On our way to Machu Picchu, Lima was our first pit stop upon arriving in Peru. We only had a couple of days, so we focused on a few key sites, as well as the most important thing when in Lima — FOOD!
Astrid Y Gaston, birthplace of modern Peruvian cuisine
Lima was our first stop on our memorable 6-week trip in South America. We had a long-haul flight, so we splurged on our hotel — the 5-star J.W. Marriott in Miraflores. It was still a good deal considering it was priced like a regular 4-star in North America, and it was worth every penny! The kids were welcomed with cute teddies, we had chocolates and champagne (always a good pairing), and we spent a good hour admiring our ocean view while paragliders flew by our window. We were also just across Larcomar Mall, and a block away from the #1 restaurant in Latin America, Central. Win-win!
JW Marriott, Lima
We arrived early from a long-haul flight, and hunger took over. So we crossed the street to Larcomar, an indoor and outdoor shopping center set on a cliff overlooking the ocean. We don’t go to the mall very often, but if it looks like this, we might reconsider.
Larcomar Shopping Center, Miraflores, Lima
Our first meal in Peru is brunch at Gaston Acurio’s casual eatery, Tanta. It was a tough choice with their selection of baked goods and desserts, so we got a little bit of everything!
Tanta, Miraflores, Lima
It was drizzling during the day, and jetlag took over, so we decided our time was best spent taking a loooooong nap. We woke up hungry yet again, so we headed over to the Barranca district for dinner at the popular local bar & cevicheria, Canta Rana. Gotta love vacations!
Canta Rana, Barranca, Lima
We had reserve energy from our long nap, so we went to Parque de la Reserva, home to the Magic Water Circuit, the largest fountain complex in the world. With 13 interactive fountains, it’s definitely a highlight and a must-see when in Lima.
Magic Water Circuit, Parque de la Reserva, Lima
The next day, the kids and Brood Papa went back to sleep after our hearty hotel brunch, so Brood Mama slipped out for some “mom-me” time. Forgot the name of the salon, but would never forget the view.
Mom-me time at a salon in Larcomar, Lima
Ever since trying La Mar in San Francisco, we were set on visiting Gaston Acurio’s flagship restaurant, Astrid Y Gaston. Widely regarded as the chef and restaurant that started the modern Peruvian food revolution, the menu was an exciting taste of Peruvian flavors, with fresh ingredients sourced locally and some even from their own city garden.
Astrid Y Gaston, Lima
After lunch, we drove through San Isidro Las Olivetos district, then went on an afternoon tour of Downtown Lima: Plaza Armas, Catedral de Lima, City Hall and Iglesia de San Francisco.
Downtown Lima
We also wanted to visit at least one museum, and we decided on Museo Larco. Housed in a mansion built on top of a pre-Columbian temple, the museum showcases over 3000 years of artifacts, including mummies from the Inca period, as well as a not-for-kids-eyes room with very “suggestive” art. We skipped that room and enjoyed the beautiful gardens instead.
Museo Larco, Lima
We ended our whirlwind day in Lima on a high note: a visit to the #1 Latin American restaurant (and the world’s #4 top restaurant), Central. We met Chef Virgilio Martinez during our visit, which made our experience even more special. His menu is a culinary trip around Peru, with his excellent use of local ingredients in his innovative dishes. If you had one splurge dinner in Peru, make it this!
Central Restaurante, Lima
And to cap our short stay in Lima before flying to Cuzco, what’s better than some glow-in-the dark bowling at Larcomar?
Larcomar bowling
Watch out for our post on the next stage of our South American escapade: Valle Sagrado, Peru
Travel Recommendations
Destination: Lima, Peru
STAY:
This 5-star hotel was the excellent location for our first few nights in Peru for the following reasons:
- We got this 5-star stay for a great deal (the hubby of course insists that this is the #1 reason why)
- The location is in the prime Miraflores area — right across the Larcomar mall overlooking the ocean
- Room amenities are top-notch! We were also blessed with an ocean view, and the kids had a blast counting how many paragliders passed by our window!
- Tanta (Larcomar)– By Peru’s beloved chef Gaston Acurio, this restaurant is inside Larcomar Mall and boasts sweeping ocean views. Try their huevos or empanada lomo saltado for brunch.
- Canta Rana — A local and visitor favorite in the heart of Barranca district. We loved their ceviches and lomo saltado.
- Astrid Y Gaston — The restaurant that arguably started the modern Peruvian food revolution, Gaston Acurio’s flagship restaurant still ranks as one of the world’s top 50, and Latin America’s top 3.
- Central – We met Chef Virgilio Martinez during our visit, which made our experience at Latin America’s #1 restaurant (world’s top 4) even more special. His menu is a culinary trip around Peru, with his excellent use of local ingredients in his innovative dishes. Worth a visit!
- Ask your hotel concierge to recommend a private cab to take you and the kiddos around. It’s pretty reasonable to do this in Lima, and much more comfortable for the little ones.
- Visit Downtown Lima– Plaza de Armas, Catedral de Lima, City Hall, Iglesia de San Francisco. Try to time your visit during the changing of the guards.
- Visit a museum or ruin. Try Museo Larco– it’s a wonderful museum with beautiful gardens and a great restaurant.
- Dine well! Lima is home to some of Latin America’s best restaurants — Central, Astrid Y Gaston, Maido to name a few. Or just check into a neighborhood cevicheria or bar for some amazing local flavor.
- Visit Parque de la Reserva at night to watch synchronized water shows (Magic Water Circuit)
- Schedule some downtime. Jetlag can take its toll, so allow your kids some rest. If you’re in the Miraflores area, Larcomar Mall has ocean views, great food and entertainment options.
- Mercado Central — You can buy just about everything here! Food (guinea pig, anyone?), clothes, kitchenware… you name it, it’s here!
- Mercado Surquillo — Locals and visitors shop here. It gets pretty crowded, so watch your valuables!
- Artesanias Miraflores — Handicrafts and other souvenirs in Miraflores district
- Gamarra — where the locals go to shop. It’s a true experience, but not for the faint of heart…
- Larcomar Mall — just like a North American mall, but with an amazing ocean view!
We're Ron, Dawne, Dylan and Reese -- a family of four Puerto Rico transplants from California. Every day and every journey is a learning opportunity for us, whether it's on an exotic trip to the Galapagos or a regular trip to the grocery store. We believe in collecting memories, not things and constantly feed our insatiable wanderlust. Join us in our world-schooling adventures here, on
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