Photo-Shooting Plan for Lima, Peru
📍 Safe Places for Photography:
✅ Miraflores & Barranco – Tourist-friendly, vibrant, and relatively safe. Barranco’s street art and colonial houses are great subjects.
✅ Costa Verde – Beautiful coastal views; best during sunrise or sunset.
✅ Plaza Mayor & Historic Center – Stunning colonial architecture, but be extra cautious.
✅ Parque Kennedy – A lively area in Miraflores, safe during the day.
🚫 Areas to Avoid (Especially with a Camera):
❌ Callao (except La Punta) – High crime rates, especially for tourists.
❌ Downtown Lima at night – Some streets can be unsafe after dark.
❌ Certain districts like San Juan de Lurigancho, Los Olivos, and parts of La Victoria – Not recommended for tourists.
📸 Safety Tips for Photographers:
🔹 Don’t carry your camera openly when not in use – use a discreet bag.
🔹 If using a tripod, avoid empty streets.
🔹 Go with a local guide or friend if exploring less touristy areas.
🔹 Be aware of your surroundings – watch out for motorbike snatchers.
🔹 Consider using a cheap point-and-shoot or phone in high-risk areas.
🏙 Best Street Photography Spots in Lima
1. Barranco – The Artsy, Bohemian District 🎨
📸 What to shoot?
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Colorful murals and street art
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Colonial houses with vintage doors and balconies
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Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) – great for candid shots
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Street musicians and local vendors
🔹 Best time: Late afternoon for soft light & golden hour
🔹 Safety tip: Generally safe, but still be aware of your surroundings
2. Miraflores – Modern & Urban Views 🌊
📸 What to shoot?
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Malecón de Miraflores – Stunning coastal views
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Parque Kennedy – Cat lovers will enjoy the many street cats here!
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Larcomar – A photogenic cliffside mall with Pacific Ocean views
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Huaca Pucllana – An ancient pyramid in the middle of the city
🔹 Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds, sunset for ocean views
🔹 Safety tip: Stay alert around parks and plazas, as petty theft can happen
3. Lima Historic Center – Colonial & Cultural Vibes 🏛
📸 What to shoot?
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Plaza Mayor – Colonial architecture, including the Presidential Palace
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Jirón de la Unión – A lively pedestrian street full of shops and locals
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San Francisco Monastery – Famous for catacombs and Baroque architecture
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Mercado Central – A vibrant market perfect for capturing street vendors
🔹 Best time: Morning to midday (after sunset, some streets can be sketchy)
🔹 Safety tip: Be very cautious with your gear; keep your camera strap secure
4. Chorrillos – Local Life & Fishing Culture 🎣
📸 What to shoot?
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Fishermen at the pier (Muelle de Chorrillos)
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Colorful boats and fresh seafood markets
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Morro Solar – A high viewpoint with panoramic city shots
🔹 Best time: Early morning (best light and fewer people)
🔹 Safety tip: Stay near crowded areas and avoid isolated streets
5. La Punta (Callao) – Ocean & Street Life 🌊
📸 What to shoot?
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Old mansions and narrow streets
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El Real Felipe Fortress – A historic military fort
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Seafront promenade with local fishermen
🔹 Best time: Mid-morning or sunset
🔹 Safety tip: Callao can be dangerous in some areas – stick to La Punta only