A local's guide to Peru

For over 40 years, Denise Pozzi-Escot has been one of Peru’s leading archaeologists, helping to draft the country’s cultural policy and serving on the National Commission of Archaeology. She has studied and taught in Paris, as well as throughout Peru.

This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveller in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

Talk to us about Peru.

I live in Lima, the capital of Peru, one of the few capitals in Latin America that are on the edge of the sea. And it has a historic centre that is UNESCO-protected.

It should also be noted that in Lima there are more than 200 huacas, or pre-Hispanic archaeological sites, that make up part of the landscape of the capital. These sites are part of the more than 100,000 archaeological sites that are in the territory of what is now Peru, with a history that dates back more than 3,000 years. Then there is our natural landscape, which includes coastal desert, high Andean highlands, and the Amazon. The various groups of inhabitants speak over 40 different languages.

Tell us about your connection to your city/country. How does what you do fit into the current narrative of your home country?

My work is related to reconstructing our past to be able to project ourselves to a better future; starting from work in heritage sites and museums, we can contribute to improve the quality of life of Peruvians.

Peru is known for its food. Where are we eating?

For a Creole breakfast, there are good places like MÓ-Café in San Isidro, known for its brunches. El Chinito in Miraflores also serves good breakfasts.

For lunch, walk through the traditional neighbourhood of Barranco; there is Isolina, with traditional Creole dishes. Amaz that has food from the jungle, Maido - Nikkei. To eat delicious ceviche, and a variety of dishes with seafood, go to El Pez Amigo. And, of course, Astrid & Gastón. It is next to the Huaca Pucllana, an ancient site dating from the Wari period, A.D. 600-900, and you can see it as you have dinner here at night.

There are too many delicious places to name in Lima!

What are some non-touristy spots not to miss?

The sanctuary of Pachacamac, in the south of Lima, with its two museums. You can have a lunch show of Paso horses at Hacienda Mamacona, too. El Parque del Olivar, in San Isidro, is quiet and a nice place to walk. Afterward you can catch a show at the Centro Cultural de la Católica and then eat something nearby.

What should we buy?

Peruvian handicrafts from the Miraflores Indian Market. For work by local artists, go to either Dédalo or Indigo.

A view worth the trip?

In Barranco, Miraflores, there are beautiful places with ocean views where in summers there are unforgettable sunsets.

Follow Denise Pozzi-Escot on Instagram @denisepozziescot