Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a melting pot of cultural diversity and historic legacy. From amazing views of the Pacific Ocean to the beautiful colonial monuments of the viceregal capital, Lima has it all. Below, we have narrowed down the top 10 things to do while you are ejnoying your spanish course with Peruwayna, from our local perspective:
1) Explore the hottest food scene in Latin America
In a nutshell, hundreds of years of tradition, colonization, and immigration have shaped Peruvian food into one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. Thousands of years of Inca and pre-Inca traditions and ingredients have simmered over centuries with Mediterranean, Moorish, West African, Chinese, and Japanese influences, giving birth to a new, colorful ''Criollo'' cuisine. From ''huariques'' (Peruvian slang for hidden culinary gems) to globally ranked fine dining, Lima is a foodie's paradise.
2) Explore historical and cultural landmarks
Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1535, Lima quickly grew to become one of the most important cities in the colonial Americas and one of the wealthiest in the world. The Spaniards flaunted their wealth and power with magnificent churches and palaces, but failed to erase both the towering, ancient stone monuments built by the indigenious cultures they tried to subjugate and the unique influences those cultures maintained in colonial architecture. Be overwhelmed by the bones in the catacombs at the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco and enjoy the lush flower garden at the Museo Larco.
You might also be interested in: TOP attractions in Lima you can't miss
3) Take a Spanish class
Whether you take it for a day, a week, or a month, learning Spanish in Lima will be the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and get a more enriching and unforgettable experience during your trip to Peru. Learning Spanish abroad will also be the fastest and most efficient way for you to learn Spanish, not only because you'll be spending more time taking Spanish lessons, but also because you will need to use Spanish on a everyday basis as your main tool to communicate, get around, and get things done while living in Lima. While there are many options to learn Spanish in Peru and South America, Peruwayna offers affordable, high quality Spanish classes, having some of the most qualified and specialized Spanish teachers on the field, smaller group classes, and the most advanced technology in the market to make the most of your Spanish immersion experience in Peru.
4) Enjoy the activities offered through our Spanish School in Lima
As part of your Spanish immersion experience in Lima, we offer a variety of unique and carefully selected activities, many of which are only offered at our Spanish School in Lima. Here are a few examples:
''Torito de Pucará'' painting classes: Fall in love with the clay-based art of Torito de Pucará. This peculiar character, full of Andean colors and details, is the most representative ceramic of the Pucará culture, which has transcended time by staying alive in modern Peruvian culture.
Peruvian "Chicha art" painting classes: Originally used as a graphic style to make posters announcing Chicha concerts, Chicha art has become today the boldest, most distictive, brightest, and most powerful pop art movement in Peru, brighting up walls throughout the city.
Peruvian cocktails classes: You can't leave Peru without trying the national drink, the ''Pisco Sour'', and, better yet, learning how to make it. This class not only teaches you how to make several traditional Peruvian drinks, but also helps you learn more about traditional Peruvian ingredients and their fascinating histories.
Peruvian cooking classes: Peru is a must-see destination for foodies, and learning how to cook traditional Peruvian dishes is a fantastic experience you can't miss during your trip to Peru. This activity takes approximately 3 hours: you will prepare a classic main course, an appetizer, and a drink, and then sit down to eat your handiwork while sharing your struggles, laughs, and "sobremesa".
5) Take a full day trip to one of the amazing places just outside the city
Make the most of your trip to Lima and visit one of the natural and cultural attractions nearby. Among some of the best we recommend experiencing are:
The natural reserve of Paracas and the sand dunes of Huacachina (suggested tour operator: South Pacific Lima).
Swim with sea lions by the Palomino Islands (suggested tour operator: Mar adentro Excursiones).
River rafting at Lunahuana (suggested tour operator: South Pacific Lima).
Traditional "Caballo de paso" horse show at Hacienda Mamacona in Lima's countryside (Visit the Hacienda Mamacona website).
6) Attend a folkloric dance spectacular at the Grand National Theater
Take a look at the Grand National Theater calendar to see if the show "Retablo" will be on during your time in Lima. This show is a breakout hit among locals and showcases traditional Peruvian dances performed by the Peruvian National Folkloric Ballet. The show is full of energy, colors, and fascinating traditions, a unique experience that will make you love Peru more with each step and leap.
7) Take a surfing class
The districts of Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos are surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Costa Verde, a tall, natural cliff formation that beautifully frames the coastline in Lima. This unique setting offers a fantastic view while surfing, which we are sure will be one of the highlights of your trip to Lima. Our partner Eternal Wave Peru offers affordable lessons for beginner and intermediate students, and part of their profits are used for social causes and volunteering programs.
8) Explore Lima on a bike
The municipality of Miraflores (the district where our Spanish School in Lima is located), runs an affordable biking tour program to explore some of the most iconic parts of city in a fun and convenient way.
You might also be interested in: Your complete guide to getting around Lima
9) Paragliding in Miraflores (for the adventurous)
The hottest spot for paraglyding in Lima is located right in Miraflores for a good reason: paraglyding here offers an unbeatable view of the ocean, the Malecón of Miraflores, and the Costa Verde cliffs and nature. Besides surfing, this is one of the most beloved adventurous activities in Lima for both locals and tourists.
10) Shop unique Peruvian goodies
You can't leave Peru without getting a cozzy alpaca sweater first (or a bottle of Pisco to share with your loved ones back home). Peru is the number 1 provider of alpaca textiles in the world so it doesn't come as a surprise that you will be able to find the finnest fibers here at very affordable prices. The artisan market "Mercado Indio" in Miraflores is in particular a great place to start with. It congregates hundreds (if not thousands) of artisans that sell every single thing you could think of, from textiles to ceramic vases, handmade rugs, precious metals, and more. Amongst other places we recommend to shop are:
Chocomuseo: Which sells local chocolate goods from the Amazon of Peru (and offers unique chocolate making workshops).
Kuna Alpaca: Sells high-end/high quality alpaca, Vicuña, and Llama textiles at reasonable prices. The perfect place to find and buy a special gift for yourself or a special person.
Other things to do in Lima:
Take a Day boat trip to the Palomino Islands and get to swim with sea Lions
Experience traditional Peruvian music and dance at a peña, a lively, local gathering where musicians, dancers, and spectators celebrate the country’s cultural heritage. It’s an authentic and vibrant way to connect with Lima’s soul.
Participate in a workshop at Chocomuseo to make your own chocolate from scratch, while learning about the history and production of cacao in Peru.
Explore the Surquillo Market (located 10 minutes walking from Miraflores), where you can find fresh produce, exotic fruits, and traditional ingredients.
Visit El Monumental in El Callao, a vibrant cultural hub known for its stunning street art and galleries that have transformed the once-neglected neighborhood into a lively space for creativity. Explore colorful murals, visit contemporary art exhibitions, and engage with the local community through guided tours and events. This area also hosts festivals and workshops, making it a dynamic spot to experience Peruvian culture while supporting local social impact initiatives.
Ready to embark on your Spanish learning journey in Lima? Discover the perfect course for you at Peruwayna! Visit our website to explore our diverse options and start your adventure today. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us—we're here to help!
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