When the morning fog begins to lift from Lima’s Pacific coast, the city reveals itself in layers—gorgeous architecture that ranges from Spanish Colonial to Baroque and modern glass towers, lush park spaces with ancient groves of olive trees, and surfers waiting for the next set of waves to roll in.
It’s not hard to see why the Peruvian capital has become a favorite for travelers who merge business with leisure. It’s a portmanteau known as “bleisure:” when meetings wrap, fresh ceviche and Pisco sours await.
In San Isidro, the city’s thrumming financial district, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center anchors the neighborhood, and is also close to the historical core of the city and to Miraflores, where you’ll find beaches.
With 27,000 square feet of meeting space and the largest ballroom in the city, Westin Lima is suited as much for hosting large conventions and groups as it is offering a soft landing for first-time visitors eager to get a taste of Lima, a destination that’s considered the culinary capital of South America.
Whether it’s adding on a trip to Machu Picchu or padding a business trip with a few extra days to explore the arts and culture scene and world-renowned restaurants in the city, Westin Lima is a consistent draw for bleisure trips, said Natalia del Aguila, Groups & Business Travel Senior Sales Manager for The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center.
“I think Lima surprises everyone,” del Aguila said. “It’s vibrant and layered. It has colonial charm that meets modern energy. But what really captures people is the soul of the city. It’s the food, the people, the creativity behind the Peruvian cuisine, and the warmth of the locals. I think that’s what makes our experience feel so personal and unforgettable.”
Up next, discover some of the must-try flavors and must-see sights every first-time visitor to Lima should experience.
Must-Try Dishes in Lima
Let’s start with the obvious: Lima takes its ceviche seriously. You’ll find versions of the dish all over Latin America, but Peru’s ceviche? “It has no competition,” said Luis Debellis, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center’s Corporate Food & Beverage Manager.
The best fish for a ceviche is the freshest, he said, though it’s usually a white fish. Chefs from the hotel work with local fish purveyors to source the best of the best. Ceviche is cured in a bright Peruvian marinade called Leche de Tigre that’s typically made with lime juice, fish stock, garlic, ají amarillo, coriander, and other spices.
Meetings and event groups can set up ceviche lessons as well as competitions starring the sweet-and-tart Pisco Sour, traditionally made with Pisco (a fermented grape juice that turns into a high-proof brandy), lime juice, egg whites and Angostura bitters.
Debellis also points to arroz con pato—duck with coriander and rice—and chalakita, which is kind of like a spicy pickled onion relish as a must-try while in Lima. And don’t miss lomo saltado, a classic Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry of tender beef, onions and tomatoes tossed in soy sauce and vinegar, served alongside fries or crispy potato wedges.
Culinary Experiences in Lima
When you’re traveling to Lima, come hungry.
The hotel offers guests a true taste of the city through several distinctive dining venues. Its signature restaurant, Maras, showcases refined Peruvian cuisine, while Popurrí, a newly opened food hall managed by the hotel and located just across the street, features 14 diverse culinary concepts. Guests can explore everything from handmade pizzas and tacos to sushi, sandwiches and indulgent desserts like caramelized Basque-style cheesecake—and even discover a hidden speakeasy tucked inside.
Back at the hotel, enjoy a nightcap at Alphonse Bar, which is inspired by Prohibition and serves classic cocktails in vintage glassware set to a sound track of jazz and blues.
“You can hop around and enjoy different culinary experiences,” said del Aguila. “It’s so versatile.”
As a whole, Lima’s culinary scene is wowing the world.
Lima restaurants make frequent appearances on the esteemed list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In fact, this year, a restaurant in the city took the top spot. Maido in Lima is a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant with a tasting menu that features delicious dishes like squid ramen with Amazonian chorizo and The Triple, a combination of avocado, egg, tomato and chashu (braised pork belly).
Other destination dining includes Shizen Restaurante Nikkei, where Japanese and Peruvian flavors come together in dishes such as ceviches, udon noodles infused with Peruvian spices, and inventive maki rolls and Osso, a butchery and restaurant serving dry-aged beef and charcuterie.
“Lima is a destination for people who not just love food, but who love dining experiences,” Debellis said.