Trip to Peru on your list and wondering about the weather during the rainy season in Cusco? It's certainly a valid question given the logistics, vacation time, and the money required to turn your Machu Picchu dream trip into a reality. We wondered the same ourselves, so we decided to head to Cusco and get some fresh air post-lockdown like many city-dwellers. We're based in Lima, and January is when the kids are out of school on their summer break, so off we went for the whole month! Does it rain in Cusco in January?Yes, yes, it certainly does. It rained nearly every day during January; however, the rain comes in patches and most mornings are crisp and bright blue. Occasionally, rain clouds appear mid-morning, but the Sun usually does its meet and greet early. Around midday, things warm up and the first signs of change blow in during the late afternoon or evening, bringing the rain. Of course, there are exceptions, but that’s the gist of it. We had the luxury of a month in the Sacred Valley, so we decided to plan everything upon arrival as we didn’t quite know what to expect of the weather before going. While we had our fill of showers during the stay, it was never enough to truly “rain on our parade” in any meaningful way. So what are some key takeaways from the trip? When packing for your Peru trip, you’ll want to consider layers for any itinerary. The temperature varies in the mountains and the difference between the sunny and overcast moments of the day is notable. The average high for January is 66F (19C) and the average low is 45F (7C) to give you an idea of the range of temperatures. Water-resistant shoes and a jacket are also handy. Planning for Cusco and the Sacred ValleyIn 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. Tips for Machu Picchu The two main components of bringing the adventure to life are your train ticket and your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (MP). Two trains run throughout the Sacred Valley and will take you to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), where you’ll get on the bus that takes you to the top of the llaqta (the archeological site itself). You’ll need to buy your train ticket to coincide with the specific time you’ll be allowed to enter MP as the tickets are allotted according to a timed schedule. To view the site, you’ll want to give yourself around two hours minimum at the site before heading down to MP Pueblo to catch your train back. As for the trains to Machu Picchu, you have Peru Rail and Inca Rail, each with different options for different budgets. If you’re wondering if it’s worth it to book the Vistadome, it’s a yes from us, hands-down. And if you have the extra budget for the Hiram Bingham, do it; it’s one of the most unique train experiences in the world. You may want to consider a guide as you tour the ruins to understand the cultural intricacies and historic legacy surrounding this bucketlist wonder. If you’ve decided to wing it and organize the logistics yourself, you can hire a guide in MP Pueblo to accompany you on the bus ride up and give you the lowdown in situ. If we’re going to be honest, can you organize all of this yourself? Yes, absolutely! Is it a pain? Yes, absolutely! Unfortunately, the user experience involved in coordinating all the moving parts, especially for non-Spanish speakers, is a challenge. Therefore, we would recommend booking the MP visit through an agency without hesitation. It’ll save you a lot of time and stress to go with an agency in the end, even if it’s just the MP visit without the need for them to organize your entire Peru trip. It’s not the only way to go but by far the easiest and most relaxed. Things to do in the Sacred ValleyBeyond Machu Picchu, you’ll find the Sacred Valley. This is where we chose to be based as we were looking for landscapes, tranquility, and easy access to the valley’s main attractions. About an hour and fifteen minutes away from the center of Cusco city, you’ll arrive at the sleepy town of Maras, which seems set in another time. Right down the road, you’ll get to explore the famous pink salt flats of Maras. The visit here is quite reduced in terms of time as guests are no longer allowed to walk among the salt flats in order to preserve them, thus you’ll be taking it all in from a viewing platform. The visit is fairly quick, so you’ll want to pair this outing with another activity that’s not far away. The agricultural terraces at Moray are the perfect complement. You can also rent four-wheelers or horses for an excursion in the area. Also close to Maras, you can swing by Laguna Huaypo. If you organize yourself ahead of time, you can even coordinate a standup paddle experience at the lake, a truly unique activity. Ollantaytambo is another fabulous outing to include in your itinerary. We happened to pass through on our way to Machu Picchu as we drove from Maras to catch the train from this Incan citadel full of archeological sites and stories. Urubamba was also just down the hill from us. While it’s not the most beautiful stop, it did offer the best infrastructure in terms of pharmacies, buying groceries, a laundromat, and many of the luxury hotels are located