Miraflores is the main tourist district of Lima and with its green parks, beaches, great restaurants, shops and cafes is the perfect place to begin your Lima adventure.
This is a safe, upmarket suburb in Lima and has a western feel so can be a good place to base yourself if this is your first trip to the city. Allow yourself between half to one full day to explore Miraflores. Our top things to do in Miraflores include:
Miraflores Boardwalk or Malecón
The Miraflores ‘malecón’ or boardwalk is possibly the most emblematic attraction in Miraflores. This six mile stretch of board walk starts with Malecón de la Marina in the north, then becomes Malecón Cisneros, and ends as Malecón de la Reserva in the south. This stunning cliff-top walk offers fabulous views of the Pacific Coast and is a great place for people watching.
You will find a series of parks along the board walk including the famous ‘Parque del Amor’ or Love Park which is a favourite spot for lovers to meet. It houses the famous ‘El Beso’ statue of lovers embracing by Peruvian artist Victor Delfín.
Bring a picnic if you want to take some time out in one of the many green areas along the boardwalk or rent a bike if you feel like something a little more energetic.
Parasailing over the Pacific Ocean
Head to the Antonio Raimondi Park on the boardwalk to find Lima’s premier paragliding spot. Watch the pros take running jumps off the cliffs and soar into the skies high above the Pacific.
Tandem paraglides are available if you feel like an adrenaline filled activity. No previous experience is required and most glides take place in the afternoon when weather conditions are better. A ten minute glide costs US$50.
Larcomar Shopping Centre
Larcomar is a stunning feat of architecture located on the boardwalk in front of the JW Marriott Hotel. You can’t see this multi-level food, entertainment and shopping complex from street level as it is tucked away in the cliff face boasting stunning views of the Pacific Coast.
You will find a lot of big brand stores here like North Face, Adidas and Banana Republic but you will also find Peruvian stores like Ilaria Jewelery, Kuna Alpaca as well as the great gift store Dedalo.
Larcomar has a western feel and is usually packed with well-heeled Limeños and international travelers but it is a good place to enjoy sunset cocktails with an unparalleled view, a bite to eat or a coffee. It also has a cinema and bowling alley.
Lima Mall Hours: Block 6 of Malecón de la Reserva, Miraflores.
Opening hours: 11.00 – 22.00 Seven days a week.
Kennedy Park
Another emblematic attraction in Miraflores is the bustling ‘Parque Kennedy’. This park sits in the centre of the Miraflores shopping and restaurant district and is a central point on most tourist circuits. Named after U.S. President John F. Kennedy in thanks for the aid he sent Peru during his presidency, Kennedy park is now most famous for its population of over 100 stray cats.
The cats have been living here for over 20 years and are now protected by the Municipality of Miraflores. There is even a non-profit organization that looks after the feeding and well-being of the cats that can be seen stretched out enjoying the sun during the day.
There is a small market area most evenings selling souvenirs and handcrafts and several snack carts selling typical delicacies like warm churros and picarones with honey.
Indian Market
Located on Avenue Petit Thouars the Indian Market or ‘mercado indio’ is the place to come if you want to pick up typical Peruvian handcrafts and souvenirs to take home. Colourful alpaca scarves and sweaters, engraved pumpkins, woven bags and wallets, silver jewellery and colourful baskets the Indian market is a good place to pick up souvenirs from all over Peru at a good price.
Opening Hours: 09.00 – 18.00 Seven days a week.
Address: Block 52 to 55 on Avenue Petit Thouars, Miraflores.
Huaca Pucllana
The Huaca Pucllana is an adobe and clay pyramid built on a series of seven platforms and was an important administrative and ceremonial structure for the Lima Culture which existed between 200A.D. and 700 A.D. This is one fo the few archaeological remains open to the public in Lima.
Entrance Fee: S/.10 (Approx. US$3.20).
Opening Hours: Open from 09.00 to 17.00 Wednesday to Monday. Closed on Tuesdays.
Address: Calle General Borgoño, Block 8, Miraflores.
Eco – Feria de Miraflores
The small Farmers Market in Miraflores takes place every Saturday from 08.00 to 16.00 next to the ‘Parque Reducto’ and is the place to be for anyone interested in organic produce. You can buy fresh organic fruit and vegetables as well as superfoods, snacks, olive oil, coffee and herbal tinctures and teas.
There is also Farmers Markets in San Isidro on Miguel Dasso Street, Blocks 1 & 2 on Sundays from 08.00 to 16.00.
