Vibrant Urban Scene

For first-timers, Peru’s capital city – just like many of the world’s greatest metropolises – can seem daunting, disorderly, chaotic and sprawling. Lima isn’t necessarily a love-at-first-sight destination, but first impressions can be misleading. The longer you stick around, the more you’ll get a true feel for the city and it won’t be long until you are smitten.

Lima is wildly diverse and indeed it is this diversity that is so intrinsic to its appeal. European, Asian, African and Andean influences combine to create vibrant and multifaceted cultural, music, arts, theater and food scenes. There are fabulous restaurants and modern shopping malls; open-air markets and arts and crafts fairs; world-class museums and thriving local galleries; and a boisterous night life to boot.

Despite being one of the driest cities in the world, Lima is rather verdant. In fact, gardens and green spaces have always been one of the city’s strengths. Chief among them is the Malecón, a six-mile stretch of cliff-top parks overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Lima also lays claim to a flourishing food scene, arguably the best in the country. When it comes to what to eat, the options are near limitless. Food trucks, markets and street stalls dole out everything from sandwiches to churros (deep-fried dough treats) to ice cream. With regards to restaurants, the options are just as plentiful. You could have a classic Criollo breakfast, Japanese lunch and Middle Eastern dinner. Enter Lima’s Chinatown and you’d be forgiven for thinking you had somehow hopped across to another continent, a sensation bolstered by the many authentic restaurants and Chinese markets, where all kinds of unfamiliar herbs and gastronomic oddities are hawked.

Lima also possesses a fertile nightlife scene. The artsy Barranco neighborhood is a particularly atmospheric after-dark destination with several phenomenal seaside restaurants and bohemian bars. Sip a pisco sour and listen to live music performances, or try dinner and a show at Peña, a traditional nightclub known for its Afro-Peruvian music and dancing.

Lima is a little like an orange; peel away that tough outer layer and you’ll find lots of appetizing segments await.  Contact us today and get your free Peru trip quote.  At Kuoda Travel, all trips are custom and personally designed for you by one of our professional travel experts.