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Discover Local in Lima - EN

Chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León craft tasting menus that showcase ingredients from Peru’s coast, mountains and rainforest. Think coastal scallops, earthy Andean tubers and rainforest cacao – every dish tells a story of the country’s landscapes and traditions.

Sustainability is woven into everything Central does, from composting and recycling to tending a garden with over 100 plant species. Behind the scenes, the Mater Iniciativa research team makes sure each dish stays connected to Peru’s unique ecosystems and heritage.

If you’re curious about exploring Peru’s landscapes and flavours in a single meal, Central is the perfect place to experience upscale creative dining that's also true to its roots.

Dine at the world-beating Restaurante Central

Built in 1876, this wooden bridge spans 44 metres across an urban ravine, offering views of the picturesque Barranco neighbourhood. It’s especially popular at sunset. Adding to the magic is a local legend: if you cross the bridge holding your breath, your wish might just come true.

The bridge has inspired countless artists, including Peruvian singer Chabuca Granda, who celebrated it in her iconic song "El Puente de los Suspiros". Near the bridge stands the Chabuca Granda Monument, a stone sculpture of the singer with her arms raised skyward.

Nearby, you can explore Iglesia La Hermita, a 19th-century church built from adobe and thatch, or stop by one of Barranco's trendy cafés and art galleries. You can also wander along a narrow path to a lookout with sweeping views of the ocean.

Make a wish at Puente de los Suspiros

This pulsating market is packed with fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, alongside food stalls serving classic dishes. Grab a bowl of ceviche made with just-caught fish, savour the smoky spices of anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) or unwrap a fragrant juane – an Amazonian mix of rice, meat and olives slowly cooked in banana leaves.

Take your time strolling the narrow lanes, where you’ll spot unique ingredients like ají peppers and creamy chirimoya, also known as custard apple. Quench your thirst with chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink flavoured with pineapple, cinnamon and cloves. You can also warm up with a cup of emoliente, a comforting herbal tea believed to have medicinal properties.

Discover new flavours at Mercado No. 2 de Surquillo

Housed in a stunning French-style mansion from 1906 in the charming Barranco district, the museum showcases works from the 16th to 18th centuries. These treasures, from the period when Peru was a viceroyalty of Spain, were all collected by art enthusiast and philanthropist Pedro de Osma Gildemeister.

Step inside to admire vibrant religious paintings from the Cusco School, intricately carved sculptures in wood and Huamanga stone, and exquisite silverwork ranging from religious items to fine tableware. Dedicated galleries explore specific themes in depth, from Marian devotions brought by early missionaries to figures like the arcabuceros (angels bearing firearms), a uniquely Andean artistic style. Period furniture and decorative arts further reveal the lifestyle of colonial Peru’s elite.

Explore colonial art at Museo Pedro de Osma

This 6-kilometre promenade along Lima’s coastline winds through green spaces like Parque del Amor, famous for its colourful mosaics and Víctor Delfín’s sculpture, El Beso (The Kiss). Don’t miss El Faro, a charming lighthouse with sweeping ocean views, or head to Parque Chino for a quiet moment by its pergola and artificial lake.

The Malecón is a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts too. Joggers and cyclists share its scenic paths, while paragliders take to the skies, soaring over the Pacific. 

Looking for more to explore? Larcomar mall, perched dramatically on the cliffs, combines dining, boutique shopping and entertainment – all with stunning ocean views.

Stroll the scenic Malecón de Miraflores

Standing 25 metres tall, this adobe pyramid rises above the modern city, a remarkable legacy of the Lima culture. Built around 500 CE, it served as a ceremonial and administrative centre, with seven staggered platforms made from millions of precisely crafted adobe bricks – a testament to the skill and organisation of its creators.

Explore the on-site museum, where you’ll find intricately painted ceramics and ceremonial jars that shed light on the rituals and daily life of the Lima culture. You can also buy handicrafts such as gourds, metalwork and products made from native foods. Guided tours help bring the site’s history to life, uncovering the cultural significance of this remarkable structure.

Discover Local in Lima - EN

Dine at the world-beating Restaurante Central

Discover new flavours at Mercado No. 2 de Surquillo

Stroll the scenic Malecón de Miraflores

Discover the ancient wonders of Huaca Pucllana

Explore colonial art at Museo Pedro de Osma

Make a wish at Puente de los Suspiros