Miraflores Lima: A Nice Base for Your Peru Adventure
Look, I'll be honest… Lima wasn't originally on my must-see list. We basically planned it as a layover city before the "real" adventure began. But after spending a few days in Miraflores we really appreciated what the city had to offer.
Why Miraflores Beats Every Other Lima Neighborhood
Miraflores is one of Lima's wealthiest neighborhoods with a distinct international vibe, and it's also one of the safest neighborhoods in Lima. When you're traveling with a toddler, safety isn't just a nice-to-have – it's essential.
The neighborhood sits right on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which means you get killer sunset views without having to work for them. Kennedy Park is also a beautiful park to walk through and explore, with tons of shops and restaurants surrounding the park. Perfect for when your toddler needs to burn off energy before dinner.
The Food Scene Will Ruin You for Life
Let's talk about La Mar, because I'm still dreaming about that ceviche. Yes, I ate raw fish while pregnant, don't @ me. After reading countless articles about Peru's seafood standards, I decided life's too short to skip the country's most famous dish.
The wait was brutal (an hour and a half at 2 PM), but here's the local secret: any time of day and any day of the week there are tons of bars and restaurants to choose from. We went at peak tourist time like amateurs because we were starving after Asher woke up from his nap. Next time, I'm eating at 5 PM with all the other families. There was literally zero wait when we walked out at 5p since the actual dinner scene in Peru is much later.
The good news? There’s a huge cliffside park and playground a 4 minute walk from the playground so we just went to kill time there for an hour before walking back. If we hadn’t had a toddler, there was also space to grab a drink at the bar.
Getting Around with Kids
Miraflores is incredibly walkable, which is a godsend when you're traveling with little ones. Taxis are readily available and you can hail them on the street or use ride-hailing apps like Uber. Just negotiate the fare beforehand or make sure they use the meter. Don’t want to lug a car seat around? No problem. We brought this awesome car travel harness for this trip so we could feel safe having Asher in the car with lugging around 30 extra pounds. It was a life saver (especially if you know the driving in South America well)
The malecón (clifftop boardwalk) is perfect for stroller walks, and there are playgrounds scattered throughout the area. Pro tip: the parks are mostly empty in the early morning, so if your toddler is still on a weird sleep schedule, embrace it.
Where to Stay: Airbnb vs. Hotel
We did both during our trip, and honestly, each has its perks. The Airbnb gave us more space and a kitchen which was nice, but we lacked a/c. The Hilton (where we stayed on our return night through Lima) offered reliable amenities and easier coordination for things meals on site when you are just tired of doing things yourself. For families, I'd lean toward Airbnb for longer stays and hotels for convenience. Our Airbnb was right next to Kennedy park which we enjoyed.
The Larcomar Experience
Larcomar is a contemporary mall with a sea view, but calling it just a mall is like calling the Grand Canyon just a hole. This outdoor shopping center is built into the cliffs, offering incredible ocean views while you shop or dine.
We caught sunset here on our last night, and it was the perfect way to end the trip. The restaurants have great kids' menus, and there's enough variety that even picky eaters (looking at you, two-year-olds) will find something.
Real Talk: What Nobody Tells You
The nights can get surprisingly chilly, even in summer. Pack layers. The morning fog is real, don't expect crystal-clear ocean views every day. And yes, you'll see plenty of street vendors, but they're generally respectful and not pushy.
Miraflores might feel touristy, but it's touristy for a reason. It works. It's safe, it's convenient, and it gives you a taste of modern Peru without the chaos of other parts of Lima.
