Spending just one day in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital city, reveals a wealth of culture, scenic views, and unique experiences. Join us on an exciting 24-hour adventure through Lima’s must-see spots—from historical landmarks to culinary delights and charming cats at Kennedy Park. Here’s an immersive guide to make the most of a day in Lima.
Morning: Starting the Day with Cats at Kennedy Park
Location: Kennedy Park, Miraflores
Our day kicked off with a visit to Kennedy Park, renowned for its large population of friendly cats. Nestled in Miraflores, this park is home to dozens of cats that lounge on benches, climb trees, and happily interact with visitors. Locals and tourists alike feed and pet these feline residents, making Kennedy Park a charming and relaxing stop in the heart of the city.
Navigating Lima and Getting Connected
Getting a SIM Card
Next, we stopped at a tourist information center in Miraflores to purchase a SIM card. At a reasonable cost of 110 soles, we received 15 GB of data—ideal for staying connected throughout our travels.
Breakfast: Sampling Peruvian Delicacies
Where: A local cafe nearby
Peruvian cuisine offers unique flavors, and breakfast didn’t disappoint. Our meal included eggs, ham, bread, and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), a popular local dish that surprised us with its tenderness and rich, savory taste.
Midday: Exploring Huaca Pucllana
Location: Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site
After breakfast, we ventured to Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid and temple complex that dates back to 200-700 AD. This pre-Inca site served as a ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture, built with unique “bookshelf-style” adobe bricks designed to withstand earthquakes. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into Lima’s ancient civilizations and cultural heritage, including artifacts of human and animal sacrifices.
Afternoon: Scenic Views Along the Coast and Love Park
Location: Love Park (Parque del Amor)
Lima’s coastline offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A stroll along the coast led us to Love Park, a beautifully landscaped area adorned with mosaic-covered walls and a giant sculpture of a couple embracing. The park is a romantic spot that captures the city’s spirit and provides picturesque photo opportunities.
The Bridge of Sighs in Barranco
Location: Puente de los Suspiros, Barranco District
From Love Park, we hopped into an Uber to Barranco’s famous Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it that if you hold your breath while crossing the bridge and make a wish, it will come true. Barranco’s bohemian charm and colorful streets make it an enchanting neighborhood to explore.
Dinner: Venezuelan Flavors in Lima
Where: Arapa Cafe
Our day wrapped up with a flavorful dinner at Arapa Cafe, a Venezuelan eatery offering gluten-free options. We enjoyed a variety of arepas filled with meat, cheese, and guacamole, paired with Inca Kola, a Peruvian soda with a sweet, bubble-gum-like taste that’s a local favorite.
Evening: Returning to Kennedy Park
Before calling it a day, we returned to Kennedy Park for one last visit with the cats, where we witnessed locals feeding them and enjoyed the park’s peaceful atmosphere at night. The friendly cats and vibrant surroundings created a fitting end to our whirlwind day in Lima.
Final Thoughts: Lima’s 24-Hour Charm
Our 24 hours in Lima gave us a fantastic snapshot of the city’s history, culture, and culinary delights. While we only scratched the surface, a longer stay would allow visitors to delve deeper into Lima’s rich heritage, including visits to historic churches and museums. However, even a day is enough to experience Lima’s warm hospitality and diverse attractions—making it a memorable part of any Peruvian adventure.
If you’re planning a short trip to Lima, prioritize Miraflores and Barranco districts, enjoy the food, and, of course, don’t miss the cats of Kennedy Park. Safe travels!
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