![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_lima_historical-centre-2-e1516759119797.jpg\")
<\/a>Lima’s historic streets<\/p><\/div>\n
Be prepared for Lima to lure you in as it did me…<\/p>\n
What to do in Lima: the main attractions<\/h3>\n
Of course, in a city that stretches 2,672\u00a0km\u00b2 you\u2019ll need more than a day or two to see and do it all. Nevertheless, here are several attractions to get you off, running, and falling in love with the \u201cPearl of the Pacific.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Plaza Mayor<\/strong><\/h5>\nFor a 360-degree view of Lima\u2019s colonial history and architecture, there\u2019s no better place than the Plaza Mayor of Lima. Located at the heart of the historic center, the Plaza Mayor is flanked by some of the city\u2019s most historic and important buildings, including the Government Palace, Archbishop\u2019s Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and City Hall. The Plaza itself is spacious and stunning with a fountain, statues, green spaces, and plenty of palm trees. Come at noon and you\u2019ll have a front row seat to the changing of the guard in front of the Government Palace.<\/p>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_lima_group_square.jpg\")
<\/a>An Intrepid group exploring Plaza Mayor<\/p><\/div>\n
The San Francisco Monastery<\/strong><\/h5>\nLocated just a block away from the Plaza Mayor is the San Francisco Monastery and Church \u2013 a bright yellow Baroque-style construction that dates back to the 1600s. Although decked out in gilded altars and latticework and home to ancient religious texts, it\u2019s the deep and dark catacombs that truly draw people through its oversized doors.<\/p>\n
For 10 soles (roughly $3), you can take a guided tour of the catacombs to see the largest of Lima\u2019s original burial grounds. The bones of more than 70,000 bodies are stacked and arranged in circular patterns, making for both a spine-tingling and spectacular experience. The San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs are open from 9:30am to 5:45pm daily.<\/p>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_lima-main-square.jpg\")
<\/a>Peru’s Plaza Mayor looking dazzling, as always<\/p><\/div>\n
The Larco Museum<\/strong><\/h5>\nIf you visit just one museum in Lima, make it the Larco Museum. Home to the world\u2019s largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and located in a gorgeous 18th<\/sup> century mansion, the museum takes you through centuries upon centuries of history. Wander its open-to-the-public storerooms and gawk at the museum\u2019s collection of erotic ceramics and artifacts (yes, you read that right). The Larco Museum is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Admission is 30 soles (about $9).<\/p>\nREAD MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT NORTHERN PERU, HOME TO ‘THE NEW MACHU PICCHU’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Malec\u00f3n<\/strong><\/h5>\nEl Malec\u00f3n <\/em>is essentially a boardwalk that runs atop the dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores (an affluent district home to tons of hotels and shops). The boardwalk itself is six miles of bike lanes, walking trails, parks, and eateries, including Larcomar<\/a>, a popular open-air food and shopping center. Be sure to visit the famous Parque del Amor where artist Victor Delfin\u2019s statue \u201cThe Kiss\u201d stands loudly amidst the gardens and mosaic seating.<\/p>\nHead to Parque Raimondi if paragliding over the Pacific sounds appealing and try to catch at least one sunset here before leaving Lima.<\/p>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_lima_coast_beach_waves.jpg\")
<\/a>Coastal Lima is sensational<\/p><\/div>\n
