Blogs from Miraflores, Lima, Lima, Peru, South America - page 2

After having a bit of a lie in and going for breakfast we got ready to be picked up by Fernando at 10am. He had left us a message with reception the day before to confirm he would be arriving at 10 which was nice and he was true to his word arriving bang on time. We drove through Miraflores towards the city of centre of Lima before veering off towards the harbour where he dropped us off and confirmed he would pick us up again at 2pm to take us back to the hotel after the trip. We were introduced to the guide who spoke English well and waited with three other girls who seemed to be going on the same trip. A few more people joined and when we got on board the boat ... read more

For the third year in a row, my friend and I headed down to Latin America for our annual City Tour. This year it would be Lima. We had heard great things about the food scene here, while we were in Bogota two years ago. As well, it was as far south as I could get to in one day without an overnight. As I started to plan this trip, the one thing that did stick out was how consistent the weather is at this time of year. Nearly every day was identical with the temperature not varying more than a degree or two. What rain we did have was more like a mist. I have never seen a large international city on the ocean with such dramatic cliffs and such an arid climate. Ironically, my ... read more

Suzanne here... Landing at Lima was an experiance. It was the middle of the night, and the city was lit up as far as they eye could see. At this point it dawned on me just how absolutely vast Lima is. We arrived at 1.30am. I'd wanted to save some money by hanging around the airport until morning. But David was keen to book a hotel. Given that we only had four nights / three days in Lima I did see the sense in not spending the first day grubby and exhausted. So we booked a hotel, and also their airport transfer service to avoid searching for a taxi in the middle of the night. Once we'd got through security there was Luis waiting for us with my name on a sign. It was nice to ... read more

Damn I love this this place! To my friends and family........you know I'm here for two months with an open invitation to return. It seems a crazy, want to be dictator has been elected president of my country. He is creating chaos around the world and hasn't been sworn in yet. Something is happening I never thought possible. The loss of liberty and freedom is something I traveled abroad in the 60's to defend. I'm leaving Barbara to solve this problem. LOL Back to Peru! Now this place is a third world country with beauty, charm, danger, intrigue and a feeling you have to experience. Here in Miraflores it never rains and the climate is for the most part acceptable, never cold. From my last trip here, you can see pictures of Machu picchu, the Andes, ... read more

Another horror bus ride terminated at 5.30am after a few hours sleep we headed into the faccinating colonial heart of world heritage listed Arequipa. This place is just as attractive as Cusco, is much larger and is better value for money. Tourist numbers are also much lower here which is refreshing when visiting the city's major attractions. Arequipa the white city is at least 500 years old and sits in the shadow of the perfect cone shaped 5822 metre El MistI volcano. The old town is centred around the Plaza de Armas and features a huge cathedral built from volcanic sillar and the slightly smaller Iglesia de La Compania an interesting Jesuit church. Our first stop was an atm followed by one of the second story restaurants that dominate the Western side of Plaza de Armas, ... read more