Lima

The best time to visit Lima is from April through November, when rain is rare and temperatures are mild, mostly in the 19-23°C range. December through March is warmer and sunnier, but February and March bring the most rain days. The cool, dry months are ideal for exploring the city's sights comfortably.

Stay in Miraflores for ocean views, parks, and easy access to restaurants and the Love Park and Bridge of Sighs. San Isidro is a quieter, more residential choice with upscale hotels like the Westin and Pullman. Barranco, just south, suits a more artistic, bohemian vibe. The historic center is convenient for sightseeing around Lima Main Square and San Martin Square.

Start at Lima Main Square for the colonial core, then see the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco for its catacombs. The Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park is a lively evening show. For views and local life, head to Love Park in Miraflores and the Bridge of Sighs in Barranco. The Larco Museum offers the best pre-Columbian collection, and Pucllana Site Museum lets you see an ancient pyramid in the city.

You can take day trips to Paracas and Huacachina, where you can see the desert oasis and coastal wildlife, and to Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas. These tours are bookable from Lima. If you prefer to stay closer, well-known day trips include the historic center of Lima itself, with its main square and San Francisco convent, or the coastal district of Miraflores for its parks and ocean views.

Plan 3 to 4 days in Lima. In 3 days, you can see the Magic Water Circuit, Lima Main Square, San Martin Square, and the Larco Museum, plus stroll through Miraflores to Love Park and Barranco for the Bridge of Sighs. Add a fourth day for a day trip to Paracas and Huacachina, or to Caral, which needs an extra day beyond the city sights.