Wong stands as a prominent supermarket chain in Peru. Prior to 2005, it bore the name E. Wong and had its origins in a humble store established in 1942 by Chinese-Peruvians within a residential enclave of Lima's Miraflores District. Today, the Wong brand boasts a total of 18 supermarkets.

In 1942, Erasmo Wong, a Chinese-Peruvian entrepreneur, embarked on this venture by opening a modest corner store along Avenue 2 de Mayo, nestled within the residential landscape of San Isidro. Commencing as a family-operated enterprise, the business exhibited a remarkable growth trajectory, culminating in the inauguration of the inaugural store of the current-day Wong supermarket chain in 1983. Subsequently, the next store to be added to their portfolio was situated in Ovalo Gutiérrez, within the Miraflores neighborhood.

Wong's distinctive approach to its workforce and clientele is widely acknowledged. For instance, they eschew the term "workers" in favor of "collaborators," reflecting their commitment to a positive work environment. Consequently, they have garnered numerous accolades recognizing the exceptional quality of their service.

One of Wong's notable contributions to the local community is the organization of the Gran Corso de Fiestas Patrias, a large parade held annually a few weeks prior to July 28, Peru's Independence Day. This grand procession is attended by a substantial crowd exceeding 100,000 individuals and typically takes place in Miraflores, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site dating circa 200-700 AD, located in the Miraflores district of Lima. The staggering seven platform pyramid is made of adobe (small, handmade bricks, dried in the sun) and clay, and was popularly known as the place for ritual games. The mega structure stands almost 22 meters high, and is divided into two sections: one for ceremonial and the other for administrative use. The ceremonial section contains benches and deep pits that were designated for offerings of fish and miscellaneous marine life to the gods in a bid to win their favor. A part of this section features multiple small huts and clay structures with few walls still in place that once served as courtyards and patios.

The intended purpose of this pyramid was to demonstrate the religious might of the elite clergy and their ability to control the use of local natural water resources. The place serves as a significant ceremonial and administrative center for promoting Peruvian culture. There are tourist guides available for visitors to the museum, a little park whith native flora and fauna, and a house of craftsmen where handicrafts are exhibited and offered for sale.

Why You Should Visit:
Easily accessible from Miraflores, well preserved, with tour guides sharing interesting details about the construction, religion, and lifestyle of the original and subsequent inhabitants.
The pyramid is attractively lit up at night and one of the best spots to view this is at the on-site restaurant which features delicious haute cuisine.
The small garden and animal farm (with llama, cuyi, etc.) is cute and adds a little dimension to the place.

Tip:
This is a "guided-tour-only" site with the duration of a little over an hour (~20 mins above the pyramid). You could stop by here on your way to the Miraflores clifftop which is about a half-hour walk south (by turning right onto Ave. Arequipa), with the small John F. Kennedy park along the way for a brief stop before getting to the cliff where you can spend about half a day up and down.

Inka Market is known as one of the top markets in Peru. The artisan market has a wide variety of merchandise that offers great deals. Those shopping for souvenirs are sure to find reasonably priced items while enjoying a uniquely Peruvian shopping experience.

Inka Market is located in a shopping district where there are many places to both shop and people watch. One of these is the larger Indian Market, which boasts a more plentiful array of goods. However, visitors should plan on attending both in order to see the grand scale of Indian Market while enjoying the great prices at Inka.

Higher-end items that visitors will find at Inka Market include traditional textiles, alpaca scarves and shawls and jewelry created using beading and Incan techniques. Visitors will also find standard souvenir items like refrigerator magnets, beads, glassware and toys.

Inka Market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Visitors to Lima who want to buy truly beautiful, locally crafted items should stop by Indian Market - Centro Artesanal Miraflores. Located on Petit Thouars Avenue, the market is said to be the largest handicraft complex in the country.

Visitors are greeted with bright murals surrounding the gate that leads to the Indian Market. Inside are stalls that are filled with rugs, pottery, toys, statues, clothing and other souvenirs of all prices and sizes. Each stall offers something unique to tourists who want to take a piece of Peru back home with them.

Shoppers should note that most vendors are willing to bargain, so they should not be afraid to ask for lower prices. Likewise, some stalls may offer Peruvian artifacts or antiques. While it is legal to buy and sell these items in Peru, it is illegal to leave the country with them.

Indian Market - Centro Artesanal Miraflores is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Tourists should plan at least a couple of hours to explore the many offerings at Indian Market.