in the area. Near Urubamba, there is a quaint but impressive gem, Hacienda Huayoccari, dating back to Pre-Columbian times. The hacienda played an important role in the exportation of corn and is still operative, while housing a family collection of art, books, and historical artifacts that allow visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the history of where they’re standing. On the topic of accommodations, it’s good to know that there are options for every type of traveler in Cusco city and the Sacred Valley. You’ll find 5-star hotels, Airbnb options, guest houses, and everything in between. Our stay was peculiar in that we wanted to try something different and enjoy an off-the-grid experience. Curious about a particular ecohouse design called an Earthship, we were thrilled when we found one in Maras, Peru! It was perfect for what we wanted, landscapes, nature, and an unbeatable location close to everything. We planned most of our excursions for the morning and early afternoon so we could play around outside, relax, have bonfires, and enjoy the stars, all with the backdrop of the breathtaking (literally, haha) Andes. Is rainy season in Cusco worth the trip?All in all, if you’re on the fence about rainy season travel to Cusco, there are advantages that made the trip worthwhile. From November to March is Peru’s low season for tourism. That means there are fewer people, which allows for a more intimate experience. There was virtually nobody at Machu Picchu when we visited. Granted, we’re also talking about January 2021, at a time when Covid restrictions had been relaxed but much of the world was still in the throes of the pandemic. Also, as it is the wet season, the hills, fields, and mountains are bright green, making for incredible expeditions through the valley. And lastly, the number of rainbows we saw was unreal. Every day we saw one, and many days we saw double rainbows in their entirety stacked on top of each other seemingly reaching from one side of the valley to the other. You can’t have rainbows without the rain! So what are you waiting for? Start your planning now! And when you pass through Lima en route to Cusco, look us up for a Lima foodie experience. ¡Buen viaje! Cusco Peru Travel Resources
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Travel to Peru, with a bit of research, can provide you with experiences (yes, more than one) of a lifetime. This South American territory emits a unique vibe, blending ancient wisdom with a modern flare. To celebrate Peru’s Bicentennial Independence, we’ve compiled a list of five reasons that will make you fall in love with the country. Our fellow travelers who have already visited will surely find themselves nodding along with our picks. For those who haven’t, now it’s up to you to organize your Peru trip and see for yourself! PERUVIAN FOOD Peruvian food is rooted in more than 5,000 years of culinary techniques and ingredients that highlight the rich flavors. The coast, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon contribute their own influences and local products. Additionally, as Peru’s history intertwined with Europe and Asia, fusions of style and flavor were formed in Lima, making the city a foodie paradise. With a repertoire of more than 490 national dishes, Peruvian cuisine can satisfy any palate. And of course, we had to go with food first. CULTURAL & ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES Machu Picchu is likely the first to come to mind; however, Peru boasts 12 Unesco World Heritage Sites in addition to thousands of archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. Over a dozen civilizations from the last 5,000 years have left remnants of sacred spaces, living quarters, and other buildings, allowing us a glimpse into the past. You can even visit Peru’s stunning cultural sites in the heart of Lima's historic city center or in Miraflores at the Huaca Pucllana. Some of our favorites include Caral, the Nazca Lines, Kuelap, Chan Chan, Choquequirao, and Sacsayhuaman. BIODIVERSE FLORA & FAUNA Within Peru’s three regions, the coast, mountains, and jungle, you’ll find nearly 100 different microclimates. This translates directly into over 3,000 species of orchids, 1,800 types of birds, and a treasure trove of medicinal plants and herbs folded so deeply into the Amazon that we have yet to discover them. The lush landscapes are teeming with life in what seems to be an infinite spectrum of shapes, colors, and sizes. Head to Tarapoto in the rainforest to see monkeys, manatees, and sloths in their natural habitats. Trek the heights of the Andes to find llamas, alpacas, or the Puya Raimondii, also known as the Queen of the Andes. On the coast, you can even swim with sea lions, see penguins, and, if you’re lucky, get a peek of a passing pod of dolphins. ADVENTURES GALORE 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. TEXTILES & BABY ALPACA 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 SHARING IS CARING :)
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! 1. Suma Manq’ aña: Know How to Eat Mother Earth gives us the food we require. One must eat the food of the season, the time and the place.
