Laura Ana & Tanner Milan
Recommendation
Where To Stay in Lima
Miraflores is the best area to stay and our top recommendation for guests! It’s one of the safest and most visitor-friendly neighborhoods in the city, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and scenic spots to enjoy at your own pace. 📝 Things to do in Miraflores: Stroll along the Malecón, a beautiful cliffside walking path with parks and ocean views Visit Parque del Amor (“Love Park”) for romantic photos and stunning sunsets Shop at Larcomar, an open-air mall built into the cliffs with restaurants and boutiques overlooking the Pacific Browse the Indian Market for handcrafted souvenirs, alpaca goods, and Peruvian keepsakes
Where To Stay in Lima
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a bit more edge and artistic flair, Barranco is a wonderful alternative to Miraflores. Known as Lima’s bohemian district, it’s full of character — with colorful architecture, street art, and a relaxed, creative vibe. Why stay in Barranco? Safe, walkable, and slightly more budget-friendly than Miraflores Home to vibrant murals, art galleries, and stylish boutique hotels A short ride or walk from Miraflores 📝 Things to do in Barranco: Visit the charming Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) — a local legend says your wish comes true if you hold your breath as you cross it Explore indie cafés, boutiques, and local art markets Visit Blu Gelateria for a scoop of artisanal gelato, one of Lima’s best — fresh, creative flavors made with local ingredients (try lucuma, maracuya or chocolate)
🍽️ What to Eat in Lima: A Gastronomy Guide
From world-class fine dining to delicious street eats, Lima is a culinary capital. Here are some must-try spots: Budget-Friendly (Under $15 USD pp) Pardos Chicken or Primos – Local favorites for pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken) Punto Azul – Delicious seafood, including classic ceviche El Chinito – Famous for pork sandwiches and tamales Chifa Hou Wha - Classic chifa dishes, arroz chaufa (Peruvian-style fried rice) Wa Lok - Chinese-Peruvian restaurant known for its generous portions Mid-Range ($15–$40 USD pp) Isolina – Family-style criollo dishes in Barranco (try the lomo saltado) La Mar – A standout cevichería by chef Gastón Acurio Tanta – Creative twists on traditional dishes with a modern bistro vibe Fine Dining ($50+ USD pp) Central – Ranked one of the top restaurants in the world Maido – Award-winning Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) Astrid y Gastón – Elegant and historic, known for refined classics La Rosa Nautica - Seafood delicacies served by the ocean
Visit Cusco
If you’re extending your trip beyond Lima, we highly recommend a visit to Cusco and the world wonder, Machu Picchu — it’s an unforgettable experience! About Cusco: Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a charming, historic city nestled high in the Andes. It's known for its cobblestone streets, colorful markets, colonial churches, and ancient Incan ruins. While you're there, visit landmarks like the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, San Blas, and Sacsayhuamán. Don't miss the artisan cafés, alpaca shops, and cozy courtyards! ✈️ Lima to Cusco ~1 hr 15 min 💰 $60–$100 USD round-trip Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) Recommended: 4–5 Nights in Cusco Region Important: Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet (3,400 m) above sea level. Take it easy your first day, drink coca tea until you acclimate.
Machu Picchu in Cusco
Visiting Machu Picchu: 🚆 Train access: The easiest way to get there is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). Best train services: PeruRail and Inca Rail. 🗓️ Tickets: You must buy entrance tickets in advance. Its recommended to book as soon as sales open since entry is timed and limited, especially during peak months (May–August). The Peruvian government releases entry tickets annually, often 3–6 months in advance. For May 2026, you can expect ticket sales to open between October and December 2025 (based on past years). Tour guides: Hiring a guide (either on-site or in advance) really enhances the experience. What to bring: Passport (required for entry), sunscreen, water, layers, and sturdy shoes.
Cusco Tours
Recommended Tours in Cusco: Half-Day City Tour of Cusco - Explore the charms and culture of the city of Cusco. Guided Visit the main monuments and historical places: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay ~$15 USD Sacred Valley Tour – Explore ancient Inca sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero in a beautiful valley of terraces and villages. ~$30–$35 USD Laguna Humantay Hike – A breathtaking turquoise lake nestled beneath snow-capped peaks; a challenging but rewarding day hike. ~$25-35 USD Rainbow Mountain – Famous for its colorful, striped slopes; an early start and high-altitude hike with epic views. ~$25-35 USD Add an extra night if doing Rainbow Mountain or Laguna Humantay (very early and high-altitude - 4500m above sea level).
Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Day Tour from Lima
A group day tour exploring some of the most stunning natural landscapes along Peru’s southern coast — from the Pacific waters of Paracas to the desert dunes of Huacachina. You begin your adventure in Paracas, where you'll hop on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands (often called “the poor man’s Galápagos”) to spot sea lions, pelicans, and even penguins. From there, we’ll continue to Ica for a taste of Peru’s wine culture — including a stop at a traditional pisco vineyard for tastings and lunch. Finally, we’ll head to the iconic desert oasis of Huacachina, where you can ride dune buggies, go sandboarding, or relax with a drink as the sun sets behind the golden dunes. 💰 Price: 100 USD Duration: 5 am - 8 pm