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.
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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! 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 Looking for places to eat in Lima? Don't overlook your breakfast options. Artisanal bakeries, like Pan de la Chola, have been creating plenty of buzz among visitors and locals alike so it's refreshing to see more boutique-style bakeries open up around the city.
One of the newest players to satisfy Limeño carb cravings is La Panetteria in Barranco. While they only have five or six tables, it's still under the radar so you can beat the crowds that are flocking to some of the other more high-profile spots. There are a number of options that cater to all tastes: those with a bit of sweet tooth (think chocolate filled croissants), health nuts (avocados filled with fresh tomatoes, parsely and sprouts), as well as traditionalists who want their coffee, toast and juice while they skim over the morning headlines. Definitely worth venturing outside of Miraflores! Location: Avenida Grau 369, Barranco Lima, Peru T: (01) 4698260 Tourism in Lima is to receive an extra boost for the fourth year in a row thanks to the fantastic quality of its food. The prestigious World Travel Awards voted Peru, again, as the Best Culinary Destination in the World. Peru has been awarded this top spot for four consecutive years, beating well established foodie destinations such as Italy, France, China, Thailand and the United States. The recognition consolidates Peru as the hottest foodie destination. Three of the top restaurants in the world are based in Lima, including Central, which this year was voted as the best restaurant in the Americas and number four in the world. The emergence of Peru as a major destination for food lovers who are curious to find out what all the fuss is about means that Lima is no longer a layover destination, but an attractive destination of its own merit. The number of visitors to Lima has steadily increased over the last few years and nobody can deny that food is playing a major role. We've done our homework for you and scoured the world's best restaurant lists to bring you the top restaurants that are based in Peru. The World's 50 Best Restaurants - San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna #4 - Central Head Chef: Virgilio Martínez & Pía León Calle Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores, Lima +51 1 242 8515 http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/ #14 - Astrid y Gastón Head Chef: Diego Muñoz Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Lima 27 +511 442 2775 http://www.astridygaston.com/ #44 - Maido Now let's get region-specific and look at the best restaurants in Latin America for 2015. #1 - Central #3 - Astrid y Gastón #5 - Maido #12 - La Mar Head Chef: Andrés Rodríguez Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores, Lima +51 1 421 3365 http://www.lamarcebicheria.com/lima/ #20 - Malabar Head Chef: Pedro Miguel Schiaffino Camino Real 101, San Isidro, Lima +51 1 440 5200 http://www.malabar.com.pe/ #31 - Fiesta Head Chef: Virgina Najarro Gamboa Av. Reducto 1278 Miraflores, Lima +51 1 242 9009 http://www.restaurantfiestagourmet.com/ #34 - Osso Carnicería y Salumería #36 - La Picantería Head Chef: Héctor Solís Francisco Moreno 388, Surquillo, Lima +51 1 241 6676 http://www.picanteriasdelperu.com/ #50 - Rafael Head Chef: Ricardo Martins Calle San Martín 300, Miraflores, Lima +51 1 242 4149 http://www.rafaelosterling.pe/ With nine delicious options, you should be set to have a delectable experience in Lima, Peru.
What to buy in Peru is a topic that comes up frequently with our guests during Lima food tours. It's important to pick out unique keepsakes, souvenirs and gifts that represent the local styles and flavors so that the essence of the trip lives on. Besides a lovely bottle of Pisco or the token chullo (Andean stocking cap) and pan pipes, we offer you five options that are sure to bring back memories of an unforgettable trip to Peru. 1. Silver Jewelry and Accesories
2. Pink Salt
3. Baby Alpaca
4. Organic coffee
5. Hot Sauce
Tourism in Lima wouldn’t be complete without a few tips on what to try while in the city. The microbrewing trend in Peru has recently taken off and there are some contenders that are giving the big players a run for their money. From brews that make use of more original ingredients, like the rocoto pepper or quinua, to your more traditional IPAs and lagers, there’s something for everyone looking to take a break from the pisco sour. Here are some of our favorites, as well as a few places where you can try them. Peruvian craft beers
Where to try them
Although officially in autumn still, this week in Lima, Peru, started out grey and reminded us that winter is around the corner. That is not necessarily a bad thing! The restaurant scene in Lima gets even busier as the locals no longer spend their weekends at the beach resort in the south. It is time to catch up with family and friends over a nice meal, and during a cold winter day (well, it is all relative since winter in Lima is low 60s), there is nothing better than a nice chupe de camarones, or shrimp soup! This famous dish from the city of Arequipa is a creamy chowder, that packs enough spice to warm you up on a cool day. What are the top restaurants in Lima where you should try it? Most cebicherias serve this wonderful soup, but we have a few recommendations for you:
EL RINCONCITO DE TIABAYA Founded back in the 50s, this traditional picantería is part of the history of traditional food from Arequipa in Lima. Don’t expect anything fancy, just outstanding food. Where? Jr. San Miguel 962, Surquillo. FRANCESCO RESTAURANT Although this restaurant is famous for the Peruvian-Italian fusion, their Chupe de Camarones is one of the best in the city. It isn’t cheap, but the quality of the products and taste make it well worth it. Where? Malecón de la Marina 526, Santa Cruz, Miraflores. EL ROCOTO Arequipan food is one of the tastiest in all of Peru and this restaurant specializes exclusively in this type of cuisine. There's no wondering why it made our short list. While there, also try the Rocoto Relleno! Where? Av. Aviación 4907, Surco Av. Federico Villarreal 360, Miraflores |
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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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