Cosmopolitan and replete in history, Peru’s capital is an unmissable destination boasting impressive coastal cliffs that look out over the Pacific ocean. One of the most striking areas in Lima is Miraflores, a neighborhood with magnificent ocean views and many a park to catch the city’s breathtaking sunsets. Bringing together past and present, the city’s modern vibe can be felt in its buildings and recreational areas, all overlooking the ocean.
Many of Lima’s bohemian establishments, trendsetting stores and the most divine eateries can be found in Miraflores, along with the vibrant and buzzing Avenida Larco.
Miraflores is home to one of the capital’s most treasured pre-Colombian sites, Huaca Pucllana. This architectural treasure, made from adobe bricks more than fifteen hundred years ago, welcomes visitors to discover the indigenous pre-Colombian civilizations that walked these lands, including the Wari, the Ichma, and the well-known Incas.
Another must-see is Lima’s old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Monuments and buildings such as the National University of San Marcos (the oldest on the American continent), Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace cannot be missed. As you journey through history on a stroll through Lima’s streets, don’t forget to look up; discover the city’s balconies, ranging from the oldest (which tend to be open) to those built post-17th century enclosed with fine wooden railings or iron trellises. The Casona de Osambela is one of the city’s most famous examples of the latter. The house boasts carved wooden balconies with stoned edging on its main facade.
