SELECT Magazine 2020 Collection | Page 56

LIVING LARGE IN LIMA Not so long ago, Peru’s capital possessed little appeal to the average visitor; but in the past decade, Lima has transformed into a thriving metropolis, complete with a revived colonial center, colorful neighborhoods and a growing roster of world-famous restaurants. Any Peru adventure should give you one or two full days in Lima — plenty of time to explore the city’s highlights. First on that list is the Malecón de Miraflores, a cliffside boardwalk perfect for strolling, biking and, for the adventurous, paragliding. For those who wish to explore with their feet firmly on the ground, you can make your own mini chocolate bar at The Choco Museo; perfect your selfie game in the wild sculpture garden at M.A.C., the Museum of Contemporary Art; meet llamas, alpacas and Peruvian hairless dogs during a tour of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid; and check out the artists at Parque Kennedy, a festive park filled with friendly cats. Paragliders at Miraflores in Lima CONDORS AND CANYONS Colca Canyon will make your jaw drop. Located in southern Peru near the city of Arequipa, this geological wonder is a jagged fissure slicing through the Andes mountains, carving out a space twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. And while hikers come here in droves to trek through verdant valleys and relish incredible view after incredible view, your kids will love it for the birds. Not just any birds, mind you; Colca Canyon is world-famous for its Andean condors. These massive birds — some of the largest on the planet with wingspans up to nine feet — soar near the canyon walls, gliding on thermal uplifts that swell from the canyon floors below. While there are several spots to spy these amazing creatures up close, the cliff-top lookout at Cruz del Cóndor just may provide the moments your kids remember best from the entire journey. Colca Canyon 5 4 | SELE C T · 2 02 0