Lima

Most intriguing are the thousands of ceramic "portrait heads" crafted more than a millennium ago. — Fodor's

Even if there were no art inside this museum, it would still be worth the trip to see the century-old mansion that houses it. — Fodor's

Start at the central Plaza de Armas (also called the Plaza Mayor), site of the 17th-century baroque cathedral and the adjacent Archbishop's Palace. — Afar Magazine

This mansion sums up the graceful style of the early 18th century. Flanked by a pair of elegant balconies, the stone entrance is as expertly carved as that of any of the city's churches. — Fodor's

It may not look like much from the outside, but the interiors are lovely, with vintage furnishings and tile work. It can also be visited via organized excursions with Lima Tours. — Lonely Planet

A graceful neoclassical structure facing the Plaza Bolívar houses this diminutive museum, where the Spanish Inquisition once plied its trade. — Lonely Planet

Known locally as MALI, Lima’s principal fine-art museum is housed in a striking beaux-arts building that was recently renovated. — Lonely Planet

You'll be amazed at the scale—this pre-Inca huaca, or temple, covers several city blocks. — Fodor's

Central Lima's Church of San Francisco is a must-see destination. — Afar Magazine

For a fascinating introduction to pre-Columbian life, visit this diminutive museum. — Travel + Leisure

Lima itself is dotted with excavations of pre-columbian cultures, but in Pachacámac... the ruins literally spill out of the sandy hills above the ocean. — Afar Magazine

The imposing Los Descalzos convent, built in 1594 to the glory of the Franciscans, cannot fail but delight. — Michelin Guide

Celebrated son Mario Testino returned to his city of birth to open MATE, a stunning visual portoflio of the photographer’s most famous works. — Travel + Leisure

The sight of this mud-brick pyramid catches many people off guard. — Fodor's

Lima's largest art museum displays 3,000 years of Peruvian art, ranging from Chavín and Paracas ceramics and weaving to modern-day video installations. — Frommer's

The first Latin Mass in Lima was held in 1534 on a small patch of land now marked by the Iglesia de la Merced. — Lonely Planet

Inaugurated in 1921 to celebrate the Independence centenary, Plaza San Martín was endowed with a huge equestrian statue of José de San Martín, the Argentinean liberator of Peru. — Michelin Guide

San Agustín Church (18C), rebuilt several times after earthquakes, has preserved period elements, some of which are quite splendid. — Michelin Guide