Hugging the Pacific Ocean in Lima’s south, Miraflores is one of the Peruvian capital’s most affluent districts. It was here that the Battle of Miraflores took place during the War of the Pacific, with the district going on to become known as the “Heroic City”. Nestled amongst the department stores, restaurants and landscaped parks is the pre-Inca mud-brick temple of Huaca Pucllana.
Things to do in Miraflores
Overlooking the ocean in Miraflores is Parque del Amor, a landscaped green space that centres around a large kissing sculpture. It was created to commemorate Valentine’s Day, with fragrant flower beds, relaxing benches and ceramic mosaics among its attractions. Parque del Amor is nestled just behind the sands of Playa Makaha, which is a popular beach for learning to surf.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe and clay pyramid constructed across seven staggered platforms. Join a guided tour to learn about its importance as a ceremonial site for the Lima Culture and its conversion into a monumental tomb for the aristocracy by the Wari people. Recreated ceremonial objects and textiles are exhibited at the on-site museum.
On the southern edge of Miraflores is Lima’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which occupies a building designed by the renowned Peruvian architect Frederick Cooper Llosa. In addition to its permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing emerging artists. Live music and cultural events are regularly held in the surrounding park.
Getting around Miraflores
Miraflores is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Lima and 35 minutes from Jorge Chavez International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Americas. Buses connect from the surrounding districts to Miraflores and connect most of its attractions.