of Sighs is free for everyone. It is open 24 hours a day.
- Where is it? In the tourist district of Barranco (at Jirón Batallón Ayacucho 271).
- How much does it cost? The visit is free for everyone.
The catacombs
The Museum of the Convent of San Francisco is famous for its catacombs or colonial cemetery (one of the oldest in South America). It is located in the historic center of Lima. It was built in 1535, after the founding of the city. The cemetery worked until 1810, serving as a grave for more than 25 thousand people. It stands out for the good conservation of the bones. Its underground galleries are pools up to ten meters deep, all full of human bones and skulls. Ghost stories and apparitions are not lacking. There cruel massacres are reported, which increases the curiosity of visitors. The visit is from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Where is it? Right in the center of the city of Lima (San Francisco Square s/n).
- How much does it cost? General public 15 soles. Students 8 soles. Children 3 soles.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023