9 ways to explore Lima, the capital of Peru
LIMA, THE capital city of Peru, South America, with its colonial charm and seaside suburbs as well as ancient sites and an emerging art scene, is much more than just a stopover city.
EXPLORE THE CITY'S HISTORICAL CENTRE
Start off at the main square Plaza Mayor, lined with majestic buildings with intricately carved, wooden balconies. This square is where Lima was founded on January 18, 1535, by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The Government Palace is the office of Peru's president-watch the ceremonial changing of the guard around noon every day. Close by is the Peruvian House of Literature - it is Lima's old train station with a stained glass ceiling, which was restored in 2009 and turned into a reading room. Peek into the Lima Cathedral which dates back to 1535 with elements from baroque, neoclassical, and Gothic styles. Inside you'll find the tomb of Francisco Pizarro. Walk to Plaza San Martin, named in honour of Peru's liberator, Don Jose de San Martin. Admire the neoclassical and art deco architecture along Jiron de la Union, a pedestrian street that links Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin.
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VISIT THE AGE-OLD CATACOMBS
Lima is lined with countless colonial churches, monasteries and convents. Visit the baroque church of San Francisco, with gilded altars and carved wooden choirs; don't miss the religious art with master pieces by Spanish artists and its library with over 25,000 antique texts. Most people come here to visit its eerie catacombs in the crypts which, as the city's main burial place until 1808, holds thousands of skulls and bones. From here head to the Santo Domingo convent - a sprawling courtyard complex lined with baroque paintings, vintage Spanish tiles and the tombs of three Peruvian saints.
Stroll through the tree lined artsy, neighbourhood of Barranco, with a wealth of street art and graffiti. Photo: Mail Today
SOAK IN THE MUSEUM CULTURE OF THE CITY
My favourite museum was the Larco Museum which showcases 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history through more than 45,000 archaeological objects, such as ceramics, mummies, textiles, erotic art, gold and silver jewellery. Don't forget to have a local lucuma mousse (made from a native fruit) at the cafe here. The National Archaeology, Anthropology and History Museum, is the city's largest public museum with priceless treasures from all over the country. M.A.T.E. dedicated to the work of the renowned Lima-born photographer Mario Testino is another museum worth a visit.
DISCOVER BOHEMIAN BARRANCO
Stroll through the tree lined artsy, neighbourhood of the city with a wealth of street art and graffiti. Old mansions laden with bright bougainvillea that used to be the seaside homes of the rich have been converted into art galleries and craft shops. Vibrant cafes and restaurants line the streets. Walk along Bajada de los Banos, a cobblestone walkway that leads to the sea and make a stop at the wooden bridge Puente de los Suspiros. Pick up Peruvian crafts at Dedalo which also has an outdoor cafe.
Lima Cathedral which dates back to 1535. Photo: Mail Today
TIME TRAVEL IN A HUACA
Plenty of Pre-Incan adobe pyramids that were ceremonial centres, called Huacas can be found in and around Lima. Since Lima is actually located in a desert area and gets only about 1 to 2 inches of rain per year, these structures have stood the test of time. Visit the Huaca Pucllana in the Miraflores area, a pyramid made with clay adobe bricks in seven platforms, which predates the Incas by centuries. There is also an onsite museum that showcases many of the tools, ceramics and textiles that were found by archaeologists. Another towering mound that stands tall is Huaca Huallamarca, in the middle of the financial district San Isidro.
TAKE A LONG WALK IN THE PARK
Take a walk along El Malecon, a six-mile stretch of parks situated along the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean, with sweeping ocean views, watching paragliders and surfers. Stop at the Parque Del Amor where the amorous sculpture "El Beso" by Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin sits in the middle of a small amphitheater, with beautiful mosaic murals and romantic writings. Explore the Parque el Olivar in the San Isidro area with more than 1,500 olive trees, fountains and walking paths; they were first planted in the 16th century by the Spanish with saplings brought in from Seville.
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FIND A COMFORTABLE BED TO CRASH
Stay at the atmospheric boutique Hotel B in Barranco, a Relais & Chateaux property - this former Belle Epoque summer home is now decorated with contemporary art and artifacts. http://hotelb.pe. Another great option is the luxe Country Club Lima, in San Isidro, belonging to the LHW (Leading Hotels of the World) with gleaming silver ware, chandeliers and old tiles. It also has a golf course in the middle of the city. https://www.lhw.com
Larco Museum showcases 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history through objects such as ceramics. Photo: Mail Today
SHOP FOR PERUVIAN ARTEFACTS
Peru is famous for its vibrant crafts and jewellery, Head to the colourful Mercado Indio on Petit Thouars, with artisanal markets where you can pick up typical Peruvian souvenirs: alpaca sweaters and ponchos, mates bourilados (intricately carved gourds), woven handbags, hand painted pottery, silver jewellery, ceramic wares and colourful textiles-bedspreads, tablecloths, rugs and cushion covers. For unique wood and silver crafts, check out Ilaria which has an outlet at the airport.
NEVER FORGET TO DIG INTO PERUVIAN FOOD
Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America - of the World's 50 Best Restaurants; two of the top 10 are in Lima. Book ahead if you want to eat at Chef Virgilio Martinez's iconic Central (www.centralrestaurante. com.pe).
If you don't want to splurge, you can have the tastiest ceviche - fish lightly cooked in the juice of strong lemons, with raw onion and chilli in small eateries along with the signature drink of the country - Pisco sours, which contain grape brandy, lime, and egg white.
Try the classic version at Bar Maury, which claims to have invented the pisco sour, just a block south of Plaza de Armas. For stylish Peruvian food that does not break the bank, head to Tanta which serves Peruvian dishes, fusion pastas, Juices, salads and sandwiches and has many branches around the city.
