10 Things to Do in Lima in Summer

Whether you want to get to know the Peruvian capital or plan to use the city as a base for your trip to other destinations, Lima will become one of the must-see places in Peru and if you have the chance to visit in summer you can combine traditional attractions with beautiful beaches in the surrounding area and outdoor excursions.

Some of the best things to do in Lima in summer include attending concerts at the International Jazz Festival, discovering Peruvian gastronomy at the Mistura Festival, walking along the Malecón de Miraflores, taking part in the celebrations of the Virgen de la Candelaria, visiting the Costa Verde and taking a trip to the Bay of Paracas. I'll tell you all about it!

Visiting the beaches of Lima during the summer is an experience not to be missed. With an extensive coastline, the city offers several options to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. Whether you're looking to relax, practice water sports or simply enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Lima's beaches have something for everyone.

One of the most popular beaches is Miraflores, which has a wide coastline and a wealth of facilities for visitors. There you can enjoy seaside strolls, surfing or just sunbathing on the sand, as well as taking a tour of Lima and its main attractions.

Another option is to visit Barranco, a bohemian district that also has access to the beach. As well as relaxing on the sand, you can explore the colourful cliffs and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a quieter atmosphere, you can head south of Lima, where you 'll find less crowded beaches such as Punta Hermosa or Punta Negra. These destinations are popular with surfers and offer excellent waves for surfing.

Touring the Huacachina Oasis in summer is a unique experience that will transport you to a surreal landscape in the middle of the Peruvian desert.

This oasis, located near Ica, offers a perfect combination of breathtaking nature and exciting outdoor activities, so although it is not in the city it is, along with the excursions to the Lima Islands, one of the main attractions to do during a day tour using the capital as a base.

Upon arrival at the oasis, you will be greeted by towering sand dunes surrounding an emerald green lake. One of the most popular activities to do during a trip to the Huacachina Oasis is to take a dune buggy ride, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views and feel the adrenaline rush as you descend the steep slopes.

After a buggy ride, you can go sandboarding in the dunes. Sandboarding involves sliding down the sand on a board similar to a snowboard. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in adventure sports, sandboarding will give you a thrilling and entertaining experience.

If you plan to visit Lima during the summer you can attend the city's anniversary celebrations. The celebrations begin with an official ceremony in the Plaza de Armas, where the flag is raised and the national anthems are sung. This symbolic act formally kicks off the activities every 18 January.

After the ceremony, the streets of Lima are filled with colour with parades and processions. The main avenues are decorated with flags, flowers and lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Limeños and visitors enjoy the music, traditional dances and traditional costumes that parade through the streets, representing the cultural diversity of the city, making it one of the best things to do in Lima in January.

Parallel to the parades, open-air concerts are held in different parts of the city. Local bands and artists perform their music, fusing traditional Peruvian rhythms with contemporary genres, also celebrating the waves of immigration that have populated the country. There are also cultural activities, exhibitions and culinary fairs where you can enjoy Lima's gastronomy.

The Mistura gastronomic festival is one of the most awaited events in Lima during the summer. This festival brings together the best of Peruvian cuisine in one place, making it a culinary paradise for food lovers, usually held during the first half of March.

During the event visitors have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, causa, anticuchos, lomo saltado and many others. The country's best chefs gather at the festival to present their culinary creations and showcase the diversity of Peruvian gastronomy.

In addition to the food, Mistura offers additional activities such as cooking classes, culinary demonstrations, competitions and performances of traditional dances and music. There is also a market where you can buy local products and handicrafts.

The atmosphere at Mistura is festive and lively, with live music, shows and a large number of food stalls that awaken the senses and create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Walking along the Malecón de Miraflores in summer is an enchanting experience that will allow you to enjoy the sea breeze and the views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as getting to know one of the most iconic sites of the Peruvian capital. This emblematic seaside promenade is known for its scenic beauty and for housing a variety of sculptures that give it an artistic and cultural touch.

One of the most famous sculptures on the Malecón de Miraflores is El Beso, by the renowned sculptor Víctor Delfín. This sculpture depicts a couple engaged in a passionate kiss and has become a romantic icon of the Malecón.

You will also find the sculpture Los Paraguas, a colourful and eye-catching installation composed of several umbrellas suspended in the air. This work by Peruvian artist Fernando de Szyszlo adds a touch of creativity and joy to the Malecon's landscape. If you visit Lima in December you can also see this site illuminated with Christmas decorations.

In addition, the Malecón de Miraflores is home to other interesting sculptures, such as El Vecino by Víctor Delfín, La Joven Mirando al Mar by Francisco Zúñiga and El Cuerpo del Deseo by Ana María Reátegui, among others.

If you want to immerse yourself in a traditional cultural and religious experience in Lima, you can't miss the celebrations of the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria. This festivity, which takes place on February 2nd, is one of the most important and colourful in the city, attracting thousands of devotees and onlookers every year.

During the Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the streets of Lima are filled with joy, music and traditional dances. Devotees carry images of the Virgin in processions, accompanied by marching bands and folkloric dancers dressed in colourful and eye-catching costumes.

One of the most outstanding traditions of this festivity is the Diablada dance, which represents the struggle between good and evil. The dancers, dressed in costumes of devils and angels, perform choreographies full of energy and emotion.

