​Lima Gourmet tours are experiences in Peru born out of the desire to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s unique history and culture in an engaging way. What better way than to create a long-lasting set of sensory memories you can evoke with the flavors, aromas, and style of a destination? The combination of food, tradition, and local knowledge is what we seek to include in our own travel itineraries, so we dreamed of sharing that same type of journey with like-minded travelers, specifically for trips to Peru.

​When our Lima Gourmet food tour first launched in 2010, the average stay in Lima was just under one day. It was largely considered a necessary layover on the way to Machu Picchu or the Amazon jungle. Some would opt for a brief city tour of the historic center when arriving to Lima, while others would spend a few hours wandering around shopping at the seaside mall in Miraflores, Larcomar. Finally, a handful of adventurous travelers would depart from the typical tourist circuit and fit in a meal after researching Peruvian cuisine. We believed Lima had so much more to offer and merited more time for discovery. It seems our wanderlust-motivated friends agreed because now the average stay in the city is three days. So, over twelve years ago, we sat down to brainstorm what our perfect tour of Lima would look like and what we could prioritize to invite guests to venture beyond Peru’s main tourist attractions.
​

​Another factor we were intent on weaving into the day was the urban playground the city offers as a seaside backdrop to the route. Although it can take hours to make the trek from one side of town to the other, we thought it was necessary to spread our Peruvian food tour throughout different Lima neighborhoods. To understand Peruvian culture, guests can get a feel by setting their eyes on the eclectic architectural legacy present in the capital’s streets. Pre-Columbian and pre-Incan temples and relics can be found nestled between buildings representing Peru’s republican period or designs that reflect the fever for adding a European flair. From ancient to modern, the visual timeline available in Lima’s landscape mustn’t be overlooked as an integral part of its history.

To bring the concept of our first Lima food tour to life, we decided that there were a few things we would never compromise, the authenticity and quality of the experience. Tourism has evolved immensely over the last decade, with guests opting for boutique offerings that preserve the essence of a destination while providing elevated service. We believe that spending time curating an experience that highlights the creme de la creme of what a place offers is one of the best ways to create a positive first impression that leaves a lasting impact. This preference to be pampered is true to what we look for while traveling and the heart of what we want to offer our guests. After hours of research and putting together an itinerary, all of the time and sacrifices to explore a new culture, we want it to be a special moment that defines how visitors feel and connect with Peru.
​​

​If you’re interested in booking our original Lima Gourmet food tour, you can visit the page for more details and reserve, or check out our other experiences in Lima if you’re ready to commit to a great time. If you want to know more about us as a company and how we started, visit the Lima Gourmet About Us page for the backstory. And if you need help deciding what to do while in Lima, feel free to reach out, and we’ll give you a hand.

Hope you’re ready to buy your ticket to Peru ¡buen viaje!

​

The Lima Gourmet Tours team has put together a crash course in traditions and ingredients to reveal the secrets behind Peru's outstanding accolades in the kitchen. Peru is a foodie paradise that beckons travelers to come explore the flavors, the fusions and the phenomenal ambience the country provides with a backdrop of thousands of years of culinary creativity. Watch the video to get a feel for the gastronomic legacy in this corner of South America, what dishes you can't miss, and why superfoods are trending as well as what we should really know about them.

Restaurants in Lima are as colorful and diverse as the traditions and culinary creativity represented in the dishes served. Like the rest of the world, the foodie landscape was forever changed by the effects of the pandemic. Some old favorites unfortunately couldn't resist the extended closures, meanwhile new bars, cafes, and restaurants in Lima have bloomed, bringing the city back to life. In some ways the Peruvian restaurant experiences has transformed completely, generally providing more options for patrons. Peru's capital enjoys a mild climate, providing the perfect conditions for year-round al fresco dining. Motivated by the restrictions implemented, many locales opted to take advantage of curb space and outdoor areas allowing customers to pair delicious dishes with an urban view. The appetite for dining out has also increased, so be sure to make your reservations in advance otherwise you may be opting for takeout. In reality, delivery and takeout have also progressed and become more sophisticated as several top-notch restaurants launched gourmet options you can enjoy from the comfort of abode. If you're just visting, we definitely recommend planning out your meals for in-person experiences of Lima's exquisite foodie scene. If you want to head straight to the grain, you can view a list of our recommended restaurants in Lima, or read on for extra insight into our Peruvian culinary favorites.