Surquillo Market is known for its wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. Many of the offerings at Surquillo Market are unique to Peru, making it a great place to stop and have a one-of-a-kind food experience.

Unlike some of the markets in Lima that cater primarily to tourists, Surquillo Market is a mainstay for local residents. The prices are low and the variety is vast. It even offers an organic market on Sundays.

Those who don't have the ability to buy and use fresh food can still enjoy Surquillo Market. Within the stalls are small eateries that use the freshest ingredients to make traditional Peruvian meals. Dried goods, like tea and spices, are also available and easily transportable.

Head to Surquillo Market earlier in the day so they can experience the food at its freshest. It is also easier to get great deals in the morning when all supplies are in surplus. It is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Miraflores is a district within the Lima Province of Peru, known for its exclusivity and high-end shopping options located to the south of downtown Lima. It's considered one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city. This area boasts numerous luxury hotels, such as the Hilton, JW Marriott, and Belmond, along with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and department stores. Miraflores is a primary attraction for tourists visiting Lima.

Originally founded as San Miguel de Miraflores, it officially became a district on January 2, 1857. Its heroic designation, "Ciudad Heroica," stems from the Battle of Miraflores fought during the War of the Pacific.

Miraflores is teeming with hotels, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and shops, drawing significant local crowds, especially on Sundays. Parque Kennedy, the central square of Miraflores, frequently hosts flea markets and art exhibitions. Larcomar, a shopping mall with a stunning Pacific coast view, is a major attraction for tourists, young people, and the middle to upper classes. Here, you can find restaurants, stores, a food court, ice cream shops, arcades, bowling alleys, nightclubs, bars, and Lima's most modern cinema.

The district's prominent tourist spots include the archaeological complex called La Huaca Pucllana, Parque Kennedy, the Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa (the Miraculous Virgin Church), Parque del Amor (Lover's Park), Larcomar mall, and Calle de las Pizzas (Pizza Street). Calle de las Pizzas, situated in the heart of Miraflores, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Central Park in Miraflores, commonly referred to as "Parque Kennedy" or the Miraflores Park, stands out as one of Lima's most popular and frequently visited parks. Its prime location in the heart of the Miraflores district contributes to its popularity. This park encompasses two adjoining areas: Parque 7 de Junio and Parque Kennedy, together spanning an impressive 22,000 square meters.

What distinguishes this park and has earned it widespread recognition is the notable presence of numerous cats. These feline residents freely roam the park's lush gardens, seeking both sustenance and affection from park-goers. This peculiar situation traces back to 1994 when the area faced a mouse infestation. In response, individuals began introducing cats to the park, and over time, these cats multiplied, becoming an integral part of the park's identity.

Within the central section of Parque Kennedy, tourists can discover the Park Kennedy Crafts Market, a small artisanal marketplace. Vendors typically commence selling local crafts around 5 p.m. and often continue until as late as 11 p.m. This market offers an excellent evening destination and an ideal spot to find souvenirs.

Additionally, nestled within the park is the "Chabuca Granda Amphitheater," where weekends come alive with artistic and folkloric performances. Adjacent to the park stands the Parroquia de la Virgen Milagrosa, a Catholic church erected in 1939. The church features captivating stained glass windows portraying scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

Thanks to its central position in the community, the park serves as a hub for various activities catering to both residents and tourists of the district. Events such as the Ricardo Palma Book Fair and traditional celebrations during National Holidays in July, like the "Corso Wong," are commonly held here. Furthermore, the park serves as a venue for sporting events and political gatherings.

Surrounding the park lies the commercial and nightlife epicenter of Miraflores. Facing the park along Diagonal Avenue, a multitude of restaurants await, while the adjacent "pizza street" comes alive on weekend nights with bustling bars and dance venues.

Park Kennedy is located in the heart of Lima's Miraflores district, a popular spot for both budget-conscious backpackers and affluent tourists. This park, along with the coastal path a few blocks to the southwest, serves as a central hub within this upscale neighborhood. In the park's central area, you'll come across a small market known as Park Kennedy Crafts Market.

Within the market, you'll discover tables showcasing various Peruvian textiles and colorful hand-knitted items like chullo hats, scarves, Andean shawls, and bags of various shapes and sizes. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ever-popular finger puppets, featuring characters ranging from Muppets to llamas, which make delightful gifts for children back home.

