#limatours

When travelers choose Peru as their next destination, the majority of them plan their visit to get to Machu Picchu as soon as possible, and end-up missing the many varied cultural and recreational activities that Peru has to offer. A common comment from visitors is that if they had known more about Peru, they would have planned their trip differently; therefore, if you are planning a visit, you should carefully research all possible options to get the most out of your vacation in Peru.

An example of this is the region of Lima. Many travelers think that Lima, the capital city, is just another overpopulated capital with not much to offer. Although Lima is a heavily populated metropolis, most of its population comes from the other 23 regions of Peru, thus making it a multicultural capital where all the diverse customs and practices of Peruvians converge to offer a great experience to travelers.

Thus, Lima is history, culture, food, and a coast with beautiful beaches. The history of the region of Lima started with the people of Caral about 5,000 years ago. Caral was discovered in 1997 by the Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady, and as of today it is the oldest civilization of the Americas. It is believed that their sociopolitical organization served as inspiration for the rest of civilizations which arose in the central Andes of Peru. The remains of this interesting archaeological site are located in the Supe Valley, two and a half hours away from downtown Lima. Before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, the city of Lima was chosen to be an important administrative site by the Lima, Wari, and Inca civilizations as proven by the remains of archaeological sites such as Huaca Pucllana, Cajamarquilla, and Pachacamac, respectively. The artifacts and remains of these and other Peruvian civilizations are on display in the city’s many museums.  

Several shows in the city allow travelers to experience and learn about Peru’s various customs. For instance, La Dama Juana Restaurant offers a buffet dinner show, where dancers perform some of the most popular genres of the coast, the Andes, and the rainforest. The show is well executed and provides a unique experience where travelers can observe the syncretism of Spanish and native Peruvian customs. The Spanish conquerors also introduced horses to Peru. The horses brought to Peru adapted to their new environment, eventually creating a new breed. These horses, known by their four-beat lateral gait, can be enjoyed every Sunday at “La Hacienda Mamacona,” where a buffet-style lunch is also served.

For food lovers, Peru can be a paradise. In the last 15 years, Peru has become a popular culinary destination, and Peruvian restaurants all around the globe are recognized and prized by the most well-known and popular food magazines and critics. This fame has been gained thanks to its unique native products, the cooking techniques developed over a long period of time by native Peruvians, and the culinary practices brought to Peru by waves of various immigrants, such as the Spaniards, Africans, Chinese, Italians, Japanese, among others. All this diversity can be fully enjoyed in the city of Lima, where the most recognized restaurants of Peru are located. Lima offers restaurants with food options for all tastes and incomes, and travelers won’t be disappointed with any of them. Some restaurants such as “Central,” “Maido,” “Osaka,” “Astrid y Gastón,” and “ámaZ” require reservations made well in advance.

The city of Lima has a totally different feel depending upon when it is visited. From mid-November to April Lima enjoys a lot of sunshine as well as spectacular sunsets. The rest of the year is generally overcast. Going for a walk or a bike ride in the boulevard that connects the districts of San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco is a singular experience, but embarking on any of these activities during the summer is a truly incredible one. Also, enjoying a Ceviche with a beer or a Pisco Sour with the view of the Pacific Ocean during a sunny day is just a total pleasure.