1. Food, Food and Food Out of all the things you need to know about Lima, our number one is food-related, of course. You may think we're biased since we run food tours in Lima, but let’s look at the cold, hard facts. Using the World's 50 Best Restaurants as a reference, there are only four cities that have three restaurants in the top 50 (New York, London, Mexico City and Lima), but the Peruvian restaurants rank higher with Central at No 4, Maido at No 13 and Astrid & Gaston at No 30, making Lima the world’s best food city! Limeños are well aware of how special their food is and are obsessed with it, meaning it pretty much rules every aspect of their lives. It's guaranteed that within 30 seconds of meeting a Peruvian, he or she will start talking about food and giving you all sorts of tips on where and what to eat while in Lima and Peru. 2. Big Metropolis As you plan your trip to Peru, you may imagine quiet towns where time has not passed for hundreds of years, colorfully dressed people and even a few llamas wandering around. While it is still the case in many parts of Peru, especially the Andean region, Lima is a big metropolis that is home to nearly 10 million people. It is vast in size and contrasts with very modern and cosmopolitan neighborhoods as well as some parts with buildings that are hundreds of years old and even ruins, like Huaca Pucllana or Pachacamac that are almost two thousand years old. It is this contrast, not only in the eclectic architecture, but also in the origins of its population (European, Asian, Andean and African) that make Lima a very special city and definitely worthy of your vacation time. 3. It Doesn't Rain Limeños like to complain about the weather and how “cold” winters are, but the reality is that Lima has one of the mildest climates there is with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s (15C) to low 80s (29C) all year round. It is humid, very humid, but it never rains, which surprises many new comers as the sky can look, especially in winter, grey and about to deliver a nice shower but it never does. Officially, Lima receives just under two inches of rain a year! 4. Cebiche at Night is a Big No-No Being right next to the richest part of the Pacific Ocean, in fishing terms, Lima is blessed with excellent seafood, however, restaurants that specialize in this type of cuisine (known as Cebicherias in Peru after the name of the top national dish of the country, Cebiche) only open for lunch. Peruvians are so spoiled that they consider that at night the fish/catch of the day is no longer fresh and therefore won’t eat it! So there you have it, if you plan to eat at La Mar, El Mercado or any of the best cebicherias in Lima, be sure to make your plans for lunch. 5. Taxis Have No Meters While Lima is modern and sophisticated in many aspects, the transport system is one of the biggest challenges of this big city, therefore a large part of the population relies on taxis which are cheap and plentiful but have one major weakness: they do not run on meters! So how does it work? When you hail a taxi and he stops, you tell him your destination and negotiate the fare, which will be a fixed rate no matter how much traffic there is. The problem with this, especially as a foreigner, is that many taxis will take advantage and try to charge you “gringo rates” so we suggest downloading a taxi app such as Uber or EasyTaxi which are not only cheap, but a safer option, too. If you don’t have roaming activated, ask your hotel or restaurant to call you a cab or to give you the wifi password.
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Lima, Peru as a cruise port destination may seem like a mixed bag in terms of reviews, however we can assure you that the stop is not to be missed. If you pick up some tips on the best ways to tour Lima. You will without a doubt come to the conclusion that the city is absolutely worth getting off the ship and exploring. No matter what your area of interest, it's a South American metropolis that has it all: culture, history, shopping and undoubtedly the best food around as the World's Best Culinary Destination five years running. What's the best way to organize your time in the Lima? By districts or neighborhoods. Once you make it out of the port area, you can head to one of the main neighborhoods where, for the most part, the attractions will all be within walking distance. While Lima has 43 districts, with such limited time, you can easily whittle it down to two or three parts of the city that have a denser concentration of things to see and do. The three main areas we recommend scoping out to get a feel for the city are Lima's historic center, Miraflores and Barranco. How to get from Callao's port area to Lima? Most cruise lines organize a free shuttle from the ship to a few different destinations - usually Plaza San Miguel, La Punta or the JW Marriott hotel in Miraflores. Currently, there are no established, standard shuttle schedules for arrivals which may make the process of disembarking and getting around seem overwhelming. Most ships inform passengers a day or two before docking which shuttles will be offered at the port of Callao and from there you can fine-tune the rest of your transportation. If you are dropped off at San Miguel or La Punta, you are still quite a way from Lima's main attractions, so you would have a few options for getting around: 1) have a prearrange tour or car to take your around the city 2) negotiate with a street taxi a fixed price to your destination or 3) the taxi app Uber also works in Lima to order a cab. If the JW Marriott is the drop-off point, you will be right in the center of Miraflores and within walking distance of many points of interest. How to tour Lima? Below we've divided the city by district and have included the top must-see attractions and a few tips for each stop. We've also tried to give you an idea of how much time you should expect to spend in transit so that you can effectively get the most out of your time in Lima. Let's begin! Historic & Colonial Lima - Center of Lima