Huaca Pucllana<\/strong><\/h5>\nHuaca Pucllana<\/a>, a 22-meter-high adobe pyramid built by the pre-Inca Lima culture, is the most notable of Lima\u2019s archaeological sites. It\u2019s situated amidst the glamorous high rises of Miraflores, painting an eye-opening contrast between Lima\u2019s ancient past and very modern present. The site is believed to date back to 500 A.D.<\/p>\nCome for a late afternoon tour and then follow it up with a meal at the on-site restaurant<\/a> for a front row seat to the spectacular illuminated ruins after sunset. The ruins are open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 12 soles (a little less than $4).<\/p>\nVISIT LIMA (AND MORE) ON ONE OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN PERU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua<\/strong><\/h5>\nLocated in downtown Lima at the Parque de la Reserva, El Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua <\/a>\u00a0features 13 illuminated fountains plus a spectacular fountain show set to music and light. Three times a night (7:15, 8:15, and 9:30), the 130-yard Fuente de la Fantasia erupts into a choreographed show of water, lasers, and music.<\/p>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_lima-city-night-street-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Lima at night is a feast for the senses<\/p><\/div>\n
After the show, meander through the park to enjoy the other fountains including, the T\u00fanel<\/em> de las Sorpresas<\/em>, a 28-yard tunnel of water that you can walk through, and the Laberinto del Ensue\u00f1o<\/em>, a tricky maze of water that requires both good timing and a slight risk of getting absolutely soaked. The fountains are open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 10:30pm. Admission is 4 soles (a little more than $1).<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Peru-banner.gif\")
<\/a>What to eat in Lima<\/h3>\nFrom gourmet cuisine to the freshest seafood, unique fusion dishes, and craft beverages, there is truly no better destination to indulge and imbibe. You’ll want to try it all so come hungry and<\/em> thirsty.<\/p>\nWorld\u2019s best restaurants<\/strong><\/h5>\nLima is home to three restaurants on the World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants<\/a> list:\u00a0Central<\/a> (No. 5), Maido<\/a> (No. 8), and Astrid y Gast\u00f3n<\/a> (No. 33). Each packs quite the culinary experience, including 17-course meals and food that more resembles art than an edible dish! If you\u2019re into fine dining and experiencing cuisine from some of the world\u2019s best chefs, definitely don\u2019t miss the chance to dine at one of these restaurants. Just remember to make a reservation.<\/p>\nSeafood and ceviche<\/strong><\/h5>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Cusco_Food_Ceviche.jpg\")
<\/a>Peruvian ceviche is simply unparalleled<\/p><\/div>\n
With the teeming Pacific waters practically out its back door and a centuries-old culinary heritage to pull from, it\u2019s no wonder that some of the best seafood cuisine can be found in Lima. It\u2019s both fresh and creative. Find dishes like arroz con mariscos<\/em>, jalea<\/em>, tiradito<\/em>, and of course ceviche<\/em> on menus throughout the city. For a list of restaurant recommendations both on- and off-the-beaten-path, check out my recent Lima seafood guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nLima food recommendations from Gary Cohen, Intrepid\u2019s General Manager for South America tours:<\/strong><\/p>\nSome of my favorite restaurants include Maido (Miraflores) for Peruvian-Japanese fusion, Isolina (Barranco) for old school Peruvian recipes or La Mar (Miraflores) for sensational ceviche and seafood. For some incredible, more hidden spots go to Canta Rana (Barranco) for traditional seafood and Bao (Miraflores) for laid-back Peruvian-Asian snacks.<\/p>\n
Finally, I strongly recommend trying any of the local-led Urban Adventures day tours, especially\u00a0this one\u00a0with a local Peruvian family. You visit a local Lima market, learn how to make Pisco sours, and enjoy homemade cuisine with the locals!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Fusion cuisine<\/strong><\/h5>\nWhat sets Peru apart from the rest of the world\u2019s culinary traditions is its unique blend of multicultural influence. Every flavor in Peru\u2019s most typical dishes is based on this and Lima is reigning king. You\u2019ll find everything from Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to Chinese-Peruvian Chifa and Afro-Peruvian Creole cuisines.<\/p>\n
The fusion dishes you must try while in Lima are anticuchos<\/em>, papa a la huanca\u00edna<\/em>, lomo saltado<\/em>, ceviche<\/em>, and tacu tacu<\/em>.<\/p>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Cusco_Food_Alpaca.jpg\")
