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  • Amy Waters snow biking Our Team

    Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.

  • William Dalrymple Our Tour Experts

    We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.

  • Liz Bonnin Heroes and Heroines

    The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Lima Cathedral, Peru

Lima

Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, in colonial times Lima was considered the City of the Kings, and UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1988.

On first impressions Lima is often overlooked, but beneath the soaring commercial structures that crowd the skyline of Peru’s capital city, is an endearing historical centre that has preserved its glorious past despite the passage of time and the ravages of the Pacific sea air. Aside from the treasure trove of attractions in Lima’s historical centre, the financial district of Miraflores is home to many boutiques, beautiful parks, leading hotels and superb restaurants.

Cathedral, Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru

A little more about Lima

Among Lima’s highlights is the beautiful historic centre with the Plaza de Armas, which has served many purposes including impromptu bullfights, and buildings such as the Convent of San Francisco and the Casa Aliaga, a beautiful mansion that is currently the oldest continuously inhabited private dwelling in the southern hemisphere.

Of all the fine churches in Lima, few compare to the colonial-era splendour of Iglesia de San Francisco and its eerie crypt of catacombs that lie beneath the monastery’s foundations, making it a must-see for most visitors.

Lima Cathedral, Peru
Lima Cathedral, Peru

There are also numerous prestigious museums and private collections that offer an excellent insight into the country’s rich heritage, such as the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, home to over 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history. So whilst many see Lima as the gateway to the rest of Peru, the city is certainly worthy of a few days exploration.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Lima Coastline, from Miraflores Distrcit, Peru

Rooftop Dining Experience

Dine at one of the impressive rooftop terraces and sip sundowners with views over the Pacific Ocean.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Local woman weaving textiles, Peru

Visit a Pre-Columbian Textile Museum

Stroll around the Amano Pre-Columbian Museum with its exquisite collection of ceramics and textiles.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Villena Rey Bridge, Miraflores District, Lima, Peru

Explore Miraflores

Stroll around the city, uncovering its plethora of local eateries and artisan markets, or amble along the 6-mile boardwalk that hugs the coast and try beginners’ surfing.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Saint Francis Monastery, Lima, Peru

Convent of San Francisco Library

Explore the stunning library hidden within the Convent of San Francisco monastery.

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our Peru experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


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