Known to Spanish conquistadors as the “City of Kings,” modern-day Lima, the capital of and gateway to Peru, incorporates an interesting blend of architecture, history, heritage and passion. Rising above the coastline, Lima tells a story of civilizations in its 43 districts, 9 million residents, its museums, nightlife and more. Feel the heartbeat of the city in its cuisine — no visit is complete without ceviche or a Pisco sour. Find what suits your tastes on your next trip to Lima.

GETTING THERE
International flights arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport, about 10 miles from the city center. Find a taxi inside the security area of the international arrivals area and expect a ride into the city to cost around $15. The Urbanito Airport Shuttle delivers travelers to their hotel for around $8, departing the airport every 30 minutes. A note for departure: Travelers must pay an exit tax of approximately $31 before leaving the country.

GETTING AROUND
Navigating Lima can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors. Taxis are not government-regulated, meaning fares must be negotiated in advance. Avoid hailing a taxi on the street if you are not comfortable conversing about the fares in Spanish. Hotels can call reputable companies — including Taxi Amigo — for guests; fares in the downtown area run $8–15. The metro runs daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. and departs every 15 to 20 minutes. Micros and combi buses cost approximately $1 per trip, with fares increasing after midnight and on holidays. Within the various neighborhoods, Lima is walkable.

9–5
Café de la Paz
The European/Peruvian fusion bistro Café de la Paz on Boulevard Tarata offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a quick, local start to your day, sit outside and sample from the menu options or a selection of sweets and coffee. The reasonably priced Miraflores outlet does not disappoint.

Carnal Prime
Don’t let the name discourage you — Carnal Prime serves more than just dishes for meat lovers. Located in Miraflores, the restaurant proves a great choice for important lunch or dinner business meetings. With a raw bar, a lighter fare menu and delicious desserts, Carnal Prime does offer something for everyone.

JW Marriott Hotel Lima
Centrally located in Miraflores near many of Peru’s top businesses, JW Marriott Hotel Lima provides not only a good option for a stay but also is great for hosting business meetings or events with 10 event rooms and more than 13,000 square feet of space. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, La Vista restaurant and a sushi/ ceviche lounge.

AFTER 5
IK Restaurante
Chef Ivan Kisic dreamed of returning to Peru and opening his own restaurant. Tragically, his life ended just before the doors of IK Restaurante opened, but today his family and friends keep his memory alive in one of Lima’s most popular spots. Walls covered with foliage complement the fresh ingredients in each of the dishes.

Malabar
Named to top-10 lists the world over, it’s tough to decide which is more appealing: the well-stocked bar or the Peruvian cuisine. Conveniently located in the financial district, stop by for a post-5 p.m. libation and peruse Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s menu. You may just be tempted to linger longer.

Museo Larco
Open daily until 10 p.m., The Larco Museum educates visitors about the history of ancient Peru. In an 18th-century mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, the setting is as interesting as the permanent collections and exhibits. Stop by after the business day is done to learn more about the rich past of Lima.

RESOURCES
For more information, visit visitperu.com