Lima
Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1538, Lima is one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere. Situated in the middle of Peru’s desert coastline, this arid capital can seem hostile without the refuge of a comfy abode. Most business takes place in the seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro.

Readers’ Choice
JW Marriott. This modern cliff-top hotel in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood buzzes with activity. In addition to standard business essentials like meeting rooms and wireless Internet, the Marriott boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from each of its 300 habitations. Rooms start at $235.
http://www.marriott.com/

Sleeping
Swissötel. This polished San Isidro hotel is popular with business guests for its prime location and personalized service. The executive floor offers special perks like meeting rooms and a private lounge with open bar. Rooms start at $205.
www.lima.swissotel.com

Miraflores Park Plaza. Ocean views are also on offer at this boutique hotel. The Park Plaza sets itself apart from the luxury pack with extras like cool towels at the lobby door for joggers during the summer. All rooms and public areas offer wireless Internet. Rooms start at $329.
www.mira-park.com

Country Club Lima. Old World elegance is alive and well at this 1927 San Isidro hotel, which is considered a national monument and is a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. But don’t be deceived by its age and antiques – this classic inn has plenty of modern touches, including a WiFi ready lobby. Guests can also take advantage of playing privileges at the Lima Golf Club across the street. Rooms start at $168.
www.hotelcountry.com

Relaxing
Amazon Yarapa River Lodge. Adventurous souls with a few vacation days to spare should consider a short flight to Iquitos, and then a 130-kilometer, three-hour river trip to this award-winning lodge. Set on the Yarapa River, which feeds into the Amazon, this is eco-tourism at its best. Fish for piranhas, glide through the surrounding reserve in a canoe or relax in a hammock. During your visit, you might catch a glimpse of a pygmy marmoset monkey or river dolphins coming up for air. Three night stay from $800.
www.yarapariverlodge.com

Eating
Osaka. One of the city’s best oriental fusion restaurants. Try the tuna in sweet miso sauce or the agnolotti pasta stuffed with smoked trout. Minimalist décor complements the upmarket menu (Conquistadores 999, San Isidro,
Tel: 51 1 421 7819).

Malabar. Offers distinctive, eclectic dishes combining flavors from Cuba, Italy and Peru in an ultra-mellow atmosphere (Camino Real 101, San Isidro,
Tel: 51 1 440 5200).

Pescados Capitales. An essential lunchtime stop, and a fantastic place to try the classic Peruvian marinated seafood dish, ceviche, which consists of fish and other marine delights “cooked” in lemon juice. (La Mar 1337, Miraflores,
Tel: 51 1 421 8808).

Drinking
Once-staid Lima has developed a lively bar scene with a slew of stylish clubs in select neighborhoods. Asia de Cuba is one of the hippest places to be seen sampling Peru’s national drink, the pisco sour, which consists of Peruvian brandy,  lemon juice and sugar. (Avenida Conquistadores 780, San Isidro). Lava Lounge (Bolivar 116, Miraflores) is still as red-hot as its walls since opening in 2004. Another top spot is Huaringas Bar (Calle Bolognesi 460, Miraflores), which puts some new twists on the pisco sour, adding passion fruit juice to the maracuya sour and employing coca leaves in its signature drink, the brujo sour.
 
Shopping
The Incas, and the Moches and Chimus before them, boasted metallurgy skills far more advanced than in Europe at the time. That legacy still lives. Stunning silver designs – both traditional and contemporary – are found at Ilaria’s five stores, one of which is conveniently in  the airport.
www.ilariainternational.com

Downtime
On Horseback. The pre-Inca city of Pachacamac, 23 kilometers from Lima, was a ceremonial center where archeologists discovered an Indian burial ground in 2002. Excavations continue to this day, turning up centuries-old mummies and artifacts. The three-hour ride starts in Lima and includes a personal guide for $95 per person. Other trips include time on the Mamacona beach and lunch.
www.cabalgatas.com.pe



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