lima Photography Guide
Lima offers diverse photography opportunities across its historic center, coastal cliffs, bohemian neighborhoods, and ancient ruins, ideal for urban architecture, landmarks, street culture, and ocean landscapes during your December 24-31, 2025 trip. Key districts include Centro Histórico for colonia
Best Photography Spots
Plaza de Armas
Lima's central square surrounded by colonial architecture including the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, perfect for historic urban shots with fountains and guards.
Lima Cathedral
Baroque and neoclassical cathedral with religious art and Pizarro's tomb, great for interior and exterior architectural photography.
Huaca Pucllana
Pre-Inca adobe pyramid in Miraflores, contrasting ancient ruins with modern cityscape.
Puente de los Suspiros
Iconic wooden bridge in Barranco over a gorge, romantic spot for street and architecture photos.
Parque del Amor
Clifftop park in Miraflores with mosaic walls and 'El Beso' sculpture overlooking Pacific Ocean.
Plaza San Martin
Lively square with equestrian statue of liberator José de San Martín and neoclassical buildings.
La Ermita Chapel
Neoclassical chapel in Barranco with bell towers on a flowered square, historic and picturesque.
Malecón de Miraflores
Oceanfront promenade with parks, cliffs, and city views, ideal for coastal landscapes.
Monasterio de San Francisco
Colonial monastery with catacombs and baroque library, atmospheric interiors.
Circuito Mágico del Agua
World's largest fountain complex with lights and music shows.
Larcomar
Clifftop mall with ocean views, street art, and urban scenes.
Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)
Art museum with pre-Columbian to modern Peruvian art.
Mercado Central
Bustling market for street food and portrait photography.
Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
Vibrant Asian-Peruvian fusion area with gates and street food.
Bajada de Baños
Historic stairs in Barranco lined with street art and murals.
Cliffs of Barranco
Ocean cliffs with paragliders and sunset views.
Palacio de Gobierno
Presidential Palace with guards and historic facade.
Hotel Bolivar
Grand neoclassical hotel with luxurious interiors.
Óvalo Gutiérrez
Traffic circle near Huaca Pucllana with modern contrasts.
Parque Kennedy
Miraflores park with cats, street performers, and cafes.
Basilica of St. Francis
Church with catacombs similar to San Francisco.
Cordano Tavern
Historic bar near Plaza de Armas for lifestyle shots.
Museo Larco
Private museum with pre-Columbian art in a vice-regal mansion.
Playa Costa Verde
Urban beach below Miraflores cliffs for surf photography.
Colón Theater
Neoclassical theater near Plaza San Martín.
Hidden Gems
La Posada de Angel Wings
Angel wings mural near Colonia & Co for whimsical portraits.
Bajada de Baños Murals
Street art-covered stairs connecting Barranco levels.
Parque El Olivar
Olive grove park in San Isidro for serene landscapes.
Huaca Huallamarca
Smaller adobe pyramid in San Isidro.
Calle Piura Balconies
Hidden alley with best-preserved wooden balconies.
Playa Redondo
Less crowded beach south of Miraflores.
Barrio Microcentro
Abandoned buildings for urban decay.
Jirón Chancay
Street art and markets in Breña.
Parque de las Leyendas
Zoo with Andean wildlife exhibits.
Pachacamac Ruins Viewpoint
Overlook outside Lima for desert landscapes.
Callao Graffiti Walls
Port area murals.
Quirqui Viejo Huaca
Obscure pre-Inca site.
Magdalena del Mar Beach
Local surf spot.
Teatro Municipal Alley
Backstreets with theater posters.
Surquillo Market
Intimate food market.
Photography Tips for lima
- 1.In Lima's summer (Dec 24-31), shoot during golden hours (6-8 AM, 5-7 PM) to avoid harsh midday sun; use polarizers for ocean glare and tripods for night scenes at fountains or cliffs. Prioritize wide-angle lenses for architecture and telephoto for paragliders; respect no-flash rules in historic sites.[1][3][7]
Trip Planning
Navigate Lima via Uber/InDrive (safer than taxis, ~PEN 10-20/ride), Metropolitano buses, or rent bikes in Miraflores; Centro Histórico best on foot tours. No permits needed for most spots, but museums charge PEN 15-40; safety: avoid Centro at night, use phone safes, stay in Miraflores/Barranco hotels. December weather: 20-28°C, foggy mornings clear by noon; fly into LIM airport, 45min taxi to center (~PEN 50).[1][2][6]
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