Tips: If you head to the center of Lima, you can fit in the Plaza de Armas, views of the presidential palace (and changing of the guards at noon), the Lima Cathedral and a tour of the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs in about 2 hours. Keep in mind that most churches close to the public at 5:00 PM. Modern & Cosmopolitan Lima - Miraflores
Tips: Miraflores is a very walkable district, however if you need a taxi to get anywhere, you will have no trouble finding one and anywhere you should want to go (besides the historic center) should not take longer than 15 minutes. Miraflores is also actively promoting a healthier, higher quality of lifestyle and bikes, as well as bike lanes if you're up for the adventure, are all over the central area of the district. Bohemian & Romantic Lima - Barranco
Tips: Barranco is one of the most charming and laid-back corners of the city, full of color and life. It's a great place to take a stroll and admire the architecture and particular style of the district. If you love to explore cities by walking, you can do Miraflores and Barranco in the same day by wandering along the malecón or boardwalk. *Bonus Stop* - Larco Museum - Pueblo Libre Time Estimate from Callao 35-45 minutes Tips: The Larco Museum house a gorgeous private collection of over 40,000 pieces that span some 4,000 years of history and civilization in Peruvian territory. The exhibits are fascinating, the building itself is a treasure and the outdoor garden café is absolutely worth stopping to have a bite. Want to do it all in one day? Take the guesswork out and join a cultural, city, food tour of Lima. The route was designed to maximize guests' time by curating a series of stops that represent the best introduction to the country's history, society, traditions, local knowledge and vibrant culinary scene through three districts, Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. From tasting menus to an interactive cebiche and pisco class, this is the perfect way to do Lima in a day. This food and city tour includes exclusive restaurants, trendy districts, top must-see attractions and hands-on activities. Group tours and private tours can be arranged for guests coming from the port. Check out the itinerary: Lima food tours
Enjoy Lima! Vegetarian restaurants in Lima may sound like a tall order to fill, however Peru is no newcomer to the foodie scene and vegetarians certainly have a place at the table to enjoy this culinary capital’s creations. With nearly 300 national dishes, as you can imagine, there is something here for everyone. Peru was the first country in the world to declare GMOs illegal so you can rest assured that the colors, flavors and shapes of the country’s remarkable produce are as natural as it gets. Out of the world’s 113 microclimates, Peru boasts being home to 90 of them, meaning that the biodiversity found in this South American gem is out of this world. Lima, as the country’s capital, therefore has a number of options that showcase the multitude of fruits, veggies and grains available to health-conscious patrons looking for a bite to eat. Below you’ll find our top three favorite vegetarian restaurants in Lima: Raw Café This adorable corner tucked away in Miraflores offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free (and obviously raw) options. The diverse menu contains wraps, bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and desserts. The outdoor seating makes it a great place to get some fresh air while enjoying a healthy meal. Address: Mariano Odicio 432, Miraflores Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Telephone: +51 (1) 241 7696 Website: www.rawcafe.com.pe/ Germinando Vida Keeping true to the artsy, bohemian vibe of the Barranco district, Germinando Vida is a lovely little place that feels very warm and cozy. The overhead string of lights and exposed brick walls allow you to settle in to a slower pace and really enjoy the food. The dishes are delicious and really highlight the better qualities of some of Peru’s superfoods. Address: Av. Almte. Miguel Grau 209A, Barranco Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM / 5:30 – 11:00 PM Telephone: +51 (1) 300 0602 Website: https://www.facebook.com/Germinandovi El Jardin de Jazmín More than just a spot to satisfy those hunger pangs, El Jardín de Jazmín is a self-styled “Vegan resto-bar for art and culture.” From the walls, to the tables to the food itself, the locale is brimming with color and design. Not only that, but show up on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon and you could be in for a real treat with live entertainment from musicians to magicians depending on the day you go. Address: Av. la Paz 838, Miraflores
