Hotels near Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), Lima

No visit to Peru would be complete without spending time in the city, despite the common call to fly straight to Cusco on arrival to the country. The coastal city of Lima provided an interesting contrast to the mountainous inland of Peru, the urban lifestyle another contrast to the Andean community way of life. During our 3 days here, we were mostly at Miraflores and Barranco. We felt the amount of time allocated here was just right. Much of Lima still provided nostalgia to a way of living that existed some 20-30 years ago. We explored the streets, ran into lots of cats at Parque Kennedy and visited the ruin right in the middle of Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana. Now what was absolutely outstanding about Lima was the food! Of course, before we arrived, we have heard a lot about Lima being the Food Capital of the World, but we were half-sceptics, knowing too well how social media tended to exaggerate things. But wow, we were blown away by the supreme mastery of flavors and blends by many chefs plying their trade here. Two highly recommended restaurants are Maido and Isolina Taberna Peruana. The former needed advanced reservation weeks ahead. I must mention the ceviche, or cebiche, both referring to raw fish marinated in some type of acid and complemented with other produces, which is a must-try. Here at Lima, white fish is normally used and that’s the best. When we had the dish in the Andes, trout or salmon was used instead, and it was just not the same. I enjoyed the coastal walk a lot. At sunset, it was beautiful. That would be the lasting image of Lima for me - paragliders floating into the golden sun - over the steep cliffs of the Southern Pacific.

Full of character, the historical centre is amazing. Great food and drinks. Don't miss the pisco sour! Full of history; there are pyramids dotted all over the city. Pucllana pyramid shouldn't be missed. Pachacamac to the southern end of Lima was amazing too.

Lima has a lot to offer. Barranco, with its galleries, beaches and street art was our favourite. After having visited several locations in the Andes, we did not explore museums and exhibitions in Lima, but would be happy to do so if we were to visit the city again. Had some very good meals at restaurants here, especially at Meritó (expensive tasting menu). We used Uber to get around, but we also walked a lot. The walk between Miraflores and Barranco was especially enjoyable (50 min). The city centre (historical centre) was interesting to see, but not a place where you would stay. It is said not to be quite safe at night, and it does not have the holiday charm that Miraflores and Barranco have.