For those interested in finely crafted jewelry, you'll find an array of options made from Peruvian silver. There's a diverse selection of bracelets, earrings, and necklaces adorned with traditional Peruvian designs. If silver jewelry exceeds your budget, there are also many handcrafted jewelry items available at more affordable prices.

Leather goods, such as bags and wallets, are also on display, as well as traditional Peruvian handmade gourds, which make unique decorative gifts for friends and family.

If you're interested in antiques, some stalls at the market offer intriguing items, though evaluating their value may require expertise. You'll find small wooden and bronze cannons, ancient Peruvian coins, and an assortment of possibilities. Among these, there are statues carved from wood depicting horses, some with peasant workers and others featuring Spanish conquistadors carrying their burdens.

The Parroquia La Virgen Milagrosa, known in English as the Church of the Virgen Milagrosa, is a historic Catholic church located in Miraflores Central Park. It was built in 1930 from a design by Polish architect Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski.

Along with this church, Malachowski designed many of the notable buildings of Lima such as the Government Palace of Peru, the Congress Building and the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima.

One of the notable features of the church is its stained glass windows. The windows, located on the wings of the church, tell the story of Jesus's life. There is also a figure of the Virgen Milagrosa, the namesake of the church.

Visitors to Lima are welcome to attend services and/or view the inside of the facility. It is open 9 AM to noon and 4 PM to 8 PM Monday through Friday. The church is open 9 AM to 10 AM and noon to 1 PM each Saturday. On Sundays it is open 7 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM.

Lima boasts a plethora of art galleries spread across the city, with the majority situated in the Barranco and Miraflores districts. These galleries showcase a diverse range of artwork, spanning from local talents to renowned international artists.

One such noteworthy gallery is the Miraflores Municipal Gallery, also known as Sala Luis Miró Quesada Garland. This establishment serves as a hub for contemporary art, with a primary focus on both individual and collective projects within the realm of visual arts. It operates under the auspices of the Cultural Department of the Municipal District of Miraflores in Lima.

The gallery's history traces back to its founding year in 1984, thanks to the vision of the esteemed art critic, Luis Lama. Originally known as the "Sala de Exhibitions de la Municipalidad de Miraflores," its inaugural exhibition took place on July 17, 1984, featuring a retrospective showcase of the works of artist David Herskovitz. Luis Miró Quesada Garland, a prominent collaborator with the Municipality of Miraflores, played a pivotal role in promoting the "Grupo Espacio" and emerged as one of Peru's most significant art critics.

Over the years, up to 2023, the Sala Luis Miró Quesada Garland has garnered an extensive and diverse audience, attracting an annual average of 100,000 visitors. This popularity can be attributed to its central location in Miraflores and the continuous presentation of captivating visual art exhibitions.

What to buy here: Dolls and Stuffed Animals.

Dolls and stuffed animals are made with natural fabric, depicting typical costumes and local fauna, such as, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guinea pigs or birds. Peruvian handmade dolls have been exceptionally popular. The artisans recreate gala costumes with vast detail, including rich colors and embroidery, which Andean women are known for. This craft requires a great deal of patience and creativity to produce clothing for these dolls. The delightful stuffed animals are perfect as small gifts for children and infants. They are mostly made out of baby alpaca, which make them exceptionally soft, silky and durable. Kuntur Wasi is a well known shop full of the highest-quality popular art. Some great picks for collectors can be found here!

Larcomar Shopping Center, located along Parque Alfredo Salazar, is a shopping center with more than 70 stores and 17 restaurants. The shopping mall is perched on the side of a cliff with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.

Larcomar Shopping Center opened in 1998. It is owned by Chilean company Parque Arauco S.A. Some of the shops at the mall include Aldo, Converse, Calvin Klein, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve Madden, Under Armour and Pandora.

Visitors who wish to shop with their families can take advantage of a nursery room that is exclusively made for nursing and changing babies. The mall also offers a personal shopper service for those patrons who need help deciding on the best options.

Along with the shops and restaurants, Larcomar offers a cinema, bowling alley and a museum. The stores are open from 10 AM through 10 PM daily. The coffee shops and restaurants are open from 8 AM through midnight.

El Malecón Scenic Walkway is a six-mile coastal path that runs from the Malecón de la Marina through the Malecón Cisneros and culminates at the Malecón de la Reserva. The walkway is popular with both tourists and locals. It is offers good exercise for those wanting to walk or jog. Visitors can even rent bikes if they want a different experience.

