Things to Do in Miraflores, Lima, Peru

During my first visit to Lima, which was a short layover on our way to Machu Picchu 15 years ago, we spent most our time in the historic district wandering around the Plaza de Armas which features the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museo del Pisco, and the Palacio de la Municipalidad that includes a museum and the changing of the guards at noon daily.

While the historic district is interesting, it is not as upscale or safe as Miraflores, a district of Lima home to many shops, fine dining, luxury hotels, and a lovely boardwalk. Thus, during our next layover, this time on our way to the Peruvian Amazon, we spent a day exploring Miraflores.

While I don’t want to diss the historic district, should you visit Lima’s main square, definitely be aware of your surroundings as pickpocketing and petty theft are common in the daytime, and it can be dangerous at night.

I’m not sure if this still happens, but don’t fall for the college student survey scam. I had read about it, and it was tried on us as well as an attempt to snatch our bags at a lunch table by leisurely sitting down next to us and pretending to stretch way back!

Of course this can happen in every large city, so my words aren’t meant to scare, but only to advise caution. During our stay in Miraflores, however, we felt very safe, both day and night, and enjoyed our visit. A few things to do in Miraflores include the following: ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).