I wasn't really sure what to expect taking my first trip overseas to visit Lima Peru. Mainly when it comes to Peru, Machu Picchu and Llamas tend to be what stands out in my mind so I felt this would be a great opportunity to visit, explore and to learn as much as possible about the city.
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| Lima Peru |
Arriving in Lima from South Carolina was like arriving on another planet. The whole place was buzzing with energy and there really are no words to describe the scene arriving at the airport. Leaving the airport was even crazier and was the closest I have ever been to being in a demolition derby. It took a little time to get used to the intensity of honking horns, people yelling and the insane traffic but after drinking my first Peruvian beer I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride through the streets of Lima Peru.
I found everything in Lima to be extremely interesting whether it was amazing cuisine, the people, the crazy traffic or the many must see tourist attractions we visited. Hopefully I can give a small taste of what a remarkable City Lima is and to show there is so much more to Peru than just seeing Cusco and Machu Picchu.
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| The Larcomar Shopping Complex |
The first place we visited was the Larcomar Shopping Complex located in the Miraflores District. This engineering marvel is a multilevel modern entertainment shopping complex built into the side of a cliff overlooking the sea. The views from this complex are incredible and there numerous restaurants to enjoy while admiring the breathtaking views.
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| Larcomar Shopping Complex at night |
I recommend visiting the Larcomar complex at night as well to enjoy the sites and sounds of this bustling vibrant Peruvian district. The Larcomar Complex includes a movie theater, pool hall, bowling alley, restuarants and is a great place for people watching.
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| Peruvian Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken |
While at the Larcomar Shopping Complex you must try Peruvian Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken at Pardo's. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, olive oil and various other spices from all over Peru. Then it is placed inside of a giant charcoal rotisserie oven to slowly cook and marinate, allowing the flavor to sink into the meat.
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| Enjoying Peruvian Chicken, Yuka and Inca Cola |
Enjoying our night out eating some Peruvian Charcoal Chicken, Fried Yuka and drinking Inca Cola (Taste like Bubblegum) at Pardo's Chicken located in Larcomar Entertainment Complex in Miraflores.
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| The Best Homemade Ceviche |
Peru is situated on the Pacific Ocean and is well known all over the world for it's amazing seafood cuisine. The Civechi is the most popular seafood dish and is made a variety of ways using a variety of seafood including, shrimp, octopus, clams and fish. The origin of Civechi may be disputed, although it is very probable that the dish originated in Peru. To make a Civechi you take a fresh raw fish and marinate it with Lemon and Lime juice thus altering it from a translucent state to a pinkish white state. The purpose of this marinade is to not only add flavor but to sterilize the fish so that it is safe to eat. You must not leave Lima without trying this mouth watering dish.
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| Anticuchos Skewer Beef Hearts |
Anticuchos aka street meet is a very popular food that originated in Peru dating back to Inca Empire. Usually they are made with Beef Hearts but can also be made with Steak or Chicken. These strongly flavored skewers are seasoned with garlic, cumin, vinegar and red chili peppers and taste amazing. I recommend eating the Anticuchos with a nice cold Cusquena or an Inca Cola.
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| These Pisco Sour Drinks Rock |
Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru and is made from a variety of South American Grapes. Apparently this drink is so amazing that Peru and Chile are practically at war over which country created the cocktail. As an American I have to lay my claim to this awesome drink since according to Wikipedia the cocktail was invented by an American Bar Tender back in 1903 working in Peru.
My GoPro Video: Site and Sounds of Lima Peru
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| Peruvian Surf |
If you are a surfer or bodyboarder you have to visit Punta Hermosa, located just south of Lima(1 hour drive by car). Punta Hermosa is a small beach town, extremely popular on weekends during the summer months(December-May). The swells here are among the most consistent in the world. You will find every type of wave here from reef breaks, point breaks, long lefts, short waves, hollow waves, beach breaks and any other type of wave your can imagine to satisfy all your surfing desires. Strolling around the surf town you can enjoy excellent meals while taking in Peru's world class surfing scene.
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| Paddling Out at Punta Hermosa |
About the Waves:
The Punta Hermosa district contains many consistent spots all in a short distance from one another. The waves at Punta Hermos are typically large swells and winds are generally offshore.
Top Breaks:
La Isla: a hollow right reef break, located directly in front of the Surf Hostel at Punta Hermosa
Senoritas: A powerful left about a 15 minute walk down the from La Isla
Caballeros: a consistent spot known for fat rights.
Punta Rocas: About 1 mile from the Surf Hostel is one of the most consistent breaks and is the location for the international surfing championships and many other contests over the past years.
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| Catching my first wave in Peru |
Catching my first Peruvian wave at Punta Rocas.
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| Punta Hermos Beach |
The beaches at Punta Hermosa contain lots of amenities including baby pools, showers, food, ice cream, drinks and music. I really enjoyed the beaches just south of Lima, it was a nice break from the gloomy melancholy grey skies that tend to shroud the City of Lima.
