Lima gets the short end of the stick when it comes to traveling in Peru. It’s no wonder with an iconic site with Machu Picchu being located in the same country. Add in the Amazon, the Andes, world class surfing, and the desert in the south, and Lima quickly gets bumped down the itinerary list.
For those who only have a week or two in Peru, then getting in and out of Lima is usually what happens. But what if you have more time? What if you are planning a trip around the world? Would adding Lima to your RTW itinerary be a good idea?
First off, Lima has an airport that makes it easy to get around the rest of South America. It’s also a great jumping off point to the rest of the country and continent. But that’s not all Lima has to offer. If you are a foodie, Lima may surprise you with amazing local cuisines. The fact that you can get a top notch meal for about 10 bucks doesn’t hurt either. Seafood, and in particular ceviche, is super fresh and excellent. You can pop into any local, hole in the wall restaurant for lunch and get a 3 course meal, with ceviche usually being served as an appetizer, and pay less than $5US.
Lima is also made up of some cool neighborhoods, and once you explore the different parts of the city, you will realize that they are all different and offer unique experiences. Simply wandering around along the coast is a nice way to catch some great views, and if you are adventurous, you can take up surfing or go hang gliding over the Pacific.
Lima may not be the most desirable destination for international travelers, but if you look around, you will realize that this city is just a gem waiting to be discovered.