<\/a>Alpaca is also a must-try<\/p><\/div>\n
Bars and clubs in Lima<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether you want a cold craft beer or Peru\u2019s national drink, the pisco sour, you have plenty of options at hand. I recommend you target the Barranco neighborhood for a variety of top-notch bars and breweries all close to each other. Unsurprisingly, the area is also home to some of Lima\u2019s most popular nightlife.<\/p>\n
For brews, head to Barranco Beer Company<\/a>. For pisco sours and cocktails, don\u2019t miss Barra 55<\/a> and Ayahuasca<\/a>. For nightlife, Sargento Pimienta<\/a> always comes through.<\/p>\n—<\/p>\n
<\/a>An Intrepid group exploring Plaza Mayor<\/p><\/div>\n
The San Francisco Monastery<\/strong><\/h5>\nLocated just a block away from the Plaza Mayor is the San Francisco Monastery and Church \u2013 a bright yellow Baroque-style construction that dates back to the 1600s. Although decked out in gilded altars and latticework and home to ancient religious texts, it\u2019s the deep and dark catacombs that truly draw people through its oversized doors.<\/p>\n
For 10 soles (roughly $3), you can take a guided tour of the catacombs to see the largest of Lima\u2019s original burial grounds. The bones of more than 70,000 bodies are stacked and arranged in circular patterns, making for both a spine-tingling and spectacular experience. The San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs are open from 9:30am to 5:45pm daily.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Peru’s Plaza Mayor looking dazzling, as always<\/p><\/div>\n
The Larco Museum<\/strong><\/h5>\nIf you visit just one museum in Lima, make it the Larco Museum. Home to the world\u2019s largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and located in a gorgeous 18th<\/sup> century mansion, the museum takes you through centuries upon centuries of history. Wander its open-to-the-public storerooms and gawk at the museum\u2019s collection of erotic ceramics and artifacts (yes, you read that right). The Larco Museum is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Admission is 30 soles (about $9).<\/p>\nREAD MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT NORTHERN PERU, HOME TO ‘THE NEW MACHU PICCHU’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Malec\u00f3n<\/strong><\/h5>\nEl Malec\u00f3n <\/em>is essentially a boardwalk that runs atop the dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores (an affluent district home to tons of hotels and shops). The boardwalk itself is six miles of bike lanes, walking trails, parks, and eateries, including Larcomar<\/a>, a popular open-air food and shopping center. Be sure to visit the famous Parque del Amor where artist Victor Delfin\u2019s statue \u201cThe Kiss\u201d stands loudly amidst the gardens and mosaic seating.<\/p>\nHead to Parque Raimondi if paragliding over the Pacific sounds appealing and try to catch at least one sunset here before leaving Lima.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Coastal Lima is sensational<\/p><\/div>\n
Huaca Pucllana<\/strong><\/h5>\nHuaca Pucllana<\/a>, a 22-meter-high adobe pyramid built by the pre-Inca Lima culture, is the most notable of Lima\u2019s archaeological sites. It\u2019s situated amidst the glamorous high rises of Miraflores, painting an eye-opening contrast between Lima\u2019s ancient past and very modern present. The site is believed to date back to 500 A.D.<\/p>\nCome for a late afternoon tour and then follow it up with a meal at the on-site restaurant<\/a> for a front row seat to the spectacular illuminated ruins after sunset. The ruins are open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 12 soles (a little less than $4).<\/p>\nVISIT LIMA (AND MORE) ON ONE OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN PERU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua<\/strong><\/h5>\nLocated in downtown Lima at the Parque de la Reserva, El Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua <\/a>\u00a0features 13 illuminated fountains plus a spectacular fountain show set to music and light. Three times a night (7:15, 8:15, and 9:30), the 130-yard Fuente de la Fantasia erupts into a choreographed show of water, lasers, and music.<\/p>\n<\/a>Lima at night is a feast for the senses<\/p><\/div>\n
