To Islas Palomino (Palomino Islands are located at short distance from the port of Lima, Callao. These small islands are inhabited by small colonies of sea lions, Peruvian boobies and Guanay cormorants. This is a reasonable alternative excursion to the famous Ballestas Islands in Paracas if you are spending some days in Lima and can not travel south to Pisco and Paracas, and also if you want to swim with the sea lions. (In Ballestas that is forbidden.) Tickets are available at the port for S/100 (March 2011) including a swim with the sea lions and a lunch or for S/70 (March 2011) (on the other corner of the square) for a round trip with the boat.
Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historia del Perú
Quite good and very didactic; the area surrounding it is worth a walk.
Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Hoyle
Showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. It is in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Popular thanks to its ample collection of erotic pottery from the Mochica culture and the gold and jewelry of ancient Peru. Excellent garden restaurant.
The park is home to the zoo and botanical garden of Lima, the ancient city of Maranga and the museum of Ernst W. Middendorf. There's a lot to see here, everything from hippos to mummies.