"Just Ducky in Lima" a Lima Travel Page by richiecdisc

As a rule, South American capitals are dreaded as places travelers must pass through on their way to the greater sights of this exotic continent. In this regard, Lima is generally viewed as a necessary evil to explore the magical Inca ruins at Machu Picchu or majestic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Part of the image problem stems from when people tend to arrive in this thriving city. The highlands are Peru’s drawing card and the best time of year to visit them is in the Andean “summer,” as this mountainous region’s actual winter season is often referred to as. While this offers clear crisp days inland, it leaves the coast blanketed in a thick fog called garua in the local tongue. An already hectic city is then transformed into an ugly one, which can be a rude change from the dry blue skies one gets accustomed to in the mountains or an eerie first impression of what many imagine to be a tropical country. But with some well thought out timing and a little luck, the sun can shine on this dreary capital. When this happens, the colonial architecture takes on a new light and combined with the great array of eating opportunities in this admitted “culinary capital” of South America; Lima becomes one of the continents more friendly and interesting cities. So, time your visit for the end of Peru’s winter and enjoy all that this bustling city has to offer.