My first impressions of Lima
Having never been to Lima or Peru before, I had no preconceived idea about whether I would like the place or not. To me, Lima was just a city where you make a quick stopover on your way to Cusco and/or other archeological sites.
So, once we landed I was pleasantly surprised at the chic and trendy Miraflores District.
We took the very convenient Airport Express Shuttle for $8 one way and it let us off right across the street from our hotel, Casa Andina Select.
THE HOTELS OF MIRAFLORES
Just a few words about the hotel. For our 1st stop, I found the hotel to be pretty adequate. The hotel lobby was nice and the staff was friendly. Our booking included breakfast, which was OK but nothing to write home about. The rooms were modern, clean and sparse (or maybe it's called minimalistic these days). In the standard double room, there was only a bed, small desk and hard back chair. There was another Casa Andina very close by, Casa Andina Premium, which I suspect might be a bit more plush. Next time around I would probably opt out of the Select.
There is NO shortage of nice hotels in Miraflores!
Our plan was to stay n Miraflores from Sunday to Friday and then head out to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. That would give us plenty of time to explore and get a good feel for this city of 11million +
Some of the other Jammers opted for lodging through airbnb, which they all seemed to be quite pleased with, so that is an option as well.
One of the things that really impressed me about Miraflores - (besides the restaurant explosion), was just how clean it was and the safety vibe (folks also seemed to be into fitness). Literally everywhere we looked someone was either running, riding a bike, working out at the gym or walking their dog(s) through the many neighborhood parks! The dogs looked very clean, and quite cared for (unlike the dogs I've been used to seeing in Costa Rica). I could see how our 2 boxers Bella & Brea might fit in nicely. BTW - Miraflores has many parks and it was surprising to me to see so many people at the parks at 10:30 or 11:00 at night. Lots of people out with their dogs, chatting with friends and lots of women in the parks alone, riding buses and walking down the busy neighborhood streets - Note to self* -
THE FOOD SCENE IN LIMA
The food scene in Lima is off the chart! Peru was named one of the world’s top culinary destinations at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row. From gourmet Peruvian cuisine to tasty street food, you can always find delicious food in Lima!
THE BOHEMIC BARRANCO
Barranco is Lima’s hidden gem along the Pacific Coast. Filled with bright and colorful buildings and an abundance of street art, it just might be the most colorful neighborhood in the world.
We took an afternoon tour and loved it.
I think it's time for video? What do you think?
As you know, editing takes time
but...
Come back tomorrow
I will have a video highlighting some of our 1st week's adventures in Lima!