In the Footsteps of Legends - Discovering Lima

Although the first thing that springs to mind when one mentions walking in Peru is the Inca Trail, it is well worth setting aside a couple of days when you arrive to explore the capital city of Lima too. The fifth largest city in Latin America, Lima is bubbling with history and it displays its diverse influences with a lively and varied culture. Founded by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, it is a fascinating city with a mind-boggling array of things to do and see. Usually the first stop on a walking holiday in Peru, just make sure you don't wear yourself out before the real hikes begin!

Convento y Museo de San Francisco

The Convent of Saint Francis has survived earthquakes and the elements to become one of the most spectacular churches in Lima. Painstakingly restored inside and out, it is a striking example of Baroque style architecture. The interior is beautifully decorated with thousands of ceramic tiles called 'azulejos' imported from Seville, and a magnificent carved cedar dome forms an imposing centrepiece. A tour of the convent will reveal a stunning religious art gallery and a 17th century library which holds over 20,000 books. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Convento de San Franciso, and certainly the most visited, are the catacombs contained below. Built to bury the bodies of the Catholic population, the number of levels the catacombs descends to has not been fully established. Estimates of how many bodies are interred within however, range from 30,000 to 75,000. The display of the remains is somewhat eerie, with neatly arranged skulls, femurs and tibias stretching out in a wheel formation. On your walking holidays in Peru you will come across many instances of ancient Incan burial rituals - this however is not one of them! In fact it is the work of archaeologists who excavated the catacombs.

A Walking Tour of the City

One of the best ways to discover the real Lima is to take a walking tour of the city. Whether you enlist the services of an expert guide or just go off on your own, you can visit some of the more out of the way places while walking. Peru's history is written all over the back streets and buildings of Lima. As you wander the ancient back alleys of Old Lima you will be transported back to a time when the city was known as the 'City of Kings'; and bohemian Barranco will live up to its reputation as one of the most romantic parts of Lima. The beautiful architecture and picture perfect street scenes look straight out of a nineteenth century movie set. If you want to see how the wealthy and privileged of Lima live, take a stroll through the delightful Miraflores or San Isidro areas.

Ride a Peruvian 'Paso'.

The beautiful Paso horses are a 400 year old breed of horse unique to Peru. They are widely considered to be the best riding horses in the world due to their specialised, high-stepping gait providing an extremely smooth ride. These noble horses are renowned for their feisty spirit, reminiscent of their forebears from the royal courts of Spain. If you are in Peru in April you can attend the wonderful Peruvian Paso Horse Festival which is held just outside Lima and is a lively and colourful event. But for a more hands-on experience with the Paso, you can go on an organised riding tour or visit an authentic Peruvian Hacienda. It makes a change if you need a rest from all that walking. Peru is justifiably proud of these wonderful horses and you will fall in love with their gentle nature.