Miraflores

Miraflores contains some of Lima’s best hotels and restaurants, so most city travelers choose to base themselves in this leafy suburb. Nature lovers can soak up sun in a variety of green spaces and beaches, while history buffs can visit Museo Amano (a Pre-Columbian textile museum) and Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa, the area’s largest Catholic church. Even adrenaline-junkies can find an outlet in Miraflores; paragliders flock to nearby Parque del Amor to leap off rocky cliffs and soar over the sea.

Soak in the coastal atmosphere on an evening walking tour of Miraflores and learn about the district’s history and culture from an expert guide. For an overview of city highlights, visit Miraflores on a bike or coach tour of Lima to see attractions such as the UNESCO-listed San Francisco Convent, the Larco Museum, and Plaza de Armas. Or, delve into the district’s bustling nightlife on a private night tour of Lima.

• Miraflores is a must-visit destination for foodies and first-time visitors to Lima.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; there’s a lot of ground to cover in Miraflores.

• While Lima is a modern city, visitors should still opt for bottled water over tap water, as the county’s public drinking water may not be purified to contemporary standards.

Miraflores is a beachfront suburb of Lima, roughly three miles (five kilometers) south of the historic city center. Buses run from central Lima to Miraflores along Avenue Arequipa to Avenue Jose Larco, the district’s main street.

Day or night, there’s almost always something to do in Miraflores. By day, the neighborhood attracts visitors with boutiques, galleries, and outdoor leisure at the seaside Parque del Amor. Come evening, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs combine to form one of Lima’s top nightlife hotspots. Summer (December through April) is Lima’s busiest season, while winter (May through November) brings overcast skies and lower prices.

Kennedy Park, the unofficial central square of Miraflores, was named in honor of America’s 35th president. No one quite knows why, but the park has become a haven for a mysteriously large cat population, so if you’re missing your furry friends back home, swing by to spend some time with the kitties.