 Let's talk about beaches. You are on your way to Lima, Peru, a South American metropolis with thousands of kilometers of coastline. So Lima must have some pretty spectacular beaches, right? If you know where to look for them. Where to start? We'll divide it into three segments: Beaches in Lima, Beaches near Lima, and Beaches beyond Lima, in Peru. Beaches in LimaLet's start with the closest since most travelers will be concentrated in that area. Lima has impressive sea views, especially from Barranco and Miraflores, beautiful sunsets, and the city is built on top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs measure around one hundred meters, or 300 feet, above sea level, so to access the beaches, you have to descend toward the coast, which you can do from Miraflores or Barranco. You’ll have access to mainly three beaches, the most frequented being Agua Dulce. Agua Dulce is very crowded during the summer (December-March), especially on weekends. Another beach in Barranco is called Yuyos. It's not as crowded, especially during the week. As for beaches in Miraflores, the one that most tourists tend to favor is called Waikiki. It's right next to a famous restaurant called the Rosa Nautica. It's a rocky beach, and the water is cold. But if you're a little adventurous, you can take surfing lessons there, which are a lot of fun. Beaches Near LimaIf you can and have the time, move away from Lima and head to our favorite place, el Sur Chico. It's about 40 kilometers to the south of Lima. In this area, a municipality called Punta Hermosa hides several beaches peppered along the coast. Among the most popular are Senoritas and Caballeros - Ladies and Gentlemen (just names, they’re mixed, haha!) Our personal favorite is El Silencio. It's got finer, light-colored sand. On a sunny day, the water almost looks Caribbean. It's beautiful, but a word of caution for small children or people that don't know how to swim, maybe not a great option. The waves are big, with a steep drop-off once you get in. You’ll need to organize transport if you head in that direction. There are affordable taxis you can arrange for a fixed price to return for you later in the day. Beaches in PeruIf you have even more time and want to arrange a nicer beach experience, we recommend moving North. This is where you’ll find the beaches you imagine when you think about more isolated low-key beaches. Between Piura and Tumbes, two options reign supreme near the border with Ecuador: Punta Sal and Mancora. They offer a more natural, laid-back vibe. There are some places to go out, but it's generally a more rustic area. Beautiful beach bungalows, high-end hideaways, and pared-back stays are all available. Paracas is another attractive beach destination in Peru. Around four hours south of Lima, in the province of Ica, Paracas is home to a natural reserve. For a quiet experience in a different landscape, this is a treat. While here, take advantage of a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you can explore the local marine life and its habitat. In addition, the famous desert Oasis, Huacachina, is only a stone’s throw from Paracas, so the jaunt makes for a great adventure. We hope you found this express guide to Peru’s beaches helpful, and we hope to see you in Lima!
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 Christmas in Peru? What a great idea! Traveling over the holidays is the perfect way to create new traditions, and a New Year’s in Lima will be one for the books. You have the chance to connect with different customs and source inspiration for a great new year ahead. Some practices may seem familiar, while others pique your curiosity, striking the perfect balance so you can surrender to it all. From mid-December, Lima goes into overdrive as preparations get underway for the big celebrations. Restaurants are overflowing, the traffic is beyond ebullient, and every corner of the city is alive and bustling. The anticipation in the atmosphere is palpable as Christmas approaches. And summer has just arrived, so it’s a great time to visit and plug into the capital’s energy. While many countries celebrate Christmas on December 25th, in Peru, the 24th is the big day, also known as Nochebuena. Families gather in the evening to dine together and, at the stroke of midnight, embrace with a champagne toast and hot chocolate for the kids to receive Christmas. Fireworks abound as the clock strikes 12, and many head outside to catch the local displays in their neighborhoods. Both Santa and baby Jesus arrive at midnight, one bearing gifts as the other takes his place in the cradle of nativity scenes. As most of the population is Catholic, many attend 10 PM mass, known as Misa de Gallo, before heading to a relative’s home for dinner and gifts. A typical Christmas dinner includes turkey, cold salads, apple sauce, and a legacy of the Italian influence, panettone, a sweet cake with dried fruits. For visitors, things are a bit trickier. As the evening and nighttime activities are reserved for family time, many restaurants close