After the show, meander through the park to enjoy the other fountains including, the T\u00fanel<\/em> de las Sorpresas<\/em>, a 28-yard tunnel of water that you can walk through, and the Laberinto del Ensue\u00f1o<\/em>, a tricky maze of water that requires both good timing and a slight risk of getting absolutely soaked. The fountains are open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 10:30pm. Admission is 4 soles (a little more than $1).<\/p>\n<\/a>What to eat in Lima<\/h3>\nFrom gourmet cuisine to the freshest seafood, unique fusion dishes, and craft beverages, there is truly no better destination to indulge and imbibe. You’ll want to try it all so come hungry and<\/em> thirsty.<\/p>\nWorld\u2019s best restaurants<\/strong><\/h5>\nLima is home to three restaurants on the World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants<\/a> list:\u00a0Central<\/a> (No. 5), Maido<\/a> (No. 8), and Astrid y Gast\u00f3n<\/a> (No. 33). Each packs quite the culinary experience, including 17-course meals and food that more resembles art than an edible dish! If you\u2019re into fine dining and experiencing cuisine from some of the world\u2019s best chefs, definitely don\u2019t miss the chance to dine at one of these restaurants. Just remember to make a reservation.<\/p>\nSeafood and ceviche<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/a>Peruvian ceviche is simply unparalleled<\/p><\/div>\n
With the teeming Pacific waters practically out its back door and a centuries-old culinary heritage to pull from, it\u2019s no wonder that some of the best seafood cuisine can be found in Lima. It\u2019s both fresh and creative. Find dishes like arroz con mariscos<\/em>, jalea<\/em>, tiradito<\/em>, and of course ceviche<\/em> on menus throughout the city. For a list of restaurant recommendations both on- and off-the-beaten-path, check out my recent Lima seafood guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nLima food recommendations from Gary Cohen, Intrepid\u2019s General Manager for South America tours:<\/strong><\/p>\nSome of my favorite restaurants include Maido (Miraflores) for Peruvian-Japanese fusion, Isolina (Barranco) for old school Peruvian recipes or La Mar (Miraflores) for sensational ceviche and seafood. For some incredible, more hidden spots go to Canta Rana (Barranco) for traditional seafood and Bao (Miraflores) for laid-back Peruvian-Asian snacks.<\/p>\n
Finally, I strongly recommend trying any of the local-led Urban Adventures day tours, especially\u00a0this one\u00a0with a local Peruvian family. You visit a local Lima market, learn how to make Pisco sours, and enjoy homemade cuisine with the locals!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Fusion cuisine<\/strong><\/h5>\nWhat sets Peru apart from the rest of the world\u2019s culinary traditions is its unique blend of multicultural influence. Every flavor in Peru\u2019s most typical dishes is based on this and Lima is reigning king. You\u2019ll find everything from Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to Chinese-Peruvian Chifa and Afro-Peruvian Creole cuisines.<\/p>\n
The fusion dishes you must try while in Lima are anticuchos<\/em>, papa a la huanca\u00edna<\/em>, lomo saltado<\/em>, ceviche<\/em>, and tacu tacu<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/a>Alpaca is also a must-try<\/p><\/div>\n
Bars and clubs in Lima<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether you want a cold craft beer or Peru\u2019s national drink, the pisco sour, you have plenty of options at hand. I recommend you target the Barranco neighborhood for a variety of top-notch bars and breweries all close to each other. Unsurprisingly, the area is also home to some of Lima\u2019s most popular nightlife.<\/p>\n
For brews, head to Barranco Beer Company<\/a>. For pisco sours and cocktails, don\u2019t miss Barra 55<\/a> and Ayahuasca<\/a>. For nightlife, Sargento Pimienta<\/a> always comes through.<\/p>\n—<\/p>\n
<\/a>Peru’s Plaza Mayor looking dazzling, as always<\/p><\/div>\n
