The country’s capital and largest city, Lima, should not be left out when exploring Peru as it offers a plethora of attractions and things to see and do. Situated in the central valley overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean it is actually one of South America’s most interesting, diverse, and populous cities. It offers an eclectic mix of rich history, fascinating culture and cuisine and is truly a highly recommended vacation destination spot.
Lima as a Gay Travel Destination & Safety
Looking for a gay-friendly travel destination? Look no further than Lima, Peru! This vibrant and culturally diverse city is home to a large and growing LGBTQ population, and there are plenty of attractions, restaurants, and bars catering to the LGBTQ community. In this short gay lima travel guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the most of your stay in Lima. From where to stay to where to go out, we’ve got you covered!
This lively, diverse and vibrant city is home to a wide range of attractions, including some of the best nightlife in all of South America. Plus, Lima is also known as a rather safe city to visit with very warm and welcoming locals. Friendly and inviting locals should yet not mean letting your guard down. Like in any other larger city petty theft, especially for tourists should be considered when exploring the city. Just make sure to take care of your personal belongings and ask your hotel concierge or guide to assist you in knowing where and when to go. There are various hotels in Lima, Peru that are gay-friendly. The Aloft Lima Miraflores by Marriott hotel is actually organizing a Pride celebration on June 28, 2022 with photographers and make-up artists to celebrate the LGBT community!
With a population of around 9 million inhabitants, the openly gay community is also quite sizable and has been steadily growing in the past years. Peru has become more and more open in the last years with the neighbourhoods like Miraflores and Barranco becoming more inclusive areas for the LGBT community. Despite this, the gay rights movement in Peru is still in its infancy stage but is surely growing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lima is during the winter months of May to October. During this time of the year, the weather usually is dryer and warmer with October being one of the most visited months of the year. Summertime can be wet, and rainy and you won’t be able to experience all of the surrounding natural landscapes as much.
Top Things to See in Lima
The city of Lima is a truly diverse vacation spot and there are numerous different things to see and do. With a wide range of food offers, hotels, architecture, breathtaking views and local culture it never gets boring in this city. Below are some recommendations when exploring this beautiful city.
Plaza Mayor – Probably one of the first things you will see when in the city as its home to the government palace, Cathedral ,and Municipal Palace. A great square to see lots of things.
Miraflores – of the city’s nicest (and gay-friendliest) neighbourhoods with loads of interesting things to see and do. One of them is the famous Malecón – a boardwalk offering spectacular views of the ocean. Also found here is the Huaca Pucllana, a clay pyramid with staggered platforms.
Barranco – home to the bohemian district of the city where you can find various shops for souvenirs and interact with local musicians and artists. A truly lively neighbourhood!
Peruvian Cuisine – a must-eat when in town is the great variety of local food dishes found throughout the entire city. A must-try dish is a local ceviche, a dish made with raw fish cooked with lemon-based juice and served with corn and sweet potatoes.
Circuito de Agua Magica – (Magic Water Circuit) – A laser and water show that displays the rich history and culture of Peru. Entertaining and amusing underlined with videos and music!
Gay-friendly Bars – Legendaris (best music!), Café Z (artsy!), and Lola Bar (authentic Lima style!) are places to experience the local Lima nightlife.
