An unexpected trip to Lima appeared on my schedule this month. It wasn’t somewhere I had ever really considered visiting but that didn’t stop me having an incredible 48 hours in the city. It actually turned into one of the best layovers I’ve ever had and I completely fell in love with the place. Read on to see why.
Eat:
Lima is bursting full of incredible restaurants. Their go to is seafood, so completely contented with that I begun my gastronomic adventure around the city.
For me, the winner was Canta Rana located in the Barranco neighbourhood.
The restaurant is always busy so either make a reservation or go alone, like I did, and you’ll get seated practically on the pavement. This wasn’t a problem as good food trumps a good table in my opinion.
I had grilled octopus layered on top of mouth watering ceviche with the obligatory portion of avocado and roasted corn.
The Miraflores district (next to Barranco) is bursting full of incredible restaurants to try as well. One in particular is Central, the world’s 4th best restaurant so booking is essential. Others to check out in the area are Punto Azul and Fiesta, both seafood restaurants in the heart of the Miraflores neighbourhood.
By the coast is the Larcomar shopping mall built into the clifftop. It has an abundance of restaurants, be sure to try out Mangos and enjoy a pisco sour and seafood platter whilst looking out over the Pacific Ocean.
Do:
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class
An absolute must when staying in Lima. Peruvian food is really tasty (minus the guinea pigs) so why not learn how to make some dishes yourself.
Ceviche and avocados are constant features on the menu here. That was enough to have me throwing money at my computer and reserving my space at one of Lima’s many cookery schools.
The one I picked couldn’t have been a more relaxed and fun class cooking in the garden of chef Hector’s Miraflores home. Read more about my experience at Peruvian Cooking Classes here.
Visit Mercado 1
Even if you don’t do a cooking class during your stay in Lima, definitely go and check out this market.
To me food markets are so beautiful with all the stunning colours and incredible smells.
This market also has mini restaurants attached to some of the stalls.
Don Cevichero is an absolute must go to – ask for the special, it’s not actually advertised on the menu.
A couple of blocks over there is another market selling trinkets, alpaca blankets and other Peruvian treasures just to get your full fix of market trawls.
Get your surf on at Wakhano Beach
Surf lessons are available from dawn until dusk at this beach in Miraflores.
Instructors set up shop along the shore of Wakhano Beach and offer on the spot classes for no more than £15.
It’s a pretty sweet deal seeing as that includes a 90 minute lesson with wetsuit and board hire.
See:
Huaca Pucllana
A stunning pyramid site in the middle of the city. There also happens to be a wonderful restaurant here – make a reservation as it’s always busy. Note that the site isn’t open on Tuesdays and some nights of the week it stays open late and actually becomes one of Lima’s best night outs.
The city is so big that if you don’t have a lot of time there it would be wise to pick an area and really explore it. For me Miraflores had everything I needed and wanted. I can’t wait to revisit this stunning country and explore more beyond the capital city.
Thanks for reading. To stay up to date with my travels follow me at @thelayoverlife_
