Ancient meets modern in Peru’s charismatic capital where you can see Inca pyramids and art curated by Mario Testino in the same day.
Here’s the low-down on Lima…
Culture trip
Lima’s coolest barrio (neighbourhood) is inarguably the artsy, bohemian Barranco and the person to explore it with is Maria Julia Raffo, a guide with high-end tour company Aracari. Make no mistake: Maria knows everyone and is just the person to introduce you to top fashion studios Meche Correa and Escudo.
Then make for the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art to lean about the people who lived in Peru long before the Spanish arrived. For something more contemporary, check out MAC (the Museum of Contemporary Art), Mario Testino’s MATE and the Museo Pedro de Osma.
Sleepover
The city’s swankiest boutique hotel? Take a bow Belmond Miraflores Park which was crowned Peru’s Leading Hotel 2017 by World Travel Awards, no less.
Set in a verdant garden, Belmond Miraflores Park is a true urban sanctuary. Unwind in Zest Spa, or put in some extra work hours in the sophisticated Executive Lounge. Come evening, ascend to the rooftop pool for a sunset dip - the ocean views will take your breath away
Shop to it
Shopaholics will want to put Artesanías Las Pallas at the top of their Lima travel plans. Run by British expat Mari Solari, who relocated to Lima in the sixties, this part shop, part museum houses an impressive collection of arts and crafts - think intricate jewellery, rugs, ceramics and more - all handpicked by the owner. Be warned: a trip here will decimate your baggage allowance.
Eat up
Planning for a visit to Peru for the food? Make a beeline for the Miraflores district. Central, with its Michelin starred chef, is the place for an Andean-inspired tasting menu.
Alternatively make for El Mercado for fantastic ceviche - Peru’s famous and delicious dish consisting of fresh fish marinated in lime juice with hot peppers - washed down with a strong Pisco Sour.
Alternatively try Amaz where the speciality is, erm, snails the size of your fist.
Back in Barranco, try Isolina which serves large bowls of classic Limeño home cooking.
Take a stroll
Do as the locals do while in Lima and stroll along the Malecon, a six-mile stretch of parks situated along the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean. The Malecon features two of Lima’s most popular tourist attractions in Larcomar and Parque del Amor, as well as the Parapuerto paragliding service and the Faro lighthouse.