MUST VISIT: WHAT TO DO IN LIMA, PE. (OFF-THE-BEATEN)
There are thousands of international travelers that come to Peru every year, being a little bit more than 4 million per year. The average visitor spends approximately 10 to 12 days in Peru... but mostly in Cusco and the southern Andes.
And Lima?
Well, as it's the only city that has an international airport of course they have to arrive there, but sometimes it's just a layout in the same airport or, fair enough, it becomes a one-day stay for then flight right to the Andes.
So, as a conclusion, all might think that Lima is a mix of history - due to the Historic Center - and then the modern part where you can get a sight of the Pacific Ocean - Miraflores district - and few other things. But the truth is that Lima is way much more than that...
The truth is that those parts are the most promoted among visitors as they are classified as safe to hang around, however here I want to share with you a few other off-the-beaten things to do here at the exciting City of the Kings ...
1. Ancient ruins that date from more than 3,000 years ago
Even more than the inca civilization! It happens that during those years Lima was a very fertile valley so the ancient habitants would build administrative-religious centers in different parts (and ages) but always respecting other areas that used to grow plants as well as the irrigation canals. Those centers are called today as huacas, which is a quechua word that means 'sacred'. And one curious thing is that Lima is so privileged that is one of the just five cities in the world - among Damascus, Jerusalem, Athens and Mexico City - that still have remains of archeological centers that date from more than 3000 years ago.
What is really amazing is that those constructions that were made in clay-brick materials have survived a thousand natural disasters such as earthquakes (let's have in mind that Lima is a very sismical city), so the incas weren't the only clever society that could've come up with such wonderful sites!
2. Eating the most delicious street food
Lima is so known for the street food between locals! Especially the little carts that come out at night to sell various sandwiches and other specialties, I mean, that's what nightlife is about in the city: food, bars... fun! And between the food you can find very typical delicacies such as the very popular anticuchos! (If you don't know what are these then check out this article about the african influence in peruvian culture). This is the most popular to-go kind of food, and I'm telling you, you won't regret the moment you taste it! Also there are other options such as the salchipapa (fries and hotdogs) or the mostrito (the monster: arroz chaufa plus pollo a la brasa with the fries - I really don't know why is it a monster buy it is so yum!)
3. The pisco sour route
Yesss, it's getting better, huh! There are a lot of tour companies and operators that focus on taking visitors to the provinces, the countryside in order to show the vineyards and have a first hand experience... which is also super great! But sometimes the complete history of this national liquor and cocktail is taken for granted in the city; I mean, facts like, did you know that the pisco sour cocktail was invented by an american bussinessman who used to own a bar in the Historic Center? And also, the most iconic kind of sour, the "Cathedral Pisco Sour", which doubles in size compared to the regular one (yeah, it's stronger.. but reeeally good too!). So, because of this, it's really worth to stay a bit more in Lima. And especially, being escorted by a local history-nerd who's willing to get involved into the history with you! (see what I did?)
So, here are they (the nice well-served-giant glasses) of pisco, but the thing is that you get to be at the very same place where a group of readers-friends came up with its creation!
4. Nature getaways
Who doesn't love nature and wants a well deserved short trip? Well, surrounding Lima there are many little towns that are especially beautiful, historic and promising.. Just to be short I'll mention only a place called "Marcahuasi", that despite being very high in altitude (soroche sucks!), you get to spend a pleasant night with friends camping around the mountains (also called as "apus" according to the andean cosmovision), and a big plus is that there are several myths and sayings about that this is the ideal place to watch UFOs! (you can do the research on your own if you want, but I'm telling you, there are some groups of people who are into the unknown that like to go there, explore to do their things).
I like this picture because as I was trekking I looked back and saw the little town of San Pedro de Casta down there and it was cute because around it it was just grass, land and mountains.
5. Discover the very chalaco neighboorhood
This is another very famous place in Lima, a little far but still awesome, that if I tell you that it's where the airport is located you'll then know what I'm talking about: Callao!
Of course, it's widely known for having tons of international and national visitors coming into Lima but that's it, just very few of them get to explore around... And let me tell you that you're missing such a beautiful and mysterious part of Lima id you don't dedicate at least a day to it.
(But here I'd also make a pause to say that sadly, this is a dangerous spot, maybe that's why it's not highly recommended or promoted for visitors, but at the same time, as long as you're with locals, and during daylight then everything would be fine!).
I'm talking about the sea, street-nice art, an ancient huge fortress, a submarine converted into a museum, and the fresh-est fish! (a must-eat is to try the pan con pejerrey, yuuummm..!)
So, as a recommendation, I'd say that after your trips inside Peru, you return to Lima but before getting straight to the airport, slow down a little to see the area.
Am I right? Great!
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