Lima, Peru
Welcome to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru and a gateway to ancient civilizations and world-class cuisine. Often called the 'City of Kings,' Lima offers cruise passengers a captivating blend of colonial history, pre-Columbian treasures, and modern energy.
Major lines like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line frequently call here, docking at the nearby port of Callao.
Visitors are drawn to Lima's rich cultural tapestry, from exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites to indulging in a culinary scene that has gained international acclaim, making it a highlight of any South American itinerary.
For more information on Lima, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Lima City Guide
A visit to the Historic Centre of Lima (Centro Historico de Lima), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is essential. Located about a 30-45 minute drive from the port, this area is home to the magnificent Lima Plaza Mayor, the impressive Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima), and the Church and Convent of Saint Francis (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco) with its famous catacombs.
For a deep dive into Peru's ancient past, the Larco Museum (Museo Larco) is a must-see. This privately-owned museum houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and is renowned for its well-preserved ceramics and artifacts.
In the modern district of Miraflores, you can explore the remarkable Huaca Pucllana, a large adobe and clay pyramid that stands as a testament to the city's ancient Lima culture, surrounded by contemporary city life.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
A popular excursion is a trip to the Pachacamac Itshma Temple, an expansive pre-Inca archaeological sanctuary located about an hour's drive south of the city. This sacred site was a major religious center for centuries, featuring impressive pyramids and temples dedicated to the creator god Pachacamac.
For a unique wildlife experience, consider a boat tour to the Palomino Island (Isla Palomino), departing directly from Callao. This island tour allows you to get up close with a massive colony of sea lions in their natural habitat and observe various sea birds, offering a fantastic natural escape just minutes from the port.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Cruise ships arrive at the Port of Callao, which is located approximately 9 miles (15 km) west of Lima's historic city center. The journey to key tourist districts like the Centro Histórico or Miraflores typically takes 30-60 minutes by car, depending on Lima's notorious traffic.
The port is a secure, industrial area, and passengers are not permitted to walk out. You must take a cruise line shuttle, a pre-booked excursion, or a licensed taxi to exit the port premises. The terminal itself offers basic facilities, but there are no shops, restaurants, or attractions in the immediate vicinity.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While some tourist-oriented businesses in Lima may accept U.S. dollars, it is highly recommended to use the local currency for most transactions to get the best prices.
ATMs are widely available in commercial districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre of Lima (Centro Historico de Lima). You can also exchange currency at banks or official 'casas de cambio'. Credit cards are commonly accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases and taxis.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Like any major metropolis, Lima requires visitors to be aware of their surroundings. Stick to well-known tourist areas such as Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, which are generally safe for independent exploration during the day. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can be an issue in crowded places, so keep your valuables secure.
The port area of Callao is not recommended for independent wandering; it is best to proceed directly to Lima via organized transport. For peace of mind and convenience, booking a shore excursion or using a reputable taxi or ride-sharing service is advisable, especially when traveling from the port.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Lima is characterized by a mild desert climate with high humidity and persistent cloud cover for much of the year, a phenomenon known as the 'garúa'. It experiences very little rainfall. The main cruise season aligns with the Southern Hemisphere's summer (December to April), which is the warmest and sunniest time, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C).
During the cooler winter months (June to October), expect overcast skies and temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Packing light layers, including a light jacket or sweater for evenings, along with sunscreen and sunglasses, is recommended year-round.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
To get from the Port of Callao to Lima's main attractions, pre-arranged transportation is essential. Cruise lines typically offer shuttles to central points like the Miraflores district, and this is often the most convenient option.
Within Lima, licensed taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are the most common ways for tourists to get around; always agree on a fare before starting your trip with a regular taxi. While Lima has a public bus system, such as the Metropolitano, it can be crowded and complex for first-time visitors on a tight schedule. Once in districts like the Historic Centre of Lima (Centro Historico de Lima) or Barranco, exploring on foot is the best way to see the sights.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Lima offers a fantastic range of shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets. For upscale shopping with a view, head to Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar) in Miraflores, a stunning shopping center built into a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
For authentic souvenirs, the various 'Inca Markets' in Miraflores are the best bet. Here you can find a vast array of local handicrafts, including high-quality alpaca wool sweaters and scarves, intricate silver jewelry, and colorful textiles. Haggling is common and expected in these markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
Last updated on February 14, 2026
Join Lima's most-reviewed cooking class for a fun, hands-on experience learning the secrets of Peruvian cuisine. In a relaxed atmosphere, passionate chefs will show you how to create delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients. With personalized attention in small classes, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and take home easy-to-replicate recipes. Vegetarian options are available for this informative class that also covers the rich history behind the food.
