VIVAPERU

// LIMA

// LIMA

COFFEE : CAFE ARABICAThere are over 110,000 farmers growing Peruvian coffee, and the beans are the country's top agricultural export. Coffee exports make up around 2 percent of the national economy of the South American country in 2011. The majority of Peruvian coffee is grown using high quality Arabica seeds grown in shaded conditions at high altitudes, between about 3,300 and 5,900 feet (1,000 and 1,800 meters). Due to the high demand of local coffee and the profits that can be made by international trade, these beans are hard to come by. This cafe we came upon in Miraflores is legit, fair-trade, local-sourced pure Peruvian goodness [at least that is what we were told, regardless it is a damn good cup of coffee]. Make sure you get down on it.

ADDRESS:Recavarren 269 LIMA PERU MIRAFLORES

// LIMA

LUNCH : CEBICHERIA “LA MAR”

Fancy dancy restaurant but worth taking the time for. Set aside 2-3 hours and order away, note: it closes at 5. There is usually a wait- from what we were told- enjoy a cocktail! I wish I remember what I ordered, asked the waitress, it was something with cucumber + wasabi + ??? it was fabulous. The menu is in Spanish but you may be able to find someone that speaks English. Make certain to order ceviche, one of the causas (potato based), and Choritos a la chalaça (mussels- photo). Hip vibe, trusted menu, and a great experience. $$

ADDRESS:Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores, Lima, Peru

// LIMA

LUNCH : SANGUCHERIA la LUCHA

Peruvian sandwich shop.Great late night snackage, the Trujillos of Miraflores- with better food and milk shakes! $

ADDRESS:Diagonal 308, Lima, Perunear Parke Kennedy

// LIMA

PLAZA DE ARMAS - HISTORIC CENTER DE LIMA

A great place to walk around during the day. You will be surrounded by color, people, and incredible architecture. The police officers near the Government Palace are very friendly and can answer any questions you have.

There is a church (Cathedral de Lima, i think), around the corner that you can pay a small entry fee to get a tour of. There is a 360 view of the city once you climb up to the bell tower. Fingers crossed for clear skies. Just passed the church you can see a view of a river of sorts- whatever it is, it is polluted, no bueno. Sometimes there are little street fairs on this strip. We were told that the other side of the bridge is not very safe. Would suggest heading back near the Government Palace where you can step into the Main Center, where you will find a fountain (make a wish).

ADDRESS:Lima de Centro, Lima, Peru

// LIMA

PLAZA DE ARMAS - HISTORIC CENTER DE LIMA

There are lots of street vendors and little jewelry shoppes, keep an eye out for awesome chunky rings.

Archbishop's Palace of Lima is in this neighborhood as well, incredible doors and windows. Also known as Municipal Palace of Lima Portal de Escribanos, block 3 of Jirón de la Unión, and in front of the Plaza Mayor of Lima's historic centre.

Somewhere is also the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, it is supposed to be vibrant and beautiful. Well, the above ground parts. Under this complex there is a network of underground galleries and catacombs that were a cemetery at the colonial time

All in all, walk around, a ton. You will run into the hustle and bustle, tourists and locals, life in Lima. Walk on.

// LIMA

MIRAFLORES

We were residents of this hood, which explains why the food recommendations come ourt of this part of town.

I digress. If you do lunch at La Mar, walk down Felipe Barreda toward the ocean. Its still the Pacific but always nice to see the ocean. A left on Malecon de la Marina will take you to a cliffside walkway, there are little parks all along the way. Watch out for people rollerblading, its all the rage.

You can take this pathway all the way to Larcomar, a mall built for tourists and Peruvian teenagers, modern architecture right against the Miraflores coast line. Pretty views at night.

In the day you can paraglide somwhere as well, it is like $50 or so. Could be a rad experience.

// LIMA

MIRAFLORES

On the way to Larcomar, keep an eye out for a number of noteworthy sites, including: Parque de Amor which hosts a statue called The Kiss. Its a beautiful, yet odd piece of art (background). The park is surrounded by walls with colourful mosaics in them, containing the names of lovers, their notes to each other and romantic poetry.

There is also a lighthouse of sorts, I do not know its signficance (if there is any) but it is cool to look at.

After the Larcomar walk down Avenida Jose Larco, there are lots of souvenir shops, tattoo parlours, and casinos of sorts. Eventually you will come upon Parque John F. Kennedy. It is a small park with vendors, art scupltures and people, lots of people. Some nights there is a flea market. Hope you girls run into it.

The sandwich shoppe mentioned before is located here. Oh and a bar or 4.

// PERU

PACHACAMAC

Driving out of Lima, you see the surrounding neighborhoods slowly transform from big city living to more minimal communities and eventually fade into a desert.

An archaeology site southeast of Lima, possibly 45 minutes away. It is dated back circa 800-1450CE, shortly before the arrival and conquest by the Inca Empire.

// PERU

PUNTA HERMOSA

A little further than Pachacamac, the sleepy beach town welcomes you and surfers worldwide, pending on the season.

It is a nice beach with beautiful rocky shores and cliff formations.

We only stopped over here for a day but it was relaxing and a great glimpse into the surf culture.

// TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED