Best attractions and places to see in Rimac include a variety of historical and cultural sites. Located on the banks of the Rímac River in Lima, Peru, the district is recognized as a World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Centre of Lima. It offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and vibrant heritage. Visitors can explore significant landmarks and cultural institutions within this historic area.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
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On the last Sunday of the month, ethnic groups from different parts of the country meet here alternately.
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In its heyday, the Gran Hotel Bolivar was the place to be in Lima. Built at the request of the government on state property and designed by Peruvian architect Rafael Marquina, its original raison d'être was to serve as a sophisticated base for politicians. Charles de Gaulle, Nixon, Robert Kennedy and Emperor Akihito all stayed at the Bolivar, which is located in the royal Plaza San Martín, six blocks from the Government Palace.
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A great place. But unfortunately, like everywhere else, there is a lot of traffic.
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A beautiful colonial-era hotel. It seems as if time has stood still here. Some exhibits are on display in the hotel lobby.
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The lighthouse is located in the Parque el Faro, which commemorates a century of Peruvian navigation. It has a height of 22 meters. It is made of cast iron, consists of 319 disassembly parts, 1,750 connecting bolts and has a total weight of 60,000 kg. It is painted navy blue and has two white stripes.1 With a focal height of 108 m above sea level, its light can be seen 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) away and has a pattern. Source: https://www.ecured.cu/Faro_de_la_Marina_(Oc%C3%A9ano_Pac%C3%ADfico)
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The Parque del Amor is one of the parks in Lima most visited by tourists and locals due to its history and spectacular views of the sea. Inaugurated in honor of Valentine's Day, the Love Park is, as such, a product of the custom of lovers to enjoy the sunset from there. The parks of Lima are characterized by their greenery, especially in Miraflores. This park is one of the must-see places on your visit to the city. Source: https://viajandoalima.com/parque-del-amor/#google_vignette
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A few years after the founding of Lima, Francisco de Santa Ana arrived in Lima in 1546 and built a modest and small church, which was later expanded along with the monastery by the Viceroy of Peru, Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza. The magnificent extensions were not very solidly built and were completely destroyed in the earthquake of February 4, 1655. Francisco de Borja, General Commissioner of the Franciscans, commissioned the Portuguese architect Constantino de Vasconcellos to plan the new church and Limeño Manuel Escobar to build it on the same site. The Viceroy Luis Enriquez de Guzmán laid the foundation stone on May 8, 1657. The new church was solemnly consecrated on October 3, 1672, and work on the monastery continued until 1729. In 1941, the church and the monastery complex were declared a national cultural heritage site. Pope John XXIII. raised the church of San Francisco de Jesus to the rank of a minor basilica with his letter of January 11, 1963. In 1966 and 1970, earthquake damage occurred again. In 1988, the church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the historic old town of Lima. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilika_St._Franziskus_(Lima)
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The Gran Hotel Bolívar is a historic hotel located on Plaza San Martín in Lima, Peru. Designed in 1924 by noted Peruvian architect Rafael Marquina, it was the first large, modern hotel in Lima. As part of a modernization program for Lima, the hotel was built on government-owned land. The hotel was inaugurated on December 6, 1924, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho, a decisive military encounter during the Peruvian War of Independence. The square itself was inaugurated on July 27, 1921, to mark the centenary of Peru's independence. During the 1940s and 1950s, the hotel attracted Hollywood film stars such as Orson Welles, Ava Gardner and John Wayne, where many also discovered the local cocktail, the Pisco Sour. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Hotel_Bol%C3%ADvar
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Rimac is rich in history and culture. You can explore the historic Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima, known for its catacombs and ancient library. Another significant site is Desamparados, a former train station now housing the "La Casa de la Literatura Peruana" and ethnic exhibitions. Don't miss the historic Plaza de Acho, the Alameda de los Descalzos promenade, the Convento de los Descalzos, and the Puente de Piedra, the city's oldest bridge.
For breathtaking panoramic views of historic Rimac and downtown Lima, ascend Cerro San Cristóbal, the highest point in Lima Province. Other excellent viewpoints include Love Park, La Marina Lighthouse, and Parque Chino de Miraflores, all offering scenic vistas.
Yes, several attractions in Rimac are suitable for families. The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Lima offers an intriguing historical experience. Outdoor spaces like Love Park, La Marina Lighthouse, and Parque Chino de Miraflores provide pleasant environments for walks and sightseeing with children.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities near Rimac. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Government Palace, Peru – Peru Square loop' or the 'Plaza Mayor of Lima – Government Palace, Peru loop'. If you're interested in running, there are trails such as the 'Larcomar Shopping Center – Arequipa Avenue Bike Path loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the 'View of Morro Solar – La Pera Park loop'. Find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking in Rimac, Running Trails in Rimac, and MTB Trails in Rimac guides.
Rimac can be visited year-round. However, if you are interested in traditional events, the 'Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros' bullfighting festival takes place at Plaza de Acho in October and November. Generally, Lima has a mild climate, making it suitable for exploring historical sites and viewpoints throughout the year.
Yes, Desamparados, the historic train station now housing the "La Casa de la Literatura Peruana" and a museum, is noted as wheelchair accessible. It's always advisable to check specific accessibility details for other sites directly before your visit.
The Rímac district is named after and situated on the banks of the Rímac River. The river has historically been vital for Lima, and the district's location along its banks contributes to its unique character and historical development. The Puente de Piedra, the oldest bridge in the city, crosses the Rímac River, connecting the district with downtown Lima.
Yes, you can gain insights into the viceregal era at the Museo de los Virreyes. This museum is located in a building believed to be the palace of "La Perricholi," an 18th-century viceroy's mistress, offering a glimpse into that period of Peruvian history.
The Alameda de los Descalzos is a beautiful tree-lined promenade in Rimac, built in the 18th century by the Spanish colonial government. It features colonial architecture and leads directly to the Convento de los Descalzos, making it a picturesque walk through history.
The Convento de los Descalzos, founded in the late 16th century by Franciscan friars, is notable for its extensive collection of several hundred colonial paintings from the Cusqueño, Quiteño, and Limeño schools. Visitors can explore well-preserved areas like the monks' cells, dining room, infirmary, apothecary, and even 17th-century wine-making equipment in the kitchen.
The Plaza de Acho is a historic bullring in Rimac, inaugurated in 1766. It holds the distinction of being the oldest bullring in the Americas and one of the oldest globally. It remains an active venue for bullfights, particularly during the 'Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros' in October and November. An adjacent Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum) displays related memorabilia.
The 'La Casa de la Literatura Peruana' is a cultural institution located within the historic Desamparados building, a former train station. It was inaugurated in 2009 and includes the Mario Vargas Llosa Library, dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning author, offering a significant cultural experience for visitors.


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