​Peruvian restaurants serving traditional dishes can look like many different things depending on your angle. Here we've narrowed the classification to focus on dishes would mostly be considered "Peruvian creole" or restaurants dedicated to using local ingredients and rotating their menus depending on the season. Our top three favorites are: Isolina, Huaca Pucllana and Matria. So let's break it down a bit further.

​When we want to treat my mother-in-law and extended Peruvian family to a special meal, this is our go-to place. This is Peruvian soul food immaculately executed to combine home-cooking that transports you to another era with a jovial and familiar atmosphere. Everything, and we mean everything, on the menu is delicious. After years as patrons, our favorite dishes are still the seco, the lomo saltado, the cebiche, and the papa rellena. Bonus points for the chef and his team as this restaurant has repeatedly figured among the cream of the crop in terms of best restaurants in Latin America.

Isolina · 101 San Martin Av., Barranco  · +51 (1) 247-5075

The Huaca Pucllana offers an elevated interpretation of traditional Peruvian cuisine. The presentation is thoughtful and while keeping the essence of the dishes true to their roots. Additionally, this is a great place to branch out beyond the traditional pisco sour as here you can ask for the flagship cocktail and chilcanos (the pisco sour's lighter cousin)​ with one of many fruit and herbal infused piscos. An aguaymanto or coca sour are ideal options if you're already familiar with the traditional lime libation. Apart from the food, the most impressive characteristic is the setting, which is adjacent to a pre-Incan archeological site in the heart of the Miraflores district. 

Huaca Pucllana · General Borgoño Block 8, Miraflores · +51 (1) 445-4042

At Matria, Peru's ingredients and the environment are at the heart of this palatable proposal. While not necesarily traditional recipes, the menu rotates based on the season, thus coming into tune with the country's biodiverstiy and natural cycles. The dishes offer a variety of foodie fusions that highlight the quality of the local ingredients and reflect the versatility of the restaurant's culinary team. Another plus is the location, which will take you beyond the typical tours of Miraflores to explore a different side of the district.
​
Matria · General Manuel Mendiburu 823, Miraflores · +51 (1) 422-2784 / +51 922 277 637

Seafood in Lima is a staple of the city's cuisine. With over 2,400 km (1,500 mi) of coastline, Peru has been experimenting with fare from the Pacific for millenia. Having perfected a range of cooking techniques, Peruvians were already masters of the sea before other cultures arrived to lend their own culinary influences. Today the fusions abound, but a particular nod to the Japanese and Chinese can be seen, especially in more delicate and elaborate preparations. 

El Mercado has been on our list of restaurants we recommend to friends and family since it opened. The consistency and attentive service is bar none and the fresh and innovative flavors never cease to impress. It's a corner of the city that has it all ambience, food, music, and great people watching. It's one of our all-time favorites. Our picks for what to order include the grilled octopus, the chili-marinated fish carpaccio, or the Nikkei cebiche.  

El Mercado · 203 Hipólito Unanue, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 221-1322

Cala is one of those prividged places that invites guests to gaze upon the vast expanse of Pacific Ocean, connecting them to the ecosystem that supports Peru's rich heritage of marine meals. There's nothing like sitting right next to the water and getting a little lost in the waves and relaxed conversation while enjoying the catch of the day prepared in a local style. Cala does have options for those who steer clear of the sea, but if you're open to some fresh fish and beautiful views, this is your place.

Cala · Circuito de Playas, Barranco · T: +51 (1) 477-2020

​La Mar is a classic go-to for a vibrant experience, a delicious variety of dishes and great service. As one of Gastón Acurio's most notable brands, it's always packed and it always delivers. For a pro tip, look up at the chalkboard for the daily specials if you're looking to try something new. It's a restaurant that also respects and communicates any temporary bans on serving specific species in order to protect them, in line with local policy. If you want to go beyond the classic cebiche, try one of their tasting platters to open your tastebuds.

La Mar · Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 421-3365

Pescados Capitales opens with a great tongue-in-cheek vibe as the name is a play on words in Spanish, referring to pecados capitales, or the seven capital sins. The menu follows suit with dishes that are inspired on each of the sins as well as the overarching them. The spacious outdoor patio also makes it an attractive spot to explore Peruvian seafood, hopefully without crossing the line into gluttony. Most seafood places close after lunch, a tradition establish before the accessibilty of refrigeration, however Pescados Capitales is one of the few (along with Cala) that also open its doors for the dinner service.

