Under $100: Lima, Peru

Lima is a gorgeous South American city full of history and culture. From the shores of the Pacific to one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, each neighborhood of Lima offers a new and exciting exploration for travelers.

If you’re in town on Sunday, start your day with breakfast at Café Tostado, which serves a traditional Peruvian breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., with entrees starting at only $8. Sample their organic Tunki coffee, which is grown in the Peruvian Andes and has won multiple specialty coffee awards.

Plaza de Armas © Pablo Hidalgo | Dreamstime

Take a walk to Lima Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square and historic center, featuring a bronze fountain constructed during the 1600s. In the vicinity is the Lima Cathedral, which you can visit until 5 p.m. through the week and 1 p.m. on the weekends. The impressive interior and architecture reflect the cathedral’s rich and long history — Lima’s founder laid the cathedral’s cornerstone in 1535. Entrance is free.

Lima Cathedral © Pablo Hidalgo | Dreamstime

Another no-cost attraction is Lima’s Gastronomy House, open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The museum dedicated to Lima’s culinary history even features an entire room dedicated to the Peruvian national drink, the Pisco Sour.

Ruins of Huaca Pucllana © Alminaite | Dreamstime

If you can make your way to the Miraflores neighborhood, visit Huaca Pucllana, the site of an ancient pyramid that acted as a ceremonial center for Liman culture in the third century. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except for Tuesday and public holidays and is affordable at only $4 for each adult.

Peruvian Ceviche at La Mar Cebicheria © Cathrine Lindblom | Dreamstime

Stay in the neighborhood for dinner at La Mar Cebicheria, a restaurant famous for their Peruvian ceviche, a raw seafood dish blended with strong citrus and pepper flavors. The majority of La Mar’s offerings are less than $30, so you’ll be able to try some of the best of Lima’s culinary scene without breaking your budget. The popular restaurant doesn’t take reservations, though, so be prepared to show up early or wait for a table.