Miraflores/Lima

An upscale suburb south of Lima, Miraflores sits high on a bluff over looking the Pacific. The quiet, clean, and well-maintained city contrasts with the scruffier Lima. Base yourself here to explore Lima, the nearby colonial town of Barranca, and the sights of Miraflores itself.

Sights

In Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana ruins, 900 years older than Mach Picchu ruins are a reasonable walk from the central square.

Walk along the top of the bluff, and watch the waves crash on the stony beaches while surfers ride into shore.

Head south until you see the signs for Larco Mar Mall. Confused? None of the signs indicate that you are standing on the roof of the mall. Larco Mar is built into the side of a cliff, and has restaurants and a food court strung along the water side of the building. Even some of the food court tables have views.

The old colonial city of Barranca is the next town south of Miraflores. Walk there along the cliff path, then head inland through residential areas to the market, square, and main street.

Go into Lima to see the Spanish architecture, and spend a gruesome hour prowling the catacombs under San Francisco Church, surrounded by piles of bones in dark, dank tunnels. Contrast this with the lovely gardens in the convent next door.

Activities

Take off from the bluffs in Miraflores and parasail along the edge of the city. The experienced guide themselves around and between the tops of the skyscrapers near Larco Mar mall.

You can pull on a wetsuit to brave the cold waters of the Pacific on a surfboard, but the prime surfing beaches are a few hours north of the city.

On Saturday night, that small stepped pit in the center of the main square becomes a dance floor, where everyone dances to a Latin beat.

Courses

Spanish courses are available in San Isidro, the suburb just north of Miraflores.

Places to Stay

Miraflores has a full range of accommodation options, with several hostels for the backpacker.

Getting Around

Walk, take a bus, or hire a taxi.

Getting There

Long distance luxury buses run along the coast and inland to the major cities.

Flights to Peru and the rest of South America are expensive. Flights within the country are reasonable, but not on the level you get with budget airlines elsewhere.

Cautions

Snatch and run theft is a problem. Sidewalk cafes have walls and glass or plastic partitions to prevent bags from being grabbed from tables. Many places, including McDonald's, have chains or straps on the backs of chairs so you can attach your belongings. A thief is not likely to run down the street dragging a restaurant chair.