The capitol of Peru, Lima is cosmopolitan and has that large-city feel, yet still maintains a culture true to its Indian roots. Sitting up against the Pacific Ocean, the fog and chilly air rolls in, but during the summer months (winter months in U.S.) the sun peaks its head out and millions flock to the beach. Although most buildings are governmental, you can still find historical sites and museums throughout the city. Its cobbled streets and traditional Catholic churches mixed with big city sophistication lead Lima to be a unique experience for the South American tourist.

Here some information for you about TOP 5 Lima vacation packages.

1) The Historic Center of Lima

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its main square, called the Plaza de Armas, is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall and the Presidential Palace. You can see the President’s palace and all its glory. You cannot enter, but just take some pictures from behind the gates. In this area, you can visit the massive governmental buildings and the politicians roaming the streets. During the lunch hour, you can witness the changing of the guard. Nearby is the Iglesia de San Francisco and its unusual catacombs holding the remains of some 25,000 people.

2) Miraflores

Miraflores is an upscale district of Lima and is popular with tourists. For the shopaholic, visit Miraflores—an eclectic area with outdoor markets, cafes, outdoor entertainment and various stores and restaurants. It invokes a Miami like feel in a city that is quite subdued. You can also see Kennedy Park in which artists sell their paintings every weekend. Other things are you can find shops, discos and restaurants serving some of Peru’s finest cuisine. The seaside shopping mall Larcomar offers a great view of the ocean, and offers a variety of food and entertainment.

3) Barranco

Known as the bohemian district of Lima, Barranco hosts a strong concentrate of bars and clubs that become the party central of Lima at night. Many bars host live music in Spanish and English on the weekends.

4) Beaches

The southern beaches of Lima, along the South Panamericana highway, are great places to relax and to participate in water sports. There are several quite beach spots along with restaurants, and in some areas there are also hotels and discos.

5) Pachacamac

Quechua for “that which gives life to the world,” Pachacamac was one of the largest religious centers on the Peruvian Coast that lasted for almost 2,000 years. It is surrounded temples, small palaces, houses, pyramids and a well-organized museum.

Most visitors to Peru quickly leave this city of almost 9 million to see some of Peru’s more popular attractions. However, Lima offers an abundance of activities that will make your Peru vacation more complete and satisfying.