Peru Complete Travel Guide
A month ago life decided I suddenly have an open calendar. For me that translated into a direct opportunity for long-term travel, the only question was where? Considering multiple destinations with its pros and cons, the winner was South America. South America has always been on my to-go list, but the long distances and travel times between the destinations held me back. Now time was no longer an issue.
At Schiphol, ready to start on my South America travel adventure
On June 6th I’m at Schiphol Airport with my one-way ticket to Peru. The clerk behind the check-in counter told me I needed a return ticket back to Europe, and gave me the tip to get this at onwardticket.com.
In only 2 minutes I bought a return ticket for only $16 on my phone. The ticket is a reservation that lasts 48 hours, enough to fly to your destination and go through customs. After 48h the reservation gets cancelled. Thank you check-in guy, this sure was the tip of the year!
The next day in the early morning I arrive at Lima airport and go through customs with ease. Unfortunately I didn’t get my passport stamped, as I always love a fully stamped passport. After getting my luggage I first go to the 2nd floor where several ATMs are located to get some cash. I tried various ATMs, but all of them only have a withdrawal limit of 400 soles (€100). This meant doing a withdrawal 2x and paying the fees twice too.
For transfer to my hotel I booked with Quick Llama transfer service, which brought me directly to my hotel for only 20 soles (€5). Another option was the official airport bus, but their timetable only started from 7 AM.
My hotel allowed for an early check-in for 50% of the price, an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s nice to get a hot shower and slowly get ready before exploring.
Lima
To visit Lima I planned 3 full days for exploring. Taking it easy at the start of my travel adventure and to slowly get into the travel mode. I also had to adjust to the winter in Peru, in Lima it is always cloudy, thus a bit chilly in the morning and evening. Not really the summer vibes I was hoping for.
Miraflores
Most travellers, including myself, stay in Miraflores, a modern neighbourhood on the coast. As I walked around in the early morning I noticed that the city doesn’t really come alive before 10 AM, and really bustling only after 2 PM.
Around Park Kennedy is where many stores and restaurants are located. This area feels very safe and modern. Along the coast is a long stretch of boardwalk with views of the Pacific Ocean down below. It’s just nice to stroll along the park. The coast of Miraflores is also the starting base for the many paragliders on windy days. The view is especially nice at Larcomar, a modern outdoor mall with all the big brand stores. The multiple layer view makes for a nice photo.
Limaflores boardwalk and lighthouse
Love park
Historic centre
To get to downtown Lima I took bus 301 from Miraflores. At the bus stop I asked an old man where I could buy a ticket. He offered to check-in for me with his card and we got into a nice conversation on the bus. After a few stops the old man got off and I continued my journey downtown.
The historic centre felt completely different and maybe even a bit unsafe. It was way more crowded, which made me more wary of my surroundings. As I sat down on a bench at Plaza Mayor, a travel guide named Juan walked up to me. Asking if I was interested in a guide? Usually I don’t care much about guided tours, but I was vibing with this guy, so why not. When he showed me around he kept holding my hand each time. Did I have a boyfriend? Yes, I do! Although I didn’t mind the hand holding, it felt somewhat safe. Here I tried some local food and the famous Pisco sour drink, which I liked! The lemon version tastes similar to limoncello.
Plaza Mayor in historic centre
Going back to my hotel I asked a lady at the bus stop if she could check-in for me on the bus and I gave her the fare in cash, that was no problem at all!
Barranco
To visit Barranco I took the local bus 7501 from Miraflores. This time I didn’t have to check-in with a card, but I could pay the driver 1.50 soles. I’m still confused why there is a different payment method.
The most visited sight in Barranco is the Puente de los Suspiros, a wooden bridge with views of the city below. Next to the bridge is the Mirador Catalina Recavarren, a viewpoint of the coast. And the area is filled with mural art.
Puente de los Suspiros
Related posts
Wat een gave en avontuurlijk reis.Veel plezier
Mooi begin van een nieuw avontuur! Blijf genieten en creëer mooie herinneringen.