From the scenic walkway, visitors can see the Pacific Ocean, stretches of beach, numerous parks and public art pieces. One of the most famous sculptures on the route is "The Kiss" at Parque del Amour. Visitors can stop at one of the benches to enjoy the fresh air while admiring this work by Peruvian artist Victor Delfín.

The lighthouse at Miraflores is one of the most famous lighthouses in the country. Located at Parque Antonio Raimondi, the landmark is 70 feet high. The vibrant blue and white stripes on the building make it a popular spot for photos.

Visitors can walk along the El Malecón Scenic Walkway anytime they wish, though it is wise to start early in the day so as not to miss the spectacular views that may be obscured by the evening sky.

“The eternal happiness in life is to love and be loved”, so is the famous saying by George Sand. If you wish to express love to your sweetheart like you've never done before or to make them feel special, then make your way to Parque del Amor in Miraflores, Lima. This lovers' park is laid out on the cliffs of Chorrillos, creating an illusion of floating over the Pacific Ocean. Environed by walls inscribed with love quotes, it is virtually breathing romance.

You will hardly find another place on Earth or a monument built specifically for lovers, except here, in Miraflores. A kiss, as an apt example of action, speaks louder than words; based on this assumption is the statue of El Beso, featuring a couple passionately absorbed in the act of kissing. The park celebrates the joy of love openly and unreservedly. It is a favorite hangout spot for people in love, of all ages. The park emanates immense freedom for a public display of love, without conventional brakes or boundaries.

There are various “themed” competitions held within, including that for the longest kiss. Watching the sunset at Parque del Amor, while embracing your dear one, brings a very special feeling. The atmosphere of serenity and tranquility seems to hold you back. Make sure to visit this place if you want to enjoy a unique sensation of love.

Why You Should Visit:
Situated in El Malecón, a six-mile stretch of parks high above the Pacific Ocean, this is a unique place to stroll along the wonderful cliffs landing in the ocean in the midst of Lima.
It is clean and nicely landscaped, has twisting trails taking you far away, beautiful sea views, flowers in near-perpetual full bloom, and the Gaudí-inspired wavy muraled wall.

Tip:
Keep walking a few minutes north of the park, and you'll see the taking-off point for parasailers. The Malecón is the prime spot for parasailing in Lima - gliders jump off the cliffs and ride the winds whipping off the ocean below. For $50, you can take a 10-min flight with a trained parasailing guide; buy tickets at the small kiosk at Block 2 of the Malecón.

Lima is well-known for its impressive collection of fountains, which reflect the city's vibrant artistic and cultural scene. Amongst this breathtaking display of water features, the Fountain in Ovalo Balognesi stands out as a true gem, capturing the hearts and imaginations of all who come across its enchanting waters. Situated alongside the famous Miraflores beach, this fountain is one of the most captivating aquatic attractions in Lima's extensive array of waterworks.

With its brilliant lighting that turns the night into a stunning spectacle, the Fountain in Ovalo Balognesi invites visitors to embark on a journey of visual marvel, highlighting the city's dedication to seamlessly blending art and nature. Come with us as we explore the enchanting world of this extraordinary fountain, where water, light, and location come together to create an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Miraflores, situated in Lima, serves as both the city's tourist hub and the preferred residential neighborhood for affluent Peruvians. It's a hotspot for young, successful professionals who call Miraflores their home, evident when you visit local bars and restaurants during evenings and weekends.

The name "Miraflores" finds its origin in the abundance of beautiful flowers gracing the area. In Spanish, "Mira" means "to look," and "flores" translates to "flowers," effectively signifying "to look at the flowers." Even today, this name holds true, as the government invests heavily in maintaining the gardens and parks in Miraflores, making it a remarkably picturesque part of the city with flowers adorning every corner.

Miraflores Beach, nestled in the heart of Lima's bustling Miraflores district, stands out as one of Peru's most commercialized beaches. Predictably, it's surrounded by malls and skyscrapers on all sides. Nevertheless, this doesn't detract from its appeal as a splendid beach destination. The expansive sandy shoreline is interspersed with rocky formations, offering an ideal setting for a leisurely day in Lima.

However, sunny days aren't guaranteed, given Lima's reputation for overcast skies. You can lounge on the beach with a towel and a good book or partake in various water sports like parasailing. Miraflores Beach is particularly popular among surfers. After you've had your fill of beach time, consider heading to one of the nearby shopping centers for lunch and a refreshing drink.

Tip:
If you're looking for a beach that can be visited and traveled after dark, Playa La Pampilla has good lighting.