I wasn’t sure where to write about this week. And while there are obviously a million different cities to choose from, I was feeling kind of stuck. So I improvised: I went to google maps, closed my eyes, and randomly chose a spot on the map. A few times I landed in the ocean, so I tried again, which promptly landed me in Lima, Peru. I’ve never been to Lima, but from what I’ve read so far, it’s already been added to my bucket list. Lima is located in the west of Peru right near the Pacific coast and definitely not lacking in any cultural, historical, or culinary experiences. If you like surfing (which I’ve never tried in my life), the waves are supposedly some of the best in the world (is this really true, I don’t know, I just read it on a travel site) and most of the best beaches are a bit farther south of the city in neighborhoods like Miraflores or Barranco (which also have great nightlife and places to stay).   

I love trying different cultural cuisines: the food is usually one of the best parts of any trip, so if you’re anything like me, then Lima will not disappoint in any aspect. The city is known for its vibrant culinary scene and has become the “unofficial gastronomical capital of South America,” so if that doesn’t say anything about their cuisine options then I don’t know what does. Ceviche is one of the most famous Peruvian dishes and was apparently perfected in Lima. Most people probably have a vague picture of what the dish entails, but if not I’ll explain: ceviche is essentially cubed pieces of seafood that have been marinated in lemon or lime juice, onions, and various other spices and then served with different vegetables and even some fruits. There isn’t one specific recipe for ceviche, it seems to be an eclectic mix of flavors that just taste good.  

The Plaza de Armas de Lima is the city’s main square. The architecture surrounding the plaza dates back to the 16th century and the bronze fountain, sitting in the center, has been sitting in the same spot since the 1650s. The plaza is also home to the Government Palace, which is the official workplace and residence of the Peruvian president. In and around the city center there are cafes, shopping, and beautiful places to eat or just walk around.  

Peru is obviously not lacking in historical sites: Machu Picchu is a little more than 1,000 kilometers east of Lima, and Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, is about 4 hours north up the coast. But right in the city, in the middle of the Miraflores suburb, is Huaca Pucllana: an ancient clay pyramid dating back to 500 CE. It was “built by members of the Lima culture, a Pre-Incan indigenous coastal civilization.”

When you get the chance, I hope that I’ve convinced you to visit Lima, it’s definitely a city that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

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