Table of Content
- Why visit San Isidro?
- El Olivar Forest: Your must-visit urban oasis
- Huaca Huallamarca: A 2,200-year-old pyramid in the city
- Where to eat well
- Exclusive shopping
- Where to stay
- How to get there and get around
- Recommended itinerary (half a day)
- Practical tips for tourists
- Why San Isidro is perfect for tourists
- Some tours that we recommend
Why visit San Isidro?
San Isidro is the safest, cleanest, and most sophisticated district in Lima. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of urban nature, pre-Columbian history, excellent cuisine, and modern architecture. It’s ideal for tourists seeking quality experiences in a tranquil and elegant environment.
El Olivar Forest: Your must-visit urban oasis
What is it? A beautiful 23-hectare park with over 1,500 olive trees that are 460 years old. It’s completely free and perfect for relaxation.
What to do here?
- Walk among ancient olive trees and breathe fresh air
- Photograph exotic birds (over 22 species)
- Jog in a safe environment
- Enjoy family picnics on weekends
- Visit the central lagoon with ornamental fish
Hours: Open 24 hours, every day Cost: Free entry Recommended time: 1-2 hours
Huaca Huallamarca: A 2,200-year-old pyramid in the city
What will you see? An impressive pre-Inca pyramid standing 19 meters tall, perfectly preserved amidst the modern city.
Essential information:
- Location: Av. Nicolás de Ribera 201
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: S/ 5 adults, S/ 3 students, S/ 1 children
- Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Includes: Museum with original archaeological pieces
Why is it special? It’s one of the few pre-Columbian pyramids you can visit within Lima, featuring findings from peaceful cultures that lived here before the Incas.
Where to eat well
Featured restaurants:
- Le Moliere: High-end French-Peruvian cuisine
- Maras: Modern and elegant Peruvian food
- Punto y Sal: Excellent quality at more accessible prices
- La Bistecca: Specializing in meats, relaxed atmosphere
Advantage for tourists: All restaurants in San Isidro maintain international hygiene and service standards.
Exclusive shopping
Avenida Santa Cruz: The most elegant shopping destination in Lima
- Luxury international boutiques
- World-renowned jewelry stores
- Galleries of contemporary Peruvian art
- Exclusive premium brands from Peru
Where to stay
San Isidro has the best hotels in Lima:
- Country Club Lima Hotel: Historic luxury
- Los Delfines Hotel: Modern and central
- Westin Lima: Top-notch executive services
Advantages: Maximum security, excellent connectivity, close to all important attractions.
How to get there and get around
From the airport: 20-30 minutes by taxi (S/ 25-35) From Miraflores: 10 minutes by taxi (S/ 8-12) Public transport: Metropolitano to Aramburú station
Tip: San Isidro is perfect for walking. The distances between attractions are short, and the streets are very safe.
Recommended itinerary (half a day)
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- Visit Huaca Huallamarca (1 hour)
- Walk through El Olivar Forest (1.5 hours)
- Explore the historic mansions around the forest
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM):
- Have lunch at a local restaurant
- Stroll along Avenida Santa Cruz for shopping
- Relax at a café with a view of the park
Practical tips for tourists
What to do:
- Walk leisurely down any street (it’s very safe)
- Bring your camera for unique architectural photos
- Take the opportunity to exchange money at official exchange houses
- Enjoy the contrast between the old and the modern
What to avoid:
- No special restrictions; it’s a very tourist-friendly district
Why San Isidro is perfect for tourists
- Maximum safety: The safest district in Lima
- Guaranteed quality: International-level services
- Easy access: Well connected to the entire city
- Complete experience: History, nature, gastronomy, and shopping all in one place
- Relaxed atmosphere: A perfect escape from the typical chaos of big cities
