One of San Isidro's glorious parks Aristocratic elegance and modern multistory office buildings characterize Lima's leading financial district of San Isidro. Largely residential, it abounds in beautifully manicured parks, stately mansions and exclusive social clubs. It's also one of the city's safest and most cosmopolitan districts, full of designer boutiques, classy bars and upscale restaurants specializing in cuisines from around the world. Nor does San Isidro lack its share of cultural activities thanks to its theaters, art galleries and cultural arts centers.

One of the district's main attractions is a pyramidal adobe brick temple built by the Maranga Lima civilization and used as a burial place from the 3rd through the 15th centuries AD. Known as the Huaca Huallamarca, or Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Loaf), it has been meticulously restored and sometimes hosts special concerts and exhibitions. There's a small museum where mummies and ancient objects unearthed here are now displayed, and standing upon the temple's ceremonial platform affords a unique perspective on the contemporary hotels and apartment buildings that have risen up around it.

Another of San Isidro's historic landmarks is its Parque El Olivar (Olive Grove Park), a lovely green oasis of gnarled old olive trees that was first planted as an olive grove in 1560 with three small saplings. In less than two centuries the grove's three saplings multiplied into two thousand and in 1959 it was declared a national monument.