San Isidro
San Isdro, Lima, Peru
San Isidro visitors may overlook its cultural attractions, opting instead for its beaches and shopping districts. But, the enclave’s tree-lined residential streets are home to stately mansions being converted to luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, art museums, embassies representing 40 countries, and the city’s best restaurants.
The Basics
A stark juxtaposition to San Isidro’s contemporary look is Huaca Huallamarca, also known by its Quechua spelling, Wak’a Wallamarka. This significant archaeological complex houses a pre-Colombian adobe pyramid that served as an ancient ceremonial burial site. An on-site museum displays artifacts excavated from the site, such as mummies, textiles, wind instruments used to mimic the songs of birds, and pottery carved with unique geometric shapes and anthropomorphic figures by the Lima culture.
Travelers have many options to explore San Isidro. Private and group walking and cycling tours may be half-day, full-day, or combined with visits to the upscale Miraflores neighborhood or even a short cruise from the Callao port. If you would rather hone in on a specific interest, there are tours focusing on art, culture, and San Isidro’s dynamic food scene.
Things to Know Before You Go
*As the country's center for banking, it might make sense to do your currency exchange transactions here. Be sure to have your passport. *Bring a healthy appetite—and a connoisseur’s palate. San Isidro hosts many of the city’s top restaurants, including Astrid y Gaston, founded by Gastón Acurio, Lima’s most beloved chef and credited with putting Lima cuisine on the map, and Maras, where chef Rafael Piqueras (formerly of El Bulli) employs molecular gastronomy to reinvent traditional dishes from the Andes, the Amazon, and the coast. *Wear comfortable shoes if joining a walking tour.
How to Get There
North of Miraflores, San Isidro is serviced by the city electric express bus, El Metropolitano, along the Ruta Troncal line.
When to Get There
Any time is a good time to visit, as the weather is warm and mild throughout the year. During winter months (May to November), coastal places, such as San Isidro, Barranco, and Miraflores, will be cool, damp, and foggy, so have a sweater or a scarf for nighttime visits.
Hidden Oasis
El Olivar Park (Parque El Olivar) is a welcome respite from the city’s intense traffic and pollution. Declared a National Monument in 1959, the beautiful green space is filled with ancient olive trees, a lagoon, and lawns for quiet picnics. Look for the signs alerting you to all the different and exotic species of birds that make their homes in the trees.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!