Adrenaline Lima

Our Local Expert Says:

The city's best residential and shopping district

Description:

It is the district of gardens and the busiest beaches of the city. Without a doubt, it is also the tourist and hotels district par excellence. Modern, cheerful, colourful, very pleasant to stroll about and enjoy the large commercial areas, parks and green spaces. It is an area of intense artistic and cultural activity which unfolds in the good theatres, cinemas and art galleries; and it is also the site of the pre-Inca temple Hauca Pucllana. Visit its cafés, pubs and restaurants and take in the fresh air at its restored gardens which on Sundays, attracts hundreds of locals and tourists to the painting exhibitions and music events.

Description:

Characterized by an extremely lively atmosphere, this is Lima's Brazilian spot par excellence. Located in the heart of Miraflores, the bar's pleasant terrace overlooks the Parque Kennedy (Kennedy Park). The waitresses are very friendly and display all the vivacity associated with Brazilian culture. People come to this bar for well-made caipirinhas and other tasty drinks, but those who visit on a Saturday can sample feijoada, a typical Brazilian dish made with beans.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lots of fun for the children

Description:

Sprawling across a large area, this amusement park has games to suit all ages. There are ball tents, carousels, video games, and trains for the youngsters. For the more daring, laser tag, bumper cars, Indy cars, Nascar, Max 5, and boat rides are available. Refreshment stands include fast-food fare such as sandwiches, burgers, french fires, soft drinks and ice cream. Admission required.

Our Local Expert Says:

By far, Barini has the best martinis in Lima.

Description:

Birthday girls drink for free. Excellent bar located in Larcomar. Best Maracuya sour in town. Most action is late at night from Thu to Sat

Our Local Expert Says:

Very close to Larcomar shopping and recreational areas

Description:

This three-story hotel is located in downtown Lima, within three blocks of the JW Marriott Casino and Larcomar Mall. All 18 guestrooms include two twin beds, dial-up Internet access, free local calls, and TVs. In addition to complimentary Continental breakfasts each morning, there is a restaurant on site that offers room service.

Our Local Expert Says:

An oasis in the desert

Description:

Peruvians have used these coastal hills since ancient times, and vestiges of nomadic hunters and gatherers have surfaced in the form of cave paintings etched into the rocks. Las Lomas Lachay covers an area of 5,070 hectares; its natural and unique formation is due to the condensation of winter fog on the hillsides, which gives rise to seasonal plants and unique wildlife. The area hosts 74 different floral species and 31 species of exotic trees, including eucalyptus, cypress, pine and grevilla. In addition, 55 bird species have been recorded, while foxes, white-tailed deer, vizcachas (chinchilla-related animals), and various species of rodents and lizards are also present. It is best to visit the reserve in winter (July to November), during which time the area is in bloom. It is recommended to take a jacket or raincoat, although the temperature at Las Lomas de Lachay rarely goes below 12°C in winter (and can reach up to 25°C in summer). The reserve has marked signposted paths, areas for barbecues and camping, toilets, recreation areas and an information center. To get there, exit the Panamerican Highway North at Kilometer 105 and follow the road which is hard-paved for 3km.

Description:

Peaceful agricultural village converted in recent years into a valley that is ideal for practicing sports such as rowing, mountain biking, Kayak, fishing and hunting and also going on long walks. There are colonial-style houses where you can see the gates of the Plaza Central and the Santiago Apostol Church. If you follow the route along the Lunahuana river you'll find the pre-Hispanic archaeological remains surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. There are also wine cellars and countryside restaurants. Don't forget that this village makes the best pure Pisco.

Description:

Discovered in 1951 by the botanist Ramón Ferreyra, this is, arguably, the last of the native forests in the western slope of Lima's Andes. Native species of trees grow here and the 'sampedro' cactus, with its hallucinogenic powers, grows in abundance. It has an area for camping, there is running water close by from Carnacha stream and a lovely waterfall at the hamlet of Llancha. This natural paradise, is a six and half hour walk from the town of San Bartolomé. The meandering path is narrow, and far from being tiring,it is interesting to see the groups of picturesque villages that appear before your eyes. It is recommended to visit between the months of April to June.

Description:

Located in the heart of Miraflores, Bavaria serves many different types of food, plus a variety of European beers. The menu features a selection of German and Peruvian food, fish, seafood and the famous Bavaria fillet steak. The restaurant also has a delicious sushi bar in the basement. Bavaria is decorated in traditional style, with a dining area on the terrace. The service is very good.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very close to Larcomar shopping and recreational areas

Description:

This three-story hotel is located in downtown Lima, within three blocks of the JW Marriott Casino and Larcomar Mall. All 18 guestrooms include two twin beds, dial-up Internet access, free local calls, and TVs. In addition to complimentary Continental breakfasts each morning, there is a restaurant on site that offers room service.

