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Lima tours and excursions

Lima tours

Bus tours

Touring Lima by bus can be a hassle-free way to experience the city in a short timeframe. Try Mirabus, which runs a selection of day and night tours on open-topped buses, with its main bus stop at Parque Kennedy in Miraflores. They also organise trips to museums, dinner shows and excursions outside of the city. You can ride their tourist train or even hire out the disco bus for special occasions.

Tel: +51 1 242 6699.
Website: http://www.mirabusperu.com

Walking tours

Gaze up at the colonial architecture of historic Plaza San Martín or stroll the leafy paths of Miraflores with knowledgeable local guides on a Lima walking tour. Lima Walks run a varied programme of three daily tours (except Sundays) through the most tourist-friendly pockets of the city. Guides work on a tip-only basis and conduct tours in Spanish or English. The tours also include free pisco tastings.

Tel: +51 998 959 566.
Website: http://www.fwtperu.com

Lima excursions

Ica

Head for a boozy weekend in Ica, a city about 300km (180 miles) from Lima famous for its wine and pisco production. Its biggest draw are the tours and tastings – try those offered by the handsome Tacama Winery. A little too far for a day trip, it's best to stay in Ica the night. Also in the area is the desert oasis of Huacachina, which provides a fun backdrop for sandboarding and ragging around in dune buggies.

Tel: +51 1 218 3017.
Website: http://www.tacama.com

Pachacamac ruins

Discover the history of Inca and pre-Inca cultures at the impressive Pachacamac temple, located 30km (48 miles) southeast of Lima. It was once the most important pilgrimage sites on the Peruvian coast until Pizarro's conquistadors sacked it in search of gold, killing priests and looting the temples. The most striking features are the Temple of the Sun and the Moon, both large adobe pyramids. Buses leave from the corner of Ayacucho and Grau in central Lima or tours can be arranged through Lima Tours.

Tel: +51 1 619 6900.
Website: http://www.limatours.com.pe

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Lima

Sunny beaches, lively heritage, ornate cathedrals, and otherworldly pre-Columbian ruins make Lima an exceptionally exotic getaway

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Featured Hotels

JW Marriott Hotel Lima

The Lima offering from this reliable international hotel chain is a comfortable concoction of well-dressed rooms with sea views. Eat in at the second floor restaurant La Vista, offering Peruvian and international flavours, or try the Sushi and Cerviche Lounge for fusion fish dishes. The hotel also has fitness facilities, a spa and pool.

Miraflores Park Hotel

This highly regarded hotel benefits from a stylish location overlooking the seafront and public gardens in Miraflores. Views don't come much better than from the rooftop pool and breakfast is also served sky high in the poolside Observatory Restaurant. An additional restaurant, swanky bar, an on-site gym and spa add further appeal to the luxurious experience.

Hotel B

One of the newest additions to the luxury hotel scene, art-boutique Hotel B in Barranco has quickly earned a sparking reputation for its elegant suites and seamless service. Set in a stunning white mansion enlivened by well-curated artwork, rooms are individually decorated and come with plush linens. The intimate dining room is served by celebrated Peruvian chef Oscar Velarde.

Hotel Antigua Miraflores

Set in a pink century-old mansion, Antigua is characterful and reasonably priced, especially considering its upmarket location in Miraflores. Handcrafted furnishings, antiques and free Wi-Fi complement the inviting rooms, some with kitchenettes and baths. Opt for a front-facing room which have a sense of history and a bit more comfort than the more modern ones at the back.

Second Home Peru

For creative types, Second Home Peru won't fail to impress. The timber-framed, century-old house and expansive gardens have fairy tale allure, decked out in life-size sculptures and colourful canvases by leading Peruvian artist and proprietor Victor Delfin. Each bedroom is unique and rich in quirkiness – opt for one of the three beautiful ocean-side stays to fall asleep to the crashing of waves.

Casa Andina Private Collection

Part of the Preferred Hotels collection, Casa Andina is everything you'd hope for in a night's stay. Set in a high-rise the heart of Miraflores, it offers its own restaurant, bar, gym and sauna. Contemporary rooms are outfitted with cutting-edge mod-cons and boast impressive views across the cityscape. Breakfast is plentiful and the obliging staff go out of their way to ensure visitors enjoy their stay.

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