A March 1998 trip to Lima by mays9charles
Quote: I FLEW FROM MIAMI TO LIMA,PERU ON AMERICAN AIRLINES. I ARRIVED IN LIMA AND WENT TO HOTEL LA CASTELLANA IN THE SUBURB OF MIRAFLORES WHERE I SPENT THE FIRST TWO DAYS. LIMA IS CITY OF 8 MILLION PEOPLE. IT IS NEARLY 5 CENTURIES OLD AND HAS SURVIVED TERRORISTS, EARTHQUAKES, IMMENSE POVERTY AND MANY CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT. THEY SAY A CRIME OCCURS IN LIMA EVERY SEVEN SECONDS. THE SAFEST AREA TO STAY IS THE SUBURB OF MIRAFLORES WITH ITS MODERN BUILDINGS, PARKS AND EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS. IF YOU GO IN THE WINTER YOU WILL ENCOUNTER CLOUDY DREARY DAYS DUE TO WHAT IS CALLED THE "GARUA." THIS IS A FOG BANK THAT COVERS THE CITY OF LIMA DURING THE WINTER TIME. NIGHTS ARE CHILLY AND ONLY THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOTELS WILL HAVE HEAT. IF YOU GO 30 MILES OUTSIDE OF LIMA THE SKIES WILL LIKELY BE CLEAR AND THE WEATHER WARMER. HOWEVER, FROM JANUARY THROUGH MARCH YOU WILL HAVE BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SKIES. IT RAINS ONLY ABOUT 2 INCHES PER YEAR IN LIMA. ONLY WAY TO GET AROUND LIMA IS BY TAXI. DRIVERS ON THE ROADS ARE WILD AND RECKLESS AND BUSES ARE CROWDED AND YOU MAY BECOME A VICTIM OF PICKPOCKETS. NEVERTHELESS, LIMA IS FASCINATING CITY WITH BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES, MUSEUMS AND SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS SEAFOOD YOU WILL EVER TASTE. AVOID DOWNTOWN AREA AT NIGHT AND KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED AND WINDOWS ROLLED UP WHILE RIDING IN A CAR. TERRORISM IN PERU IS NO LONGER A THREAT BUT STREET CRIME IS GETTING WORSE. DO NOT WEAR EXPENSIVE JEWELRY AND USE ONLY LEGITIMATE TAXIS FOR TRANSPORTATION.
Overview
PLAZA OF LIMA has a PRESIDENTIAL PALACE and BEAUTIFUL CHURCH, which was built in the 1700s.
In MIRAFLORES there is a BEAUTIFUL PARK where live music and flea markets provide attractions.
DRIVING IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Lima drivers are reckless and rude. There is no established pattern for traffic rules and regulations.
In Miraflores, you can walk to any restaurant from your hotel.
Hotel
English not spoken. Hotel is near downtown Miraflores. Just a few blocks away from park.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 30, 2001
La Castellana Grimaldo del Solar Lima, Peru 443-520
Hotel Esperanza Calle Esperanza 350 Lima, Peru
San Antonio Abad Ramon Ribeyro 301 Lima, Peru 447-6766
Hotel | "CASA DE HUSEPEDES"
Casa de Huspedes Porta 686 Lima, Peru 444-6023
Restaurant
Chicha morada is a sweet-tasting dessert made from the seeds of a tropical plant found in the jungle. It is served as a gelatin and is extremely tasty.
Expect to pay between $15-$20 for a meal, but it is well worth the price.
Service is excellent and restaurant is modern and luxurious. I would never travel to Lima without dining here at least once.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 7, 2001
Manos Morenos Pedro de Osma 409 Lima, Peru 467-4902
Restaurant | "Haiti Restaurant"
The restaurant is often crowded and the service can be slow at times, but the food is delicious. My favorite dish here is the diet chicken soup, which consists of 1/4 chicken in a bowl with mashed potatoes and vegetables. You have never tasted chicken soup until you try this.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 15, 2003
Haití Avenida Diagonal 160 Lima, Peru 18 +51 1 445 0539
Seafood, international, and Peruvian dishes are featured in a most romantic setting. Their piña coladas are delicious!
Located at the end of a pier, you walk along the boardwalk for about 50 yards to get to door of restaurant.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 8, 2003
La Rosa Nautica Espigon 4 Lima, Peru 447-0057
Attraction | "Gold Museum"
The grounds are quiet and peaceful with a rather expensive jewelry store and a small restaurant serving snacks and drinks. This is where I had my first taste of Inca Cola.
There are some llamas there on the grounds that the children may enjoy. We met travelers there from several different countries who came to relax and tour the museum. The entrance fee is inexpensive, but cameras are not allowed.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 1, 2003
Museo Oro del Peru (Gold Museum) Calle Alonso De Molina 1100 Lima, Peru +51 (1) 435-2917
Attraction
The Presidential Palace is not open to the public and security around the plaza is quite heavy. It is possible to take photos of the guards and the palace, but ask first. The Catherdal was begun in 1746 after the first one was destroyed by an earthquake. On the right hand side as you enter, you'll see the remains of Pizzaro. The carved choir stalls were a gift of Charles V to the first cathedral of Peru. The Museum of religious art inside the cathedral is also open to the public. There are many beautiful paintings from the 16th and 17th century there.
There is an admissions charge and extra charge for cameras.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 1, 2003
Plaza de Armas Downtown Lima Lima, Peru
Story/Tip
I recommend the Gold Museum, where you can see Pizarro's sword and Incan artifacts. Also, there are many pieces of worked gold. There is also a gift shop (very expensive) and a small outdoor cafe where you can stop for Inca Cola. Inca Cola is the number-one soft drink in Peru. It even out-sells Coca-Cola. It has a sweet taste much like bubble gum.
The park in Miraflores is beautiful. On weekends, there is flea market where it Is possible to purchase beautiful paintings for excellent prices. Also, bands play and you can get a taste of Latin music.
There are many excellent restaurants are located in Miraflores. The beach is nearby but polluted. I also recommend La Rosa Nautica on the breakwaters of the Pacific. It is a very expensive but romantic restaurant. The best shopping area is Mercado Indio, where a variety of native goods and souvenirs can be purchased. It is also possible to do some bargaining.
mays9charles Fort Worth, Texas