EXPLORE THE CITY'S HISTORICAL CENTRE
Start off at the main square Plaza Mayor, lined with majestic buildings with intricately carved, wooden balconies. This square is where Lima was founded on January 18, 1535, by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The Government Palace is the office of Peru's president-watch the ceremonial changing of the guard around noon every day. Close by is the Peruvian House of Literature - it is Lima's old train station with a stained glass ceiling, which was restored in 2009 and turned into a reading room. Peek into the Lima Cathedral which dates back to 1535 with elements from baroque, neoclassical, and Gothic styles. Inside you'll find the tomb of Francisco Pizarro. Walk to Plaza San Martin, named in honour of Peru's liberator, Don Jose de San Martin. Admire the neoclassical and art deco architecture along Jiron de la Union, a pedestrian street that links Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin.
VISIT THE AGE-OLD CATACOMBS
Lima is lined with countless colonial churches, monasteries and convents. Visit the baroque church of San Francisco, with gilded altars and carved wooden choirs; don't miss the religious art with master pieces by Spanish artists and its library with over 25,000 antique texts. Most people come here to visit its eerie catacombs in the crypts which, as the city's main burial place until 1808, holds thousands of skulls and bones. From here head to the Santo Domingo convent - a sprawling courtyard complex lined with baroque paintings, vintage Spanish tiles and the tombs of three Peruvian saints.
Stroll through the tree lined artsy, neighbourhood of Barranco, with a wealth of street art and graffiti. Photo: Mail TodaySOAK IN THE MUSEUM CULTURE OF THE CITY
My favourite museum was the Larco Museum which showcases 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history through more than 45,000 archaeological objects, such as ceramics, mummies, textiles, erotic art, gold and silver jewellery. Don't forget to have a local lucuma mousse (made from a native fruit) at the cafe here. The National Archaeology, Anthropology and History Museum, is the city's largest public museum with priceless treasures from all over the country. M.A.T.E. dedicated to the work of the renowned Lima-born photographer Mario Testino is another museum worth a visit.
DISCOVER BOHEMIAN BARRANCO
Stroll through the tree lined artsy, neighbourhood of the city with a wealth of street art and graffiti. Old mansions laden with bright bougainvillea that used to be the seaside homes of the rich have been converted into art galleries and craft shops. Vibrant cafes and restaurants line the streets. Walk along Bajada de los Banos, a cobblestone walkway that leads to the sea and make a stop at the wooden bridge Puente de los Suspiros. Pick up Peruvian crafts at Dedalo which also has an outdoor cafe.
Lima Cathedral which dates back to 1535. Photo: Mail TodayTIME TRAVEL IN A HUACA
Plenty of Pre-Incan adobe pyramids that were ceremonial centres, called Huacas can be found in and around Lima. Since Lima is actually located in a desert area and gets only about 1 to 2 inches of rain per year, these structures have stood the test of time. Visit the Huaca Pucllana in the Miraflores area, a pyramid made with clay adobe bricks in seven platforms, which predates the Incas by centuries. There is also an onsite museum that showcases many of the tools, ceramics and textiles that were found by archaeologists. Another towering mound that stands tall is Huaca Huallamarca, in the middle of the financial district San Isidro.
TAKE A LONG WALK IN THE PARK
Take a walk along El Malecon, a six-mile stretch of parks situated along the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean, with sweeping ocean views, watching paragliders and surfers. Stop at the Parque Del Amor where the amorous sculpture "El Beso" by Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin sits in the middle of a small amphitheater, with beautiful mosaic murals and romantic writings. Explore the Parque el Olivar in the San Isidro area with more than 1,500 olive trees, fountains and walking paths; they were first planted in the 16th century by the Spanish with saplings brought in from Seville.
Also Read: Frankfurt: Exploring the gorgeous German City
FIND A COMFORTABLE BED TO CRASH
Stay at the atmospheric boutique Hotel B in Barranco, a Relais & Chateaux property - this former Belle Epoque summer home is now decorated with contemporary art and artifacts. http://hotelb.pe. Another great option is the luxe Country Club Lima, in San Isidro, belonging to the LHW (Leading Hotels of the World) with gleaming silver ware, chandeliers and old tiles. It also has a golf course in the middle of the city. https://www.lhw.com
Larco Museum showcases 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history through objects such as ceramics. Photo: Mail TodaySHOP FOR PERUVIAN ARTEFACTS
Peru is famous for its vibrant crafts and jewellery, Head to the colourful Mercado Indio on Petit Thouars, with artisanal markets where you can pick up typical Peruvian souvenirs: alpaca sweaters and ponchos, mates bourilados (intricately carved gourds), woven handbags, hand painted pottery, silver jewellery, ceramic wares and colourful textiles-bedspreads, tablecloths, rugs and cushion covers. For unique wood and silver crafts, check out Ilaria which has an outlet at the airport.
NEVER FORGET TO DIG INTO PERUVIAN FOOD
Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America - of the World's 50 Best Restaurants; two of the top 10 are in Lima. Book ahead if you want to eat at Chef Virgilio Martinez's iconic Central (www.centralrestaurante. com.pe).
If you don't want to splurge, you can have the tastiest ceviche - fish lightly cooked in the juice of strong lemons, with raw onion and chilli in small eateries along with the signature drink of the country - Pisco sours, which contain grape brandy, lime, and egg white.
Try the classic version at Bar Maury, which claims to have invented the pisco sour, just a block south of Plaza de Armas. For stylish Peruvian food that does not break the bank, head to Tanta which serves Peruvian dishes, fusion pastas, Juices, salads and sandwiches and has many branches around the city.
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