Lima

Lima, Peru's colorful capital is a modern marvel, an oceanside jewel and a cultural hub rolled into one. While it is often overlooked for more talked-about Peruvian destinations, it conceals a remarkable blend of history and culture within its sprawl that cannot be missed. An army of high-rise condos, luxury hotels and affluent homes dot the skyline of the Miraflores district, Lima's modern crown jewel that overlooks the South Pacific coast. Here, Lima's landscape centers around upscale retail centers, fine dining restaurants, fashionable boutiques, and a bevy of bars and nightclubs. The only monumental landmark from Lima's ancient pre-Inca tryst is the Huaca Pucllana, a religious clay pyramid. On the other hand, the historic heart of Lima, the Cercado de Lima, is full of colonial-era architecture. This World Heritage Site is the capital's oldest neighborhood and has a rich scope of marvelous architecture left behind by Spanish influences. The Plaza de Armas, Lima's main square, is framed by the Baroque Revival grandeur of the Government Palace, while Lima's City Hall is a timeless vision in its bright yellow facade. Lima has also evolved into a gastronomical powerhouse in the last decade, with as many as 16,000 cevicherias and a multitude of contemporary restaurants offering brilliant culinary surprises.