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Many of Lima’s historic sites survived the earthquake in 1746. The city’s historic centre is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visit the colonial centre with its typically Peruvian houses with wooden balconies. The Plaza de Armas is not to be missed. Around it stand the Palacio de Gobierno, the cathedral, the Archbishop’s palace and several interesting museums. Take the time to have a drink on one of the many café terraces in the Pasaje Ribera El Viejo.
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The San Isidro district is famous for its green gardens, and Barranco for its aristocratic ambience, but Miraflores is the most tourist-oriented and convivial area. Located on the coast, Miraflores is also the city’s main hotel district. The parks of Miraflores are – as the name indicates – planted with colourful flower displays. Add to this the surfers and beachgoers, and you have all the ingredients for a pleasant seaside resort. In the evenings, the fun continues in the district’s many restaurants and bars. Miraflores is also popular with the Limeños because there is always something to do: open-air concerts, exhibitions or markets.
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The best live acts are to be found at La Noche in Barranco (boulevard Sánchez Carrión). This bar has become a multi-genre cultural centre with performances almost every day, varying from poetry readings to jazz sessions. Admire the photographic exhibitions on the walls.
www.lanoche.com.pe
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The Country Club Lima is a romantic hotel located in the San Isidro district.
This luxury hotel, built in the hacienda style, is one of the most stylish addresses in town, and was the centre of Lima’s social scene in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1998 the hotel was redesigned and equipped with modern facilities such as a sauna, whirlpool, fitness club and every possible business facility. Naturally, the hotel also has a swimming pool.
www.hotelcountry.com
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 Dining out in Lima is a real treat. Some of the best addresses are to be found in the Miraflores district. One of Lima’s most popular restaurants is Astrid y Gastón (Calle Cantuarias 175), which serves local as well as international cuisine.
Other top restaurants in Miraflores include Coco de Mer (Peruvian and Mediterranean), El Kapallaq, which serves Peruvian fish and seafood and has won several awards, and Las Brujas de Cachiche (traditional cuisine). For more restaurants, visit:
www.theperuguide.com/lima/restaurants/criollo/huaca.html
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No visit to Lima would be complete without a trip to the Centro Comercial Larcomar, which is not so much a shopping centre as an entertainment complex with more than thirty restaurants and cafés, two exclusive dance clubs, a cinema and a bowling alley. The shops sell mainly souvenirs, which, given the fact that the centre is close to some of the more expensive hotels, are often exclusive products.
(Malecón de la Reserva 610, Miraflores).
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Dédalo is an enthralling shop that occupies an impressive villa in Barranco. You can spend hours wandering through its rooms, where unique objects are displayed: toys, design objects, home accessories, clothing, jewellery, ceramics and much more. All these articles are designed by artists and craftsmen. Some of the rooms contain a complete exhibition. (Paseo Sáenz Peña 295, Barranco)
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Limeños have something to celebrate all year round. Here is a small selection of events.
Anniversary of the Founding of Lima in 1535. Every year on 17 and 18 January.
Pisco Sour Day: celebration of the invention of the Pisco Sour cocktail. Every year in February.
Vendimia Wine Festival: harvest festival with wine competitions, food festival and live music. Every year in March.
Miraflores International Music and Customs Festival: held in the Parque María Reiche. Every year in April.
Circus Festival: circus with national and international artistes at Plaza Lima Sur. Every year in September.
For information on all events, visit: www.wordtravels.com (Peru > Lima > Events).
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This is the address for anyone who is looking for an authentic Peruvian souvenir. The alpaca (a type of llama) is an animal of the camelid family. It provides the exclusive wool known by the same name. Alpaca 111 sells top-quality clothing made from alpaca. The designs in vicuña – a soft wool variety – are unique and make an ideal personal or business gift. (Centro Comercial Larcomar, store 1-07)
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Leave the city for a day and take a trip to Pachacámac, 31 kilometres south of Lima. Pachacámac, in the Lurin Valley, is an extensive archaeological complex consisting of a museum and the ruins of temples, plazas and palaces. Before the Spanish invaded, this temple city devoted to the god Pacha Kamaq was Peru’s largest coastal centre. The Inca section (1440-1533) is the best-preserved part of the complex. This is a ‘culture shot’ not to be missed!
http://pachacamac.perucultural.org.pe
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A Peña evening is an experience in itself. Peñas – clubs that put on Afro-Peruvian and Criollo folkloric music shows – are popular with the Limeños. Join the locals and order a Pisco Sour or a bottle of beer with some Criollo food, and enjoy the show. Manos Morenas in Barranco is one of the most upmarket Peñas. Another exclusive venue is the Peña Caballero de Fina Estampa (in Miraflores), which occupies a large colonial building.
www.theperuguide.com/lima/bars/lima_penas.html |
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More reasons to visit Lima? Visit:
www.theperuguide.com (select Lima)
www.infoperu.com (select Lima)
www.fertur-travel.com
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