Pescados Capitales · Av. La Mar 1337, Miraflores · T: +51 (1) 680-4600

We would be remiss if we didn't include the names that consistently make international lists for the best restaurants in the world. There is ample information available for these rockstars, so we're sure that at least a couple of these are already on your list of where to eat in Lima. We'll leave them below along with links you can visit to begin your trip down the rabbit hole of mouthwatering instagram profiles and websites.
​

Other restaurants we love and need to include in a our Part II list are: Limaná, Osaka, Jerónimo, Siete and Mérito.

¡Buen provecho y buen viaje!

This district has been the center of tourism in the city for decades. Located on a gorgeous stretch of the Pacific coast, Miraflores has it all. It's a lively district with plenty of restaurants (including one of the top 10 in the world, Maido) and nice walks along the coast. Whether you want something quiet or in a more happening area, you'll find it here. Another plus is that most of the hotels are located in areas where you can easily walk from one place to another and nothing within Miraflores is more than a 10 minute taxi ride away. It has something for everyone: surfing, cultural tours of pre-Incan temples, paragliding, food tours, shopping, and even wifi-enabled public parks. Here's our breakdown.

​If you are looking for an authentic, vibrant step back in time, Barranco is the place to be. Many buildings and areas are officially protected as cultural heritage, therefore, the Republican and colonial style facades give the district personality that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. This district is considered the bohemian, romantic and artsy center of life in Lima and there is no shortage of fascinating art galleries, shops selling uniquely hand-crafted goods, and an emergence of hip bars and restaurants to give Miraflores a run for its money. ​

In Lima you'll find everything from large international chains, like the JW Marriott, to quaint B&Bs like Second Home Peru. While luxury chains can run you a couple hundred dollars a night, you can find some amazing charmers that feel just as luxurious for around $100 per night. Our faves in terms of boutique hotels include Casa Republica, Villa Barranco, and Hotel B.

Now, if you just want to sit back, relax, and leave it to the pros, you can check out our Lima food and city tours, which cover both districts plus San Isidro, the main sights, some hands-on activities and was designed for people who want to see the city while tasting the best dishes.

​In terms of organization, while we opted for the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants model, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend that approach if you have limited time. As we were there for a month, we knew that if we couldn’t swing a particular plan one day, there would always be another. It’s recommended that you make your plans in advance, especially since ongoing restrictions in Peru limit the maximum capacity, especially in closed spaces.

Our Cusco itinerary was peppered with visits to archeological sites, outdoor walks, and trips to the neighboring Andean towns. There was never a dull moment. The only non-negotiable activity on our list was Machu Picchu and it was certainly an adventure. Memories were made and we’re glad we could swing it, but getting our ducks in a row to organize the outing required more effort than we expected. When it comes to Machu Picchu, this was the trickiest part to coordinate. 
​

No Peru trip would be complete without a mouth-watering adventure through the heart of the World's Best Culinary Destination for eight consecutive years, Lima!  As foodie veterans in the thick of it, inspired by the colorful streets and diverse cultural influences behind this South American culinary power-house, we've already done the hard work of hand-selecting the best stops in the city. 

Food tours are routes composed of several stops whereby travelers enjoy tastings, pairings, and highlights of a particular cuisine. They allow visitors to explore a destination through their senses as they are introduced to a country's culinary legacy. Ingredients that have undergone thousands of years of transformation and domestication shine a light on the civilizations that first dared to introduce them to our palates. Trans-oceanic adventures, the rise and fall of different eras, various migratory movements, and shifting geopolitics can all leave their mark on a country's cuisine through the fusion of ingredients and cooking techniques. An excellent food tour will offer a deeper understanding of the customs, culture, and traditions as narrated by the evolution of a country's dishes.

Tours of Lima come in every shape and size but getting to know a country through its food is a next-level experience. During a food tour in Lima, you can expect to visit different stops that showcase a variety of styles and influences from Peru's three regions (the coast, the Andes, and the Amazon) as well as international currents that reveal the country's history. You'll wander around different neighborhoods to admire the eclectic architecture, secret gardens, urban street art, and the city's main attractions.

Get a glimpse and virtually travel to Peru on a food tour with The Bom's Away! 

​Your Peru trip is just about to take off, your bags are packed, you’ve checked in, and shortly you’ll be headed for a splendid South American adventure. Better take one last run through that checklist to ensure you have all of your paperwork in order to attest to your Covid-free status before boarding. While it isn’t overly complex, navigating travel to Peru during Covid (or anywhere for that matter) can be confusing, taking an extra effort for even the most seasoned travelers.

