Lima, Peru - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: July 14, 2024
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ABOUT LIMA | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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Can You Find Paddington Bear?
Lima is the Capital of Peru, but even more importantly the home of Paddington Bear since 1958. This stunning capital city meets the Pacific Ocean on South America and Peru’s west coast. The lines of almost black sand beaches and giant cliffs appearing from the seafloor make for a very different backdrop to most capital cities.
Delicately built into the top of the cliffs are a number of bars, shops and restaurants with charming views out along the rugged coast. Not only that; but it is where you will also find the statue of Paddington Bear.
Due to its location within the tropics and being sat on the cold Pacific coast the climate is something of a phenomenon. Unlike most places, the city only really has 2 seasons, with temperatures ranging between 12 and 30 degrees centigrade. This means you will never be cold, but you will also miss out on the lush tropical heat of 30+. You will find that more often than not this can produce some sticky, humid weather, but without much rainfall at any point throughout the year.
My Introduction to Peru
Lima was my first stop in Peru, and what a way to meet a country. It was obvious that we had just rocked up to a massive and very important city within not only Peru, but South America as a whole. It instantly had the busy roads, people scurrying around in all directions, with activity and noise all around. It somehow also had a calmness and peace about it. Instantly I was amazed by this city, and that was before I had even got out of the taxi from the airport.
Once we had checked in and left the confines of our hostel, we went to explore. Never before had we seen a capital city like this, but then never before had we been to South America. We only had a couple of days to relax and get to grips with the temperature, surroundings, language and general understanding of where we were before we met up with our tour. We managed to do a bit of shopping, explored the beaches, the pier, the bars and the historical parts of the city before changing locations in the city to meet the team.
Once we had met the team, we spent another couple of days in the city with them and our wonderful guide. We learnt about its history and significance, as well as the architecture and the people of Peru. Overall it was instant love with the city, the country and our new family for the next few weeks.
So Should I Go There?
The answer here is always yes, you should.
I can only talk for myself here and say I love the new, the exciting and the different when I go away, and Lima has all of those things. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, a little bit like Bangkok in a way, yet felt as safe and friendly as my home city of Bristol in the UK. I think in part that is due to the fact that whilst you are clearly in a different continent, there was enough recognisable living to make you feel at home. I have always said and will stand by this: your first introduction to a continent ideally should be somewhere that mixes that homely feel, but at the same time pushes you to go out and do stuff beyond anything you’ve done before. Once you have settled, be it a day, four days, or a week then head out into the unknown.
This city is somewhere you really will want to visit; no matter what you enjoy, there is something for you here. I often sat out eating on the cliff tops when a hang-glider would swoop inches above, almost like a seagull trying to steal chips from your hand.
That wasn’t the only activity you can partake in: there were a number of surf schools lining the beach, shopping on the cliff tops, interesting walking tours teaching you about the city, the people and the past, there was also a mass of churches, museums and, of course, bars and clubs. All of these can be found within a very small area, meaning you don’t even have to travel too far to get your kicks, whatever they may be.
What to do when Backpacking Lima
Whatever your idea of fun, however, you get your enjoyment, the city has you covered. There are water and adrenaline-pumping sports on the coast which are well worth a try, so that’s where we will start.
Surfing
When you think of Peru, surfing may not be the first thought that comes to mind, but in Lima surfing is taken very seriously, and is a key pastime for many. Dotted along the main beaches around the district of Miraflores you will come across a number of surf schools. There is a lot of competition for your business so feel free to bargain with them. The guys and girls are ever so friendly and for beginners, they are very patient. Be prepared to get cold, as the Pacific is not the warmest place to surf, but often provides great waves for all levels of surfer.
Hang-gliding and Paragliding
These adrenaline-pumping sports can be enjoyed around the country, but Lima is where we happened to see the majority. I think the city would have made for an unbelievable backdrop as you dive-bomb over the shores and soak in the staggering views for miles in all directions.
These guys seemed to swoop overhead by fine margins, just missing the clifftop restaurants and shops. The starting point for these flights within the city seems to be the beaches of Costa Verde. All the instructors have to be certified so check with the company that they are registered and a member of the Peruvian Free Flight Association. One of the companies is called Peru Fly, and comes highly rated, so check them out.
Shopping
There are a number of major shopping centres, with all the big-name brands, along with stylish restaurants and entertainment venues in Lima. A word of warning and something I didn’t expect, when it comes to fashion and big named brands, the prices do not differ from what we have in the UK and the rest of the west.
I found Lima to be a classy city and how you dress and look means a lot, almost reminds me of Rome or other parts of Italy. One of the best shopping centres has to be in Miraflores, built on and in the cliff tops. Stunning views as you shop, and even places to relax and admire your purchases over a chilled beverage once you have shopped until you dropped.
