Lima, Part One

We Have Arrived: Lima, Peru 🇵🇪

After three planes and countless hours in transit, we finally landed safely in Lima, Peru.

Our first mission: get to the hotel.

Many South American airports restrict Uber pickups at terminals to encourage travelers to use local taxis, but Lima’s airport surprised us by having a designated Uber parking lot where passengers can walk over to meet a driver. The ride to Miraflores cost us 45.50 SOL (about $20 CAD) for the 45 minute drive to get downtown. This felt like a bargain when the hotel had quoted us $25 USD to get a taxi.

Liiiimaaa

The drive itself was a highlight. For much of it, we hugged the coastline, passing tent after tent of surf schools, old cars draped in drying towels, and stacks of surfboards leaning against anything in sight. We’d heard Lima had a strong surf culture, but seeing it up close exceeded expectations.

Out on the horizon, tiny black specks floated patiently in the ocean before suddenly rushing towards the shore at unexpected speeds. The waves weren’t enormous, but the energy surrounding them most certainly was.

Miraflores

We chose the neighbourhood of Miraflores based on other travelers’ recommendations: safe, walkable, and packed with restaurants and bars. It did not disappoint.

After dropping our bags at NAIA Miraflores, we explored the area until we picked a lunch spot. Mandrake Restobar piqued our interest and served us limonadas and crispy chicken milanesa. Not traditional Peruvian cuisine, but absolutely perfect after a long travel day.

Pisco Sours

After a 3 hour nap and shower at the hotel, we headed out in search of what we’d really come to Lima for: pisco sours.

Jake found a spot a few blocks away called República de Pisco, and we started our evening there with a few rounds. From strawberry to passion fruit, they delivered.

Next up was a hidden gem right beside our hotel. Express Restobar, tucked down an alley and designed to look like the inside of a train car, gave off speakeasy vibes. The curated cocktail menu matched the atmosphere perfectly, and yes, their pisco sour also delivered.

Day Two

Day two began with an excellent (and free) hotel breakfast, followed by a long walk to retrace the coastline we’d glimpsed the day before.

Before reaching the ocean, we passed through Kennedy Park (yes, named after JFK) which is famously home to dozens of community-cared-for cats. Locals feed them daily, and we watched as volunteers laid out platters of food and tidied up little beds scattered throughout the park. It was unexpected and heartwarming.

From there, we continued toward the coast along cobblestone paths and across a wooden bridge overlooking one of the coolest tennis clubs we’ve ever seen. Courts were stacked in tiers, layered almost vertically, and every single one was occupied. As we followed the cliffs, tennis remained a theme as children and adults alike practiced on the many courts lining the coastline.

Eventually, we reached Parque del Amor, with its Gaudí-inspired mosaic benches curving around the park. From the cliffs, about 150 feet above the ocean, you can look down onto the rocky beaches and surfers below. The view stretches endlessly in both directions.

We walked as far as we could until the 28 degree heat reminded us we were, in fact, still adjusting to Peru. That was our cue to seek water and lunch.

Pastries at El Pan followed by Japanese food at Tokuya Casa Nikkei sent us straight into another food coma. Naturally, we returned to the hotel for yet another nap.

Two days in and I think we can both confidently say we’re full and well rested, and more than ready for the bus to Paracas tomorrow.