after their lunch service on the 24th. Several places also have special menus for midday options and may not offer their regular a la carte service. Lunch is your best bet for eating a nice meal out on the 24th; for the evening and the 25th, you’ll want to possibly consider local hotels and square away any reservations and confirmations in advance. The same can be said for New Year’s; you’ll want to coordinate your plans in advance. Most places will have special menus for December 31st, but for January 1st, your options will be much more limited. Like Christmas, New Year’s is celebrated at midnight (like anywhere), with a champagne toast, fireworks, and a couple of other more peculiar traditions. For good luck, you can eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes twelve or wear yellow undergarments - very original. For abundance, you give and receive small bags of lentils. And for many more travels, some people even run around the block toting their suitcases. We’ll sign up for that last one. Happy travels and happy holidays!  Can you imagine a more exciting destination for corporate events or team building than Peru? The setting is only half the story for the perfect backdrop to professional conventions and conferences. The culture, cuisine, and immersive opportunities that surround an event are key to creating positive takeaways for attendees in a more holistic way. In Lima, Peru team building activities allow colleagues to connect in a way that channels the city’s vibrant energy. And what brings people together from all walks of life? Food. Over the past decade, team building in Peru has taken advantage of the country’s culinary stardom to create incentive trips, corporate events, and attract MICE tourism to these flavorful experiences. No need for ice-breakers when you’re breaking bread and breaking down barriers. In 2021, the meetings and conferences industry contributed US$21 billion to Latin American economies, placing it 6th among international destinations attracting MICE tourism. Peru aims to set itself apart by highlighting its unique offering that invites visitors to combine work and pleasure. Why not spice things up (literally) by adding a dynamic event that can cater to everyone’s tastes? It’s the cherry on the cake, but let’s look at some numbers. A recent poll conducted by TravelPerk would seem to support company/employee approval of in-person team-building activities, especially those of a culinary nature.
What’s more, recent research shows that almost 50% of positive changes in communication dynamics professionally are the result of positive social interactions outside the workplace. And in the UK, 82% of office workers claim they would like to see more team-building events. What are you waiting for? Improve your company culture, communication, relationships, trust, and confidence with a tailored team-building event in Lima. If you’re interested in coordinating a flavorful experience for your organization while in Peru, at Lima Gourmet we have what you’re craving on the menu, from food tours and cooking classes to corporate lunches and dinners.  So you're getting ready for your Peru trip, and you'll be passing through Lima: Now, you need to get things organized and get everything booked. We are going to bring you a couple of tips, some Lima travel tips for how to manage your trip so everything is smooth sailing and you can enjoy your time in Peru. With more than a decade of experience running food tours in Lima, we’ve taken our shared knowledge and boiled it down to the essentials. What to pack for Lima, PeruThere are a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, the temperatures, and in general, Lima's climate, are relatively mild. When you talk about your winter months, remember that we are in South America, and the coldest months are July, August, and September. Your warm summer months are January, February, and March. Many years, the warm weather can stay throughout most of May.  Another thing to consider is that it doesn't really rain in Lima, so you don't need to worry about umbrellas or raincoats. When you go to the Andes, however, especially if you're coming during the rainy season in Cusco (Nov.-Apr.), you’ll want to plan accordingly. In terms of clothing, layers will be your friend during a Lima trip. In the winter, the lower temperatures hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. And at the height of summer, the thermostat will reach 85 degrees but hardly dance above that. The transition between daytime and evening temperatures will fluctuate, so your layers will come in handy, and you can be prepared for it all. One more point to consider is that it's a casual city overall. You’ll be fine in fairly simple clothing; however, for going out at night to nice restaurants in Lima for cocktails, you’ll want to dress up a bit. No extremes, though. You don't need a suit, but business casual, a nice pair of even flats, a cardigan, a blazer, or other details to give your casual look a more formal spin when you enjoy a lovely evening. 