Plaza Mayor
This striking little square is a must visit; there is history and architecture everywhere. This famous Plaza is also home to the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Palace of the Union, Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop's Palace of Lima. These inconceivable pieces of architecture have to be some of the best I’ve seen. It is even more impressive when you think they are all within view as you spin around one square. It is also said that when the city was first created by the Spanish in the 1500s this square (Plaza) would be the central and focal point, which is still is today. Here at Far Out we honestly can say this is somewhere you must visit during your time in Lima.
Park Of Love
Sat on the cliff tops high above the sea, you will find a charming little park called the ‘Park Of Love’. The park itself is only small but has splendid views out to sea, as well as beautiful statues, and areas to relax whilst taking in some of the rays. The park leads on to many other parks that line the cliffs, so it’s advisable to just spend a few hours wandering and relaxing enjoying a bit of peace from the streets.
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Lima
I was lucky enough to stay in a couple of places over the course of my time in Lima, three if you include the airport on the return journey. The first of these was a lovely little place called Kaclla, The Healing Dog Hostel. The only bad point about the hostel was that the walls were very thin: it got a little noisy at times. Other than that, it was superb, we really couldn’t have asked for a nicer place and all for about 90 SOL (£21 per night). We were even given breakfast every morning of a bag of seeds, and some naan bread. There was a little kitchen, should you wish to cook yourself. The staff were fantastic and the location was brilliant: it was only a short walk to the main area and the beachfront.
The second place was also great, with comfy beds, friendly staff and an all-around good feel to the property. The hotel was called Hotel La Castellana. Whilst it cost slightly more at 250 SOL (£55 per night), this rate reduces dramatically if you are sharing a room. Then you are looking at about 150 SOL(£35 each) and less again should you have a triple room. Whilst this is a bit more upmarket, and less of a backpacker vibe, it still has a great feel as well as being in a great location.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Lima
There are loads of places to eat in the city, ranging from the quick take away to the sit-down 5-course meals at some of the fanciest restaurants in the country. We are not going to be advising that, we don’t have that sort of money, and therefore didn’t eat at them. We also do not like going to any fast-food chains when we are away.
The first place we recommend is neither a restaurant or a takeaway, it’s a good old-fashioned food stand. Beso Francés Crepería, located in the Parque Intihuatana high on the cliff tops, with panoramic views of the bay. You may have guessed from the name but it specialises in crepes, and boy does it specialise. I had the most incredible Nutella crepe, and it was big. If you are in the park it is well worth checking out.
Our second recommendation is a restaurant balanced on the pier, looking out over the incoming tide. This fancy restaurant called La Rosa Náutica costs a little more we have to admit, but the food is delicious and well worth the extra money. The setting is also fantastic, and the restaurant maintains a very nautical theme, as the name suggests. Whilst there were a lot of seafood options, there was plenty of choices to keep all palates happy. The cocktails are also something to look out for, the daiquiri is delightful.
The next is a delightful restaurant which we actually ate at a couple of times; called Mango. This restaurant is built into the cliff in the Salazar Park area of Miraflores. The restaurant's veranda lies out over the cliff tops, with exquisite views of the beaches below, the ocean and the bay around to Museo Planetario, which you can see on a clear day. The staff are really helpful, friendly, and when you mix that with beautiful food, speedy service and the views you really cannot go wrong. I really recommend you don’t overindulge in the mains as the cheesecake is to die for.
The last place we are going to recommend is a place called Pardo's Chicken. Once again as the name suggests there are a lot of chicken dishes. The food is delightful, and it is good to see a restaurant that treats the sides as importantly as the mains. A side salad shows a variety and not just the tomato, cucumber and leaves. The chicken is beautiful, and once again the staff make every effort to deliver on time, with a smile and are very friendly. A very lovely place, especially if you are a chicken fan. Other options were available.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking Lima
Strangely in Lima, we didn’t party too hard and tended to drink in the restaurants where we ate. The cocktails and drinks in La Rosa Náutica were incredible, the little bars in and around Mango, such as Bar Lima were beautiful, with staggering views. The beers in Pardo’s were great, so we didn’t really feel the need to go and find bars and clubs as such.
One place that we did try was called La Tranquera, it didn’t look great or have superb vibes, but what it gave us was a taste of Peruvian beers which were amazing, as well as a number of nice wines from across South America. If you were looking for nightlife and the bulk of the bars and clubs, then the oldtown within Miraflores seems to be the place to head.
What You'll Need to Blend In
Good fashion
A smile
Even a little bit of Spanish helps.
