In the summer, the mysterious sea mist lifts and limeños come alive. Lima, the foodie capital of South America, is vibrant and cosmopolitan year-round – but her best side is seen between December and April.

In this extract from “Peru: An Odyssey Across a Time-Honoured Land,” a new book published by Assouline in collaboration with Belmond, journalist Catherine Contreras invites readers to explore one of the planet’s most captivating destinations where Belmond’s hotels and trains are found throughout Peru.