“Lima Was the Highlight”: Why Peru’s Capital Might Be the Best Part of Your Trip

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When most travelers dream of Peru, Lima usually isn’t the star of the show.

Machu Picchu takes the spotlight. The Amazon calls to the adventurous. And Lima? Often just a stopover on the way to somewhere else.

But that’s exactly why it can surprise you—in the best way.

Recently, my cousin’s son Zach was planning a trip to Peru. Through the family grapevine, someone said, “You have to talk to Betsy.”

His Machu Picchu trek was already booked—not that I had much to contribute on hiking boots or altitude meds—but when it came to Lima? Oh, I had thoughts.

I’ll admit: I was thrilled to help shape his experience. Honestly, it felt like a mini test of OhLaLima—a chance to see if everything I’ve curated could actually help someone new to the city find the magic right away.

Spoiler: I think I passed.

Lima: The Reset Button You Didn’t Know You Needed

Zach began his trip in Lima, which gave him a grounded, gentle entry into Peru before heading up to the mountains. He found the city easy to navigate, full of charm, and refreshingly low-key—especially compared to the altitude-heavy, hustle-packed adventures that came next.

“I thought it might be boring,” he told me later. “But it ended up being such a great part of the trip.”

That made me so happy. Not just because I love Lima, but because I know how easy it is to get it wrong—to land in Lima and get stuck in bad info, so-so restaurants, and tourist traps that make the city feel forgettable.

Instead, he found the good stuff. Because he had Oh La Lima—and a few texts with me! (Toot toot.)

Let’s Talk About the Food (Obviously)

Zach’s a foodie, so it was especially fun to guide him through Lima’s culinary scene. And let’s be real: this city delivers.

Some standouts from his trip:

• Astrid y Gastón: A colonial mansion with modern Peruvian cuisine and impeccable service. He tried the guinea pig (yep) and the sea bass—both beautifully done and full of flavor without being fussy. His meal came in around $65.
• La Mar: Famous for its ceviche. I told him to go before noon to snag a seat right away—had he waited, he would’ve been stuck in a long line, wasting precious time. He went with the ceviche Nikkei, a Japanese-Peruvian twist that’s less citrusy and more umami-rich, and he loved it. His meal came in at about $40.
• Primos: For crave-worthy pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), done perfectly. His meal came in at about $20.
• Lucuma ice cream: Creamy, nutty, uniquely Peruvian. A sweet indulgence for just a few dollars.
• Inca Kola: He hated it. Must be genetic.

Thanks to Oh La Lima’s curated food lists—organized by neighborhood, price, and vibe—he didn’t waste time scrolling reviews or getting trapped in so-so spots. Just great meals, every time.

Hotel Win: The Ikonik

I suggested The Ikonik, a Miraflores hotel I’d stayed at myself, and it turned out to be exactly what Zach needed.

Under $60 a night, it was modern, clean, secure (visible night guard included), and within walking distance of the Malecón, restaurants, and key sights. Not luxury, but polished and reliable—a perfect home base.

It’s one of those places you wouldn’t know was such a solid bet unless someone tipped you off. That’s why I only recommend hotels I’ve actually stayed in. Looks can be deceiving, and your trip is too important to gamble.

Bike-Friendly, Beautiful, and a Total Vibe

One of Zach’s unexpected highlights? A guided bike tour through Lima’s neighborhoods and coastline.

In recent years, Lima has quietly become bike-friendly, with new lanes and better infrastructure. His tour wound along the Malecón’s ocean views, then dipped into colorful, artsy Barranco.

Yes, Lima traffic can be chaotic—but with a guide, it felt smooth and safe. By the end, he said he’d bike it on his own next time.

What Surprised Him the Most?

Lima didn’t just “fill time” before the Andes—it became a destination in its own right.

The food, the calm, the $2 Ubers, the welcoming neighborhoods, the coastline and the Malecón—it all added up to a vibe.

And especially after battling altitude and illness later in the trip, Lima stood out as the place he could truly enjoy.

Want Lima to Be the Best Part of Your Trip?

Helping shape Zach’s trip was a joy—not just as a relative, but as the person behind this blog. It’s proof that with the right insights, Lima doesn’t just impress—it sticks with you.

I didn’t create Oh La Lima to be a travel agency.

It’s a curated guide. A love letter. A way to help you skip the stress and land right in the good stuff.

So whether you’re here for a night or a week:

👉 Use the blog.
👉 Borrow the lists.
👉 Steal the recs.

And fall in love with Lima.