LimaTraveller.info

Lima City Guide

admin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:34:25 +0000

Lima is full of surprises within its layers upon layers of rich history. Situated on the coast of the Pacific and being one of the largest desert towns in the world, the contrasts of the city are striking. Near the shantytowns that resemble a third world country are modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, beautifully restored colonial mansions dating back to the 17th century, and pre-Inca pyramids that survived the Spanish conquest and modern civilization.

The city has a lot to offer the visitor, who usually only stays a short time en route to other excursions in Peru. Either way, Lima, the longtime capital of empires of long ago, has its own identity that can be felt on every stone and building constructed.

Just a quick stroll through the Plaza de Armas, the central plaza, and you’ll see a few important sights: the Palacio de Gobierno, which is the president’s residence, and the elaborate balconies of what used to be the Archbishop’s Palace. Lima also has some gorgeous cathedrals, such as the Catedral de Lima, which holds the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who defeated the Incas and founded Lima for Spain.

Just an hour’s drive from Lima are several sights worth checking out, including the ruins of Pachacamac of the Wari and Incas, the lovely southern beaches as an escape from the bustling city, and the 2000 recently discovered mummies at the Puruchuco site. Also just outside the city are the ruins of Cajamarquilla, which is one of the largest archeological monuments in Peru

Daily Care

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:50:04 +0000

On a quiet street near Parque El Olívar, Daily Care stocks many wines. It also has plenty of savories in case you want to put together an impromptu picnic in the park.

Camusso

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:48:35 +0000

For sterling, you can’t beat the classic designs at Camusso, a local platería, or silver shop, that opened its doors in 1933. Call ahead for a free guided tour of the factory, which is a few blocks west of El Centro.

Artesanías Santo Domingo

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:47:01 +0000

In El Centro there aren’t as many souvenir shops as you might think. Most people head to Artesanías Santo Domingo, a cluster of shops in a pretty colonial-style building.

If you get tired of shopping, the plaza outside overlooks the pretty Iglesia de Santo Domingo.

Antigüedades Siglo XVIII

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:44:33 +0000

Antigüedades Siglo XVIII specializes in precious metals. Don’t miss the case full of silver milagros, or miracles. These heart-shaped charms were once placed at the feet of religious statues in gratitude for answered prayers.

Alpaca 111

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:42:57 +0000

Lots of stores stock clothing made of alpaca, but one of the few to offer articles made from vicuña is Alpaca 111. This diminutive creature, distant cousin of the llama, produces the world’s finest wool.

It is fashioned into scarves, sweaters, and even knee-length coats. There are branches of the store in Hotel Los Delfines, Miraflores Park Hotel, and Sonesta Posada del Inca El Olívar.

Haití

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:36:10 +0000

The two-level, spacious cafe has an outside terrace overlooking one of the busiest streets in the Miraflores area. It maintains the quality and cordial service of yesteryear and has remained a popular cafe in the neighborhood. Highbrow Peruvians and foreigners can be found here mingling in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Local and international dishes, desserts, cold drinks and cocktails are on the menu. It’s a good place for a sandwich lunch or to order a cup of coffee and watch the world pass by.

Trattoria di Mambrino

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:34:49 +0000

Owner Ugo Plevisani oversees the main courses while his wife Sandra prepares the 38 delicious desserts on the menu, combining simple and healthy cooking with choice ingredients and epicurean seasonings. Italian specialities include veal raviolis with porcini mushrooms, Malfatti, Eggplant Parmesan, spaghetti with prawns, four-cheese gnocchi and a signature dish, Sigaro made with mozzarella, prosciutto ham and radicchio greens.

The wine list includes a varied selection of imports and the homemade bread is delectable. No reservations are accepted, so arriving early is recommended as the place is small and becomes crowded quickly.

Señorío de Sulco

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:32:15 +0000

This restaurant recreates the history—from pre-Inca to the present;of Peruvian cuisine in all its diversity. Typical dishes from the coast, sierra and jungle areas of Peru include the ají de gallina (spicy pepper chicken), papa a la huancaína (potatoes Huancaína) and lomo saltado (sauteed steak).

Top the meal off, accompanied by gentle piano, with the traditional dessert suspiro a la limeña, a port and cinnamon-kissed delicacy. The restaurant is located at the Miraflores harbor, affording a lovely ocean view.

Granja Azul

admin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:30:22 +0000

It is situated in an area of old homes and haciendas, providing a perfect way to spend the day with friends and family in down-home country surroundings.

The prix fixe buffet is a fun and affordable way to eat all you can. The young ones will enjoy the playground area and pony rides. Specialities of the house include the fresh garden salad with special dressing and the innovative drink list.