Lima, the capital of Peru, is a large city that couples modern mega city and islands. It is home to some of the best beaches in the world and enjoys great subtropical climate, never too warm or too cold. In fact it almost never rains in Lima and is sunny most of the time. Venture outside the city and you find an extremely arid desert. If you enjoy the beach and tropical paradise then Lima is the place for you! The combination of history, culture, a large student population, and wonderful climate make Lima a perfect base for Study Abroad or gap year travel. Look out for cheap travel tours to Peru and student discount flights direct to Lima. You can find a cheap place to stay in Lima at guesthouses, and clean, nice rooms in budget hotels in the central Miraflores quarter can cost as little as $50 a night.
Lima is home to many different tropical and aquatic activities. The Palomino Islands, for example, are just a short distance from Lima. Cruises are available to this destination. There you can see many different forms of oceanic life such as sea lions. If you’re adventurous you could even swim with some! Do you surf? Head over to any of Lima’s beautiful beaches and take out your surfboard: You’re sure to find some sick waves! Looking for other fun activities in Lima? Hit up the metropolitan area and do some paragliding and hang-gliding. Companies like AeroXtreme and PeryFly offer day courses and gliding excursions. If you’re still feeling active then take a bike tour through Lima’s historic downtown. Companies such as Bike Tours of Lima take you to all the best spots including Barranco, San Isidro, Miraflores, Chorrillos, and downtown. There’s also mountain biking nearby. Tours are conducted in English or Spanish and you are usually able to rent a bike from a small fee. Are you into art? Head over to the Museo Larco. This building dating from 1926 showcases remarkable galleries that chronicle the history of Peru. There is also a lovely Cafe del Museo and Museum Gallery Shop.