As travel lovers and your boots on the ground in Peru, we’ve listed the Covid-related requirements you’ll need to keep in mind for a smooth welcome to the country. Additionally, you’ll find some tips and information about your stay. 

Covid-19 Test: Entry to Peru

To depart from your destination, you’ll be required to show a negative PCR test or a negative antigen test. The PCR tests must be conducted within 72 hours of departure, while antigen test results are only accepted within 24 hours of taking the test. It is imperative that your documents include the type of test conducted, the date, and your name as it appears on your travel documents.  

Health Affidavit for Peru

In addition to the negative Covid test, travelers must fill out a health affidavit for Peru, which serves as a sworn declaration of health, primarily to screen travelers with covid-related symptoms.

During this process, you’ll provide your personal details, travel and hotel information, and statement of health. If you would like detailed steps on the information required or instructions on how to fill out the form, you can check out Amazonas Explorer’s excellent step-by-step blog post, "How to Complete Peru's Travel Affidavit."  

Regarding the Covid test results and affidavit, digital versions are accepted; however, we’re a bit old school and recommend taking printed copies as well. 

Enjoy the food, landscapes, culture, and heritage of Peru throughout your trip, and live it up while you can! With the first part of the trip behind you, you’ll be wondering what you need to do to get back home. Each country has its own restrictions, and between the loosening and tightening of policies, travelers can get whiplash trying to keep up. We encourage you to keep on top of your local requirements prior to and during your trip, but we’ll give you a head start in terms of US travel mandates as of the date of this publication.

US Travel Attestation

As when arriving to Peru, the United States also requires passengers to attest to their health (i.e., Covid-free) before boarding a return flight. At the following link, you’ll find the fillable  US Travel Attestation Form provided by the CDC: US Travel Attestation Form. 

Covid-19 Test - US Entry

Upon your return to the United States, you’ll also be required to provide the results of a negative PCR test or a negative antigen test. At the time of writing this, tests administered within 72 hours (PCR and antigen) are accepted. There are many places where you can get tested in Peru, and Lima in particular. If you are in Lima, you can visit Unilabs or Suiza Labs, where prices range between USD 35 and USD 70 depending on the test. Visitors should book an appointment through the websites in advance.

So what is it like to be in Peru during the ongoing pandemic? The current mask mandates require visitors to wear masks at all times outdoors. Guests must wear two masks in restaurants, shops, museums, banks, and public transportation (including buses, planes, taxis, and trains). Furthermore, it’s the general practice to have your temperature taken upon entering any establishment, and you’ll get a spritz or two of alcohol on your hands.

Peru is an incredible place with lots to offer, and as international travel returns, let’s  do our part to travel responsibly. ¡Buen viaje!

​
​While we’re on the topic of swimming with sea lions, that’s just one of many adrenaline-stimulating activities you can experience while in Peru. If you like to explore destinations by getting hands-on with your surroundings, you can try paragliding in Lima, ziplining in the Sacred Valley, or sailing through sand dunes in a buggy at sunset. Adventure is never far away when in Peru.

There’s so much that we love about Peru’s artisan culture, particularly the country’s rich textile legacy.  Stretching back thousands of years, the vast knowledge and skill are still discernible in the works of contemporary weavers. In communities like Chinchero, you can admire the process in person and browse among a selection of blankets, scarves, decorations for the home, and other keepsakes to remember the trip. Apart from textiles, the baby alpaca and Pima cotton products are also well worth considering for a gift or to treat yourself. ​

We hope those five reasons to love Peru inspired you to start planning. See you here! 

RESOURCES
Food: Restaurants in Lima · Lima Food Tours
Textiles: Textiles · Baby Alpaca ·  Peruvian Gifts
Cultural Sites: Huaca Pucllana · Caral · Nazca · Kuelap · Chan Chan · Sacsayhuaman
Biodiversity: Peruvian biodiversity
​Adventure Activities: Paragliding · Ziplining · Huacachina

Looking for the best Peruvian wine to pair with your meals during a foodie foray into the country's flavors? We've got you. While most travel books and wannabe culinary guides will point you to traditional vineyards steeped in history, culture, and Euro-focused tendencies, we would rather point you to the intersection of innovation and some serious sex-appeal with the natural wines and Pet Nats from Bodega Murga. Pet what? Pet Nat! These naturally sparkling wines are bottled before the primary fermentation is complete, with no extra yeast or sugar; so it's a low-sugar wine to boot!

