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.
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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.
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.
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.
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Stroll around the Amano Pre-Columbian Museum with its exquisite collection of ceramics and textiles.
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.
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.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
A stylish property in the heart of the upscale district of Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Miraflores is a contemporary 17-story accommodation afforded with far-reaching views over the urban landscape and Pacific coast. A selection of Peruvian artwork and prized colonial-era antiques grace the communal spaces, while two dining options serve a flagship gourmet menu of local Limeño and Peruvian cuisine. Additional facilities include a heated indoor pool with open-air terrace, fully equipped gym, massage rooms and a beauty salon.
Once home to the well-known Peruvian artist Victor Delfin, Second Home is a cosy art-filled guesthouse perched high on a cliff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just one block from the centre of Barranco. Surrounded by the noises of crashing waves and the bustling city, Delfin still lives next door in a visitable studio where guests can watch him paint or sculpt and talk to him (in Spanish) about his work by appointment.
A charming property that heralds from the 1920s, Villa Barranco is a former home now converted into a small boutique hotel that sits close to the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the eateries and galleries that are now synonymous with this cultural and artistic district, the property’s lush private garden and ocean-view rooftop bar double as serene retreats away from the bustling city. Its nine wood-floored elegant rooms and suites, each exceptionally and uniquely furnished, are flooded with light through large windows and interspersed with brightly coloured paintings. Some even feature private terraces, while others boast balconies and split-level interiors.
An exclusive colonial-style property situated in the exclusive San Isidro residential district, Country Club Lima is not only recognised as an iconic hotel but also a national monument. An astounding marble-floored lobby, overhung with antique chandeliers and adorned with enormous bunches of indigenous flowers, showcases the impressive results of several ambitious refurbishment projects that succeeded in retaining and enhancing the strong visual aesthetics of its 1920s origins.
A once residential seaside mansion that dates back to 1920, Hotel B was carefully restored by a team of sculptors and carpenters under the supervision of an Italian master woodworker. A tranquil candlelit library houses books and antiquated decorative maps, while an enclosed jasmine-scented central patio provides an ideal al fresco breakfast setting.
An elegant high-rise property overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Belmond Miraflores Park is an exclusive all-suite hideaway in the residential district of Miraflores in Lima, known as The City of the Kings. Two immersive restaurants, the 11th-floor Observatory and The Tragaluz offer romantic chandelier-clad and al fresco dining options, while a heated rooftop infinity pool, gym and Andean-inspired spa round up the luxe on-site facilities. Its 89 plush suites, all with handsome views towards the coastline or cityscape, fuse large marble bathrooms with authentic Peruvian aesthetics, and some even offer private indigenous flower garden terraces and panoramic plunge pools.
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.
Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.
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.
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