The city of Lima is much more than just a stopover on route to Machu Picchu. Lima, one of South America's liveliest and most vibrant towns, is situated on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. This seaside capital combines the beach with a thriving commercial district. Buildings battle for driving directions prime vantage points of adventurers flying down the Miraflores cliffs or surfing the region's world-class breakers. In the vibrant restaurant and bar scenes, ceviche and Pisco Sours are no longer the only must-haves (though they are still delicious). Bohemian areas are popular with contemporary artists and are home to ancient Inca sites. And the answer is Lima.

Lima only experiences two seasons, winter and summer, because of its position below the equator on the Pacific Ocean coast. Days are often gloomy and cold, but there isn't much in the way of spectacular weather or frequent rain. The months of December through April are often the busiest and hottest. On the first Saturday of every February, people all around the world celebrate National Pisco Sour Day and Carnival (don't miss Lima's Water Wars). The last Sunday in June is National Ceviche Day.

The Lima Metro is mostly used by locals and visitors to the suburbs, since there is just one line with 26 stops. After 11 o'clock at night, there is no further service on the train, and there is no connection to the airport. There are two kinds of buses you may take in Lima. The somewhat pricier but more luxurious Metropolitano buses are the largest in the fleet. Combis are smaller, less expensive vans that seldom slow down to drop off people at their desired stops. Taxis may be taken by either a vehicle or a motorcycle. You may avoid the hassle of negotiating over taxi costs by making sure the driver starts the meter or gives you a firm price before you get in. Both Uber and Cabify are accessible and reasonably priced in Lima, however using them requires access to the internet.

Stay in style at Miraflores Park, a Belmond Hotel, located in the middle of all the excitement of Miraflores. In the hotel, guests may only eat at one of the three restaurants or drink at one of the three bars. Zest Spa's Amazonian-inspired treatments include ingredients from Peru. The Presidential suites include private pools and breathtaking ocean views, and all of the rooms are suites.

In a Tudor-style townhouse from the 1940s, Atemporal now has only nine hotel rooms, making it a cozy urban retreat. The hotel provides a complimentary automobile and has a complimentary happy hour every night. The porch, garden, and guestrooms all have elegant architecture and clever touches.

This Belle Epoque palace was originally constructed in 1914 as the summer retreat of a previous president of Peru, and is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel. The Atelier category suites include 16-foot ceilings and Italian marble bathrooms; the rooftop plunge pool; and the trademark restaurant are all highlights. Have some tea in the Library, which is decked out with pre-Columbian paintings.