Inspirations

Lima Travel Guide

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by Redmond O'Hanlon

24-06-2024

One of the liveliest and most culturally diverse towns in South America, Lima, sits atop cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. In this seaside capital, you may find both a beach and a business hub. Thrill seekers paragliding from the Miraflores cliffs and surfing world-class breaks battle for the greatest vistas, with skyscrapers competing for prime real estate. While you shouldn't miss the ceviche and Pisco Sours, the vibrant restaurant and bar scenes have progressed much further. Modern artists and Inca artifacts can be found in bohemian communities. It is Lima.One of the liveliest and most culturally diverse towns in South America, Lima, sits atop cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean. In this seaside capital, you may find both a beach and a business hub. Thrill seekers paragliding from the Miraflores cliffs and surfing world-class breaks battle for the greatest vistas, with skyscrapers competing for prime real estate. While you shouldn't miss the ceviche and Pisco Sours, the vibrant restaurant and bar scenes have progressed much further. Modern artists and Inca artifacts can be found in bohemian communities. It is Lima.

Time Zone

The Time Zone in Peru

Best Time To Go

Lima experiences just two seasons—winter and summer—due to its location on the Pacific coast, which is below the equator. Cloudy and chilly days are the norm, but precipitation is unusual and the weather isn't particularly spectacular. The months of December through April tend to have the highest average temperatures and the most visitors. On the first Saturday of February, Lima celebrates National Pisco Sour Day, during the same month, Carnival (don't miss Lima's Water Wars) takes place. Traditionally, the month of June marks National Ceviche Day.

How To Get Around

Trains: Commuters from the suburbs, rather than sightseers, use the 26 stations that make up the Lima Metro's single line. Not only does the train not make any connections to the airport, but it also stops running at 11 p.m. 

Buses: Two bus kinds are available in Lima. Slightly more costly, but more sophisticated, are the bigger Metropolitano buses. To drop off people wherever they wish along the road, combis, which are cheaper van-size buses, scarcely slow down. 

Taxis: You can take a moto taxi or a car. If you want to avoid bargaining over costs, make sure the driver starts the meter or says the amount when you get in. 

Car service: You may easily and affordably use Uber and Cabify in Lima, but you'll need access to the internet to use the applications.

Best Hotels

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel 

Location: Miraflores, Lima, Peru, Av. Malecón de la Reserva 1035 

Phone: +51 1 700 5105 

With only nine guest rooms spread in a restored Tudor-style estate from the 1940s, Atemporal provides a secluded urban retreat. A hotel car and a complimentary cocktail hour are part of the package. All over the veranda, garden, and guest rooms, you'll find exquisite design and meticulous attention to detail. 


Hotel B 

Location: Barranco, Lima, Saenz Pena 204 The Indies 

Phone: +51 1 206 0800 T

his Belle Epoque palace, originally constructed in 1914 as the summer retreat of a previous president of Peru, is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel. The rooftop plunge pool, namesake restaurant, and suites in the Atelier category—decorated with Italian marble bathrooms and featuring 16-foot ceilings—are among the highlights. Pre-Columbian artwork adorns the Library, making it the perfect setting for afternoon tea. 


Country Club Lima Hotel 

Location: San Isidro Lima, Peru, 590 Los Eucaliptos 

Phone: +51 1 611 9000 

John Wayne (who met his Peruvian wife at the Country Club), several presidents, and other celebrities have graced its hallowed grounds since its 1927 construction. The colonial-style property had a modern makeover in 2017, bringing with it 83 rooms furnished with king-size mattresses, gilt mirrors, and Peruvian art that was donated by a local museum. Indulge in the ultimate in opulence with the 18-hole golf course.

Best Restaurants

Chifa Titi

Location: 1212 Av. Javier Prado Este, Corpac-SAN Isidro, Lima Perú Phone: +51 1 224 8189 

Chifa is a way of describing Cantonese Chinese food that incorporates traditional Peruvian flavors and methods. Chifa Titi may be the most famous restaurant in Lima serving this sort of cuisine. Sharing is the name of the game when it comes to the portions, but picking from the extensive menu is no picnic. Make sure you reserve in advance. 


Malabar 

Location: Av. Camino Real 101 San Isidro, Lima Peru 

Phone: + 51 1 440 5200 

Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino has been honoring Peru's biodiversity in his diverse cuisine since the opening of Malabar in 2004. Local farmers and indigenous groups provide much of the restaurant's sustainable foods. Make sure you reserve in advance. 


Astrid Y Gaston 

Location: Av. Paz Soldan 290, San Isidro, Lima Peru 

Phone: +51 1 442 2775 

The chefs who began and currently run Astrid y Gaston are partially responsible if ceviche is associated with Peru. From savory fish stew to fresh squash ceviche, inventive dishes can offer you everything. As a memento, each diner will receive a map of Peru with information about where the items came from. Make sure you reserve in advance. 


