LimavsQuito
Can't decide between Lima and Quito? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Lima
Lima is South America's gastronomic capital, where Incan heritage meets Spanish colonial grandeur. The city's ceviche and pisco sours are legendary, while Miraflores offers oceanfront dining and the historic center preserves colonial treasures.
Known for
Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters in an Andean valley, the world's highest official capital. Its UNESCO-listed colonial center is the best-preserved in Latin America, with ornate churches, cobblestone plazas, and sweeping views of snow-capped volcanoes on clear days.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Lima offers Miraflores, Larco Museum, Historic Center
Quito offers Plaza de la Independencia, Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía Church
Food & Dining
Lima is famous for its local dining scene
Quito is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Lima offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Quito offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
December to April
June to September
Weather
Summer: 26°C, Winter: 15°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in Lima
- 1Miraflores
- 2Larco Museum
- 3Historic Center
- 4Barranco
- 5Huaca Pucllana
- 6Central Restaurant
Top Attractions in Quito
- 1Plaza de la Independencia
- 2Basílica del Voto Nacional
- 3La Compañía Church
- 4TelefériQo Cable Car
- 5Mitad del Mundo
- 6Calle La Ronda
Lima is Popular With
Quito is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Lima
- 1
Amano Museum (Museo Amano)
A private museum in Miraflores housing an exquisite, meticulously curated collection of pre-Columbian textiles, primarily from the Chancay culture.
- 2
Barrio Chino (Lima's Chinatown)
A vibrant district near the Historic Center centered on Capón Street, packed with chifas (Peruvian-Chinese restaurants), shops, and markets.
Hidden Gems in Quito
- 1
Museo Casa del Alabado
A stunning pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial house in the Old Town.
- 2
Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center
A hilltop park east of the Historic Center, crowned by the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass and iron structure.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Lima
Miraflores
Lima's modern, upscale heart, perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
The UNESCO-listed colonial core of Lima, centered around the grand Plaza de Armas.
Top Areas in Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Lima
Budget in Quito
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Lima
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Book Activities in Quito
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Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Quito
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Our Verdict
Both Lima and Quito are incredible destinations. Lima excels in ceviche and pisco sour, while Quito stands out for colonial architecture and equator line.
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