Travel to Lima, Peru.

Country/Town visited: Lima, Peru
Date of stay: Oct 2011
Where you stayed:Casa 667
Travelled with: Wife
Tour or pre planned: Pre-planned

Lima is a nice city to visit, but to be honest it’s just another massive city out there that doesn’t offer you too much. It’s worth a day or two, tops, but any more than that and you’ll take away from your experience elsewhere. Chances are if you’re in Peru you’re here for a few weeks to see deserts and jungles and ancient Incan citadels, so your time is better spent elsewhere.

We stayed in a place called Casa 667. The rooms are a little small, but well kept. The Coffee was great and the location in Miraflores is fantastic as its safe (even at night) and there are many bars and restaurants nearby. This was a great place with a very friendly family that welcomed you into their home. When we left, the Mama of our Casa gave us a big hug and kiss and looked like she was almost in tears. We only stayed there 1 night for goodness sake. Guess we must have made an impression!

If you have a day there, head into Central Lima (taxi will cost you about S/6. Plaza Major is a lovely colourful square. The cathedral is located here, along with many other nice churches. One thing I noticed was that many buildings were painted a bright yellow, which seemed to breathe life into what would otherwise be drab grey concrete blocks.

From Plaza Major, head down the pedestrian walkway Jiron de la Union where you can go crazy shopping for super-cheap clothes and shoes. You’ll find some good label rip-offs here for next to nothing. You’ll eventually be led to the serene Plaza San Martin where you can grab a seat and people watch for a bit. Head to the North West Corner of the square and you’ll come to Gran Hotel Bolivar, where the first pisco sour was created. Go to the bar for a taste. They are surprisingly inexpensive, strong and very good.

I don’t have many places I can recommend you to eat at, but one sticks to mind; if you stay in the Miraflores area, head to a gem of an establishment called La Lucha. It looks like a takeaway bar right off the street, and it’s a very atmospheric popular place where all the locals go. They have a good range of damn tasty sandwiches and shakes/juices. Pay for your food at the counter, grab a number and a seat and enjoy once your food arrives.

Read more at http://www.oetravelblogs.com