Travel

Travel Note

Travel to and around Lima

Flights & Arrival Timing From the United States, the most common routings to Lima (LIM) are: • United Airlines via Houston (IAH) • Delta Air Lines via Atlanta (ATL) • American Airlines via Miami (MIA) Most flights from the U.S. arrive late at night, often around midnight. Plan for a simple arrival, Uber pickup, and rest. Airport Area & Personal Awareness The airport itself — including arrivals, baggage claim, and curbside pickup — is perfectly fine and well-organized. The only time to be mindful is once you are in the car and have exited airport property, as the immediate surrounding neighborhoods are not the best parts of the city. Practical guidance: • Keep your phone put away while driving immediately after exiting the airport • Avoid holding your phone near open windows • This is a low-risk situation, but awareness avoids unnecessary exposure Once you are on the main route toward Miraflores or Barranco, there is nothing to worry about. Getting Around Lima Uber is by far the best way to get around Lima. It is safe, reliable, and extremely affordable. Traffic in Lima is absolutely no joke. On weekdays, avoid cross-city trips during rush hours: • Morning: ~6:00–8:30 AM • Evening: ~5:00–8:30 PM Traffic can be brutal, but the upside is enjoying being chauffeured everywhere for about $5 per ride. Money & Payments There is absolutely no reason to exchange U.S. dollars in advance or at currency exchange booths. If you need cash, use a recognized bank ATM and decline the ATM’s conversion so your own bank handles the exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Miraflores, Barranco, and most restaurants.

Travel Note

Where to stay in Lima

Where to Stay We strongly recommend staying in Miraflores. It is safe, walkable, close to the ocean, and ideal for visitors. Key reference point: Larcomar. Another great area to explore is Barranco, known for art, restaurants, and nightlife. Airbnbs are an excellent option in Miraflores. Recommended hotels include: • Pullman Lima Miraflores • InterContinental Lima Weather & Comfort Late spring into summer in Peru is very pleasant, averaging around 72°F. Humidity can make air conditioning helpful, especially at night. Airbnb Booking Tips • Air conditioning • Flexible or self check-in for late arrivals • Strong recent reviews • Reliable Wi-Fi

Travel Note

What to do in Lima

I highly do NOT recommend going to the beach in Lima. It seem tempting but it’s very inaccessible. If You Have Extra Time • Historic Center of Lima (best during the day) • Huacachina desert oasis + Paracas (classic overnight or long day trip) • Explore Barranco for cafes, galleries, and nightlife; also holds history and tradition Food, Dining & Nightlife Delivery & Dining Basics The Uber Eats equivalent in Peru is Rappi — excellent for restaurant meals, groceries, and late-night. Lima’s food scene is genuinely world-class, with outstanding seafood, Nikkei cuisine, and international dining. Recommended Restaurants (Quick Reference) Barranco: Isolina (Peruvian traditional food), Canta Rana, Mérito, La Linterna, Arlotia, Pan Sal Aire, Bodega Verde, Cala, Rue, Intro Café Bar. Miraflores: La Mar (best seafood option), El Mercado, Panchita, La Lucha, Siete Sopas, Tanta, Costazul, Barra Maretazo, Popular de Aquí y de Allá, Mangos, Pardos Chicken, Primos Chicken Bar. San Isidro: Osaka, Cosme, Isidro Bistró Limeño, Maras, Nanka, Amoramar, D’Tinto y Bife, La Locanda. Nightlife Miraflores (Parque Kennedy): The most accessible nightlife base for guests. Concentrated around Parque Kennedy and the Berlín–Bonilla streets with cocktail bars, lounges, late dinners, and easy Uber access. Best for spontaneous nights. Barranco: Trendy social, ideal for bar hopping. Bars are clustered and walkable near Puente de los Suspiros. Popular spots include the Hotel B bar, Ayahuasca Restobar, Gin Tonería, and the surrounding Barranco bar area. San Isidro (Upscale, Reservation-Based): More refined nightlife with cocktail and rooftop bars. These typically require reservations and are better for planned nights rather than spontaneous hopping. Amador Rooftop (reservation strongly recommended) and Alphonse Bar (reservation required). Many bars and restaurants require reservations. Some reservations are handled via Instagram or WhatsApp only. Download WhatsApp before traveling it’s essential

Travel Note

After wedding Cusco Region

Many of us will be continuing on to the Cusco region after the wedding. Monday Morning Travel (Recommended) Given the late wedding night and expected hangovers, we recommend traveling Monday This allows: • A full night of rest in Lima • Easier morning logistics • A smoother transition to altitude Altitude Strategy (Important) Cusco sits at ~11,700 feet, and the first day can be rough, especially if you arrive tired or dehydrated. Best approach: • Fly into Cusco Monday morning (latam) • Transfer directly to the lower-elevation Sacred Valley (rather than staying in Cusco city immediately) • Use the first day to light explore Altitude tips: • Coca tea • Altitude medication (acetazolamide / Diamox) • Hydrate aggressively and take it slow on Day 1 Acclimation makes or breaks the Cusco experience. Our Family Group Plan (Optional to Join) If you’d like to follow our family group itinerary: Monday: • Morning flight to Cusco • Transfer directly to the Sacred Valley • Light exploring or rest Tuesday: • Train to Machu Picchu • Guided tour • Return to Sacred Valley or Cusco Wednesday: • Transfer to Cusco city • Explore Cusco’s historic center Guests are welcome to stay longer or explore independently — Cusco easily supports additional days. Sacred Valley Highlights The Sacred Valley is relaxed, scenic, and ideal for acclimation: • Pisac ruins & market • Ollantaytambo fortress & village • Maras salt mines • Moray agricultural terraces • Urubamba town & riverside hotels • Local weaving villages & artisan Cusco City Highlights Cusco is truly world-class, with endless options: • Plaza de Armas & historic center • Sacsayhuamán ruins • San Blas neighborhood • Museums, churches, and food tours Hiking & Treks December is not peak trekking season, so we don’t recommend the long, intense multi-day treks. Iconic (but demanding) options include: • Humantay Lake • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)