Lima

I moved to Cuzco in March 2015, and this was one of the first big trips I took to another part of the country.  By this point, a few groups of friends had already come to visit and I had been to Machu Picchu four times, which is plenty.  So when Devon, my first real travel buddy, said she wanted to come to Peru in September, I told her I was going to plan something great but would not take another day off work to visit ruins in Cuzco.  I'm not sure she ever really heard this because on one of the last days of the trip, she goes "so we're not going Machu Picchu, right?"  Ideal travel companion.  Go with the flow.

Some background: Devon and I met in Santiago de Compostela, Spain when we were 15 because our mothers - who did not know each other - arranged for us to live together in a tiny hostel to practice squash and Spanish for a month...but that's for another post if I can find some pictures.  

The plan was to eat and lie on a beach.  Not exactly your classic Peru Expedition, but everyone knows that the adventure is what happens between well-planned meals, right?  

LIMA recommendations - almost everything is in Barranco
Where to stay:

  • 3* Second Home Peru, Barranco - famous artist's home with ocean views
  • 4* Atemporal Hotelito Miraflores - old house, new hotel and extremely well-decorated
  • 5* Hotel B, Barranco - especially if you like Art
  • Airbnb in Barranco - something near the water, close to Saenz Peña (street)

Where to eat:

  • World's 50 Best: Central and Maido
  • Sushi: Osaka
  • Ceviche: Canta Rana, Canta Ranita (more casual), El Pez Amigo, El Mercado, La Mar, La Preferida
  • Special Lunch: Chez Wong (as seen on Parts Unknown) - reservation required
  • Nice restaurants: Rafael, IK, Isolina, Cala
  • Barranco breakfast:  Chicharrones Yasu
  • This Eater Essential 38 List is great, especially if you want something nearby and use the Map function. 

What to do:

  • Eat, duh.
  • Walk around Barranco, Puente de Suspiros and along the Malecón (path along the coast)
  • Casa Aliaga and Larco Museum if you're into history
  • Mario Testino Mate Museum if you're into fashion
  • Shopping: Dédalo, Las Pallas Artesanias, La Zapateria (also do custom leather shoes if you have a few days), Vernacula
  • Casa Cor if it's open
Peru, Travel, FoodJuliaCentral Restaurant