Bienvenido A Lima

Bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, the Republic of Peru comes into its own as a melting pot of different cultures­—and in this case—stylings

For a vacation that doubles as a complete sensory experience, fly to Lima, Peru, where you can observe the intricate beauty of the country’s history, and taste the heritage of Peruvian, Spanish, and Asian cultures through their exquisite cuisine bursting with hot-as-the-sun flavors. Lima also offers a scenic backdrop for curious minds and adventure-seeking visitors. You and your children will delight in the Lima’s rich culture, with its various museums and historical spots that tell stories of Spanish conquistadores and religious voyages. Be in awe of the Spanish Neoclassicism of Convento de San Fransisco, a complex built in 1746, boasting of a baroque church, a museum of religious art, and a library that holds 20,000 books dating back to the beginnings of Lima in 1535. The Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in the world, including the Moche Dynasty’s Sala Erotica collection of ceramics. If your kids aren’t mature enough to observe the sensual graphics on this display, take them to the Plaza Mayor instead, and explore the immense Cathedral of Lima, where you can admire its gorgeous interiors and visit the tomb of Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro, the founder of the city. Don your hats and put on your sunglasses for a tour around the Pachacamac Ruins, an archeological site just by the Lurin River, and discover a collection of awe-inspiring ancient temples. You and your hubby can also take a relaxing stroll down in Barranco, and fall in love again under El Puente de los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs), where sprawling flowers lining the walkway and an old wooden bridge sleepily hanging across the path makes for a walk to remember. For the recreational enthusiast and shopaholic in you, find great deals and attractive scenery in Miraflores, with its lush parks, rejuvenating beaches, and vibrant shopping areas. Check out the great accommodation deals from quality hotels, such as Hotel Señorial, which features relaxing beachfront views and a gorgeous courtyard. For a more luxurious lodging experience, check into the Miraflores Park Hotel, with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and comfortable living spaces topped by outstanding personalized service and facilities. To learn more about Lima, log on to peru.info/en.

Photographs by TAMARA MUTH-KING
Styling by KARIZ TANYA FAVIS
Words by VALERIE ANNE DEL CASTILLO

To read the whole story, grab a copy of BC Magazine's February-March 2012 issue on newsstands and leading bookstores. For more information, call 478-4172 or email info@bcmedia.ph