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| Chillin with my Chica in Miraflores |
Tourist will enjoy visiting Miraflores which is a very safe upscale touristy district in Lima known for its amazing walkways, gardens and views along the coast. There are many hotels and shopping areas including the Larcomar Shopping Complex to enjoy.
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| El Parque del Amor Or Love Park, Miraflores |
If you are feeling really brave for a small price you can try paragliding from the cliffs of Miraflores. Unfortunate for me there was not enough wind when I tried to go. I am hoping next time I visit Peru I will have a chance at Paragliding.
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| Enjoying some Ice Creme |
Tourist will notice these brightly colored Peruvians selling delicious fruity ice cream bars on the side of the road (Another must try).
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| Chillin in JFK Park |
Another must see is to visit the JFK park located in Miraflores named after President Kennedy. We enjoyed walking around the park and checking out the gardens.
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| Tiger Milk with Octopus Civechi |
The Tiger Milk is a citrus based Peruvian marinade that sterilizes and cures the Seafood (made from the runoff of the Ceviche). This runoff contains the lime juices, onions, chili peppers and parts of the fish. The Tiger Milk is brought out in a nice little decorative cup with lime and sometimes shrimp garnishes. I suggest chasing this drink with a nice cold Cusquena to help regulate the tangy mouth watering burn you will experience while drinking this interesting concoction . Drinking the Tiger Milk will activate taste buds and senses you never knew existed and is another must try for anyone visiting Lima. Make sure not to forget to have a cold Cusquena on standby to chase the Tiger Milk.
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| The Barranco District |
The Barranco District is a nice little seaside resort town developed back in the 19th century overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This used to be a popular location for artists, writers, sculptors and poets. We really enjoyed walking along the bohemian streets and watching the sunset over the town.
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| Bridge of Sighs |
This bridge of Sighs aka Puente de los Suspiros is well known for a couples first date to bring them good luck. Legend has it if you walk across the bridge holding the hand of your loved one while holding your breath, you will have a successful love life.
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| Bridge of Sighs in Barranco District |
This bohemian walkway is bordered on both sides by extremely colorful buildings, houses, restaurants and churches. One popular legend of the bridge goes that a wealthy man’s daughter living in one of these colorful houses fell in love with a lowly street sweeper. Her father forbade the union, and she lived out her days as a spinster, waiting at her window for a glimpse of her beloved. Those who walked across the bridge could hear her plaintive sighs. Barranco is a very romantic place to walk around and enjoy with your love one.
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| Wild Peruvian Dog |
Barranco is a great place to walk around to enjoy the many restaurants, take pictures and purchase local arts and handcrafts.
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| Fisherman's Church Barranco District |
The fisherman's church is a very colorful structure. The legend has it the church received its name from the fisherman that would pray for successful catch before going fishing.
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| Enjoying a nice Peruvian Desert |
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| Enjoying the greatest beer Cusquena |
Cusquena is most important must try for all tourists visiting Peru. This has to be my favorite beer.
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| Juane |
Juane is a typical jungle food that is made from rice, egg, spices and chicken wrapped in a banana leaf. This typical dish is prepared for festival occasion such as the San Jan festival.
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| Checking out the Lima Surfing Beaches |
The beaches in Lima are actually rocky instead of sandy and the coastline is extremely rugged.
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| Enjoying the Rugged Coastline |
We really enjoyed the drive down the rugged coastline from Miraflores to La Herradura. There are many places to stop along the way to admire Peru's unique rugged coastline and eat fresh Civechi.
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| La Herradura Surf Break |
La Herradura is arguably the best left point break in Lima. The wave tends to be a steep-faced wave breaking on the cliffs of the south end wall. You will find top Civechi restaurants lining the beaches to satisfy your hunger after a hard day of surfing.
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| Downtown Lima Main Square |
We really enjoyed walking around the Plaza Mayor observing the many intricate balconies, vibrant colors and magnificent terraces. The Plaza Mayor is located in the historical center in the downtown Lima square. During the day you can visit the Presidential Palace to witness the changing of the guard. The Spanish colonial style of the surrounding buildings are very impressive and demonstrate the historical importance of the Spanish Monarchy.
Despite its wealthy areas there is still considerable poverty clearly seen through Lima and in the Shantytowns around the city. I recommend to anyone visiting Lima for the first time to keep their guard up and be observant while walking through the city.
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| Wild Bore from the Jungles of Iquitos Peru |
First time trying Wild Bore and have to say it is awesome.
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| Enjoying the Coastline |
Extra Random Pics
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| Amazing view from Miraflores |
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| Amazing Miraflores View |
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| Peruvian Dog Park Humor |
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| More Civechi |
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| More Civechi |
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| Miraflores District |
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| Miraflores District |
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| Jesus Cross over Miraflores Peru |
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| Welcome to Peru |
Thanks to Lucy's family for all their hospitality and showing us Peru. I truly enjoyed my first trip overseas and was a great experience to see such a remarkable country.
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