THE 10 BEST Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences in Lima
Best Lima Hidden Gem Attractions
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Hidden Gems (358)
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Archaeology Tours
What travelers are saying
- OLEGCherevki, Belarus79 contributionsI didn't use any tour and I am glad to have my own experience in this magical place. The best way to experience Marcahuasi is to camp there for few days. You can camp right next to the mountains, not only in designated campground. Take warm clothes and foil insulated camping mat alone with non-cheap sleeping bag. It's really cold at night! Rent a donkey or a horse in the village nearby to help you take your backpack up to the mountains. Overall the place is magical. It is worth to visit it.Written November 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AdamWashington DC, DC2 contributionsWhat a delightful slice of Peruvian history and culture. Truly beautiful architecture and overall atmosphere. My guide Blanca Romero was top notch and able to provide so much context about the house, Aliaga family, and their role in Peruvian history and society.Written October 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ErycaVancouver, Canada10 contributionsI wish we had longer to stay here, but we came close to their closing time. It is a place easy to miss as it is in the middle of a residential area. Bring your student ID if it is applicable to get the student rate. The museum showcases the rich history of ancient Peru in pottery and textiles, and the fact that it was the collection of a Japanese business man is testament to the welcoming of multiculturalism in their country. We especially enjoyed the Incan knotted strings that showed their record-keeping system and an astounding garment made of feathers - so well preserved. There is a little corner in the pottery area in which we felt an eerie presence. My son and I went at different moments and we both felt the same thing. (We talked about it after we left). It added to the intrigue of this cool museum.Written March 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mariedragonHuaraz, Peru334 contributionsWe came to Nor Yauyos Cochas Reserve from Huancayo, roughly a 4-hour drive (with many photo stops) to get to the village of Huancaya, located at the heart of the reserve. We decided to go on a tour and not public transport as we wanted to be able to make stops and photos along the way, which was totally worth it. The drive is now easier as the road is paved almost all the way, except from the turn off to Huancaya and Vilca. We crossed two high passes at 4600m and 4700m, the scenery along the way was spectacular with many lakes, llama herds, scenic villages (especially Tomas) and incredible Uchco Canyon. As soon as you enter the Nor Yauyos Cochas reserve you enter a magical land of towering canyons and never-ending waterfalls.
We visited the areas of Huancaya and Vilca, spending two nights in the small scenic village of Huancaya. The only thing that lets the area down is the lack of proper accommodation, if we had found something comfortable we would certainly have stayed longer, unfortunately given my fragile back and awful mattresses, this was not an option.
We came on a week day when the area is deserted. I would not recommend coming at weekends and certainly not during national holidays as the area apparently gets jam packed with Peruvian tourists.
Strangely there is no entrance fee to enter the actual reserve, but you have to pay S/10 soles in Huancaya and another S/10 soles in Vilca. Both control points were closed though when we visited as there were virtually no other tourists around.
To get to Lima from Huancaya you first have to take a car/combi to Magdalena (1h30 of driving along magnificent scenery within a narrow canyon), which leaves between 6 and 7am, then another combi to Cañete (2h30 of hair-raising driving along the beautiful Cañete river). Apparently there are sometimes direct buses from Lima to Magdalena. From Cañete it is a 2-hour drive to Lima, many buses offer the journey.
The Nor Yauyos Cochas Reserve, despite being little-known to foreign tourists (as it is barely mentioned in most guidebooks) offers unique, magnificent scenery, which easily rivals that of any more famous sites in Peru. The scenery is truly spectacular and surprisingly varied from endless rows of cascades, to deep turquoise trout-filled lakes, huge canyons and quaint villages.
The boat ride on Lake Huallhua is definitely worth it, as well as the incredibly beautiful hike from there back to Huancaya (the opposite shore from the jetty is best).
Another highlight is the drive from Huancaya to Vilca, where the vastness of the landscape takes another dimension.
In the small village of Vilca you will find a series of cascades and some great viewpoints.Written October 29, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - bhmChicago, IL7 contributionswhat’s said in other reviews below!
I’ve been to many car museums and my expectations were tempered, even given the many great photos. But just walking into the main gallery, I knew there had been no exaggeration.
It’s not just that the cars are beautifully restored and displayed. The signage is concise and informative. And variety is impressive, too.