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Telephone: +51 993 731 598 Website: https://www.facebook.com/eljardindejazmin/ Lima is in the Southern Hemisphere which means we are currently in winter season, which runs from late May through August. The season is characterized by grey skies, heavy fog throughout the day and a light drizzle the locals call "garúa." Temperatures hover between a low of 54-61°F and a high of 61-66°F along the coast; however Peru's capital is well known for its micro-climates. One can travel even 20 minutes away from the coast and find sunny areas that reach up to 5° warmer than coastal temperatures. Though the humidity is quite high, rainfall is nearly nonexistent in Lima. With overcast skies through much of the winter season, you may be wondering what to do during your stay in Lima. But one thing is for certain – you’ll never be lacking for things to do in our country’s capital! If a foggy day by the coast isn’t your idea of fun, here are three other things you can do to get a feel of Lima. #1 – Museums Our favorite museum in Lima is the Larco Museum. If you’re only able to squeeze in one during your trip, this is the one to make time for. The museum was founded in 1926 and holds the largest archaeological collection of Ancient Peru in the world. This impressive private collection features stunning pre-Colombian pieces, a visitor-friendly storage area that houses over 40,000 relics, a one-of-a-kind erotic gallery and an amazing cafe situated amidst the loveliest outdoor garden. We also recommend the MATE – Museo Mario Testino. Mario, who was born in Lima, is world renowned fashion and portrait photographer. The museum features his incredible work and also aims to bring other Peruvian artists and culture to worldwide attention, while offering the best of international contemporary art and photography. If you have time for additional museums during your stay in Lima, here’s a comprehensive list we’ve put together. #2 – Shopping What’s better on a foggy day than a little shopping? If you’re looking for a local flair, be sure to check out the Inca Market at 5321 Petit Thouars Av. in Miraflores. If you’re looking for Peruvian goods – from jewelry to clothing to souvenirs, this market has you covered. If it’s made in Peru, you’ll find it at the Inca Market! If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience, check out Larcomar at Block 6 of Malecón de la Reserva in Miraflores. This shopping center in Lima is not only a mega-complex full of restaurants, a movie theater and bowling alley – it’s stunning as it is built into a cliffisde overlooking the coast! Larcomar includes several Peruvian fashion designer boutiques as well as high-end jewelry and clothing stores. #3 – Food Tours Food tours are another great way to experience Lima during the winter season. Our Lima tours combine a food tour, cultural tour and a city tour in one day. On our food tours, we take you through the districts of the capital that best represent the traditional and modern aspects of our culture, such as Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro. We not only want you to enjoy this mouth-watering experience, but to also discover and fall in love with the best of Lima in just a few hours. All of our tours of Lima are all-inclusive, so all you have to do is come ready for a good time! You can take a full day tour, an evening tour or if you’re short on time you can enjoy a hands-on, foodie experience of Lima in an hour with our Cebiche + Pisco Class. Learn more about our food tours and book today! If you need other ideas for things you can do in Lima during the winter season, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re always here to help with ideas. Most of all, have fun and enjoy Lima! There’s much to love about Lima – the culture, the people, the things to see and do, the food. But top on the list of many traveler’s is one drink in particular: the Pisco Sour. There are eight varieties of grapes that produce Pisco in the following five regions of Peru: Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquega and Tacna. The different varieties of grapes possess characteristics that define the flavors and aromas of Pisco and can be divided into two classifications, aromatic piscos and non-aromatic piscos. The former are mostly used as apperitifs or digestifs to open the palate before a meal and to aid in digestion after a meal. Non-aromatic piscos are of the variety that are used to make cocktails such as the Pisco Sour or Chilcano. This Peruvian brandy has an alcohol volume of 42% and is 84 proof, making it an excellent choice to liven any party. While there are many variations of Pisco drinks (you can google them and get TONS of recipes), in Lima the Pisco Sour gets top marks. You take 3 shots of non-aromatic Pisco, 1 shot of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 shot of simple syrup, 1 egg white, and 2-3 drops of angostura bitters on top. Of course, it sounds much more simple than it is. Isn’t it that way with all cocktail drink making? At Lima Gourmet Company, we offer a really fun and quick (1 hour!) hands-on experience so you can learn all you need to know about the Pisco Sour.
