When we were building our itinerary for Peru, we did a lot of research and asked a lot of friends how much time they recommended we spend in Lima. We got mixed answers, but the majority of folks said that if we had limited time, we should concentrate that time in the Sacred Valley. Lima, they said, is just a big city like most other big cities.
I think this advice was spot on; the Sacred Valley really was the highlight of our trip. However, there are some really great things to see and eat in Lima, and I'm glad we gave ourselves time to explore. Here are some of our highlights:
Eating:
Did you know that the number five restaurant in the world is in Lima? Me either before this trip. Central, a restaurant that focuses on local Peruvian flavors is just one of a handful of phenomenal restaurants in town. Dan and I were lucky enough to score seats at Central, and I'll have a separate post about our ten-course meal!
La Mar
I loved everything about the food in Peru, but especially the ceviche (spelled cebiche in Peru); it's their national dish! My friend Jill recommended we visit the restaurant La Mar to try their cebiche, and I'm not kidding, it was the best I've ever had. It was so fresh and flavorful!
The restaurant is colorful, and fun, and they have big signs telling you what's fresh that day. They aren't open for dinner and they don't take reservations, so get there a little before noon and you'll get in.
Panchita
We liked this restaurant so much we went here twice! There can be a wait at times, so make a reservation if you can. Otherwise, you might be able wait in the bar while sipping a pisco sour.
What made this restaurant so great for us was two things: the bread and the veggies. Their trio of bread was perfection, especially paired with their sauces. And the veggie skewer was like magic. They imparted all the flavor of pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) into these veggies. The spices were so intense and flavorful that Dan and I thought about it throughout our trip and made sure to get it one more time before heading to the airport.
Apparently Chinese food (called Chifa) is also really popular in Lima. We tried it. I'd recommend skipping it. It was just like American Chinese food but with a bit of a Peruvian flair. You're better off just sticking with Peruvian food.
Activities:
Circuito Magico del Agua
This was a fun evening activity. I had no idea what to expect, but I should have known it would be cool based on the fact this water park holds a Guinness World record for largest fountain complex in a public park. Shows are at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, and 9:30pm and entrance is only 4 soles ($1.20). We went for the 7:15 show and there was a pretty good-sized crowd. I was really impressed by the water laser show as it told the history of Peru. I, of course, also loved the rainbow fountains.
Walking
We did a ton of walking in Lima! It's a great city in which to stroll. Some of my favorite areas were along the water in Miraflores (leading to the Larcomar shopping mall); the Kennedy park, which is famous for housing tons of stray cats; and downtown Lima with the gorgeous Plaza del Armas.
See our other stops in Peru:
Itinerary
Getting to the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
Moray and Maras
Horseback Riding in the Sacred Valley
Cusco and Pisac
Eating:
Did you know that the number five restaurant in the world is in Lima? Me either before this trip. Central, a restaurant that focuses on local Peruvian flavors is just one of a handful of phenomenal restaurants in town. Dan and I were lucky enough to score seats at Central, and I'll have a separate post about our ten-course meal!
La Mar
I loved everything about the food in Peru, but especially the ceviche (spelled cebiche in Peru); it's their national dish! My friend Jill recommended we visit the restaurant La Mar to try their cebiche, and I'm not kidding, it was the best I've ever had. It was so fresh and flavorful!
La Mar serves an appetizer of fried plantains and other root veggie chips along with three incredible sauces, and canchita, which are un-popped corn kernels. The canchita tasted like corn nuts--nice and salty. We also ordered a chicha morada, which is a non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn. It was really tasty.
Panchita
We liked this restaurant so much we went here twice! There can be a wait at times, so make a reservation if you can. Otherwise, you might be able wait in the bar while sipping a pisco sour.
What made this restaurant so great for us was two things: the bread and the veggies. Their trio of bread was perfection, especially paired with their sauces. And the veggie skewer was like magic. They imparted all the flavor of pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) into these veggies. The spices were so intense and flavorful that Dan and I thought about it throughout our trip and made sure to get it one more time before heading to the airport.
Apparently Chinese food (called Chifa) is also really popular in Lima. We tried it. I'd recommend skipping it. It was just like American Chinese food but with a bit of a Peruvian flair. You're better off just sticking with Peruvian food.
Activities:
Circuito Magico del Agua
This was a fun evening activity. I had no idea what to expect, but I should have known it would be cool based on the fact this water park holds a Guinness World record for largest fountain complex in a public park. Shows are at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, and 9:30pm and entrance is only 4 soles ($1.20). We went for the 7:15 show and there was a pretty good-sized crowd. I was really impressed by the water laser show as it told the history of Peru. I, of course, also loved the rainbow fountains.
Walking
We did a ton of walking in Lima! It's a great city in which to stroll. Some of my favorite areas were along the water in Miraflores (leading to the Larcomar shopping mall); the Kennedy park, which is famous for housing tons of stray cats; and downtown Lima with the gorgeous Plaza del Armas.
Itinerary
Getting to the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
Moray and Maras
Horseback Riding in the Sacred Valley
Cusco and Pisac
I was telling you about canchita before you left for your trip. Most Peruvian restaurants in the States serve it before as an appetizer before your meal. Also, chicha morada is really good. I had it once at a Peruvian restaurant in Florida. I'm sure it's 100 times better in Peru, though.
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