The museums in Lima are enough to rival any capital city. Tour the gold-leaf altars and paintings of the Cathedral on the eastern edge, and visit the Church of San Francisco a couple of blocks northeast with its 17th-century convent and extensive network of catacombs. The archaeological and anthropological museum of gold contains a priceless collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts; an impressive sight even for those who didn't think themselves museum buffs (after a trip to Lima, views might change). Visit the spot in which Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535, and where Peruvians declared their independence in 1821 - a pretty significant spot for the country's inhabitants.

Lima is also considered to be the gastro capital of Latin America. The seafront district of Miraflores has fantastic seafood restaurants, and international influences are readily making themselves known. Astrid Y Gastón is the local 'celebrity chef' with his restaurant 42 featuring highly on this years 'World's 50 Best Restaurant's' List, he also has eateries popping up in Mexico, Chile and Spain too.