Magma Summit 2024: Guide to Lima, Peru

Welcome to Lima, the capital city of Peru! Lima offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy that will captivate you. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Getting around

Cab and Uber: Cabs and Uber are available and affordable. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in a cab, or use Uber for more transparency and convenience.

Walking: Many of Lima's attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere.

Currency exchange

While you can pay by credit card almost anywhere, there are exchanges throughout the city or ATMs for cash withdrawals.

Where to stay?

Lima's accommodations suit every preference. Explore our selection of hotels, featuring exclusive rates available through the Magma Summit page.

Must-See Attractions:

Centro Histórico

Explore Lima's colonial past by visiting Plaza Mayor, and the Cathedral of Lima, where you can enjoy the architecture and balconies in the streets.

Miraflores

This district is known for its parks, coastal views, and nightlife. Walk along the Malecón for ocean views and visit Parque Kennedy to experience the local culture and street food.

Barranco

A bohemian neighborhood famous for its art galleries, street murals, and nightlife. Visit Puente de los Suspiros and explore the neighborhood's art scene.

Larco Museum 

The Larco Museum offers insight into Peru's ancient civilizations, including the Moche, Chimu, and Inca.

Huaca Pucllana

Ancient archaeological site is located in the heart of Miraflores. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of this pyramid.

Culinary Delights

Peruvian cuisine is influenced by its rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian culinary traditions. Peru’s gastronomic landscape has captivated the world's attention.

Lima proudly hosts the acclaimed Central, the Best Restaurant in the World 2023. Central first appeared on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2013 at No.50. Ten years later, it became the first South American restaurant to earn the title of The World’s Best Restaurant.

These Peruvian dishes like many others, showcase the country's cuisine:

• Ceviche: Peru's national dish, ceviche, is a refreshing seafood dish marinated in lime juice and served with onions, cilantro, and aji peppers.
• Pisco Sour: Don't leave Lima without trying Peru's famous Pisco Sour cocktail, made with pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg whites, and bitters. 
• Street Food: Try local favorites like sanguches, butifarras, causa, picarones, chicha morada, and churros.
• Chifas: Chifas hold a significant place in Peruvian food culture, embodying a unique fusion of Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions. One iconic dish commonly found in chifas is "arroz chaufa," a fried rice dish that includes a mix of vegetables, eggs, and either chicken, pork, or seafood. Another favorite is "lomo saltado," a stir-fry dish made with strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and a savory sauce, served with rice and French fries.

Bars and restaurants

Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the best in the world due to its blend of many cultures. In recent years, it has even helped position Peru's national brand. Here are some restaurants within the list of the 50 best that we believe you should try.

Central

1st The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $390
• Reservation link 

Maido

6th The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $236
• Reservation link 

Kjolle

28th The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $260
• Reservation link 

Mayta

47th The World's Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $248
• Reservation link

Mérito

13th Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2023‍

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $113
• Reservation link

Osso

33rd Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: N/A
• Reservation link

La Mar

42nd Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: N/A
• Website Link

Rafael

46th Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: N/A
• Reservation link

Cosme

50th Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: N/A
• Reservation link

Mil Centro

39th Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023

• Cost of the tasting menu without wine pairing: $620
• Reservation link

Bars

Lima has great bar options, with spots like Carnaval and Lady Bee making the top 50 list. In Miraflores, places like El Infusionista, Sayani, and Hidden Bar are popular. Barranco boasts Bar Ayahuasca, while San Isidro offers Limaq.

I am in Perú, what else can I do?

It is relatively easy to travel by domestic flights in Peru. If you’re going to extend your stay in Peru before or after the summit, consider visiting some of the most iconic places in Peru.

Cusco

Discover the heart of the Inca Empire with a visit to Cusco, a city renowned for its Inca ruins, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant indigenous culture.

Tips for Altitude

1. Acclimatize: Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 meters, or 11,200 feet above sea level) adjusting to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness.
3. Coca Tea: Coca tea is a natural remedy for altitude sickness. Drink it in moderation to alleviate symptoms.
4. Sorojchi Pills: Also known as altitude sickness pills, is a medicine that prevents and alleviates the symptoms of altitude sickness. Its use is recommended and can be found in any pharmacy in Cusco without a prescription.
5. Agua Florida: is a blend of various herbs and local ancestral knowledge that will help you, especially if you're going hiking. It's a potion that most guides carry.

Things to Do

1. Explore Historic Sites: Visit Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, and other Inca ruins scattered throughout the city.
2. Machu Picchu: Take a day trip to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Access it by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus or hike. Tickets must be purchased in advance, it is possible to get tickets in Cusco but they usually have a much higher price.
3. Valle Sagrado: Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras Salt Mines, known for their archaeological sites and stunning landscapes.
4. Local Markets: Browse the San Pedro Market for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local cuisine.
5. Montaña de Colores: Embark on a trek to Montaña de Colores, a breathtaking natural wonder characterized by vibrant colors caused by mineral deposits. It's a challenging hike but offers unparalleled views of the Andean landscape.
6. Laguna de Humantay: Hike to Laguna de Humantay, a stunning turquoise lake nestled high in the Andes. The hike is rewarding, showcasing breathtaking scenery and providing insight into the region's natural beauty.
7. Maras Moray: Explore the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pans form terraced pools dating back to pre-Inca times. Combine this visit with a trip to Moray, an archaeological site featuring concentric agricultural terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

Ica

Explore the desert oasis of Ica, known for its dunes, wineries, and the Huacachina oasis. Go sandboarding on the dunes, take a tour of a Pisco distillery, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the desert.

Paracas

Visit the Paracas National Reserve to see the stunning coastal landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, red sand beaches, and diverse wildlife such as sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to see these marine creatures up close.

Nazca Lines 

Visiting the Nazca Lines is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into ancient mysteries. These enormous geoglyphs, etched into the desert floor of southern Peru, are best appreciated from the air. A scenic flight over the lines reveals intricate shapes and figures, some spanning hundreds of feet. From geometric patterns to animals and humanoid figures, the Nazca Lines continue to intrigue archaeologists and travelers alike. Witnessing these enigmatic creations firsthand is a journey back in time, inviting reflection on the ingenuity and cultural significance of the ancient Nazca civilization. To see them, you can book a flight from Nazca or nearby Ica, which offers aerial tours specifically designed for viewing the lines.

Lima is a city of contrasts, where ancient history meets modernity, and bustling streets are lined with colonial architecture. Whether you're exploring the historic center, indulging in culinary delights, or embarking on day trips to nearby attractions, Lima promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Enjoy your stay!