We are excited to continue our trial retirement series with a journey through Lima, Peru’s capital city. Lima boasts a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, and it is renowned as the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas. Lima offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to explore. Get ready for a sensory feast as you discover the unique districts of Lima.
How to get there
If you’re from the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or certain Asian countries like the Philippines, you won’t need a visa to enter Peru. You can find a comprehensive list of visa-exempt countries on the Peru Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Upon arrival, your stay may range from 90 to 183 days.
As of October 27, 2022, Peru has lifted all Covid-19 entry requirements and restrictions. You no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test, and wearing face masks is no longer mandatory, as stated in this Peruvian government decree.
Lodging
We stayed in Lima at the beginning and end of our trial retirement in Peru. We booked the Hotel Mercure Ariosto Lima in Miraflores for our first and last nights using credit card travel rewards points. The location is convenient, close to the main plazas, shopping centers, and great restaurants.
We encountered a snag when we arrived as we lost our check-in bags due to last-minute flight changes. However, the hotel staff was accommodating and helped us out. Although our bags came after we checked out for our 3-week adventure to Cusco, the hotel allowed us to use their address and offered to receive and store our luggage until we returned to Lima.
Getting Around
Since we stayed in Miraflores, we were only a 20-minute away by foot from shopping centers and beautiful parks. However, we opted to take Ubers to Barranco and the Historic Center of Lima for around 8 to 12 soles ($3 to $4) each way.
As part of the free walking tour, we took the commuter bus to the Historic Center of Lima for five soles per person. We highly recommend walking around and getting lost around town. It is a great way to discover incredible murals, museums, shops, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants and an excellent opportunity to talk to locals to get their perspectives on the best places to visit.
Miraflores
Miraflores is a district located in the heart of Lima, Peru’s capital city. This district is well-known for its various activities catering to locals and tourists alike. Its shopping centers offer multiple options, from local boutiques to international brands, catering to different budgets and preferences.
In addition to shopping, Miraflores is famous for its parks, which provide a lush green space in the middle of the bustling city. These parks offer a serene environment where people can relax, exercise, or enjoy the scenery. Furthermore, the district is home to some of the best restaurants in Lima, serving traditional Peruvian cuisine and international dishes. Miraflores is generally considered one of the safer districts of Lima, so feel free to explore on foot.
Avenida José Larco
Avenida José Larco is a significant avenue that runs through the heart of Miraflores, stretching from Parque Kennedy to the Larcomar Mall on the picturesque Pacific coast. This vibrant, bustling street boasts diverse establishments, including boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. During our stay, my wife and I made it a priority to stroll or jog along Avenida Jose Larco daily, eager to uncover unique souvenirs, taste authentic local dishes, or partake in exciting activities. One day, we stumbled upon an outdoor Zumba class hosted by a nearby gym smack dab in the middle of the avenue.
Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy is primarily known for being the home of a large population of stray cats living there for years. These cats have become a beloved part of the park’s culture and are one of the main attractions for visitors.
Aside from its cat population, the park is a hub of activity, hosting various events and activities throughout the year. From art fairs to book fairs and concerts, Parque Kennedy has something for everyone. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to gather and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. On our first week in the city, we came across a local gathering of artists selling their works from watercolor, acrylic, metal, and glass pieces around the Parque Kennedy. We even had one artist sketch a caricature of us while sitting on a park bench.
Parque Kennedy is also home to a beautiful garden and various trees and flowers, offering a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, providing a place where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Lima.
El Malecón
El Malecón is a boardwalk stretching along Lima, Peru’s Pacific Ocean. It offers stunning sea views and is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and strolling. Visitors can find parks, gardens, sculptures, restaurants, and cafes. During our autumn visit, we usually jog from our hotel to El Malecon in the early morning. After sweating it out, we like looking for benches along the coast to chat with the side street vendors setting up their shops.
Larcomar
The shopping center boasts many shops, from high-end luxury brands to local boutiques. Visitors can find everything from designer clothing to unique artisanal crafts and souvenirs. Due to our delayed luggage, we had to buy a couple of weeks’ clothes in Larcomar. Prices are close to what you would spend in U.S. outlet stores, but luckily, we were reimbursed by the airline for the purchases.
But the most impressive aspect of Larcomar is its location. The shopping center is on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the fresh ocean air or a drink at one of the many rooftop bars while watching the sunset over the water.
Paragliding
Paragliding tours are commonly held near Parque del Amor. These tours are typically done with an experienced instructor to make it easy for first-time gliders. During the flight, you’ll have a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the cityscape, the ocean, and the surrounding areas. Due to budget and time constraints, we could not try it out this time, but we’d love to experience it in the future.
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor, or “Park of Love,” is a romantic and popular park in Miraflores. Known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, it is one of the city’s most famous parks. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, colorful mosaic benches, and the prominent El Beso (“The Kiss”) sculpture.
Since its opening, the park has been a favorite spot for locals and tourists, particularly couples, owing to its romantic atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets. Early in the day, there would also be outdoor yoga or resistance training classes scattered around the park. Be sure to connect with the instructors if you’re in for an excellent workout.
Miraflores Beach
If you’re looking for a unique beach experience, the coast of Miraflores offers a different kind of sandy shore that’s perfect for surfing and other watersports. To reach the beach, you’ll need to hike down below the Eduardo Villena Rey bridge, which can be found on the northbound side of Malecon de la Reserva.
Follow the path through the parks until you reach the cobblestone streets beneath the bridge. Once there, you’ll find plenty of pop-up surfing lessons for those who want to catch a few waves. During our visit, we saw a few people sunbathing on a narrow patch of sand, but most of the time, the coast was filled with dozens of surfers waiting for their next big ride.
Mercado San Martin
On our last night in Miraflores, both undecided on where to eat, we stumbled upon Mercado San Martín, a gastronomic patio located in the heart of Miraflores at Calle San Martín 485, just a few steps from Av. Larco. With a wide variety of food brands and options, this is an excellent alternative for large families or groups of friends who can’t decide what to eat. You can choose from bubble tea, pastries, desserts, Creole, Peruvian fusion, Chinese, sushi, or hamburgers.
The relaxed atmosphere and good music make it a great place to enjoy a meal while catching up with your loved ones or just relax. The patio is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Marvelous Miraflores
Miraflores, Lima’s coastal gem, has proven to be a captivating destination that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern urban charm. The vibrant district, breathtaking ocean views, stunning cliffs, and lively atmosphere made us consider Miraflores a suitable retirement location.
But what left the most remarkable impression on us was the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Whether it was the smiling faces you encountered while strolling along the Malecon, or the friendly conversations you had with vendors at the bustling Kennedy Park, the genuine kindness and welcoming nature of the Miraflores community made you feel right at home.
Trial Retirements are periods we dedicate to travel to beautiful countries to know if they are perfect for us when we eventually retire. The time spent outside work will preview our habits and behaviors when we reach Financial Independence, of course, our way to recharge after months of hard work.
Anything we missed? Questions? Violent reactions? Let us know in the comments below!
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