Given the vast number of must-see destinations to fit in to a single Peru vacation, it’s hardly surprising that Peru’s capital city of Lima is often overlooked by visitors who are keen to get started on their Machu Pichhu tours, Sacred Valley excursions and Amazonian adventures.

Colonial Lima

Yet as home to around one third of the country’s entire population, persistent visitors will find that Lima offers a taste of all the popular Peru vacation destinations in one, vast city.

Start the weekend in the bustling neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, two thriving sea-side districts to the south of Lima’s city center. It is in Miraflores that you’ll find the highest concentration of quality Lima hotels and Barranco is a focal point for much of the city’s cultural life.

Begin with a walk along the cliff-top malecon in Miraflores and head to the romantic ‘Park of Love’ which offers views over the Pacific Ocean and picturesque Goudi-style mosaics. Stopping off at one of the numerous small art galleries, head towards the Amano Museum for an insight into Peru’s indigenous civilizations or the galleries at Trapecio for some modern art.

you’ll find no end of restaurants to suit any taste in Miraflores, but for a typically Peruvian meal try Señorío de Sulco, on Malecón Cisneros, which offers dishes from the country’s coast, mountain and jungle regions.

Travelers looking for an authentic experience during their Peru vacation should hop onto one of the countless combi buses for the short journey to Barranco, otherwise hail a cab for around 5 Peruvian soles.

Spend the afternoon exploring the neighborhood’s quiet, leafy streets and quaint architecture, left over from the days when Barranco was a beach-side holiday resort for the wealthy citizens of Lima. Head past the central plaza and take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs which leads you to a pleasant viewing point which is a perfect place to catch the sun setting over the ocean.

Take your pick from the surrounding restaurants before heading back to Miraflores to enjoy a performance of Peruvian folk music and dance at Brisas del Titicaca or one of the many bars which stay open well into the early hours.

Get an early start and hail a cab (approx. 10-12 soles) into Lima’s historical center for a vision of Lima’s importance to the Spanish Empire. To the sea-faring Spaniards, this coastal city was a vital link to the vast continent and much of the city’s Imperial grandeur is still visible today. Focus your explorations on the Plaza de Armas, home to the Presidential Palace, Cathedral and various other important buildings. Just around the corner you’ll find the San Fransisco monastery with its fascinating artifacts and spooky catacombs.

Have lunch on one of the restaurants on or nearby the square before walking to Plazas Bolivar and Colon for more colonial architecture. Catch a cab back to Miraflores in time for dinner on Parque Kennedy, named in honor of the former American President.

Spend your last day exploring the ancient civilizations that inhabited this area long before the Spanish arrived. The wealthy neighborhood of San Isidro, bordering Miraflores to the north, is home to an ancient pyramid complex called Huaca Huallamarca, which reveals the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Peru’s indigenous peoples.

Treat yourself to lunch at Bodega de la Trattoria, in the shadow of the pyramids, before heading to one of Lima’s many fine museums such as the Javier Prado museum, which is one of the best in the city with an impressive display of natural history exhibits.

For a taste of Lima’s undeniably excellent cuisine, get a table at Astrid y Gaston, owned by a local celebrity-chef who prides himself on creating a memorable twist on many of Peru’s most popular dishes including ceviche and lomo saltado.

If you have the energy, enjoy a pisco sour in any of Miraflores’ lively bars before heading back to the hotel for a final night’s sleep before continuing your Peru travel experience.

Lima is a common stop during most South America tour packages. For the best in style and comfort, check out this range of luxury South America vacations.