So are you ready to have a little fun and learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour? Book your one-hour tour today! Planning a trip and not sure what travel destination should make your list? It’s simple – Lima, Peru! We’ll be the first to admit we’re a little biased as we’re Lima locals. But what is there not to love about Peru?
From the sights to the food, everything in Lima makes it a great travel destination. But here are just a few. It’s All About the Location Lima, the capital of Peru, is on the country’s Pacific coast. It has a large and busy metropolis which offers a wide array of things to see and do (see below). It's one of South America's biggest cities and is actually the third most-populated city in the Americas, according to Wikipedia. Another great location perk -- after you spend some time in Lima you can head to one of Peru’s most popular landmarks - Machu Picchu. One thing to keep in mind – while for many travelers June to August is considered summer, in Peru our winter season runs from June to October and typically has grey skies, heavy fog throughout the day and a light drizzle the locals call "garúa." Temperatures hover between a low of 54-61°F and a high of 61-66°F along the coast. Just be sure to bring a scarf and a heavy jacket or coat to keep you bundled up. So Much to See From the shops to the restaurants to the historic landmarks, you’ll never be wanting for things to do while you’re in Lima. First up - Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful and historic sites in the city. From there you can see the Municipal Palace of Lima, the Government palace, Casa del Oidor and the Cathedral of Lima. Then head to the Miraflores district, one of the trendiest in Lima. Whether you want to see historic sites like Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid or go shopping at Larcomar, a mall overlooking the Pacific - you can do it all in Miraflores. This area is all full of restaurants, pubs, art galleries and so much more to delight travelers. Also, be sure to visit La Marina Lighthouse, an active lighthouse and one of the most famous in Peru. Lima’s beautiful coastline is not to be missed – whether you’re sunbathing, taking a swim or being more adventurous like surfing or paragliding! There’s something for every ocean lover in Lima. The Food, The Food, The Food! One of the most memorable parts of any great travel adventure is the food and Lima’s cuisine is not to be missed! Peruvian food is wide ranging and features cuisines from Creole food, Chifas, Cebicherias and Pollerias*. Fruits, potatoes, beans and peppers are all staples to custom dishes. Cebiche is particularly popular in Lima, a coastal town, as it’s a marinated raw fish or seafood dish. It’s not to be missed! The city is full of romantic restaurant destinations as well as more casual spots. But it can be tricky as a first time traveler to know which spots are the best ones to go to. We offer unique one day and evening food tours as well as a Cebiche and Pisco class that can be done in an hour. These are all great ways to learn about Lima, its history and culture and incredible food. If you have time or if you’re on the go! Click here to learn about our unique food tours. If you have any questions about your upcoming trip or questions about Lima in general – don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re always excited to help others fall in love with Lima! * Wikipedia MATE Museum Exhibit - Mario Testino Barranco is a lively district that for decades has attracted Lima's major trend-setters due to the bohemian and artsy feel of the area.
One gem that is not to be missed is the MATE Museum by the internationally reknowned Peruvian photographer, Mario Testino. The permanent exhibit is a stunning display of color and culture that provides visitors with a glimpse of Cusqueño culture. Apart from exploring native Andean traditions through the lens, during your visit you will also find the temporary exhibits which never fail to disappoint. MATE Monday Closed Tuesday—Sunday 10:00—19:00 T +511 200 5400 Av. Pedro de Osma 409 Barranco Lima 4 Peru The StoryParmesan scallops perfectly illustrate part of Peru's rich culinary history which has been heavily influenced by waves of migrants to the country over centuries. This mouth-watering dish comes from the Italo-Peruvian fusion by incorporating Parmesan cheese and fresh scallops in their shells. This recipe is fast, easy and perfect for the all kinds of get-togethers. Conchitas a la ParmesanaPrep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes IngredientsFresh scallops in the half shell Butter Grated Parmesan cheese Limes Salt Pepper PreparationPreheat oven to 400° to broil.