Central 

Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru 

Phone: +51 1 2428515 

Lead by Virgilio Martínez and Pia Leon, a husband and wife team, Central serves as both a culinary adventure and a window into Peru. Martinez uses the restaurant as a sort of laboratory, experimenting with various indigenous Peruvian foods that he procures directly from farmers all throughout the nation. On multiple occasions, Central has been named by World's 50 Best as one of the top South American restaurants. 


El Mercado 

Location: Hipolito Unanue 203, Lima 18, Peru 

Phone: +51 1 221 1322 

The best part of a Mercado meal is how the simplicity of the dishes highlights the flavors and ingredients. You can find salty and sweet options on the menu, and the amounts are modest enough that you can get numerous orders per person. Is there a catch? It's lunchtime only. Bookings have been confirmed. We offer covered outdoor sitting if you like. 


La Mar Cebicheria 

Location: Av. La Mar 770, Lima 18, Peru Phone: +51 1 421 3365 Since it is located on the coast, Lima is a great place to get the freshest seafood. At La Mar Cebicheria in Miraflores, you can enjoy the freshest seafood in the City of Kings. Ceviche, nigiri, and maki are just a few of the ingredients used to make the raw bar's ever-changing offerings. Make sure you reserve in advance.

Things To Do

Museo Larco 

Location: Av. Simon Bolivar 1515, Pueblo Libre 21, Lima Peru 

Phone: +51 1 461 1312 

Ancient Peruvian gold and jewelry, as well as a chamber devoted to pottery influenced by, you guessed it, sex, are on display in Peru's most prominent Pre-Columbian artifact museum, Museo Larco. A viceroyal mansion constructed in the 18th century atop a pyramid dating back to the 7th century houses the museum, which is encircled by beautifully planted gardens. 


Carnaval Bar 

Location: Avenida Pardo y Aliaga 662, San Isidro, Lima 

Phone: +51 1 986 787 755 

Visit Carnaval Bar if you find yourself in Lima and have just time for one bar. The most imaginative cocktails are a fusion of art and the supernatural. Marshmallows topped with tonka beans, that tasty bean that, in high enough quantities, may be fatal, would be an unexpected garnish. Instagram was the intended platform for showcasing the presentations. 


Magic Water Circuit 

Location: Puerta 5, Parque de la Reserva, Av. Petit Thouars, Cercado de Lima 15046, Lima Peru 

Phone: +51 1 424 0827 

The Magic Water Circuit was once the biggest public park water fountain complex in the world, earning it a spot in the "Guinness Book of World Records" upon its construction. The coordinated light show is at its best enjoyable at night, and it is an unexpected spectacle. 


San Francisco Catacombs 

Location: Jiron Lampa, Cercado de Lima 15001, Lima Peru 

Phone: +51 1 426 7377 

The Convent of San Francisco, which dates back to 1535 and features stunning Baroque architecture, is a must-visit destination thanks to its extensive library stocked with works of art by European artists from the 17th century. More than 25,000 souls were laid to rest in the medieval cemetery that lies beneath the convent, with its extensive network of tunnels and vaults. This is the most terrifying period in history. 


El Malecon: Lima's Clifftop Walkway 

Location: Miraflores A six-mile bike ride or stroll along 

El Malecon is the ideal way to experience and appreciate Lima's stunning landscape. Along the breathtaking Pacific coast of Miraflores, there is a paved cliffside promenade that winds in three interconnected sections. If you're tired of staring at the cliffs, there are plenty of parks, sculptures, cafes, restaurants, and even a lighthouse to take a breather. Paragliding is an activity that you can partake in at this time.

Neighborhoods To Know

With its coastal cliffside views, upscale boutiques, world-renowned restaurants, and five-star hotels, Miraflores is sure to be a hit. Nightlife and boho-artistic vibes make Barranco a beloved spot. Be sure not to miss the many Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese) eateries and the quaint Chinese architecture in Barrio Chino. Also, make sure to check out the Moorish balconies, cathedral-fronted Plaza de Armas, and El Gran Hotel Bolivar, both of which are located in the Historical Center.

Weather

Cloudy days are common and temperatures tend to be on the cool side due to cold ocean currents in the Pacific Ocean, but generally speaking, the weather in coastal Lima is pleasant. Keep in mind that the extremes of summer and winter here are completely contrary to our own. 

Temperatures rarely rise above the mid-80s during the warm season, which typically lasts from December to April. June to October is when you may anticipate gloomy, chilly, and humid weather. Sea mist, or guara, is common, yet rain is rare overall.

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