Lima is a city that unfolds in layers. One moment, you’re navigating lively streets filled with honking taxis and market stalls, and the next, you’re standing in front of a towering mud brick temple, a reminder of the civilisations that thrived here long before skyscrapers and shopping malls.
We started our day at Huaca Pucllana, a vast adobe pyramid tucked away in the Miraflores district. Walking up to it, you can’t help but be drawn in by the sheer scale of it rows and rows of carefully stacked bricks forming terraces that rise above the city. It’s incredible to think that over 1,500 years ago, people built this by hand, using techniques that have allowed it to withstand time, earthquakes, and urban sprawl.
Our guide brought the site to life with stories of the Lima culture, explaining how this wasn’t just a temple but a whole complex used for ceremonies, governance, and trade. Unlike the famous stonework of the Inca, the Lima people built with adobe, a mix of clay, water, and plant material that dries hard in the sun. Standing on the higher terraces, we had a perfect view over the modern city, a fascinating contrast of ancient and contemporary life
After our deep dive into history, we set off to explore some of Lima’s parks. We didn’t have any particular plan just the idea of wandering and seeing where we ended up and let the kids have some fun. That’s one of the best things about this city its green spaces are beautifully kept, and there’s always something unexpected to see.
We started with Parque Kennedy, a lively spot in the heart of Miraflores. Known for its colony of friendly stray cats, it’s a place where people relax on benches, street performers put on impromptu shows, and local vendors sell everything from churros to fresh ceviche..
From there, we wandered toward the Malecón, a scenic coastal park that runs along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The gardens here are immaculate. Every flower bed is perfectly arranged, every path spotless. You can tell the city puts a huge effort into maintaining these spaces, and it shows not just in the landscaping, but in the sheer number of gardeners and street cleaners you see out working every day. Whether it’s pruning trees, sweeping pathways, or keeping the lawns looking pristine, there’s a quiet dedication to keeping Lima looking its best in the UK you would be lucky to see 1 council gardener if the wind was blowing the right way, yet today I saw 25 gardeners in one park and there are so many parks all being attended like this it’s mind boggling
As we walked, we took in the ocean views, watched paragliders soaring over the cliffs, and let the kids run free in one of the many playgrounds. It’s easy to see why Lima’s parks are so loved not just by tourists, but by locals who come here to exercise, relax, and catch up with friends.
Tomorrow, who knows? But for today, Lima gave us a glimpse into its heart one where history and modern life exist side by side, and where even the smallest details, like a freshly swept path or a carefully planted flower bed all go towards making a difference in what is a slightly run down but vibrant city.