Separate scallops from the shell and rinse well. If desired, also remove red muscle. Dry the shells and line them on a cookie sheet. Place 1 to 2 scallops on each shell depending on the size of the scallop and shell. To each shell, add a pinch of salt and pepper, a few drops of fresh lime juice and a dollop of butter. Cover each one with grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle drops of water. Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve with slices of lime. ¡Buen provecho! In a city like Lima, with so many top restaurants, the difficulty is which one to choose. In this article we will focus on what we consider some of the best romantic restaurants in Lima based on atmosphere, quality of food and service. THE HUACA PUCLLANA | General Borgoño, cuadra 8, Miraflores | T: 445.4042This is a very unique restaurant as the terrace is right next to an ancient pre-Incan ruin, creating an incredible atmosphere. The décor is simple but classy as they try to maintain the overall sensation of going back in time. The food and service compliment the whole experience as you get to sample some of the best traditional Peruvian dishes Lima has to offer. Their wine cellar is also stellar in case you need extra motivation. CALA | Circuito de playas, Barranco | T: 252.9187Is there anything more romantic than a dinner next to the sea? We love Cala for its location right on the Pacific Ocean and for its awesome seafood (among many other delectable choices). The restaurant has two levels, so after a nice meal you can go downstairs to the terrace and party with the Limeño socialites or just unwind watching the waves crash against the pier. LA PLAZITA | San Fernando 380, Miraflores | T: 621.0892In case you haven’t noticed yet, we love terraces! There are not many al fresco options in Lima but one that certainly ticks all the boxes for a great night is La Plazita. The food is an excellent mix of Mediterranean with Peruvian and the ambience is very chill and relaxed. This is a great option for a hot summer night or even lunch. LIMA 27 | Calle Santa Luisa 295, San Isidro | T: 221.5822This restaurant is located in the posh district of San Isidro, right next to the famous Astrid & Gaston. Lima 27 has a great bar and food menu to match it. The ambience is vibrant and the food is sophisticated without being pretentious. Like Cala, it offers the possibility of staying after dinner for another cocktail (or before dinner) in the gorgeous patio bar. MATRIA | Mendiburu 823, Miraflores | T: 422.2784We love this place for its tranquil and romantic environment. Despite being located on a quiet street in the district of Miraflores, locals love it and it has gained a great reputation for the quality of the food and personalized service. The menu is very creative and fresh as they change it every season. Great wines or Piscos will make your experience even more memorable.
You were finally planning your trip to Peru, a place on your bucket list for a long time, but suddenly a mosquito is ruining your trip. The media talks about a monster virus that could potentially affect millions, but what is the real situation in Peru and how worried should you really be? Peru reported yesterday its first case of the Zika virus, but the infected man contracted the virus in Venezuela, meaning that no mosquitoes carrying the virus in Peru have been found yet. Compared with other countries, like Brazil or Colombia (or even the United States with 36 cases), Peru still looks good but the authorities, used to dealing with Dengue, Chikungunya or Yellow Fever, are taking important measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading in the country. In Lima, they are working with shanty towns and settlements near rivers educating the locals about the importance of not leaving standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As a tourist, unless you decide to visit a shanty town, you would not notice anything out of the ordinary or be worried at all. Metropolitan Lima is actually very modern and hasn’t reported any cases which, unfortunately, always seem to affect the poorest segments of the population. But what about Machu Picchu? After all, it is one of the main reasons for your trip to Peru, right? The good news is that this type of mosquito is not found in that area due to the altitude. This particular mosquito cannot live at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet and both Cusco and Machu Picchu are higher, at 11,152 and 7,972 feet, respectively. Other things you should know about the Zika virus is that it has been around for decades but nobody paid any attention to it because it was considered very mild. Most people do not even know they have it manifesting no symptoms, some experience flu symptoms, and in all cases it is out of your system in 21 days, not leaving any consequences or risks for the future. In Brazil, however, cases of babies being born with birth defects, have triggered alarm bells, so extra precaution is certainly advised for pregnant women. Peru, as stated before, is quite safe and as long as you apply common sense and don’t venture too much off the beaten path, should still be on the top of your bucket list this year.
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Your Lima Travel GuidesThings to do in Lima that make people fall in love with the city - that's precisely what we're after. We're Lucas and Sam, a Peruvian-American couple who have run the top tour in Lima for the past 10 years. It’s no coincidence that the best activities in Lima have to do with Peru’s amazing cuisine. This Kansas City girl and Lima native have lived all over the world in their corporate past lives but they traded in the daily grind for sharing their love of good food, showing off the city’s secrets and meeting awesome people along the way.
TOURSThe ultimate Lima tours: no planning needed because we've already done the work for you. Prepare to experience the best of Lima.
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