A couple of players that go above and beyond in this area are chef Virgilio Martinez of Central and MIL Centro, Pía León of Kjolle, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino of Malabar, Ricardo Martins of Siete and Arlette Eulert of Matria. If you want even more out of the experience, try one of our Lima food tours. 2. Suma Umaña: Know How to Drink It is to let it enter your heart, take of the heart and emerge from the heart to run and flow like the river.
3. Suma Thokoña: Know How to Dance To connect to the cosmos, all activities should be carried out with a spiritual dimension.
4. Suma Ikiña: Know How to Sleep Going to bed before midnight, the nighttime energy plus the energy from the next morning, is energy from two days. Early to bed, early to rise. Doesn't need much more explanation than that. 5. Suma Irnakaña: Know How to Work From the original indigenous perspective, work is not suffering; it is happiness. It should be carried out with passion, intensely. 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. 6. Suma Lupiña: Know How to Meditate Silence balances and harmonizes, therefore balance is reestablished through one’s silence (Amiki).
7. Suma Amuyaña: Know How to Think It is reflection, not only from a rational viewpoint, but from one’s feelings. Without losing our mind, let’s walk the path of our heart.
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. 8. Suma Munaña, Munayasiña: Know How to Love and Be Loved Respect for everything that exists creates harmonious relationships. 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? 9. Suma Ist’ aña | Know How to Listen Listening is not only accomplished with the ears; it is perceived, felt, listening is with our whole body. If all things are living, all things also speak. 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. 10. Suma Aruskipaña: Know How to Speak Before speaking, one must feel and think well. To speak well means speaking to build, support and add something. 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. 11. Suma Samkasiña: Know How to Dream Through dreaming we perceive life. To dream is to project life.
12. Suma Sarnaqaña: Know How to Walk Weariness does not exist for one who knows how to walk. We must be conscious that one never walks alone.
13. Suma Churaña, Suma Katukaña: Know How to Give and Receive Everything flows in life: we give and receive. The two forces interacting creates life. 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.
Ideas for gifts in Peru abound as it’s a country that truly has something for everyone. From tangible gifts, such as the finest baby alpaca to unique silver pieces that display master craftsmanship, to flavorful goods like the award-winning coffee, chocolate or pisco, the people that matter most in your life are sure to feel spoiled. For a list of great gift ideas that are uniquely Peruvian, check out this blog post: What to Buy in Peru - Top 5 Peruvian Gifts in Lima. Aside from those presents that you can touch and feel, Peru also offers unforgettable experiences that sometimes speak even more to the passions and pleasures of our friends and family. Gifting an experience is an ideal way to show the travelers in our lives we care, especially for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries… or maybe even just because! Below you’ll find a few ideas for gifting an experience in Peru. Luxury Spa Experience in Lima, Peru After all of the traveling, especially for the adventurers, everyone could use a bit of pampering. Between the high altitude and treks around Cusco and Machu Picchu and off-the-beaten-path Amazon excursions, the excitement of new experiences can take a toll on even the most resilient nomad. Our luxury spa partners open the doors to their award-winning facilities to offer relaxing massages, hydrotherapies, decadent facials, energizing reflexology treatments and much more. You can find the most sought-after packages by visiting Luxury Spa Experience in Lima, Peru. Lima Food Tours Peru has been declared the World’s Leading Culinary Destination for the last six years, so you really can’t go wrong when it comes to the food. In Lima, a city of 10 million residents and thousands of restaurants, it can be quite a task to whittle down the options, so why not leave it to the experts? Lima food tours at the Lima Gourmet Company have been ranked as the #1 activity in Peru’s capital since 2012, therefore guests are guaranteed to have a great time. The daytime culinary tour leads guests through a market, explores organic Peruvian coffee, includes a cebiche and pisco lesson as well as lunch alongside pre-Incan ruins. The evening food tour explores the vibrant restaurant scene as well as different regional cuisines. For birthday guests there is a special dessert and for those celebrating anniversaries and honeymoons a champagne toast! Private Surf Lesson Lima is one of few privileged world capitals located right on the coast. Aside from the spectacular views and incredible seafood, surf is a big part of local life - total west-coast living in the southern hemisphere. For guests looking to pick up a new skill or even perfect the art of hanging ten, Lima is the place to be. You can gift a private surf lesson with a pro that can be adapted to any skill-level, from beginners to advanced surfers. For further details visit: Surf Lesson in Lima Now you’re all set to stand apart when it comes to giving a great gift, Peruvian style! What to do in Lima when there’s so much to see and so little time? In a city of some 10 million people, you can imagen that the options may be overwhelming, especially when you add the need to navigate the immense city to the mix. 