If you are tired of the usual package type holidays to Europe and looking for something different, offering alternative experiences and cultures then consider a holiday to Lima – the capital of Peru.
Although any mention of the South American country may conjure up thoughts of “deepest, darkest, Peru”, as quoted in the riotous tales of Paddington Bear, the thriving city of Lima is actually situated on the coast and as well as featuring some rather stunning Pacific beaches, offers eclectic architecture and fabulous nightlife. With an historic centre Lima is a cosmopolitan city, the largest in Peru and benefits from a mild climate delivering fairly hot days during summer; certainly warm enough to spend days sunbathing on the long Lima beaches soaking up the rays.
One of the major focal points of the city is the Plaza San Martin which features a spectacular monument to mark Peru’s independence from Spanish rule in 1821 The square is surrounded by impressive public buildings, many betraying the city’s colonial past – most notably the Town Hall – and is also home to the chic and stylish bar Club Nacional.
Accommodation varies from backpacker favourites such as youth hostels and budget boarding houses all the way up to 5-star luxury for those with a few more pounds to spend. Getting there is simple enough too with flights to Lima operating from London, normally with a change in Madrid, or another Iberian Peninsula hub.
Once there, when looking for a laid back night out and a taste of what the locals get up to then you must head for the peñas in Miraflores and Barranco. Here you will find a series of music bars that offer folksy Creole, Afro Peruvian and traditional Peruvian song and dance, while serving traditional criollo fare and local beer and pisco sour. Be there for around 9.30pm as the majority of shows start around 10pm. Expect to pay a small cover charge for an authentic taste of Lima’s nightlife peñas which cannot be beaten!
Many of the tourist attractions in the city involve religious buildings such as the impressive Monastery of San Francisco and the Lima Cathedral which are connected by series of underground catacombs. Any visitor to Lima with an interest in architecture could spend many hours discovering some of the city’s more unique buildings.
Offering a perfect blend of cultural delights, leisure activities and warm summer climate Lima could well be appearing on many people’s holiday itineraries throughout 2010 – will you be one of them?
About the Author:
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Head to Lima for a 2010 Holiday with a Difference
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