As your flight descends over the Pacific coast, the grey mist known as the garúa often parts to reveal a city of immense history and modern energy. Landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport is your entry point to a place where ancient adobe pyramids sit within sight of contemporary skyscrapers.
Plaza de Armas
This central square has the colonial heart of the city, surrounded by yellow buildings and the grand Lima Cathedral. It is a space where the city's history is most visible through ornate wooden balconies and the sound of the central bronze fountain.
Larcomar
Built directly into the cliffs of Miraflores, this shopping and dining complex has views of the ocean. It provides a striking introduction to the coastline, where you can watch paragliders drift past as the sun sets over the water.
Huaca Pucllana
This massive clay and adobe pyramid was built by the Lima culture around 500 AD. It sits in the middle of a residential district, offering a contrast between the ancient past and the daily rhythm of the modern neighbourhood.
Barranco
Known as the bohemian district, this area is filled with colourful street art, hidden courtyards and the famous Bridge of Sighs. It has a slower pace than the rest of the city, with old mansions that have been turned into galleries and cafes.
Magic Water Circuit
Located in Parque de la Reserva, this collection of 13 fountains comes alive after dark with light and music. It is a social hub where residents and visitors gather to see the water displays and laser shows.
Museo Larco
Housed in an 18th-century mansion built over a 7th-century pyramid, this museum contains a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. The surrounding gardens and the impressive gallery of gold and silver offer a deep look into the civilizations that existed long before the Spanish arrival.
Mercado Surquillo No. 1
This local market is a sensory experience where you can find stacks of colourful fruits, fresh seafood and local spices. It is the best place to see why the city is often called the gastronomic capital of the region.