The Atlas Obscura Guide To Lima

21 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Lima, Peru

Updated July 14, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Lima

Outside of San Francisco Monastery

Lima, Peru

Convento de San Francisco Ossuary

The mortal remains of an estimated 70,000 people lie in the basement of a monastery in Lima, Peru.

Lima, Peru

Mercado de Brujas

A market for witches is hidden within a train station.

Row after row of skulls

Lima, Peru

The Room of 10,000 Ancient Skulls

Lima’s Museum of Anthropology is lined with thousands of elongated human craniums.

From Temple of the Sun – Pacific Ocean in distance

Lima, Peru

Pachacamac

The remains of what was the most important religious complex in coastal Peru for over a millennium.

Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores

Lima, Peru

Huaca Pucllana

This stone complex marks the urban center of a lost civilization.

Lima, Peru

Brain Museum

Tucked behind the Institute of Neurological Science down a decrepit street resides the largest display of human brains in Latin America.

Trees surrounding a pond in the Bosque el Olivar

Lima, Peru

Bosque el Olivar (Olive Grove Forest)

A pretty park of over 1,600 olive trees that grew from just three saplings brought over from Spain.

See All 21 Things To Do in Lima

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Lima

Trees surrounding a pond in the Bosque el Olivar

Lima, Peru

Bosque el Olivar (Olive Grove Forest)

A pretty park of over 1,600 olive trees that grew from just three saplings brought over from Spain.

The interior of the shop is crammed with sustainably sourced chocolates.

Lima, Peru

El Cacaotal

Visit Lima’s one-stop-shop for sustainably sourced and produced Peruvian chocolate.

The interior, with original wood finishings.

Lima, Peru

Expreso Virgen de Guadalupe

This antique rail car has been reborn as an urban cafe.

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Explore Lima, Peru

History 4

Museums 4

Catacombs And Crypts 3

Parks 2

Collections 2

Statues 2

Animals 2

Relics And Reliquaries 2

Colonialism 2

Archaeology 2

Fortresses 1

Lost Cities 1

Prisons 1

Brain Collections 1

Medical Museums 1

Ruins 1

Cemeteries 1

Temples 1

Pirates 1

Observatories 1

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