As with so many capital cities in this part of the world, you’re most probably visiting as a spring board to some of the areas of sensational beauty outside the capital. Hiking the 4 day Inca Trail, Driving through the Sacred Valley and the Hiking the Colca Canyon are world highlights let alone only Peru highlights.
My big recommendation though would be to make sure you give yourself at least 2 days in Lima. Three reasons for this:
1. The food is world-class – not your standard “oh yeah the food is great” – more like Lima has 3/50 best restaurants in the world level (Paris has 5, London 4, Tokyo has 3, New York 3). The fusions of Spanish, Japanese, indigenous and African influences make Peruvian cuisine unique and Lima is the centre piece.
2. The neighbourhoods are awesome – walking through the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco with their chic lounge bars and cafes whilst being near the edge of the dramatic black cliffs that span so much of the coast of Lima is a great vibe to check out.
3. The paragliding from the cliffs is super fun and incredibly easy to do – just rock up, get strapped in and off you go – I can’t think of any other cities in the world where it is that accessible and with such great views as you soar along the cliffs – do it!