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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.
 | Peru has been voted the world's leading culinary destination for seven years consecutively so yes, you would be remiss if you didn't spend a little time looking into the foodie scene. Keeping in line with the long tradition of respecting one's environment, most top restaurants in Lima are committed to seasonal menus as well as using local ingredients with sophisticated techniques to preserve the ancestral lineage and importance given to the entire cycle of food production with a heavy focus on sustainability. |
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.
 | You may have heard of the Pisco Sour by now, Peru's flagship cocktail and with good reason - it's a drink that can certainly have you leading from the heart with just a few sips. The spirit itself, pisco, has only been in production since the arrival of the Spanish to the continent in the 16th century when grapes were introduced to the region, same goes for wine. We are beginning to see a focus however on natural wines that truly tap into the local soil, climate and nutrients in a way that highlights their unique profiles. A must-try leader of the trend are wines and piscos from the boutique producer Bodega Murga. For the beer lovers you can find some extremely creative craft brews made with quinoa, Peruvian cocoa, local chile peppers like the rocoto and a number of other flavorful alternatives. Check out the beer from Magdalena, Barbarian or Sierra Andina. |
3. Suma Thokoña: Know How to Dance
To connect to the cosmos, all activities should be carried out with a spiritual dimension.
| | There are some amazing local dances that if you get the chance, don't pass up the opportunity to see them. On the coast, the marinera is the most representative dance, although the Andean communities take it to the next level with la diablada and the mind-blowing scisssor dance. The scissor-whaaaat? The scissor dance, or el baile de las tijeras, where men face-off battling with dance moves that push human dexterity to new limits all while maintaing the rhythm of the music with a pair of scissors in their hands. |
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).
 Photo: @lesleyannemurphy | If you're looking for a retreat, a little peace and quiet to clear your mind, Peru is a dream destination. What's more magical than the fresh air of the Andes where you're so high up you're almost among stars. You don't necessarily have to book a yoga retreat either (although there are many fantastic options if that's what floats your boat), as many of the Andean lodges are built in such a way that the ambience encourages you to carve out a little time during your trip just to be, to take it all in, to breathe in as deeply as possible and center yourself before continuing the journey. |
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.
 | What most people find when they travel to Peru is the tremendous humanity that is bestowed upon guests visiting from abroad, all across the board, but particularly in the hospitality sector. It is not a disingenuous welcome one might expect in countries that are home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but a connection full of feeling and warmth at being able to share such a rich culture and ancient customs. |
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.
 Photo: @explorerssaurus | Peru is a place that has something for every kind of dreamer. If you like adventure there are waterfalls, mountain hikes, white-water rafting, swimming excursions with sealions, paragliding from the coastal cliffs of Lima or riding in dune-buggies at sunset around a desert oasis. For the lovers of luxury, you can find remote jungle paradises tucked away in the Amazon where pink dolphins and the forest canopy await, Andean sanctuaries surrounded by hotsprings, fields of lavender spread across the Sacred Valley and wine tasting at the oldest vineyard in South America. For the artists, museums and small art galleries are peppered throughout Lima, street murals add vibrant colors and other-worldly imagery to colonial streets and the architecture spanning from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era will provide enough visual stimulation to inspire your next project. |
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.
 Photo: @fancy.hippie | Itineraries for Peru, especially on a first trip, would not be complete without at least some time spent walking along the steep inclines and the majestic slopes of the Andes. There are a number of treks you can combine with a Machu Picchu visit or Rainbow Mountain, but if you're looking for something off the beaten path Huayna Picchu, Gocta and Kuelap are excellent options. There is still so much of the country to be explored and as mass tourism has not yet arrived, now is the perfect time to wander. |
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.
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Things 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.
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