Lima 1-day itinerary

Start with a walk along the Malecón de Miraflores — a clifftop boardwalk with paragliders soaring above and the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Pass through Parque del Amor with its Gaudí-inspired mosaic benches and stop at Parque Kennedy where cats lounge in the gardens. Breakfast at La Lucha Sanguchería (S/ 12–20 for a chicharrón sandwich) or Pan de la Chola for artisan bread and coffee (S/ 15–25).

Metro to Centro for Lima's colonial heart. The Plaza Mayor is flanked by the Cathedral (S/ 35, Pizarro's tomb), the Government Palace (changing of the guard at noon), and the Archbishop's Palace with its carved cedar balconies. Walk to the Convento de San Francisco (S/ 15) for the eerie catacombs — thousands of bones arranged in geometric patterns beneath the church.

Barranco is Lima's bohemian neighbourhood — colourful colonial buildings, street art, galleries, and the best nightlife in the city. Walk across the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), then dinner at Canta Rana for ceviche at local prices (S/ 25–40) or Isolina for hearty criollo food (S/ 30–55). Drinks at Ayahuasca Bar — a stunning mansion converted into a multi-room cocktail bar (pisco sours S/ 20–30).