​Okay, so you may be asking yourself if this a paid collab, but in fact, we are simply that enthusiastic about the labor of love that goes into each bottle at this hidden vineyard tucked away in the Pisco Valley.  Peru is officially home to the oldest vineyard in South America, and the country does have street cred when it comes to winemaking culture, however, at the more industrial-level operations you'll find your malbecs, chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, and a number of red blends. The wines from Murga have arrived on the scene to transform the concept of what is traditional by bringing the focus to hyper-local grapes and the chemical-free (from the earliest agricultural stages to the bottling process), natural flavors that emerge with each sip to excite the palate. ​

We can't talk about Peru's love affair with grapes without mentioning pisco, now can we? Bodega Murga has garnered no shortage of attention for its distinguished piscos, backed by respected heavyweights in the sector and led by master distiller Alberto Di Laura. In fact, the vineyard's new Pisco was just launched last week, so put your refined taste on display and pick up a bottle or two for your bar at home.

Alas, where can one find this nectar of the gods? Many travelers to Lima already come with reservations where exclusive pairings are offered: Maido, Astrid y Gaston, Central, and Siete, among others. You can buy the wine or pisco directly from the vineyard through their website, Bodega Murga, and take back a few bottles to pretend your vacation from Peru never ended. If you're really generous, you can carry them in tow as a gift. But buyer beware, it's so good you may need a backup gift because the chances are high that if you've already tried it, you'll likely keep the bottles for yourself... not talking from personal experience or anything. ;)

​Travel to Peru may be a bit complicated at the moment given the global crossroads at which we find ourselves, however we're fortunate enough to live in an age where we can immerse ourselves in cultures, concepts, art and even recipes that transport us to another land. All of this downtime has inevitably led us to examine the intricacies of our own lives to see what's been working for us as well as observe the areas where we could use more balance. Strangely enough, travel, which would naturally seem to be the polar opposite of being on lockdown, can do the same in broadening our horizons providing us with new perspectives through which we can view our lives. This is the perfect moment then to shed some light on an ancient Andean way of viewing life that places balance and harmony with our environment at the center of our experiences. The Sumaq Kawsay, or the Andean doctrine of Good Living, is a spectacular guide for becoming more aware of our daily decisions and how to navigate the world around us while respecting the delicate equilibrium of all life. Read on for the 13 defining principles of good living according to the Andean cosmovision accompanied by some travel recommendations to start planning your Peru trip!

Early to bed, early to rise. Doesn't need much more explanation than that.

​

I mean we're all here and we all have to find some way to provide for ourselves, so no matter what you do, throw yourself into it. What have you go to lose? If you give it your best, no one can take that away from you whether you succeed or not, the worst you will have gained is experience. Go for it.

​

More than thinking about all of the experiences you have to explore in Peru, the best way to get the most out of your trip is to dive in head over heels and feel it at a deeper level because that will be the greatest gift you can give yourself once you return home.

​

So this definitely pre-dates Aretha however we see this recurring theme in just about all aspects of our lives from time to time: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If your relationships are based on respect to the fullest degree, then finding the flow and reciprocity leads to harmony. The golden rule, anybody?

​

The Andean cosmovision once again tells us to reside a little less in our minds and tap into our other senses to listen and gain information. We all know that sometimes our gut tells us more than what our head can suss out of a situation and by quieting the mind we can sharpen the other communication tools we have at our disposal.

​

Can I get an "Amen?!" If everytime someone opened their mouth to speak it had to be with the intention to build, support and add something can you even allow yourself to imagine what the world would look like? We're constantly surrounded and bombarded with opinions, judgments, fluff, criticisms (not the constructive kind) and quiet frankly, a lot of hot air. Mindfulness in speech could take us a long way. One of the best ways of experiencing a culture is also through the language. You would do yourself a big favor if you picked up a little Spanish before the trip, or even better for the Andes, Quechua. A language is a living, evolving organism that allows one access to a different mindset and even different ways of understanding the same concept. It's never too late to break out the Rosetta Stone and start building your base or even sign up for a language exchange.

​

That sums it up. Give and receive. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

A little food for thought. If we all make some small changes and tweaks to find that balance, we just might wake up to a whole new world.