Plus Mr. Nicolini, whose passion has not decreased, was present and engaging.
All in all, a pleasure.
Ps. We used Uber out and back; transportation was easier than a quick scan of the map makes clear.Written September 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michelle Chen3 contributionsIf you are looking for an out-of-routine date or hangouts, you could check their website and view if there are any horseracing events! It is perfect to have a close view to them, breath some air, and enjoy the view.
You can also experience the horseracing betting! Anyone can participate with a small amount just for fun, and be part of the cheers or the "awws".Written September 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - alanlidOxford, UK273 contributionsAn unusual and rather sombre museum - the mores as it is built into a dark coastal cliff and has a somewhat mausoleum-like quality. (Good sea-views from the terrace at the top). It commemorates Peru's recent (post-1980) cycle of violence and repression: the extreme - and ultimately futile - violence of the radical left (Sendero Luminoso and the MRTA) and the reponse of the Peruvian state, which also involved serious loss of life and abuse of human rights. The material - newspaper reports, photos, recordings, image, factual info. - is therefore grim stuff, but the approach is serious, balanced and informative. (Though it would help the visitor to know a bit about Peruvian history and geography in advance, which will enhance the experience). Entrance is free. Getting in and out of the museum - and covering the 3 large floors of exhibits - involves a bit of walking. But it's well worth the effort and, info. aside, the museum clearly has a valid mission to promote, as it says, tolerance and social inclusion. We arrived by taxi, then decided to walk back to our hotel in Miraflores (Av. La Paz): it was do-able (45 minutes), but the first half of the walk, along Ejército, is horrible: dusty, polluted and ugly.Written October 3, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Krista B4 contributionsBest massage I’ve ever had, included hot stones. Perfect for our tired post-trek muscles! Spa was cozy, cute, and clean!Written March 11, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vic_ZlChicago, IL32 contributionsNice small museum in Olivero city park. Very nice area, great house-studio of Nunes Del Prado. Beautiful sculpture garden.Written June 3, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EllenioLondon, UK8 contributionsThis was an incredibly relaxing experience but also with energy and movement. I felt my body was untangled, and there was no force or painful kneading of knots that I guess I wrongly associate with releasing tension. I arrived with a lot of stress present in my body and left feeling human again. Thank you Brian, you are super skilled and gifted!Written February 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- thorin m1 contributionThis little shop is around the corner from the Inka/“Indian” Market. It’s mostly pottery, with a few other things from around the country. The quality is much better than the market, things are all handmade. Prices are still good, although there is no haggling.
The black pottery from the Amazon is very nice, somewhat usable...better for decorating. There is also a bunch of other pottery from other regions. It’s good stuff - handmade and “authentic looking.” There are even some very large pieces, if you have some way to get them home.
The prices are higher than the Inka market, but very, very reasonable. Caesar was very friendly and helpful. Ring the doorbell at the gate and wait. Definitely recommend, especially if you want something more “authentic” than the manufactured stuff at the market.Written September 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ksarmanOaxaca, Mexico9,447 contributionsThis place is a speak easy art shop !
The owner is really kind , she has artistic knowledges , she is able to explain you who did each pieces of her shop
Don’t be shy and ring the bell, take time
It s more than a antique shop it s like a Pérou handicraft bibleWritten March 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Flavia YChicago, IL16 contributionsThis store is absolutely a delight. Wonderful art and a marvelous yard cafe, with very pleasant music.Written January 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rogers1961Edinburgh, UK4 contributionsSent email asking if they could make me a hold Inca cross which I could pick up when my cruise ship visited Lima. Great communication and they made what I asked for. Brilliant service by Maria and the lady I saw in Larcoma Shopping Centre where I collected it from. I cannot recommend them highly enough and the cross in 18ct Peruvian gold was made at a fair price. Brilliant!Written March 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CPLDLake Forest, IL9 contributionsWe had a great day tour with Leonardo. It was fantastic. He was fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and answered any questions we had.
The tour was 8 hours long, and it included a wonderful authentic lunch made especially for us. They picked us up at the airport and returned us there, as we only had a day to visit Lima.
We went all over the city, and Leonardo made sure any of our individual needs were met. We saw everything, and Leonardo always explained what we were seeing with humor and insights.
It is obvious that Leonardo loves his city and knows it well. 5 stars plus!Written March 22, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
