The recent migrations to Chile are an unprecedented social phenomenon in the country. This work focuses on the impact of Peruvian migrants, as the major migrant group in Santiago's downtown, and their recovery of semi-abandoned places and shops, creating a "Little Lima". This is an area where migrants look for work, eat and enjoy themselves. The study reveals the positive effects of this phenomenon in the recovery and revitalization of central areas, and in reinvigorating trade and the use of public spaces. It also recognizes the precarious nature of migrant dwelling in older housing in the center, which creates problems of overcrowding, and access to health and education, which -given the absence of social policies aimed at immigration- can (and is starting to) create short-term conflicts.