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It's a little-known fact, but people of Chinese descent can be found all over South America, brought to the continent as laborers under the Spanish colonization. Lima, Peru has the oldest South American Chinatown, el Barrio Chino, and it's well worth exploring during your stay at the Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center. Hire a taxi to Calle Capon, not far from the Mercado Central, Lima's central market.

In Peru, the word chifa means Chinese restaurant, and Calle Capón's zodiac inlaid walkways are lined with them. One place to check out is San Joy Lao, one of the restaurants that helped revitalize the neighborhood a few years ago. Like many restaurants, it mixes some Peruvian sensibilities into its Chinese dishes.

Restaurante Royal comes highly recommended but is also one of the pricier restaurants in the neighborhood. They do, however, offer the rare "Oriental breakfast," a combination of dim sum and Peruvian items such as buñuelos. For tasty dim sum later in the day, try Salón Capón, a Barrio Chino favorite.

Travelers on their way to Machu Picchu often pass through Lima without spending too much time there, but that's starting to change. As msnbc.com points out, Lima has a lot going for it and it's worth spending a couple of days to experience the best this South American city has to offer. Every great journey begins with a single step, and in Lima, that step should be breakfast. Breakfast at Cocolat Café involves delicious coffee, pastries, and a few chocolates as well, because you're sure to walk them all off during the day. Then start your tour of Lima by seeing the history of the place at Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera. The museum has an amazing collection of textiles, jewelry, and stonework from the pre-Columbian era, and is currently showing an exhibit of ceramic pottery from the Moche people (200 A.D. - 700 A.D.). To really stretch your legs and see some Peruvian history, visit a spot 45 minutes out of town called Pachacamac. Still a working archaeological site, Pachacamac has ancient pyramids, the ruins of long abandoned palaces, and other structures. Back in the city, the Museo de la Nació tells the amazing story of Peru's ancient history, with extensive exhibits of Incan culture. By this point, you may have had your fill of ancient history, but you'll be hungry for some ceviche, a local favorite. You'll find excellent ceviche and other seafood dishes at Canta Rana restaurant, which offers great food in a relaxed atmosphere. If you've still got energy at the end of the day, experience live music and dance at a local peña, which can be found at clubs such as Manos Morenas, Caballero de Fina Estampa, and Brisas del Titicaca. Guests at the Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center will find plenty to do in this delightful city.

[image via msnbc.com]

It's official: Lima, Peru has arrived as an international dining destination. As the Washington Post notes in a recent story, Peruvian cuisine has always been revered by South Americans, but North Americans and Europeans have only recently caught on to the delights of this truly eclectic but delicious style of cooking. Lima now boasts several world-class restaurants. Astrid y Gastón restaurant, for example, gives a modern touch to traditional Peruvian staples, serving up dishes such as grilled swordfish and shrimp ravioli. Costanera 700 restaurant, meanwhile, is run by the legendary Japanese chef Humberto Sato, who prepares Japanese-influenced Peruvian dishes such as chita fish baked in a salt crust, tiradito lenguado (flounder with lime and chili peppers), and causa de centolla (a delightful king crab dish). A restaurant called Punto Azul (pictured) is always packed with people who appreciate its amazing seviche and tiradito dishes and affordable prices. Finally, Alfresco restaurant offers sublime seafood dishes such as tiradito lenguado alfresco in a romantic airy dining room. Guests at the Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center can enjoy some of the world's finest food in this amazing city on the sea.

[image via the Washington Post]

Peruvian music is the dictionary definition of fusion. American Indian influences remain, and music from all over Latin America has ended up in Lima. Musical perfromances in Lima really are full-fledged shows, with dancers and audience participation. And don't forget about the food - many live music venues also present classic Peruvian cuisine like lomo saltado. The Sheraton Lima Hotel & Casino is next door to Lima's Civic Center, and is nearby many symbols of what makes Lima so interesting: its cultural heritage. The Italian Museum, Chinatown, and the Bohemian District are all within walking distance. Seems like you could see the world by visiting Lima.

Lima, Peru is coming into its own as a city worth visiting, finally more than a stopover before moving on to the ruins or the Andes. And believe it or not, it's the local cooking that leading this travel revolution. Peruvian cooking isn't widely considered one of the world's greats, but people have to dig a little deeper to appreciate it - potatoes may be a staple, but in Lima there are literally hundreds of varieties available. Culinary tours are becoming a big business in Lima, and can involving cooking classes, tastings, or both (be sure to get your hands on some cebiche, a local speciality that's becoming more refined all the time). The Sheraton Lima Hotel & Casino is located at the entrance to Lima's historic center, near a plethora museums and Lima's Chinatown, which seems a good place to begin an eater's tour. Fusion always makes for interesting dining.