Visiting Lima

Adding a visit to Peru and Machu Picchu is probably the most popular extension to a Galapagos Cruise.   Time Magazine printed an article Peru’s Private Treasures at Museo Larco which brings about an interesting question that we get all the time – Is Lima Worth Visiting?

Lima is the international gateway to Peru and most travelers will at least pass through this city.  It’s airport is modern and efficient and has won the Best Airport in South America for three years straight.  So how about Lima itself?  If you have a limited amount of time,  plan your trip with more time in and around Cusco.  Cusco is a charming city and is the heart of the Inca Empire.  The area is a mix of colonial architecture, Incan and pre-Incan ruins and snow capped Andes Mountains.  By contrast Lima is on the coast.

If you have an extra day than visit Lima.  My recommendation if you are planning to visit the city – stay in the Miraflores District.  Located along the coast Miraflores is home to a number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and stores.  A perfect day in Lima would combine a visit to the Historic Lima and the central district with it’s colonial treasures including the Plaza Mejor, Spanish Balconies and Cathedrals.  While there stop in at Maury’s Hotel  for a Pisco Sour at the sight where the drink was originated.

Return to Miraflores for lunch and either dine along the coast at Rosa Nautica or for at the Restaurant Huaca Pucllana overlooking the nearly 2000 year old adobe pyramid built by the Lima and Wari Cultures.  After lunch a visit to the Larco Museum – the best archaeological Museum in Peru with some 9,000 years of treasures from all over Peru.   Finish you day with a delicious dinner of Peruvian Cuisine perhaps even a folkloric dinner show and you will have seen the very best of Lima.