THE TASTE OF LIMA

For years, most people headed to Peru to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the magnificent ancient Inca icon of Machu Picchu. It’s still the country’s most visited tourist attraction by far, but 300 miles away, there’s a new draw in town.

World-renowned chefs, enchanting ingredients and a buzzing restaurant scene have put capital city Lima, on the west coast of the country, firmly on the travel hit list. Here, you’ll find a growing food scene, with eateries aplenty.

Peru’s culinary rebirth is largely due to the richness of its land and, when it comes to food, the country boasts some of the finest ingredients in the world. Over 1,500 miles of wild Pacific coastline, paired with lush steamy jungle and dusty highland, provide perfect farming conditions. Fruits, roots and vegetables all thrive – from huge avocados, fragrant coffee beans and mangoes, to the aphrodisiacal delights of sour camu camu berries and organic cacao.

The abundance of the country’s produce draws chefs from all over the world, each eager to showcase the best of what Peru has to offer in innovative and pleasurable dishes you’ll dream of long after leaving.

While Machu Picchu captures hearts with its mystery, it is Lima that wows with its dining options, spanning cheap eateries through sophisticated spaces that serve nine-course tasting menus.

Lima also has some fascinating food markets, where you can pick up fruits and vegetables you’ve probably never heard of, alongside superfoods like maca root powder (said to be great for its moodboosting properties) and chia seeds.