I spent two incredible days in Lima, and while the city may not be overflowing with traditional tourist attractions, the culinary scene is absolutely mind-blowing! For a comfortable stay, I highly recommend the Miraflores district. This area is not only home to some of the best restaurants in the city but also boasts a safe and upscale environment, offering a wide range of accommodation options.
📍Day 1 City Walk route (no backtracking):
Start your day at Plaza San Martin, where you’ll find numerous currency exchange offices with excellent rates—up to 3.72 soles to the dollar, much better than at the airport. From there, head to the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy, a stunning architectural gem. Next, stroll over to Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of the city. Continue to the San Francisco Monastery, known for its beautiful colonial architecture and underground catacombs. After a day of exploring, take a taxi back to Miraflores to visit the romantic Love Park, and end your evening with a leisurely walk through the Larcomar shopping center. Perched right by the sea, it offers a breathtaking view of the coastline and a mesmerizing sunset 🌄
On Day 2, I embarked on an unforgettable full-day tour to Paracas and Huacachina with Lima Experience. The tour started early at 5:00 AM and concluded at 11:30 PM, making it a long but incredibly rewarding day. In the morning, we set out to sea and were treated to the sight of playful penguins, lounging sea lions, and even a few majestic whales. At noon, we enjoyed a delightful lunch at a local winery, savoring various Peruvian wines and learning about the rich history and wine-making traditions of the region. In the afternoon, we headed to the desert for an exhilarating sandboarding adventure, followed by a spectacular sunset over the dunes. As night fell, we visited the enchanting desert oasis, where the starlit sky was a sight to behold. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience all the more memorable.
‼️Here are a few hidden gem restaurants that I highly recommend:
1️⃣ Saha Peruvian Kitchen: Don’t miss their signature braised beef and lamb shank (p1-5). The meat is incredibly tender and fragrant, slow-cooked to perfection with melt-in-your-mouth tendons. This dish was one of the highlights of my trip. The grilled squid is also a must-try, and of course, you can’t leave without tasting the Pisco Sour, Peru’s iconic cocktail 🍸
2️⃣ La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla: Their CHICHARRÓN sandwich set (p11-12) is a true delight, served with thick-cut fries that I absolutely adored. The roasted pork and beef tenderloin were succulent and juicy. The set also includes Chicha Morada, a unique Peruvian drink made from fresh purple corn juice, which has a distinct and delicious flavor. This chain restaurant has even been featured in The New York Times, and their pina frosen is a refreshing treat.
3️⃣ Punto Azul: Try their fresh shrimp pasta with squid ink and the classic Peruvian-style Ceviche (p9-10). Both dishes are fantastic, and my favorite drink here is the creamy and tropical Pina Colada 🍹
4️⃣ A friend raved about Arirang as the best spot for grilled meat, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to visit 😭
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