Lima – Bespoke Peru Itineraries

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Lima. Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima was first named “City of Kings”–a biblical reference to the "Three Wise Men of the East"–before its name was changed by the Spanish colonialists.

In the excitement to hurry along to Peru’s iconic site, many travelers arrive to Lima off the red-eye and continue onward to Cusco. To do so would be a mistake. Lima offers an extraordinary range of emotions, sensations, colors and flavors: stay awhile and explore.

Aerial view of Lima's dense coastal cityscape stretching along cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.

Rocky boulders line the Pacific shoreline at Lima with a hazy sky and calm grey sea beyond.

The ornate white colonial facade of the Government Palace faces Lima's Plaza Mayor at dusk.

Why visit Lima?

Lima's most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín.

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Lima's most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín.
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Another highlight is the famed Larco Herrera Museum, documenting the millennial cultures that preceded the Inca civilization and containing a priceless collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including some of South America’s finest pre-Inca erotic pottery.
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As notable as the city’s sites and architecture is its thriving food scene. Lima is the (unofficial) gastronomic capital of South America and is the only city to have two restaurants ranking in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. To enjoy a meal at Central Restaurante is to taste what is essentially and uniquely Peruvian.

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Other areas to explore

A visit to Lima puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Peru.

Cusco

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco remains a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory.

Stone path winds along a misty ridge, with an Inca ruin emerging through sunlit fog above jungle canopy.

Machu Picchu

Perched within a misty, orchid-filled tropical forest high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most alluring archaeological sites in the world.

Colca Canyon

Carved over millennia by the meandering Colca River, this canyon stands as one of the world’s deepest.

Lake Titicaca

The largest freshwater lake in South America, Lake Titicaca is known for its floating islands, ancient culture, and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?

We go deep

We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.

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We keep it honest

Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.

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We’ve got it covered

Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.

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We know it’s personal

There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.