Lima & Surrounding Region Travel Guide

If you hate sun, go to Lima! You'll hardly ever see it due to persistent fog, especially in districts near to the sea (exceptions are the months from December to February).

Public transport in Lima sucks. But if you're not in a hurry, a ride with la micro/combi can be an interesting experience (but you should know your destination and the fare).

The good thing about Lima's traffic chaos is that the number of taxis is probably the highest in the world, so that you'll find one anywhere at 3 o'clock in the morning within less than 2 minutes (as with la combi you should know your destination and the approximate fare).

Lima offers a variety of bars and discotheques. My favorites are Mochileros and Sargento Pimienta in Barranco. If you're feeling lonely go to Bierhaus in Barranco or Miraflores (But beware of the bricheras, don't let yourself getting ripped off!)

Well, on the face of it Lima is a rather ugly city, but it has a lot of inner beauty to discover! (for instance the malecón (quay) in Miraflores in the evening)

Stay at the Original Casa del Mochilero backpackers! It is on the second floor, and so popular that it has many not-so-good copy cats. 14 Soles per night (less than $5) for a dorm room. Hot Water Showers, shared kitchen, dining area, tv room with dvd selection. Amazingly friendly owners make you feel it is your home away from home, and the beds are very warm and comfy. Walking distance to the Vivanda supermarket which bottles its own fresh squeezed orange juice every morning. YUM. Walking distance to buses for Barranco and for Central Lima. Walking distance to the beautiful waterfront. They also have a bulletin board full of volunteer opportunities and have internet which you can pay to use. Miraflores is considered one of the safer areas in Lima, but I have heard stories of people being robbed at night, so still be careful. The hostel is so welcoming, if you are concerned about safety, you don't need to go out at night. Basically it is in my Top 5 hostels of everywhere I have ever been.

Not many people used to visit Lima, Peru's capital. Can you imagine what's my best memory in Lima?...it's coke & beef. The Inka coke is yellow (not golden) like Taiwan's Vitali and even very similar they way in your tongue. The beef is well-done and terrific... also in taste. BTW, Lima is supposedly abundant for fresh sea food. Actually later on I really tasted some peruvian food in Los Angeles...well it's really just like asian food. Kinda solution for nostagia if any.