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The Local’s Guide to Lima, Peru

The best secret locations that you won’t find in any tour book!

By Walter RheinPublished 4 years ago 6 min read
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The Lima Coast photo by Walter Rhein

Food, Revelry, and Fun

Despite its stature as one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, Lima remains an afterthought for many travelers. Tourists will stop there for a day on their way to Cusco and Machu Picchu, but sometimes they never go any further than the airport hotel. It’s truly a tragedy that Lima remains unheralded, because it’s home to some of the world’s best food and cultural destinations!

Photo by Walter Rhein

Lima, Peru is a vibrant city with a population of over 10 million people. Everybody knows about restaurants such as Astrid Y Gaston, Maido, Central or Rafael, restaurants that frequently make lists of the world's 50 best.

However, in this article, we’ll discuss the locations off the beaten path where you’ll be entertained and embraced by the locals, and fall in love with the capital city in the land of the Incas!

Mesa De Piedra photo by Walter Rhein

Mesa De Piedra

If you have finished your Machu Picchu tour and are looking for a relaxing day where you can take in some sun, enjoy superior dining, and be entertained by lively dancing, then Mesa de Piedra is the place to go.

Located on the outskirts of Lima, Mesa de Piedra has a play area for kids, a swimming pool, and the kind of laid back ambiance that is perfect for a memorable vacation day. They even have a separate play area to keep the kids entertained!

Sangria photo by Walter Rhein

Sangria and Chupe de Camarones

Try the tropical sangria for a sweet and delicious summer beverage replete with exotic fruits. Or enjoy a bowl of chupe de camarones that is among the best you will find in Lima.

Chupe de Camarones photo by Walter Rhein

Traditional Dancing

Once you've had a few drinks and filled your belly, you can relax and enjoy the colorful spectacle of traditional dancing. Mesa de Piedra has regular shows, and you are welcome to stay all day long. They're well aware that you can always order another round of food and drinks, and they're reluctant to ever see you leave.

It's a fantastic location for the whole family to come and enjoy an intimate experience with cultural Peru!

Photo by Walter Rhein

Lima Sushi

With its proximity to the Pacific ocean, Lima is home to some of the world's best sushi. For years, Peruvian sushi has been prepared with a fusion technique that incorporates the fundamentals of traditional sushi with the spices and flavors that make Peru a world leader in food. The result is absolutely mind blowing.

There are many renowned sushi restaurants in Lima with Hanzo being the most famous. There you will find Sushi with quinoa toppings and glazed with sauces made of jungle fruits you've never experienced before.

Photo by Walter Rhein

For a sushi bargain, try the all-you-can-eat offer from El Segundo Muelle. For S/. 30 (approximately $10), you can order as many plates of Makis as you want. The only rule is that for every Maki you don't finish, you have to pay an additional S/. 1.

My record is 40 Makis, and it would have been better if I hadn't been putting away so many Pisco Sours, which brings me to the next item on my list:

Photo by Walter Rhein

Pisco Sours and Maracuya Sours

That a Pisco Sour is Peru's national drink is no secret. The secret is that the locals usually pass on the Pisco Sour and go straight to the Maracuya Sour.

What's the difference?

A Pisco Sour is made with lemon. The Maracuya Sour is made with passion fruit for a sweeter and smoother overall experience. Either one is fantastic, although I recommend that once you pick a flavor, you should stick with it throughout the evening.

If you can find some Pisco in the States, you can find the directions for making a Pisco Sour here. However, keep in mind that until you have tried a Pisco Sour in Peru made from genuine, fresh, Peruvian products...you haven't had the full experience!

Ovalo de Miraflores photo by Walter Rhein

The Ovalo De Miraflores

Miraflores is the chief tourist district in Lima, and the Ovalo de Miraflores is the center of the action. The Ovalo is a huge roundabout with eating, shopping, and entertainment opportunities extending off in all directions. For starters, take a waltz down Calle Larco, it's equally fun for shopping and people watching.

If something is going on in Lima, they're probably celebrating it at the Ovalo de Miraflores. From the Corso de Wong to the Pan American games, Peruvians never need to be asked twice begin to celebrate, and when the party begins the Ovalo de Miraflores is a good place to catch on with the festivities.

Photo by Walter Rhein

If you're an open-minded tourist looking to party like a Peruvian, the Ovalo de Miraflores is the place to be. It's much safer than the center of Lima, but keep your wits about you if they start shooting off fireworks.

Off the Grid Eating in Miraflores

If you're looking for a Peruvian/Mexican fusion restaurant, try El Mexicano. It's a hole-in-the-wall joint that is always packed to the gills because of its addictive quesadillas and specialty tacos.

El Mexicano is the kind of place you find because you notice a line of people that extends halfway down a city block.

Photo by Walter Rhein

No matter where you are in the world, sometimes the perfect dining choice is a burger and a beer. If that's your craving in Peru, your best best is BarBarian. BarBarian is one of the only a couple craft breweries you'll find in Lima. Grab a flight and a burger, you can thank me later.

Photo by Walter Rhein

The Magical Water Park

As evening descends, you'll want to make your way up to the Circuito Magico Del Agua. The park combines water fountains with a laser light show and music for a memorable evening.

Photo by Walter Rhein

With a price of only S/.5 (less than $2), it's a perfect choice for an inexpensive family activity, or a romantic date. You can stay as long as you want, but you can make a leisurely walk through the whole park in about an hour and a half.

Photo by Walter Rhein

Your kids will love it, you'll love it, and you'll return to your hotel happy, tired, and ready for a long night's rest.

Photo by Walter Rhein

Lima Ballet

Lima is a cultural center with a beautiful theater that offers tremendous performances of classic Ballets. If you love Ballet, the Ballet Municipal de Lima is much more convenient than attempting to get tickets in a place like New York or Paris.

Photo by Walter Rhein

Tickets are available for as little as $10, and offer an affordable opportunity to give your children a classical ballet experience. The theater is fantastic and is worth the price of entry all by itself.

Photo by Walter Rhein

Peru Is More Than Just Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu deserves its place as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, but it's a shame more tourists don't take the time to fully embrace all that Lima has to offer.

Lima's food is second to none with exotic flavors, superior service, and very affordable prices. One of the best things about Lima is that there are virtually no waiting lists or places that are impossible to get a reservation. In most cases you only need to show up to have the best dining experience of your life.

Places like the Ovalo de Miraflores, the Magical Water Park, Mesa de Piedra, and the Lima Municipal Ballet, all allow you to relax, have fun, and make great memories with your friends and family. There's a lot to experience and love in Lima, Peru. Everyone should take the time to fully explore the city of kings!

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About the Creator

Walter Rhein

I'm a small press novelist. Shoot me an email if you want to discuss writing in any capacity, or head over to my web page www.streetsoflima.com. [email protected]

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