Lost in Peru

I wasn't really sure what to expect taking my first trip overseas to visit Lima Peru. Mainly when it comes to Peru, Machu Picchu and Llamas tend to be what stands out in my mind so I felt this would be a great opportunity to visit, explore and to learn as much as possible about the city.

Arriving in Lima from South Carolina was like arriving on another planet. The whole place was buzzing with heaps of energy and there really are no words to describe the scene arriving at the airport.  Leaving the airport was even crazier and the drive through Lima felt like I was in a demolition derby. It took a little time to get used to the intensity of honking horns, people yelling and the insane traffic but after drinking my first Peruvian beer, I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride through the streets of Peru.


I found everything in Lima to be extremely interesting, whether it was amazing cuisine, the people, the crazy traffic or the many must see tourist attractions we visited. Hopefully I can give a small taste of what a remarkable City Lima is and to show there is so much more to Peru than just seeing Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

Larcomar Shopping Complex

The first place we visited was the Larcomar Shopping Complex located in the Miraflores District. This engineering marvel is a multilevel modern entertainment shopping complex built into the side of a cliff overlooking the sea. The Larcomar Complex includes a movie theater, pool hall, bowling alley, and there are numerous restaurants to enjoy while admiring the breathtaking views.

Peruvian Charcoal Chicken

While at the Larcomar Shopping Complex you must try Peruvian Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken at Pardo's. The chicken is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, olive oil and various other spices from all over Peru. Then it is placed inside of a giant charcoal rotisserie oven to slowly cook and marinate, allowing the flavor and juices to sink into the meat.

Enjoying the Awesome Peruvian Chicken

Enjoying our night out eating some Peruvian Charcoal Chicken, Fried Yuka and drinking Inca Cola (Taste like Bubblegum) at Pardo's Chicken located in Larcomar Entertainment Complex in Miraflores.

Homemade Civechi

Peru is situated on the Pacific Ocean and is well known all over the world for it's amazing seafood cuisine. The Civechi is the most popular seafood dish that is made many different ways using a variety of seafood including, shrimp, octopus, clams and fish. The origin of Civechi may be disputed, although it is very probable that the dish originated in Peru. To make a Civechi you take a fresh raw fish and marinate it with a mix of hot peppers, and lime juice thus altering the fish from a translucent state to a pinkish white state. The purpose of this marinade is to not only add flavor but to sterilize the fish so that it is safe to eat. You must not leave Lima without trying this mouth watering dish.

Tiger Milk

The Tiger Milk is the citrus based Peruvian marinade made from the runoff of the Ceviche. This runoff contains the lime juices, onions, chili peppers and parts of the fish. The Tiger Milk is brought out in a nice little decorative cup with lime and sometimes shrimp garnishes. I suggest chasing this drink with a nice cold Cusquena to help regulate the tangy mouth watering burn you will experience while drinking this crazy concoction thus activating taste buds and senses you never knew existed. Make sure not to forget to have a cold Cusquena on standby to chase the Tiger Milk.

Anticuchos

Anticuchos aka street meet is a very popular food that originated in Peru dating back to Inca Empire. Usually they are made with Beef Hearts but can also be made with Steak or Chicken. These strongly flavored skewers are seasoned with garlic, cumin, vinegar and red chili peppers and taste amazing. I recommend eating the Anticuchos with a nice cold Cusquena or an Inca Cola.

Pisco Sour

Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru and is made from a variety of South American Grapes. Apparently this drink is so amazing that Peru and Chile are practically at war over which country created the cocktail. As an American I have to lay my claim to this awesome drink since according to Wikipedia the cocktail was invented by an American Bar Tender back in 1903 working in Peru.

Chica Chillin in MiraFlores

Tourist will enjoy visiting Miraflores which is a very safe upscale touristy district in Lima known for its amazing walkways, gardens and views along the coast. 

El Beso Statue Miraflores

If you are feeling brave for a small price you can paraglide from the cliffs of Miraflores. Unfortunate for me there was not enough wind the day I tried to go. Hopefully next time I am in Peru I will have a chance to complete my Paragliding mission. If this is not your thing then there are many hotels and shopping areas including the Larcomar Shopping Complex to enjoy.

Punta Hermosa 

If you are a surfer or bodyboarder you have to visit Punta Hermosa, located just south of Lima(1 hour drive by car). Punta Hermosa is a small beach town, extremely popular on weekends during the summer months(December-May). The swells here are among the most consistent in the world and the wind is typically offshore. You will find every type of wave here from reef breaks, point breaks, to long lefts and powerful hollow beach breaks to satisfy all your surfing desires. Strolling around the surf town you can enjoy excellent meals while taking in Peru's world class surfing scene. 

Paddling out at Punta Rocas

The Punta Hermosa district contains many consistent spots all in a short distance from one another. The waves at Punta Hermos are typically large swells and winds are generally offshore. 

First Wave at Punta Rocas

Punta Rocas is located about 1 mile from the Surf Hostel is one of the most consistent breaks and is the location for the international surfing championships and many other contests over the past years.

