When I Went: January 28-30
Was That the Best Time of Year to Go? We went during the rainy season, which means discounts on hotels and, luckily for us, the chance to see some gorgeous greenery. Despite warnings from friends advising me not to travel to Peru over the rainy season, we had gorgeous weather the entire time we were in Lima, with blue skies and 80-90 degree days.
Why I Went There: My father and I stayed in Lima for two nights between taking a cruise on the Amazon River aboard the Aqua Expeditions Aria and catching a flight to Cuzco, where we hopped a train and hiked up to Machu Picchu from our hotel (the Inkaterra Pueblo Machu Picchu) in Aguas Calientes.
[mapimage url=”http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fapi%2Fstaticmap%3Fsize%3D200x200%26sensor%3Dfalse%26markers%3DLima%2CPeru%7CCuzco%2CPeru%26zoom%3D5″]Who Went With Me? My padre. This was a long overdue trip we had planned out back when I was in high school, but life kept getting in the way of the trip. It took us more than 10 years, but we finally made it happen.
We Stayed Here: We stayed in the Miraflores district of Lima at the Miraflores Park Hotel. Not only is this hotel by far the nicest lodging in Lima, but I would put it up with the best hotels in any major city (New York, L.A., etc.). Run by luxury brand Orient-Express, when we walked into the grand lobby we were greeted by an overwhelmingly sweet smell of fresh flowers, live music on a grand piano, warm smiles, and a glass of fresh-brewed iced camu camu tea. But that was just the prelude for an amazing stay. My room was beautifully decorated in warm tones with a full-length window so I could look out on the coastline to watch the paragliders soar above the cliff-side shopping centers. The only thing that could compete with how relaxed my sumptuously soft bed made me feel could be the massage I had at the Zest spa. Although the small spa doesn’t offer a relaxation room, it’s located right across from the rooftop pool … which may be one of the coolest features of this hotel, with glass walls surrounding the trendy space so you can gaze at the rooftops and beach scenes of Lima while sipping your pisco sour.
You Won’t Want to Miss: Although the shopping center on the cliffs (Larcomar) offers the same brands you can find in the States, there are some authentic restaurants for grabbing lunch, and the fact that it’s an open-air, cliff-side shopping experience within walking distance from the hotel makes it a pretty cool option during the day. If you’re in Lima, I definitely wouldn’t miss checking out the Barranco district, where all the musicians and artists live and play. Known for its bohemian culture, this is the place to be at night, but even during the day the district just throws off a cool and chic vibe. Definitely grab a cup of coffee at the Garden Café inside the Dedalo Market (posh place to buy local artistry) before walking across the romantic Puente de los Suspiros, or Bridge of Sighs.
Eat Here: Malabar by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino for upscale Peruvian food with an amazing tasting menu and wine selection. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Bar inside the Miraflores Park Hotel has a very cool library theme and is a great place to start the night off with a pisco sour before heading out to dinner, or more drinks. Amor Amar for ceviche in the Barranco district.
Play Here: Paragliding is getting popular in Lima, and to try it out for the first time over the cliffs would have been amazing.
If I Went Again: I’d definitely give paragliding a try, and I would make sure to reserve a table at Astrid & Gastón, Lima’s No. 1 restaurant.
How Did You Get There From Dallas? Probably the best route to take is on Delta, flying into Atlanta then straight to Lima, but Taca Airlines also has a flight from DFW that stops over in El Salvador.
Other Tips For Fellow Travelers: Worth the trip. Judging by the ridiculously delicious Peruvian food, music, and amazingly friendly people, I could see myself living in a place like this.
