Lima5

The main interest lies in the historic centre, which ideally should be seen on foot. Try the route along pedestrian walks to the church of San Francisco and its catacombs, the Lima Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent; the Torre Tagle Palace, Aliaga House, the oldest standing mansion in Lima; and then in to the bustle of Chinatown in the heart of the central market.

"The infamous National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artefacts and maintains an outstanding international reputation for its curatorial and presentational accomplishment."

Also famous is the Gold Museum, a private museum entirely devoted to displaying the legendary treasures of Peru's ancient, pre-Columbian civilizations. Visitor tours are available on the traditional 'urbanito' buses from the Plaza Mayor (the Main Square), up to the top of Cerro San Cristobal where the 20-meter high cross that is lit in the evenings has kept watch over the people of Lima for 71 years. People believe the cross is miraculous, and many walk on pilgrimages to the top of the hill during Easter Week and on the first Sunday in May.

Sprinkled between the modern and traditional neighbourhoods lie the prehispanic funeral mounds or huacas, which still conceal many secrets of the ancient civilizations that lived on the land. The untouched ancient temples and archaeological sites stand out against the bustling metropolis. In the heart of San Isidro stands the Huallamarca complex.

One of the most famous and best conserved huaca in Lima is the Huaca Pucllana, where visitors can walk around the site and savour the best of Peruvian cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Miraflores Lima’s foremost tourist area and hip hotel district is Miraflores. The district features spacious modern shopping areas, well-maintained parks and numerous gardens full of Peruvian fauna. Besides being well known for its flower-filled parks, Miraflores is also known for its beaches, which are part of the “Costa Verde” area and draw thousands of beach goers and surfers in the summertime. In Miraflores, one will witness many cultural sites and events at theatres, cinemas, and art galleries. A visit to Huaca Pucllana, the pre-Inca mud-brick temple and archaeological site is also a must. In addition, the district teems with cosy cafes, pubs, chic restaurants, a wide array of shopping, open-air concerts and flea markets that are filled on weekends with Lima’s locals.

San Isidro Known as Lima’s “garden” district for its green zones and exclusive residential areas, San Isidro features many of the city’s finest restaurants, hotels and concert halls. Despite the recent boom in building development in the area, San Isidro has kept its aristocratic feel and centuries-old olive grove in the area of Olivar. The district also features the pre-Hispanic temple, Huallamarca, famous for the varied concerts and exhibitions held there year round.