Our Local Expert Says:

El Penascal makes a good choice for surfers

Description:

San Bartolo used to be a spot for fishermen, and is still one of the preferred places for spending summer weekends or weeks; it has something for everyone. Some quiet corners for families with children, some good waves for surfers, restaurants for gourmets (and for all budgets), a nice town for relaxing, and a joyful nightlife for the young ones. Some of its best appreciated spots are El Peñascal (in the north) and el Huayco y la Ribera Norte. La Ribera Sur has rocks and many breakwaters, which makes it perfect for people who enjoy water sports. There are some hostels and many local families rent houses and apartments; you may find a good offer in Lima newspapers (in the classified ads section). The best season here is summer, but it is also a nice choice in winter if you are looking for some solitude or for a hideaway from the noisy city.

Our Local Expert Says:

Famous for its good surfing waves

Description:

This a beautiful, long beach with some beautiful waves, where some of the Peruvian surf champions started their training. To get to this beach you have to take the Panamericana Sur road and go to the km. 41; it is not far from Lima, specially from east and south districts like Miraflores, Surco or San Borja: now, once we reach km. 41, the beach itself is pretty near. Many people choose to come here because it is relatively easy to arrive with public transportation and because it is not too hard to find accomodations; there are hotels and many local residents rent temporarily their houses (or just rooms) to those who want to spend some days or weeks at this summer spot. Take note, however, that getting there on weekends on summer can be painful due to the traffic jams. You will find plenty of restaurants and clubs, that in summer organize many events and parties.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very close to Larcomar shopping and recreational areas

Description:

This three-story hotel is located in downtown Lima, within three blocks of the JW Marriott Casino and Larcomar Mall. All 18 guestrooms include two twin beds, dial-up Internet access, free local calls, and TVs. In addition to complimentary Continental breakfasts each morning, there is a restaurant on site that offers room service.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great for whitewater rafting

Description:

Its roughness throughout its 230 kilometres the joy of youngsters and adults alike. For fans of watersports this is a tempting delight for practicing kayaking. Fans of fishing will find shrimps, kingfish and crabs. On top of this, you'll be able to enjoy the outstanding performance of the intrepid youngsters who flock here in large groups to cross its waters.

Our Local Expert Says:

Off the beaten path!

Description:

Located to the northwest of Callao sea, San Lorenzo is considered to be the largest and the highest island in the Peruvian coast. It is 8km long and 2km wide, and covers an area of 17.6 km; it has some small beaches, caves, cliffs and reefs. Despite being a small place, and despite its lack of water sources, and it is full of history, because during the colonial times it was a hideway for pirates, and then it was a prison. According to a local historian, the pirate Jacques L'Hermite Clerk is buried here. San Lorenzo island is also a haven for natural life (mainly birds and seals) and endangered species, which is also the reason why many tourism agencies organize visits to this place. During the low tide you may also have a glimpse of the remains of an old section of the Callao port, which was sunk after the big 1746 earthquake.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Alcatraz of Lima

Description:

Isla El Fronton is a colossal rock structure which, for years, served as a penal colony and a feared political prison. At the moment, it is abandoned, but tourists who wish to know something about this coastal area occasionally visit, and the island became legendary after a prison riot in 1986. As on the other Callao islands, seal colonies provide a beautiful view. It is accessible by boat and by ferry, which departs from Puerto del Callao. The journey takes 30 minutes on average.

Description:

The site, which covers an area of 15 hectares, is a perfect place to bring children and make them aware of an important theme: the preservation of nature. The center has an area that shows species of animals in danger of extinction, such as the maquisapa monkey, the gallito de las rocas, the wide-eyed bear and the white-winged turkey. (It also houses other, more common species such as tigers, lions, and so forth.) Another area instructively shows the hydrologic cycle, and there are also many recreation areas designed especially for children. The center can provide English and Italian guides for a fee. Admission required.

Our Local Expert Says:

Another Lima's underrated must-see

Description:

Located very close to Lima downtown, the Cerro San Cristobal (Saint Cristobal Hill) is a 400m high peak from which you can have a privileged, unique panoramic view of Lima: on a clear day, with a little luck, you may see the ships anchored at Callao Bay. Legends say that this hill was named got its name after an indigenous rebellion in 1536, after which a wooden cross was placed at the peak to protect the city. Nowadays there's a huge cross instead and a site museum that houses historic photos and documents of old Lima and related to the cross. But the best is the stunning panoramic view, specially in Summer or Spring. The best time is very early in the morning or late afternoon. You can take a bus at the Plaza the Armas (on weekends), which will take you to the top of the San Cristobal, stay there 20-30 minutes and then bring you back.

Description:

It is one of the last remains of the coastal hills along the length of the coastline. Between the months of August to October, the prevailing humidity gives the hills another chance to come to life again and show off all their splendour. Today, it is one of the favourite places for mountain biking enthusiasts, and for people who like to walk and listen to the birds, which fill the crevasses with their song. You can also go paragliding, as the altitude is 380m above sea level.