The Larco Museum<\/strong><\/h5>\nIf you visit just one museum in Lima, make it the Larco Museum. Home to the world\u2019s largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and located in a gorgeous 18th<\/sup> century mansion, the museum takes you through centuries upon centuries of history. Wander its open-to-the-public storerooms and gawk at the museum\u2019s collection of erotic ceramics and artifacts (yes, you read that right). The Larco Museum is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Admission is 30 soles (about $9).<\/p>\nREAD MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT NORTHERN PERU, HOME TO ‘THE NEW MACHU PICCHU’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Malec\u00f3n<\/strong><\/h5>\nEl Malec\u00f3n <\/em>is essentially a boardwalk that runs atop the dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores (an affluent district home to tons of hotels and shops). The boardwalk itself is six miles of bike lanes, walking trails, parks, and eateries, including Larcomar<\/a>, a popular open-air food and shopping center. Be sure to visit the famous Parque del Amor where artist Victor Delfin\u2019s statue \u201cThe Kiss\u201d stands loudly amidst the gardens and mosaic seating.<\/p>\nHead to Parque Raimondi if paragliding over the Pacific sounds appealing and try to catch at least one sunset here before leaving Lima.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Coastal Lima is sensational<\/p><\/div>\n
Huaca Pucllana<\/strong><\/h5>\nHuaca Pucllana<\/a>, a 22-meter-high adobe pyramid built by the pre-Inca Lima culture, is the most notable of Lima\u2019s archaeological sites. It\u2019s situated amidst the glamorous high rises of Miraflores, painting an eye-opening contrast between Lima\u2019s ancient past and very modern present. The site is believed to date back to 500 A.D.<\/p>\nCome for a late afternoon tour and then follow it up with a meal at the on-site restaurant<\/a> for a front row seat to the spectacular illuminated ruins after sunset. The ruins are open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 12 soles (a little less than $4).<\/p>\nVISIT LIMA (AND MORE) ON ONE OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN PERU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEl Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua<\/strong><\/h5>\nLocated in downtown Lima at the Parque de la Reserva, El Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua <\/a>\u00a0features 13 illuminated fountains plus a spectacular fountain show set to music and light. Three times a night (7:15, 8:15, and 9:30), the 130-yard Fuente de la Fantasia erupts into a choreographed show of water, lasers, and music.<\/p>\n<\/a>Lima at night is a feast for the senses<\/p><\/div>\n
After the show, meander through the park to enjoy the other fountains including, the T\u00fanel<\/em> de las Sorpresas<\/em>, a 28-yard tunnel of water that you can walk through, and the Laberinto del Ensue\u00f1o<\/em>, a tricky maze of water that requires both good timing and a slight risk of getting absolutely soaked. The fountains are open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 10:30pm. Admission is 4 soles (a little more than $1).<\/p>\n<\/a>What to eat in Lima<\/h3>\nFrom gourmet cuisine to the freshest seafood, unique fusion dishes, and craft beverages, there is truly no better destination to indulge and imbibe. You’ll want to try it all so come hungry and<\/em> thirsty.<\/p>\nWorld\u2019s best restaurants<\/strong><\/h5>\nLima is home to three restaurants on the World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants<\/a> list:\u00a0Central<\/a> (No. 5), Maido<\/a> (No. 8), and Astrid y Gast\u00f3n<\/a> (No. 33). Each packs quite the culinary experience, including 17-course meals and food that more resembles art than an edible dish! If you\u2019re into fine dining and experiencing cuisine from some of the world\u2019s best chefs, definitely don\u2019t miss the chance to dine at one of these restaurants. Just remember to make a reservation.<\/p>\nSeafood and ceviche<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/a>Peruvian ceviche is simply unparalleled<\/p><\/div>\n
