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Heathrow
Maria Asaad
Airlines and routes,

 

Peru’s capital city, Lima, is a bustling metropolis that is filled with authentic tastes, tours and trips that’ll allow you to soak up the sensational South American culture in no time. It is one of the biggest cities on the continent and is home to so many historical and religious buildings, dating all the way back to the 16th century. If you want to explore everything this historic yet contemporary city has to offer, then here are some of the best ways to do so. 

 

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Take a walking tour

The absolute best way to soak up this stunning city and appreciate all it has to offer is on foot. A walking tour with a local guide will show you the best places to see in the city, as well as explain the history and cultural significance of each place.

The best thing about walking tours in Lima is that the majority of them are free, so you can explore the best spots in the city with a local without having to pay a penny! These tours tend to last a few hours, so it’s a great way to spend your first day or two in the Peruvian capital.

Tour guides are happy to answer any questions you may have about the area, and even give you top recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and shop. While these tours are free, it is customary to tip tour guides with a recommended amount of 20-30 soles (but it is completely up to you how much you would like to tip).

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Pay a visit to the Plaza de Armas

You will definitely hit the Plaza de Armas during your walking tour, but you won’t have the chance to explore it properly and take it all in. Make some time during your trip to go back at some point to discover this great place properly.

It is also known as the Plaza Mayor and is famous for being the birthplace of Lima back when the city was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador, Frances Pizarro. The square-shaped plaza located in the heart of the city is surrounded by significant cultural and historical landmarks, such as Lima Cathedral and Government Palace.

The plaza is lined with beautiful trees and has a gorgeous fountain in the heart of it, making it a great spot to sit and relax for a while during a day out in Lima. The Cathedral and Palace are also free to enter and well worth a visit if you’re at the Plaza de Armas.  

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Treat your palate to Peruvian cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is one of the best to try in South America and the capital city is the best place to go to for some seriously tasty food in Peru. There are several food tours available that stop at authentic food stalls all around the city if you’d like to give your taste buds a real treat.

One of the best things about Peruvian cuisine is the variety and diversity of tastes and flavours thanks to its long multicultural history. It has created a fusion of fantastic flavours from all over the world using locally sourced ingredients. There have been several different influences on Peruvian cuisine over the centuries, from Spanish conquistadors to Chinese immigrants.

Sampling these different foods and flavours is one of the top things to do while in Lima. Simply going to a local restaurant and asking for a recommended dish is a great way to have a delicious meal. Don’t forget to try the signature dish of Peru, ceviche, for a real taste of this fantastic city. 

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Soak up the views from San Cristobal Hill

One of the best ways to really appreciate Lima in all its glory is by a trip to San Cristobal Hill. It is 400 meters above sea level and the highest natural point in the city, providing spectacular views for anyone paying a visit to Lima.

It isn’t recommended to hike up the mountain on foot as it isn’t the safest area of Lima, so it isn’t the best place to walk around alone as a tourist. The best way to make it up the hill is by catching a bus from Plaza de Armas. It is inexpensive at 10 soles for a round-trip and gives enough time to take some great shots while enjoying the wonderful views.

It is the perfect activity to do if you are already in Plaza de Armas and want to appreciate the sunset in a spectacular way.