South America Living

Plaza de Armas Square in Lima, Peru

Peru is a Third World country with many areas over-ridden with poverty and crime yet Lima – its capital city – has First World ammenities and an array of upscale things to see and do. A two or three night stay is needed to experience at least a smidgen of what it has to offer.

Where To Eat      Where To Stay
Best Time to Visit      City Map

The city population is close to 9 million and contains approximately a third of the Peruvian population. Obviously where a majority of the jobs are, Lima is also where much of the fun is.

The district of Miraflores is the most popular traveler´s hang-out with high-end restaurants, nightclubs and an abundance of low-cost hostals. Definitely upscale yet also traditional. It contains within its boundaries the 1500 year old pre-Inca ruins Huaca Pucllana. There is a sit-down restaurant located at the site.

You can take a one-hour tour of Miraflores in a double-decker bus that includes a visit to another archeological wonder nearby – the Pachacamac ruins.

More Tourist Attractions & Things To Do in Lima:

• Take a half-day excursion visiting the Presidential Palace (House of Pizarro) in the center of Lima at Plaza Mayor
• Visit a Pisco factory (or any restaurant in Lima) to give the national drink – Pisco Sour – a try. The drink is a mix of pisco (grape brandy), lemon juice, white sugar, a little egg white plus a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Go golfing, live (and spend) like the rich do at Golf Los Incas Hotel & Spa


The Government Palace of Peru (House of Pizarro) in Lima

• Ask where the nearest tour company is located and take your pick from a variety of excursions both within Lima and nearby. Guide to Tour Companys in Lima.
• Go surfing at any number of spots near Miraflores or within a half-hour from downtown Lima
• Party & dance at a disco or club – Bars & Clubs in Lima
• Head to Parque Kennedy in the afternoon and visit the local crafts market held daily around 5 p.m.
• Visit Larco Mar shopping mall with many restaurants, cinemas and views over the Pacific.

Best Time to Visit

Winters (June – August) in Lima can be foggy & grey with overcast skies and intermittent rain. Summer (December – February) and Spring (September – November) are more popular times to visit as the sun is usually shining and if it gets too hot you can always spend a day at one of the many beaches: Beaches & Resorts in Lima.

Where to Stay

Expensive

1. Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Miraflores   Book Now
   Area: Near Parque Kennedy and Larcomar
   Address: Alcanfores 329 Lima
   Website: www.sonesta.com   Twenty-eight rooms with room service and restaurant on-site. Located near the Larcomar Shopping Mall and popular tourist zone Miraflores.
2. Name: Suites Del Bosque   Book Now
   Area: San Isidro
   Address: Av. Paz soldan 165
   Website: www.suitesdelbosque.com   Separate living and dining room in hotel rooms, some have jacuzzi tubs in bathroom. Located in financial district, 15 minutes from Miraflores.

Midrange

1. Name: Hotel Porta   Book Now
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Porta 686
   Website: www.hostalporta.com   Two blocks from the beach in quiet area of Miraflores, simple colonial-style hotel with cable T.V. and private bathrooms.
2. Name: El Ducado Hotel   Book Now
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Juan Fanning 337
   Website: www.ducado.pe   Larcomar Shopping Mall at your doorstep, or walk a few blocks to Parque Kennedy and shop locally with offereings from the daily flea market. Simple rooms with private baths and cable T.V.

Cheap

1. Name: Flying Dog Hostal   Book Now
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Martir Olaya 280
   Website: flyingdogperu.com   Fun, colorful rooms with shared or private baths, common areas and guest kitchen, WiFi. Near Parque Kennedy.
2. Name: Youth Hostel Malka
   Area: San Isidro
   Address:Los Lirios 165
   Website: www.youthhostelperu.com   Twenty minutes from the airport, outdoor garden with seating area. Games room with ping pong table, guest kitchen, laundry service, WiFi.

Where to Eat

Expensive

1. Name: La Gloria
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Atahualpa 201
   Website: www.lagloriarestaurant.com   Mediterranean-style cuisine with seafood, meats, gourmet salads, luscious fresh fruit-topped desserts.
2. Name: Astrid y Gaston
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Cantuarias 175
   Website www.astridygaston.com   Listed as one of the “World’s Best Restaurants in 2012″, it’s highly unlikely you won’t find a traditional Peruvian dish on the menu to entice you, and be satisfyingly pleased with the offer.

Midrange

1. Name: Wa Lok (Chinese)
   Area: Barrio Chino & Miraflores (two locations)
   Address: Jr. Paruro 864-878 & Av. Angamos Oeste 700
   Website: None. Undoubtably one of the top chifas (Chinese food restaurants) in Lima. If you want to visit Chinatown in Lima and the more traditional laid-back Wa Lok head to Jr. Paruro, other location in Miraflores (safer at night). Fresh fish, duck, prawns and an assortment of traditional Chinese dishes.
2. Name: El Señorío de Sulco (Peruvian)
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Malecón Cisneros 1470
   Website: www.senoriodesulco.com   Ocean view with equisite Peruvian dish menu – view the website for photographs of what you will want to order but may need help pronouncing the name of!

Cheap

1. Name: Pasquale Sanguchería (fast-food chain)
   Area: Miraflores
   Address: Av. Comandante Espinar 651
   Website: None. Inca Cola in a plastic cup, juices and Peruvian sandwiches such as lomo saltado (slices of beef mixed with french fries), pork with sauteed peppers or shredded chicken. Simple, cheap eats.
2. Name: Antica Pizzeria
   Area: San Isidro
   Address: Av 2 de Mayo 732
   Website: www.anticapizzeria.com   Oven-baked pizzas and traditional pastas (linguini, ravioli) and parilla (selection of grilled meats).

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