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Culture & history

Historic Lima: the colonial center, a World Heritage Site

Historic Lima: the colonial center, a World Heritage Site

Miraflores is modern, coastal and bright, but half an hour away by car a very different Lima awaits: the viceregal Lima, founded by Pizarro in 1535 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A morning in the Historic Center is the perfect cultural complement to your stay at Lima Penthouse.

The Plaza Mayor

The heart of colonial Lima is the Plaza Mayor (or Plaza de Armas), surrounded by some of the country's most important buildings:

  • The Cathedral of Lima, which holds the remains of Francisco Pizarro.
  • The Government Palace, seat of the presidency, where you can watch the changing of the guard at midday.
  • The Archbishop's Palace, famous for its carved wooden balconies.
  • The Municipality of Lima.

It's one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the Americas.

The Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs

A few blocks away is the Convent of San Francisco, a Baroque gem with a spectacular old library and, above all, its famous catacombs: underground ossuaries that served as the city's cemetery for centuries. The guided tour is one of the most popular in Lima.

The balconies of Lima

If you look up as you walk through the center, you'll spot the colonial wooden balconies, one of the city's symbols. Some are simple, others lavishly carved, a legacy of Arab-Andalusian influence. The Casa de Aliaga, lived in by the same family since the 16th century, is one of the oldest mansions in the Americas and can be visited.

A break: the Park of the Wall and Chinatown

By the Rímac River is the Parque de la Muralla (Park of the Wall), with remains of the walls that once protected the city. And very close by, Lima's Chinatown, one of the oldest in Latin America and the birthplace of chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) cuisine. It's a great spot for lunch before heading back.

How to plan your visit

Once there, the center is best explored on foot, but we recommend taking a taxi or a tour to get there and back. Mornings are the best time: more light, less heat and the main monuments open. In half a day you'll have plenty of time to see the essentials and return to Miraflores for lunch. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you plan it at your own pace.