With the teeming Pacific waters practically out its back door and a centuries-old culinary heritage to pull from, it\u2019s no wonder that some of the best seafood cuisine can be found in Lima. It\u2019s both fresh and creative. Find dishes like arroz con mariscos<\/em>, jalea<\/em>, tiradito<\/em>, and of course ceviche<\/em> on menus throughout the city. For a list of restaurant recommendations both on- and off-the-beaten-path, check out my recent Lima seafood guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nLima food recommendations from Gary Cohen, Intrepid\u2019s General Manager for South America tours:<\/strong><\/p>\nSome of my favorite restaurants include Maido (Miraflores) for Peruvian-Japanese fusion, Isolina (Barranco) for old school Peruvian recipes or La Mar (Miraflores) for sensational ceviche and seafood. For some incredible, more hidden spots go to Canta Rana (Barranco) for traditional seafood and Bao (Miraflores) for laid-back Peruvian-Asian snacks.<\/p>\n
Finally, I strongly recommend trying any of the local-led Urban Adventures day tours, especially\u00a0this one\u00a0with a local Peruvian family. You visit a local Lima market, learn how to make Pisco sours, and enjoy homemade cuisine with the locals!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Fusion cuisine<\/strong><\/h5>\nWhat sets Peru apart from the rest of the world\u2019s culinary traditions is its unique blend of multicultural influence. Every flavor in Peru\u2019s most typical dishes is based on this and Lima is reigning king. You\u2019ll find everything from Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to Chinese-Peruvian Chifa and Afro-Peruvian Creole cuisines.<\/p>\n
The fusion dishes you must try while in Lima are anticuchos<\/em>, papa a la huanca\u00edna<\/em>, lomo saltado<\/em>, ceviche<\/em>, and tacu tacu<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/a>Alpaca is also a must-try<\/p><\/div>\n
Bars and clubs in Lima<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether you want a cold craft beer or Peru\u2019s national drink, the pisco sour, you have plenty of options at hand. I recommend you target the Barranco neighborhood for a variety of top-notch bars and breweries all close to each other. Unsurprisingly, the area is also home to some of Lima\u2019s most popular nightlife.<\/p>\n
For brews, head to Barranco Beer Company<\/a>. For pisco sours and cocktails, don\u2019t miss Barra 55<\/a> and Ayahuasca<\/a>. For nightlife, Sargento Pimienta<\/a> always comes through.<\/p>\n—<\/p>\n
READ MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT NORTHERN PERU, HOME TO ‘THE NEW MACHU PICCHU’<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n El Malec\u00f3n <\/em>is essentially a boardwalk that runs atop the dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores (an affluent district home to tons of hotels and shops). The boardwalk itself is six miles of bike lanes, walking trails, parks, and eateries, including Larcomar<\/a>, a popular open-air food and shopping center. Be sure to visit the famous Parque del Amor where artist Victor Delfin\u2019s statue \u201cThe Kiss\u201d stands loudly amidst the gardens and mosaic seating.<\/p>\n Head to Parque Raimondi if paragliding over the Pacific sounds appealing and try to catch at least one sunset here before leaving Lima.<\/p>\n Coastal Lima is sensational<\/p><\/div>\n Huaca Pucllana<\/a>, a 22-meter-high adobe pyramid built by the pre-Inca Lima culture, is the most notable of Lima\u2019s archaeological sites. It\u2019s situated amidst the glamorous high rises of Miraflores, painting an eye-opening contrast between Lima\u2019s ancient past and very modern present. The site is believed to date back to 500 A.D.<\/p>\n Come for a late afternoon tour and then follow it up with a meal at the on-site restaurant<\/a> for a front row seat to the spectacular illuminated ruins after sunset. The ruins are open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 12 soles (a little less than $4).<\/p>\n VISIT LIMA (AND MORE) ON ONE OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN PERU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Located in downtown Lima at the Parque de la Reserva, El Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua <\/a>\u00a0features 13 illuminated fountains plus a spectacular fountain show set to music and light. Three times a night (7:15, 8:15, and 9:30), the 130-yard Fuente de la Fantasia erupts into a choreographed show of water, lasers, and music.