Punta Hermosa

The beaches at Punta Hermosa contain lots of amenities including baby pools, showers, food, ice cream, drinks and music. I really enjoyed the beaches just south of Lima, it was a nice break from the gloomy melancholy grey skies that tend to shroud the City of Lima. 

Ice Creme

Tourist will notice these brightly colored Peruvians selling delicious fruity ice cream bars on the side of the road (Another must try).

JFK Park

Another must see is to visit the JFK park located in Miraflores named after President Kennedy. We enjoyed walking around the park and checking out the gardens. 

The Bohemian Barranco District

The Barranco District is a nice little seaside resort town developed back in the 19th century overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This used to be a popular location for artists, writers, sculptors and poets. We really enjoyed walking along the bohemian streets and watching the sunset over the town.

Bridge of Sighs

This bridge of Sighs aka Puente de los Suspiros is well known for a couples first date to bring them good luck. Legend has it if you walk across the bridge holding the hand of your loved one while holding your breath, you will have a successful love life.

Bridge of Sighs

This bohemian walkway is bordered on both sides by extremely colorful buildings, houses, restaurants and churches. One popular legend of the bridge goes that a wealthy man’s daughter living in one of these colorful houses fell in love with a lowly street sweeper. Her father forbade the union, and she lived out her days as a spinster, waiting at her window for a glimpse of her beloved. Those who walked across the bridge could hear her plaintive sighs. Barranco is a very romantic place to walk around and enjoy with your love one.

Fisherman's Church

The fisherman's church is a very colorful structure. The legend has it the church received its name from the fisherman that would pray for successful catch before going fishing.

Wild Dog 

Barranco is a great place to walk around to enjoy the many restaurants, take pictures and purchase local arts and handcrafts.

Downtown Square Lima

We really enjoyed walking around the Plaza Mayor observing the many intricate balconies, vibrant colors and magnificent terraces. The Plaza Mayor is located in the historical center in the downtown Lima square. During the day you can visit the Presidential Palace to witness the changing of the guard. The Spanish colonial style of the surrounding buildings are very impressive and demonstrate the historical importance of the Spanish Monarchy. 

Despite its wealthy areas there is still considerable poverty clearly seen through Lima and in the Shantytowns around the city. I recommend to anyone visiting Lima for the first time to keep their guard up and be observant while walking through the city.

Lima Beach

The beaches in Lima are actually rocky instead of sandy and the coastline is extremely rugged.

La Herradura

We really enjoyed the drive down the rugged coastline from Miraflores to La Herradura. There are many places to stop along the way to admire Peru's unique rugged coastline and eat fresh Civechi.

La Herradura

La Herradura is arguably the best left point break in Lima. The wave tends to be a steep-faced wave breaking on the cliffs of the south end wall. You will find top Civechi restaurants lining the beaches to satisfy your hunger after a hard day of surfing.

Desert Time

Juane

Juane is a typical jungle food that is made from rice, egg, spices and chicken wrapped in a banana leaf. This typical dish is prepared for festival occasion such as the San Jan festival. 

Amazon Fish

Lucy's mom brought us fresh fish from the Amazon Jungles of Iquitos. I love the way she prepares the fish and adds the salsa on top of the fish to provide that extra flavor.

More Civechi

More Civechi

Wild Bore from the Jungle of Iquitos

First time trying Wild Bore and have to say it is awesome.

Magic Water Circuit

The Magic Water Circuit is a great place to take the family to enjoy the many water fountains and light shows, which is reported to be one of the largest outdoor light shows in the world.

Huaca Pucllana Ruins

When it comes to Peru and ruins most people think of the Inca Ruins at Machu Picchu and don't realize that the city of Lima has many well preserved ruins mixed within the city streets offering a glimpse into Peru's rich history. The picture above are the Huaca Pucllana ruins, located in Miraflores, a suburb of Lima. The ruins at this site were originally constructed by the Lima culture. The Lima culture was pre-inca sophisticated culture that flourished from roughly the years 100 AD to 650 AD. 

Larcomar Complex at Night

View from Larcomar Complex

Cuscquena Beer

Cusquena is most important must try for all tourists visiting Peru. This has to be my favorite beer. 

Chased in by a Bloody Injured Sea Lion

While surfing I noticed a creature popping its head out that look like some sort of sea monster until I realized it was an injured Sea Lion. It look like its head was bashed in and was bloody. I am not sure what happened to the poor guy but I guess it was struggling to get out of the heavy surf current. 

Youtube Video: Pro Peruvian Bodyboarder César Bauer: 

My GoPro Video: Sites and Sounds of Lima Peru

My GoPro Photos:

GoPro Pic of Punta Rocas Surf Break

Punta Rocas Break located in Punta Hermosa

GoPro Shot of the Love Park in Miraflores

GoPro Video of Peru

Thanks to Lucy's family for all their hospitality and showing us Peru. I truly enjoyed my first trip overseas and was a great experience to see such a remarkable country