Lima
Most of Lima’s businesses and its finest restaurants and hotels are concentrated in San Isidro and Miraflores. San Isidro has kept something of the aristocratic atmosphere for which this suburb was known for at the beginning of the century. Miraflores is headquarters to many companies and banks, with fine restaurants and well-stocked shops.
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To Get There
Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is located 10 miles from the city center and a taxi ride will cost approximately $25. Visas are not required for citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe, who may stay up to 90 days. Travelers must pay a $28.24 departure tax at the airport.
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To Stay
The JW Marriott Hotel & Stellaris Casino (Malecón de la Reserva 615, tel: 511-217-7000) is 15 minutes from the business district and offers a spectacular view over the Pacific. Room rates range from $185-$1,600 plus 19% tax. Visit www.marriotthotels.com or send e-mail to: front.office@jwmarriottlima.com.pe.
The Miraflores Park Hotel (Malecón de la Reserva 1035, tel: 511-242-3000) is part of the Orient-Express hotel group. It has panoramic views of the Pacific, an excellent restaurant and luxuriously appointed rooms with Internet and fax connections. Rates range from $325-$1,500 plus 19% tax. Visit www.mira-park.com or e-mail: mirapark@peruorientexpress.com.pe.
To Eat
The best dining in Lima is found in the members-only Club Nacional (in the Plaza San Martín, tel: 330-2366), with its outstanding Peruvian food, great cocktails and top-notch service. At La Huaca Pucllana (in Miraflores at the corner of General Borgoño and Tarapacá, tel: 445-4042) you can gaze out on a pre-Incan archeological ruin from the terrace as you enjoy its variations on traditional dishes.
Astrid & Gastón (Cantuarias 175, Miraflores, tel: 444-1496) is an excellent and fashionable restaurant that serves nouvelle cuisine with flair and has a good wine list. La Costa Verde (Barranquito Beach, tel: 477-5228) serves excellent seafood on a covered terrace with sweeping views of the Pacific. The lobster is particularly good. Its pisco sours are highly recommended.
To Drink
Club Nacional (see above) is great for cocktails. The trendy Asia de Cuba (Avenida Conquistador 780, San Isidro, tel: 222-4940) offers a wide range of drinks and cocktails as well as sushi and fusion finger foods.
To Unwind
Lima’s gold museum, Museo de Oro (Avenida de Molina 1110, Monterrico, tel: 345-1271) is a must-visit for its pre-Columbian treasures and magnificent crafts. El Olivar, a centuries-old olive grove that has many of its original trees, is a favorite spot for a walk.
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To Buy
High quality baby alpaca and vicuña wools are available at Alpaca 111 (www.alpaca111.com). Buy silver flatware, bowls and picture frames at Camusso (Avenida Rivera Navarrete 788, tel: 221-1594) and well designed silver jewelry at Ilaria (Dos de Mayo 308, tel:221-8575).
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2004 National Holidays May 1 – May Day June 29 – St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day July 28, 29 – Independence Day October 8 – Battle of Angamos November 2 – All Saints Day December 8 – Immaculate Conception December 25 – Christmas Day |
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