Lima is a large lively city right on the Pacific Ocean and has done much in recent years to restore the old colonial centre to its former glory to show case its historical heritage. There are many excellent museums, for example the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum) and the Museo de Antropologia y Arqueologia, that warrant a stay here in the capital. The restaurants here are also some of the best in Latin America reflecting Peru's new gourmet culture.
Lima offers a good start for a day or two before setting off to explore the country's treasures. Most hotels are located in the upmarket districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, about a 20 minute drive from the historic centre and around 45 minutes from the airport at Callao.
Nazca Lines & the Ballestas Islands
Lima is also a good base for a short side trip down the coast to Ica and Paracas to fly over the Nazca Lines and take a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands.
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