Lima

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Introducing Lima

Millions of inhabitants crowd into Peru’s frenetic capital, giving it an edge few other South American cities have. Its shantytowns look like the developing world, yet the business districts and promenades of its seaside suburbs are Europe away from home.

Overpopulation problems have earned this fast-moving metropolis a reputation as a polluted, frenetic and dangerous place. Yet in no time it can transport you from crumbling pre-Inca pyramids and the waning splendor of Spanish colonial architecture to glitzy, ultramodern shopping malls and many of the country’s best museums. You can feast on fresh seafood by the ocean, go paragliding off the cliffs in Miraflores and groove all night in bohemian Barranco’s bars and clubs.

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Girls playing by fountain, Barranco.
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Girls playing by fountain, Barranco.

Lonely Planet photographer
  • Aaron McCoy
  • Lonely Planet photographer
  • Peruvian surfer girl sitting on surfboard in sea.
  • President's guards perform entertaining drills, Basalica Catedral, Plaza de Armas.
  • Overhead of Pacific Ocean from Larcomar mall, Miraflores.
  • Miraflores high-rise.
  • Frescoes line courtyard of 17th century San Francisco Monastery.
  • Reliquary and devotees at Lord of Miracles Festival.
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