Lima Travel Report — Peru's Capital Between Cuisine & Culture
- Light and water show in Parque de la Reserva: 1 Euro admission
- Double room with private bathroom: 15–20 euros per night
- Lunch at a local restaurant: from 1.20 euros, Cinema 3–4 euros
- Temperatures in December: 20 to 24 degrees
- Polvos Azules market: Branded rain jacket for 15 instead of 120 euros
Contents of this post3 chapters
We made it!
Without any problems, we were able to take our flight to Lima, the capital of Peru. The flight was breathtaking! Perhaps partly due to Peru's COVID regulations. "Wearing two masks is mandatory here." But mainly because of the beautiful landscape, with the huge mountains covered in clouds and the endless expanse.
When we arrived in Lima, we were immersed in a completely different world.
The streets were clean, no visible poverty, people well-groomed, plants blooming everywhere, and the place exuded safety.
But the best part is that there's a total Christmas atmosphere here. The street lamps are adorned with fairy lights, playing Christmas music around the clock (which can also get annoying!). Christmas garlands are hung everywhere, and you can buy candied apples and cotton candy on the streets. A type of pastry similar to Schmalzkuchen was even available, but about 10 times tastier than those in Germany.
And the churros here are incomparable! They're filled with Dulce de Leche. A type of Nutella made from milk, sugar, and vanilla.
We expected a lot of dirt and high crime rates from such a big city. But actually, Peru is one of the safest countries in South America. A city to fall in love with and definitely worth a visit! The temperatures are currently between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. Google only shows rain, but luckily, we haven't experienced any so far!
One of our highlights in Lima
The Parque de la Reserva
For just 1 Euro entrance fee, we saw an incredible light-water show. In the background, the many skyscrapers sparkled.
The Parque del Amor
The Park of Love. Flowers were blooming everywhere, with small birds sucking nectar from them. Thousands of love locks hung on the railings. Vendors, newly married couples, a few stray dogs, tourists, locals, and a lot of pigeons could be found here. Plus, there was a beautiful view of the South Pacific.
Other attractions, such as the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Historic Centre, should not be neglected either!
We also visited some markets. For new clothes, you shouldn't miss Polvos Azules . A huge market where you can get literally everything. There are 1000 different brand products here at an ultimate bargain price.
For example, I bought a well-made North Face rain jacket here for 15 Euros, instead of 120 Euros.
It has already passed the waterproof test in the shower!
Mercado Central
Here you can get all kinds of food. Peruvian national dish Ceviche is particularly common here. It consists mostly of squid. It wasn't really for me, but Max was pleasantly surprised. We both liked the fried calamari rings the most. The aisles of the market are all very narrow, and everything seems a bit crowded.
Lima is definitely a very, very diverse city. Just when you turn a street corner, a new incredible place awaits you. But you don't want to drive here. They drive here like "crazy." Similar to Asia, except here it's cars honking constantly instead of scooters.
The cost of living is very low. For a good double room with a private bathroom and a large TV, you pay around 15-20 Euros per night. You can have lunch in local restaurants here for as little as 1.20 Euros (that usually lasts for two days, the portions are so huge!). A cinema visit costs 3-4 Euros per person. Perfect!
Next stop: Paracas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a day in Lima cost?
The cost of living is very low: a good double room with private bathroom and large TV costs 15 to 20 euros per night, lunch in a local restaurant starts at 1.20 euros, and a visit to the cinema costs 3 to 4 euros per person.
Is Lima safe?
We had expected a lot of dirt and high crime in such a large city—in fact, the streets were clean, no poverty was visible, and the place exuded safety. Peru is one of the safest countries in South America.
How much does Parque de la Reserva cost?
Entry costs one euro. For that price, you get a light and water show, with the skyscrapers glittering in the background.
Should I drive myself in Lima?
Better not. Driving is sometimes very reckless and there's constant honking – similar to Asia, only with cars instead of scooters.
What should I eat in Lima?
You'll find the national dish ceviche especially often at the Mercado Central; it consists mostly of squid. We particularly enjoyed the fried squid rings. We served them with churros filled with dulce de leche.
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