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Lima, Peru | @will_justen Nearly 500 years after it first became known as the Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings), Lima still reigns. Known for its food, fog, and fountains, this cultural center is ripe for rediscovery. Peru’s capital and largest city is as vibrant and alive as anywhere else in South America or beyond — just ask the nine million people who live there and two-and-a-half million more who visit every year.

Fun Fact: Set along Peru's western coast, Lima is one of the largest desert cities in the world.

Lima, Peru S 12.04° / W 77.04°

#lima | antorti May — June Lima's climate would appear to be contradictory, given that it's surrounded by desert yet overlooks the Pacific Ocean. This contrasting landscape makes for more pleasant weather than you might expect, especially in the cooler months of May and June (remember, this is the Southern Hemisphere). That’s when you’ll experience la garúa, a misty fog known to roll in from the sea and blanket the city; for a rather different phenomenon, visit during summer to see the orange, pink, and red sunsets known as cielo de brujas (“sky of witches”).

Circuito Mágico del Agua del Parque de la Reserva | @yemina_y.e The Fountain Red Just try resisting the charms of a scenic fountain that features a colorful laser-light show with holograms and projections. Reserve Park’s Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) is a delight for visitors of all ages, not to mention a great way to catch glimpses of Machu Picchu and other Peruvian landmarks (via hologram) without leaving Lima. There are 13 fountains total, but the main draw is Fantasy Fountain and its three shows every night of the week except Monday. Pictures don’t do it justice, so get to Reserve Park and thank us later. Huaca Pucllana | @adonayret Peruvian Pyramid And you thought Cairo was the only place to see pyramids. Peru has more of them than you might think, including one right in Lima. Made of adobe and clay, Huaca Pucllana dates back to roughly 500 AD and once served as the administrative and ceremonial center for the Pre-Incan Lima culture — a coastal civilization revered for its expertise in irrigation. Today, the 72-foot-tall pyramid stands as a symbol of what once was, a cultural artifact whose presence informs the high-rises and skyscrapers that surround it. Plaza De Armas De Lima | @ve_doble Where It All Started Also known as the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Armas is Lima's birthplace as well as its heart and soul. Established on January 18, 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, it hosts a daily changing-of-the-guard ceremony that visitors and locals alike enjoy watching while eating ice cream on one of the plaza’s many benches. Visiting it will also put you right next to the Cathedral of Lima, Municipal Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Palace of the Union, and Government Palace (noticing a trend?), so keep an entire morning or afternoon free to explore this area. Museo Larco | @gabibimesquita Come for the Erotic Pottery, Stay for the History Just a few years shy of its centennial, Museo Larco itself is nearly as precious as the artwork within. More than 5,000 years of the country's pre-Columbian history are chronicled in the striking 18th-century viceroyal’s mansion, including an erotic-pottery exhibit that’s particularly famous (and racy!). You’ll learn about the Incan Empire, of course, but so much more as well: the Gold and Silver gallery, Visible Storage reserves, and other areas are all so fascinating they’ll have you wondering why you haven’t already delved into Peru’s past. @pampamtraveler   Pamela’s Discovery @pampamtraveler "When you’re in Lima you are submerged in a mixture of cultures and traditions. It's amazing how the European, Asian, African, and other cultures converged in only one city. The identity of Lima is enriched by a great diversity of flavors and Peruvian cuisine is the result of this amazing fusion. Enjoy walking around the colonial houses in the city center, watching beautiful sunsets over the Pacific or tasting the delicious and renowned gastronomy. The Spanish conquistadors were right when they named Lima 'The City of Kings'."

Mayta Restaurante | @jimena.agois Beyond Lima Beans Great food awaits in Lima, namely saltado. The stir-fry dish comes in pollo (chicken) and lomo (thinly sliced steak) varieties, and is served with french fries, rice, tomatoes, onions, and tangy aji verde sauce that you’ll want to bottle up and take home. It’s the perfect casual lunch or dinner option that you’ll crave every day of the week, especially at Tanta. Also delectable is Mayta, which melds the classical with the contemporary — you can get everything from sartén de pato to arroz meloso, with no bad options.

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel | @belmondmiraflorespark Get Inn Here Perhaps the most valid critique of the hotel industry is that it doesn't contain enough puns involving the world "inn." Innside Miraflores goes a long way toward correcting that oversight, with the added bonus of being a lovely place to stay. A four-star hotel just 35 minutes from the airport, it’s as chic as it is comfortable — where else can you find both a rooftop bar and a reading area? Just as sleek is the Belmond Miraflores Park, which is right alongside the ocean and boasts appropriately stunning views. Everything here is gorgeous, but book a stay at the Amazon-inspired Zest Spa for the full experience.

Lima, Peru | @travelbyzebra Step Into Liquid "Take a surfing class or visit any beach. If you want something near, go to the Costa Verde and there you will find many surf schools. That beach is the easiest to surf, many kids learn there." – @kaorifeliz Not All Who Wander "Just stroll around. Don't look at the map, don't take always the same way back to the hotel, and do start conversations with random people on the streets." – @izabelatoth SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!

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