Travel
24 Hours In… Lima
introAsk a Limeño what experience you shouldn’t miss in Lima, and their response will likely be “the food”. Peruvians are wildly proud of the creative cultural fusion and tasty ingredients, like aji pepper and zesty lime, packed into their local dishes. Luckily you don’t have to eat at the city’s most expensive restaurants to appreciate what makes the cuisine so irresistible. Spend a day in the capital of Peru filling your belly, and delight in the historic sites and scenic diversity between meals. [Photo: Miguel Vera León/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
StayWhere to Stay – You’ll probably want to stay in Lima’s modern district of Miraflores. The popular cafés, shops and restaurants around Parque Kennedy will be within easy walking distance, and – best of all – you can enjoy the district’s privileged location along the coast. I like the Autor 01, a splendid 4-room B&B situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. If it’s sea views you’re after, opt for a stay at JW Marriott Lima, where you can rise and shine to a room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. [Photo: Autor 01]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Chiccharon8am: Rise And Shine For Chicharrón – Head to Doña Paulina for a traditional Criollo breakfast. Try the chicken tamale and the chicharrón, a pork dish served with fried sweet potatoes and an onion-based criolla salsa; ask for a side of bread so you can eat the meat and toppings in a sandwich like locals usually do. Polish off your meal with coffee or fruit juice. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Miraflores9am: Go Back In Time – Venture to Lima’s historic city centre. The modern structures you’ll find in Miraflores give way to colonial façades as you approach downtown, where the frenetic energy of local commerce mingles with the more leisurely pace of tourism. Begin your exploration at Plaza Mayor, an expansive square established in 1535 and declared a UNESCO heritage site. Appreciate the Moorish-style wooden balconies decorating the Archbishop’s Palace and photograph the Cathedral of Lima. [Photo: Los viajes del Congrejo/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Courtyards10.30am: Courtyards And Catacombs – Stroll over to the San Francisco Church & Monastery. From Plaza Mayor, walk along Jirón Carabaya, turn right onto another pedestrian street called Jirón Ancash, and you’ll encounter the entrance to the church just one block up. Three churches, courtyards and annexes fill the expansive complex of San Francisco, but don’t miss the underground catacombs. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Guards11.45am: Changing Of The Guards – Observe the changing of the guards in front of the Government Palace – the official residence of Peru’s president – at Plaza Mayor. Armed guards showcase intricate marching sequences choreographed to a live band during the presentation. It’s held every day at noon, though I advise you arrive a few minutes early to stake out a good position in front. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
ceviche12.40pm: Ceviche For Lunch – Sit down to a classic Peruvian lunch at Punto Azul, a popular cevichería. Ask for ceviche de pescado, a dish prepared with chopped raw fish marinated in lime juice and seasoned with salt. Hugely popular in Lima, ceviche is typically served with sweet potato, corn and canchita (toasted corn kernels). For a tasty combination, add a tacu tacu de mariscos (fried rice and beans with seafood) to your order, and accompany it with a beer. Beat the lunch hour rush by arriving before 1pm. [Photo: Punto Azul]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Ruins2.00pm: Experience Ancient History – Visit the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, which stands in striking contrast to its modern urban surroundings. Constructed using large adobe bricks to form its final pyramidal arrangement, this site is some 1,500 years old and pre-dates Inca reign over the region. Take a guided tour of this archeological site that was an important ceremonial centre of the Lima Culture. [Photo: MudflapDC/Flickr]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Cycle3.00pm: Cycle The Coast – Rent a bike and cruise along the promenade called El Malecon that runs along the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Riding northward, you’ll pass the iconic Parque del Amor with a sculpture by artist Victor Delfin as its centerpiece. Titled El Beso, it depicts two lovers sharing a kiss. The Malecon continues past a lighthouse (El Faro) and several manicured parks. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
birds-eye4.30pm: Get A Bird’s-Eye View – Trade in your bike for some wings. Hire a paraglider pilot to fly you tandem above the coastal cliffs of Miraflores. You’ll soar over the high-rise-studded skyline with unforgettable views. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Pisco Sour5.45pm: Pisco Sours At Sundown – Sunsets are hard to come by in Lima from June to September, when overcast weather is the norm. But don’t let this deter you from grabbing an evening cocktail as day transitions to night, and twinkling city lights emerge along the coastline. The Pisco Sour is the nation’s signature drink, made with Peru’s most famous liquor mixed with fresh-squeezed lime juice and topped with a froth formed by egg white. Mangos at the Larcomar shopping complex has lovely outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Amaz8.00pm: Fusion For Dinner – Lima is renowned for its fusion cuisine. At Amaz, one of my favourite restaurants, the menu blends traditional dishes with the flavours of the Peruvian Amazon. Yuca, coconut and plantains complement succulent rice, chicken and fish entrees. Ask for a few dishes among your group for dinner to share family-style. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
Barranco9.30pm: Bohemian Barranco – Barranco is Lima’s trendy bohemian neighbourhood, where there always seems to be a brand new organic food shop, clothing boutique or art gallery show. It’s also where many Lima residents and out-of-towners come for an evening out. Grab a drink at one of the casual bars along pedestrian alley Bajada de Banos, or a more upscale option like Barra 55. [Photo: Barra 55]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
ReadRead Before You Go – Want to know why Peru is a hot spot for gastronomy? I recommend this article by People magazine as a starting point for your research. Also check out “The 38 Essential Lima Restaurants” on Eater for further reading. [Photo: Britt Fracolli]
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
ListenListen Before You Go – Music made in Peru may not get broad exposure, but don’t underestimate the talent of Lima-based and country-wide musicians. PeruJazz is an awesome old-school jazz group that still plays shows. For newer stuff, search for music by NovaLima, Kanaku y El Tigre, Dengue Dengue Dengue, Olaya and Temple Sour, among several options.
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Travel
24 Hours In… Lima.
BrittBritt Fracolli is a travel writer and editor based in Peru. Follow her adventures at home and around the globe on her blog Oh My Travels and on Instagram.
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