In addition to the processions and dances, the Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria also includes religious celebrations in churches, where devotees come to pay homage to the Virgin and participate in masses and prayers.

During the summer, art and culture lovers have the perfect opportunity to explore Lima's museums at a discount. This time of year is ideal to immerse yourself in the cultural richness the city has to offer and enjoy the diverse exhibitions and collections housed in these spaces.

One of the city's most renowned museums is the Museo de Arte de Lima, which houses an impressive collection of Peruvian art from pre-Columbian to contemporary times. To encourage visits, during the summer, MALI offers promotions and discounts on admission, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Peruvian art at a more affordable price.

The Larco Museum is another must-see destination for those interested in pre-Columbian culture. With a wide variety of archaeological pieces, including the famous collection of erotic ceramics, the Larco Museum offers special summer discounts, providing the opportunity to explore Peru's ancestral legacy at a reduced cost.

You can also visit the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, where you can immerse yourself in the country's history, from the ancient pre-Inca empires to the colonial era.

The Historic Centre of Lima offers an unparalleled experience for those who wish to discover the best sunsets during the summer. With its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture, this area of the city is the perfect setting to witness the sunset each day.

One of the most popular places to enjoy sunsets in the centre is from the Plaza de Armas. From there you can see Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace as the sun slowly dips below the horizon. The combination of the imposing architecture and the brightly coloured sky creates an unforgettable sight.

Another outstanding place to enjoy the sunsets is the Parque de la Muralla. This park is located near the coast and offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. During the summer, when the skies are clear, the sun sets over the sea, creating a spectacular sight.

Visiting Lima's Costa Verde in summer is a unique experience that combines the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean with a variety of recreational and relaxing activities. Along this long stretch of coastline, you can enjoy the beaches, the cliffs and a variety of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea.

Apart from the beaches, the Costa Verde has a wide variety of activities to keep visitors entertained during the summer. Water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking are available, as well as cycling and rollerblading along the Malecon. You can also find parks and green areas to relax in, while enjoying the sea breeze on foot or aboard Lima's tourist bus.

Another highlight of the Costa Verde in summer is its vibrant nightlife. Along the coastal strip, you will find numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs offering panoramic views of the ocean and a wide variety of dining options and refreshing drinks.

The area also offers attractions at all hours, which is ideal if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities so you can discover Lima in 3 days or less.

For an experience that combines natural beauty, marine life and history, you can take a trip to the picturesque Paracas Bay. Located on the southern coast of Peru, this site is famous for its biodiversity and desert landscape, making it an unmissable destination for nature and adventure lovers.

This bay is characterised by its abundant marine fauna and during summer excursions you will be able to spot dolphins, sea lions, penguins and migratory birds. In addition, the Paracas National Park has impressive rock formations and cliffs that rise above the sea. You can enjoy panoramic views and explore the different beaches of the bay, many of which have fine sand and crystal clear waters.

This area is also home to the famous archaeological site of the Paracas Culture, known for its ancient necropolises and the textiles found there. During the excursion, you can visit the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, where the most outstanding archaeological finds are exhibited and you can learn about the fascinating history of this ancient civilisation.

Summer temperatures in Lima are warm and pleasant, making the city a popular destination to escape the cold in other regions. During the months of December to March, Lima's summer is characterised by sunny days and temperatures ranging between 25° and 30°.

Lima's summer weather is ideal for visiting the region's beaches and enjoying the sun and sea. Many locals and tourists take advantage of these pleasant temperatures to practice water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding or simply relax on the sand.

Lima experiences a notable increase in the number of tourists during the summer. During the months of December to March, the Peruvian capital becomes a popular destination for both national and international tourists looking to enjoy the warm weather and the various attractions the city has to offer.

The increase in tourist numbers is largely due to the diversity of activities and places the city has to offer. From its archaeological sites and historical museums to its beautiful beaches, the capital has many alternatives to satisfy the interests of all types of visitors, so I recommend that you book accommodation and transfers from Lima Airport in advance.

In addition, the vibrant nightlife, the rich gastronomy and the warmth of its people make the city an attractive destination for an unforgettable holiday, especially if you plan to visit Lima in January, which is the busiest month of the summer season.

In Lima, prices can vary during the summer season due to increased tourist demand and activities related to this time of year. As a cosmopolitan city, prices in Lima tend to be relatively moderate compared to other Latin American capitals, making it an attractive destination for visitors with different budgets.

During the summer, it is common for prices of accommodation and tourist services in Lima to increase slightly. However, this may vary depending on the area and the category of the establishment. I recommend that you do some research beforehand and compare prices to find options that suit your travel needs and preferences.

In terms of gastronomy, Lima is internationally recognised as a culinary paradise. While renowned restaurants may have higher prices, the city also offers a wide variety of cheaper gastronomic options, such as markets and street stalls, where you can try delicious dishes at more affordable prices.

Summer can be very hot in Lima although if you visit other places nearby you may experience a drop in temperature, especially at night, so I suggest you pack the following in your suitcase:

• Lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain jacket
• Lightweight coat
• Beach shoes
• Windbreaker
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat