Lima

Peru’s capital is one of the largest cities on the continent of South America and the second-driest in the world. As such, it serves as a jumping-off point for travellers heading to sites like Machu Picchu, the Atacama Desert and Lake Titicaca. But Lima itself holds many fascinating insights into the mystical land’s history, with museums containing pre-Columbian art and exhibits tracing its millennia of civilizations including the Conquistadors and Incas. As it’s on the Pacific coast, it’s also a great place to surf and try watersports. And Lima offers great nightlife in addition to innovative restaurants with some genius chefs.