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World Travel Guide > Guides > South America > Peru > Lima

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Things to do in Lima

Glide above the city and sea

The colourful arcs of paragliders are a frequent sight over Lima's coastline. Miraflores, with its breathtaking South Pacific views, is a particularly popular spot to take to the skies. For a unique paragliding location, try Fly Adventure (tel: +511 650 8147; www.flyadventure.net) who soar high over the desert dunes by the Pachacamac temple, just outside of Lima.

Learn how to be a Peruvian master chef

Take a rooftop cookery class at SkyKitchen (tel: +51 1 466 8554; www.skykitchen.pe) and learn how to transform fresh ingredients into some of Peru's favourite dishes. With excellent views across the city, the friendly three-hour classes serve up the history of each delicacy, which can include anything from ceviche to stuffed Alpaca.

Make waves and learn to surf

Lima's soft, sandy beaches are ideal for the aspiring surfer who hasn't quite honed their board skills. Waikiki beach in Miraflores has novice-friendly waves, whilst more experienced surfers will relish the breaks further south in Chorrillos, especially La Herradura. For lessons and equipment rental try Pukana Surf (tel: +51 9808 22946; www.pukanasurf.com).

Swim with 8,000 sea lions

Home to an estimated 8,000 sea lions, Islas Palomino barks as boats approach. Although visitors are not allowed to step onto the island, they can swim in the surrounding waters. Curiosity usually gets the better of the sea lions and they will jump in for a dip. Peru Divers (tel: +51 1 997 2055; www.perudivers.com) can arrange diving excursions to Islas Palomino.

Take a two-wheel tour of the city

While cycling in Lima may not be widely championed, local guide-led bike tours are a great way to explore its hidden spots. Bike Tours of Lima (tel: +51 1 445 3172; www.biketoursoflima.com) have rides and bilingual guides to show off the city. Choose from beachside cycles such as Barranco and Chorrillos, a bohemian tour or jaunt along the cliffs of Miraflores.

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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