Miraflores

With flower-filled parks and wide swaths of green overlooking the ocean, no wonder travelers flock to this seaside suburb. At its center is Parque Miraflores, sitting like a slice of pie between Avenida José Larco and Avenida Diagonal. On the eastern side is the Parroquia Virgen Milagrosa, the neighborhood's largest church. The colonial-style building next door is the Municipalidad de Miraflores, where most governmental business takes place.

Where you go next depends on your areas of interest. If you're interested in ancient cultures, head to the towering temple of Pucllana. From the top you have a great view of the neighborhood. A tiny Museo Amano contains one of the city's best collections of ancient artifacts. If you have romance on your mind, go south along Avenida Diagonal—also known as Avenida Oscar Benevidas—to reach Parque del Amor. You won't be alone—this wonderful waterfront park attracts young lovers all day.

Miraflores is also the city's cultural hub. There are plenty of boutiques, galleries, and museums, as well as bars, cafés, and restaurants. Some people who find themselves in Lima for a short time never leave this little haven.

Getting Around

Good times to stroll Miraflores are mid-morning, when the heat is not yet overbearing, or mid-afternoon, when you can escape the sun by ducking into a bar or café. All the stores along Avenida José Larco stay open for early-evening window shoppers. About a half hour of walking will lead you to the ocean, where you'll want to spend another hour or so strolling along the cliff. Miraflores is about 20 minutes from El Centro by taxi.