Choose your culinary adventure with options for beef, chicken, or fish in this unique cooking experience. Your day begins with a visit to a local market to purchase the fresh ingredients for your chosen authentic Peruvian dishes. In a well-equipped kitchen studio, professional chefs will guide you through essential culinary techniques, and this tour also supports a nonprofit organization, as profits help fund social projects for communities in need.
Choose your culinary adventure with options for beef, chicken, or fish in this unique cooking experience. Your day begins with a visit to a local market to purchase the fresh ingredients for your chosen authentic Peruvian dishes. In a well-equipped kitchen studio, professional chefs will guide you through essential culinary techniques, and this tour also supports a nonprofit organization, as profits help fund social projects for communities in need.
Experience the ultimate food and city tour, making the most of your day in Lima. This comprehensive adventure features five stops across three trendy districts, including exclusive restaurants and top attractions. You'll enjoy organic Peruvian coffee, a fruit tasting at a local market, a Pisco Sour experience, and a hands-on cebiche class with a professional chef. The tour culminates with gourmet dishes, natural Peruvian wine, and dessert at a top restaurant with views of pre-Incan ruins.
Learn to cook two of the most important plates in Peruvian cuisine: Lomo Saltado and Causa Rellena. This lovely cooking class is full of music and fun, offering the best approach to our gastronomy and culture. You will learn everything about the ingredients, process, and history behind these favorite local flavors.
Embark on a unique anthropological experience and be part of the daily life of locals in one of Lima's crowded districts. This eye-opening tour challenges common preconceptions as you meet friendly people and learn about the native culture and its values. By taking this tour, you are also contributing to the community, as a percentage of the proceeds goes to social projects that improve the lives of local families. It is a rich cultural experience you will always remember.
Discover Lima's best monuments and gastronomy on this combination tour. First, navigate a local market with an expert guide, sampling 12 of the best Peruvian snacks to experience the true culture. Then, a passionate storyteller will lead you through Lima's Main Square and the beautiful Catacombs of San Francisco Church. Conclude your adventure at a famous bar to taste exotic fruits and try Peru's best Pisco Sour (optional, not included).
Experience the history of Peruvian cuisine with the guidance of a professional chef. You will prepare traditional meals that have helped place Peru as one of the world's top culinary destinations. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn cooking techniques you can use to impress your guests back home.
Embark on a secret food tour through the charming, hidden streets of Lima's historic Barranco district. Indulge in a diverse array of authentic Peruvian dishes, including world-class organic coffee, tantalizing appetizers, craft beers, and the freshest ceviche. By the tour's end, you'll depart with a satisfied palate, insider knowledge of the local scene, and a deeper appreciation for Peruvian culture. This gastronomic journey is an unforgettable culinary experience that enriches your time in Lima.
Immerse yourself in the unique sound of Afro-Peruvian Jazz, a vibrant fusion representing one of Peru's most important cultural gifts. This experience takes place at The Jazz Zone of Miraflores, Lima's oldest jazz club, known for its intimate and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy traditional and modern rhythms performed by Gabriel Alegría and the Sextet. You are guaranteed a magical night full of sounds you may have never heard before.
Explore a typical Peruvian market filled with colorful and varied products. During your visit, you will taste more than 35 different fruits, all grown locally in Peru. Afterward, enjoy a classic Pisco Sour before heading into a hands-on cooking class. Under the supervision of an instructor, you will prepare and eat four typical Peruvian dishes.
Explore Lima's Historic Center as the sun sets and the city begins to glow on this engaging evening tour. Visit highlights like the San Francisco Convent with its intriguing Catacombs and the elegant Plaza San Martín. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to admire iconic architecture before concluding your adventure at a rooftop bar in Miraflores with a complimentary Pisco Sour.
Join a walking food tour that begins with a tasting at the “Terrua” coffee shop to share the passion for Peruvian coffee. Your adventure continues with stops to try a traditional “Chicharrones” pork sandwich, desserts from a local bakery, and various fruits at the local market. You'll also enjoy Peru's most popular dish at a ceviche bar, where you can sample a Pisco-based Chilcano. The tour concludes with one last stop for delicious churros.
Begin your culinary journey in the vibrant Surquillo Market, where you'll sample exotic fruits and learn about Peru's unique ingredients from your expert guide. Next, head to a nearby restaurant for a hands-on cooking class led by a talented local chef. You will learn to prepare three iconic Peruvian items: ceviche, causa rellena, and the classic pisco sour. To round off this memorable experience, indulge in a traditional Peruvian dessert.
Take a private, half-day tour off the beaten path for an authentic look at Lima where locals live and work. This experience focuses on responsible cultural immersion, visiting a local artisan and a social project that your visit helps support. You will have lunch at a local family’s home and learn about daily life, history, and culture in Lima’s human settlements. The tour highlights positive initiatives and hope, allowing you to meet amazing locals working to improve their community.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience flying a paratrike over Lima's iconic coastline. Certified pilots provide personalized and warm service, ensuring a comfortable and safe flight with no prior experience required. You will soar over the districts of Miraflores, San Isidro, Magdalena, and San Miguel. This exciting flight offers a unique perspective of the ocean, cliffs, and city.
Explore the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive colonial architecture. Stroll through San Martín Square and the Plaza de Armas to admire landmarks like the Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. The tour includes a visit to the fascinating San Francisco Museum, famous for its underground catacombs. Discover stories from Lima’s colonial era that shaped the history of Peru.
Enjoy a complete culinary and historical experience combining Peruvian food with the city's highlights. First, visit a local market before joining professional chefs to learn the secrets of Peruvian gastronomy in a hands-on cooking class. Then, you will visit the Historic Center of Lima, including the Plaza de Armas and the incredible Catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery. Your participation also supports the tour company's nonprofit sister organization, which implements social projects for communities in need.
Discover the Barranco district, widely considered the artistic and bohemian heart of Lima. This tour focuses on the area's vibrant street art, which serves as the perfect starting point for your exploration. You'll be guided to perfect locations to take the best photos of this colorful neighborhood.
Take to the waves while in Lima and spend the day surfing at some of the best hidden spots. A local guide who knows the area intimately will lead you, so you don't have to guess when the tide is right or when the swell will hit. Simply go with a local who knows it all and enjoy the best surf Lima has to offer.
No ships scheduled in port today.
Last updated on June 13, 2025
The cruise port is in Callao, about 30-60 minutes from Lima's main attractions; licensed taxis or pre-booked tours are the best options.
From Callao, a short ride takes you to Lima's Historic Center (Plaza Mayor, Cathedral) or Miraflores (Parque del Amor, Larcomar). Callao itself has the Real Felipe Fortress.
Try ceviche or lomo saltado at restaurants in Miraflores or Barranco. Nearer the Callao port, some local seafood restaurants offer fresh catches.
The local currency is Peruvian Sol (1 USD = 3.62 PEN). ATMs are widely available in Lima's tourist districts like Miraflores and San Isidro, and at the airport. Exchange houses (casas de cambio) offer good rates, often better than banks.
Lima has a mild desert climate; cruises often visit during the dry, cooler season (May-November) with temperatures from 15-22°C (59-72°F). Pack layers, including a light jacket.
Beaches like those along the Costa Verde in Miraflores (e.g., Waikiki for surfing) are popular and accessible by taxi from Lima's central districts, about a 30-45 minute ride from Callao.
Cruise line excursions to Lima's historic sites or Miraflores are convenient. Independent tours offer more flexibility but require careful planning for port return times.
Shop for alpaca clothing, silver jewelry, and Pisco at Mercado Indio or Larcomar in Miraflores. In Callao, some local artisan shops might be found near the port.
The Callao district itself offers attractions like La Punta and the Real Felipe Fortress. Further afield, the ancient ruins of Pachacamac are about an hour's drive south of Lima.
Lima is home to the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas, the National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551.
On average cruises from Lima are rather expensive compared to other ports. Prices are around the same throughout the year. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises from Lima.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