<\/p>\n Lima at night is a feast for the senses<\/p><\/div>\n After the show, meander through the park to enjoy the other fountains including, the T\u00fanel<\/em> de las Sorpresas<\/em>, a 28-yard tunnel of water that you can walk through, and the Laberinto del Ensue\u00f1o<\/em>, a tricky maze of water that requires both good timing and a slight risk of getting absolutely soaked. The fountains are open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 10:30pm. Admission is 4 soles (a little more than $1).<\/p>\n From gourmet cuisine to the freshest seafood, unique fusion dishes, and craft beverages, there is truly no better destination to indulge and imbibe. You’ll want to try it all so come hungry and<\/em> thirsty.<\/p>\n Lima is home to three restaurants on the World\u2019s 50 Best Restaurants<\/a> list:\u00a0Central<\/a> (No. 5), Maido<\/a> (No. 8), and Astrid y Gast\u00f3n<\/a> (No. 33). Each packs quite the culinary experience, including 17-course meals and food that more resembles art than an edible dish! If you\u2019re into fine dining and experiencing cuisine from some of the world\u2019s best chefs, definitely don\u2019t miss the chance to dine at one of these restaurants. Just remember to make a reservation.<\/p>\n Peruvian ceviche is simply unparalleled<\/p><\/div>\n With the teeming Pacific waters practically out its back door and a centuries-old culinary heritage to pull from, it\u2019s no wonder that some of the best seafood cuisine can be found in Lima. It\u2019s both fresh and creative. Find dishes like arroz con mariscos<\/em>, jalea<\/em>, tiradito<\/em>, and of course ceviche<\/em> on menus throughout the city. For a list of restaurant recommendations both on- and off-the-beaten-path, check out my recent Lima seafood guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Lima food recommendations from Gary Cohen, Intrepid\u2019s General Manager for South America tours:<\/strong><\/p>\n Some of my favorite restaurants include Maido (Miraflores) for Peruvian-Japanese fusion, Isolina (Barranco) for old school Peruvian recipes or La Mar (Miraflores) for sensational ceviche and seafood. For some incredible, more hidden spots go to Canta Rana (Barranco) for traditional seafood and Bao (Miraflores) for laid-back Peruvian-Asian snacks.<\/p>\n Finally, I strongly recommend trying any of the local-led Urban Adventures day tours, especially\u00a0this one\u00a0with a local Peruvian family. You visit a local Lima market, learn how to make Pisco sours, and enjoy homemade cuisine with the locals!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n What sets Peru apart from the rest of the world\u2019s culinary traditions is its unique blend of multicultural influence. Every flavor in Peru\u2019s most typical dishes is based on this and Lima is reigning king. You\u2019ll find everything from Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to Chinese-Peruvian Chifa and Afro-Peruvian Creole cuisines.<\/p>\n The fusion dishes you must try while in Lima are anticuchos<\/em>, papa a la huanca\u00edna<\/em>, lomo saltado<\/em>, ceviche<\/em>, and tacu tacu<\/em>.<\/p>\n Alpaca is also a must-try<\/p><\/div>\n Whether you want a cold craft beer or Peru\u2019s national drink, the pisco sour, you have plenty of options at hand. I recommend you target the Barranco neighborhood for a variety of top-notch bars and breweries all close to each other. Unsurprisingly, the area is also home to some of Lima\u2019s most popular nightlife.<\/p>\n For brews, head to Barranco Beer Company<\/a>. For pisco sours and cocktails, don\u2019t miss Barra 55<\/a> and Ayahuasca<\/a>. For nightlife, Sargento Pimienta<\/a> always comes through.<\/p>\n —<\/p>\nEl Malec\u00f3n<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a>Huaca Pucllana<\/strong><\/h5>\n
El Circuito M\u00e1gico del Agua<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a><\/a>What to eat in Lima<\/h3>\nWorld\u2019s best restaurants<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Seafood and ceviche<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a>Fusion cuisine<\/strong><\/h5>\n
<\/a>Bars and clubs in Lima<\/strong><\/h3>\n