Lima might have the most free-market taxis of any city in the world. Any Peruvian can turn his private car into a revenue-generator by merely sticking a plastic "Taxi" sign on his windscreen.

Take your pick

Meters? No need. Just negotiate before stepping in. Drivers are usually friendly and fair, and many are moonlighting after finishing their regular jobs.

For three to 10 Soles ($1-$3) you can go almost anywhere in town, and for 15-20 Soles get a taxi from mid-town to the airport. This is one third what you would pay an "official" taxi working with a hotel.

Since Lima's cars are not the biggest and the best in the world, Peru being a developing country and all, you have to pick and choose. The variety is endless.

Lima is considered Latin America's gastronomic capital, and that by Peruvians and foreigners who know the region well.

Filip Boyen, who has worked and traveled extensively in the region and is the general manager of the Miraflores Park Plaza, an Orient Express luxury hotel and probably the finest in Lima, says, "The food in Lima is by far the best in Latin America."

Cevice, a local variety of sushi prepared in strong lemon juice, Chinese cuisine called Chifa, and a Peruvian Creole cuisine are among the best.

The good food is part of Lima's multi-ethnic culture.