Lima. Peru

When fog enshrouds its colonial-age buildings and highrises, Lima's charms come across as all too subtle. Lima is the second-driest world capital afrter Cairo, rising above a long stretch of crumbling ocean cliffs. To really experience it, ride the wave of chaos from high-rise condos built alongside ancient temples, to the fast Pacific waves rolling toward noisy traffic jams. 

Lima is also sophisticated, with a history of civilization dating back millennia. Museums showcase sublime pottery; galleries debut avante-guard art; religious processions bring back the 18th century and nightclubs spew tropical beats. No visitor can miss the capital’s culinary excellence, more than 400 years in the making.