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 Leading Culinary Destination six years running. So what’s the best way to organize your time in Peru’s capital? By district or neighborhood. 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. Once you reach each part of town, most attractions, restaurants and hotspots are within walking distance so you’ll get to stretch your legs between all of those delicious meals. How to tour Lima?Below we've divided the city by district and have included the top must-see attractions, a couple options for a bite to eat 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 LimaTips: 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 LibreTips: The Larco Museum houses a gorgeous private collection of over 40,000 pieces that span 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 by to have a bite. Want to do it all in one day?Take the guesswork out and join a cultural, city and 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, private tours and airport transfers can be arranged. Check out the itinerary: Lima food tours
Enjoy Lima! If you're looking for a potentially paranormal experience to make your time in Lima a little spookier this Halloween, or at any other time of the year, we've got your covered. It's no surprise that a city founded in the early 16th century (and an area inhabited thousands of years before that) has a few spirits roaming around. We bring you our top three haunts to have a drink and keep your eyes peeled for some out-of-the-ordinary action.
1) Hotel Bolivar This grand hotel located in Plaza San Martin in the historic center of Lima was built in the 1920s to commemorate the Battle of Ayacucho, the final show-down for independence from Spain. The luxurious building was meant to host presidents, royalty, movie stars and other celebrities and did just that, especially in the 40s and 50s. Over the years there have been many accounts of bone-chilling encounters that include the spectre of a woman dressed up in a glowing ball gown swaying rhythmically to an inaudible tune, a morose former waiter who spent most of his life serving patrons paces the corridors of the 6th floor and a foreign woman who was said to have taken her life by plunging from the window of her room, just to name a few. So many terrifying incidents plagued the hotel that in the 70s the 5th and 6th floors were indefinitely closed to the public as the height of other-worldly action seemed to take place there. The Hotel Bolivar has a bar area where you can order a Pisco Sour and await the cool breeze of a visitor from another time. 2) Casa Moreyra Three years after Astrid y Gastón opened the doors to their new locale in Casa Moreyra, the flow of visitors has yet to slow down - no wonder why as it's still one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. What many guests may not know, however, is that they are not completely alone. The hacienda was originally built in the second half of the 16th century and then reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1746. Having passed through the hands of a number of owners and functions, the beautifully restored building now houses six different areas which cater to clients' needs. One of the spaces, called "El Cielo," or Heaven, includes private dining rooms, one of which is overlooked by two grand mirrors hanging on the walls. It's said that one doesn't need much imagination to see friendly spirits waving back while guests enjoy the dining experience. If the patrons are unworthy of such a warm welcome, the long-term residents apparently aren't quite as amiable. 3) La Ermita La Ermita is a small church in the bohemian, artsy district of Barranco. Tucked away on a small stone street this brightly-colored piece of history (closed to the public for restoration) sits with a privileged view of the Bridge of Sighs, the walkway down to the beach and the most beautiful trumpet flowers around. While the facade is painted a gorgeous, golden-yellow, the decrepit and badly damaged roof peeks out from the tarps revealing a more turbid past. Lima, located on the Pacific coast, is in a highly seismic area known as the Ring of Fire and this little church has not come out unscathed. During one of the megaquakes, the bell came unhinged and fell right on the priest completely decapitating him. As the priest was rumored to have been less than angelical during his lifetime, he's been punished to roam the area for eternity searching for his severed head. The neighbors can assure you that the priest makes regular sightings. You can grab your "spirit" and sit on the outdoor patio of Picas or Santos and wait for a glimpse. If that's a little too close for comfort, try Tio Mario where you can peek out through the windows. 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.
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/ 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 |
Lima Travel Tips
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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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