I still haven’t quite finished sharing all my travel stories from Latin America, though to say I’m “not quite finished” is a bit of an understatement. There’s still more than half of it left. A few weeks ago, I told you about my adventure on the Death Road. But after my brief detour to Bolivia, I headed back to Peru, with stops in Arequipa, Huacachina, and Paracas, before taking the bus along the coast up to Lima.
I spent the final days before Christmas in the Peruvian capital. I was already very excited. Not only because I’d finally get to know the city I’d heard so much about from other travellers, but also because my personal guide was waiting for me there.
I’ve always seen social media as both a blessing and a curse – especially while traveling. Instagram and other platforms sometimes make it difficult to simply stay in the present moment, because we’re constantly trying to capture everything in order to then share it with others. At the same time, some encounters would never have happened at all without social media.
This was one of those cases. During my first days in Peru, I received a message from a friend who had been watching my Instagram stories. She had spent her exchange semester in Lima a few years ago and not only shared some great tips but also put me in touch with Carlos – a friend from her time there. A couple of days later, I got a message from him: “When you’re in Lima, I’ll show you around.”
Insta-Blind-Date and The Best Food in Latin America
On the evening of December 21st, I arrived at The Secret Garden Hostel in Lima, where I stayed for three nights. The next morning, I explored the surrounding area on my own before meeting Carlos at Parque Kenedy around noon. It felt a bit like a blind date. We had messaged before, but I didn’t really know what to expect. My nerves quickly disappeared when a kind-looking young Peruvian approached me.
I’ve always been impressed by the warmth and openness of Latinos – and Carlos was no exception. We immediately started chatting, and I was excited to finally practise my Spanish again. Over the past few weeks, I had been speaking mostly English or German with other travellers.
Fun fact: While in most parts of South America you’ll see street dogs, Lima is ruled by street cats. You’ll definitely spot a few, especially around Parque Kenedy.
Carlos and I went for lunch at what might have been the best restaurant I ate at during my entire Central and South America trip: the Cevichería Barra Maretazo. There, I had ceviche for the second time in my life and tried causa for the first time – a kind of layered dish made with potatoes, avocado, and, in our case, tuna. We also shared arroz con mariscos (seafood rice) and chicharrón de camarón (fried prawns). The beauty of dining together while traveling? You get to order much more food and try everything. Carlos also recommended I try a fresh maracuja juice, and I immediately wondered why I hadn’t done so sooner.
The food could have easily fed four, but my conclusion was clear: I had fallen head over heels in love – with Peruvian cuisine.
My hostel was in Miraflores – one of the safer neighbourhoods in Lima, where it is rather safe to go out even after dark. If you’re planning a trip to Lima, I’d definitely recommend staying there. Other districts are easily reachable by bus or on foot.
Wishes on The Bridge of Sighs
One such district is Barranco, just south of Miraflores, which is also considered quite safe. On the second evening, Carlos and I took a walk there. Barranco is Lima’s artsy quarter – filled with beautiful buildings, a lively main square, and the famous Puente de los Suspiros, the Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it, if you cross the entire bridge for the first time without breathing, you get to make a wish. Of course, I had to try – and succeeded. And yes, my wish did come true 😉
We explored Barranco on foot and grabbed a snack at a charming café. This neighbourhood is also home to many bars and clubs. It’s where Lima’s nightlife takes place.
But instead of staying out, we took the bus back to Miraflores to get some rest. The next day would be the highlight of my time in Lima.
Through Centro Histórico with Pisco in Our Blood
I grabbed breakfast at the local Mercado Municipal Nro 1, a typical market in Miraflores. Later, I met up with Carlos again and we took the bus to the city centre together.
Lima’s Centro Histórico, the historic centre, is home to some of the city’s most iconic sights, like the Plaza de Armas de Lima and the baroque-style Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, a Roman Catholic church and monastery. But before diving into the hustle and bustle of the city, we made a quick detour to the Gran Hotel Bolívar. According to Carlos, they serve the best Pisco Sour in Lima.
Pisco is a brandy that may only be produced in certain regions of Peru and Chile. It’s like champagne, which can only be produced in Champagne. In both countries, Pisco is certainly a big deal – served either as Piscola with Coke or, more traditionally, as Pisco Sour, with lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and ice. The latter is often served as an aperitif.
We ignored the time (it was only 11:30 a.m.) and ordered two Pisco Sours. The only problem? Our stomachs were almost empty – and the kitchen wouldn’t open until noon. By the time we were halfway through our drinks and already giggling, we ordered tequeños – deep-fried cheese sticks. But it was already too late. We left the hotel around 1 p.m., slightly tipsy and in a great mood.
What followed was probably the funniest sightseeing tour of my life. My advice: If you ever find sightseeing a bit boring – a Pisco Sour before lunch may work wonders 😉
We laughed our way through the old town, sipped chocolate liqueur in a chocolate shop, and visited the Casa de la Literatura Peruana, Lima’s literature museum. Then we stopped at Churros Virgen Del Carmen for what Carlos claimed were the best churros in the world (though Spain still holds the crown for me).
We ended the day with a stroll through Barrio Chino – Lima’s bustling Chinatown. It’s wild: full of shops, street vendors (some even selling puppies), and Asian street food. On my own, I probably would’ve felt overwhelmed, but luckily, I had my local guide by my side.
A Christmas Present to Myself
After our chaotic but beautiful city exploration, we headed back. I had a very special date coming up – with Santa Claus. Since I wouldn’t be home for Christmas, I gifted myself something: a tattoo appointment. (Let’s just say I ignored the rule about not drinking alcohol before and after getting a tattoo.)
Pizza, More Pisco and One Last Dance
For dinner, we had what Carlos promised was the best pizza in Lima: at Slice Pizzeria. Carlos promised a lot (though not quite comparable to Neapolitan pizza 😉).
To wrap up my last night in Peru, we headed to a salsa bar. I had already learned a bit of salsa in Chile, but Carlos – a true salsa pro – was on a different level. I needed another Pisco Sour to work up the courage to hit the dance floor.
Just as the day had started – full of laughter and spontaneity – it ended the same way. Sadly, it was time to say goodbye, even though I would’ve loved to spend more time with Carlos in Lima. But the next morning, it was time to move on: Hello, Ecuador!
This experience reminded me why I dislike comparing places. People often ask me which destination I liked best. But there’s no simple answer. Each place leaves a different impression depending on what you experience and who you share it with. While someone else might see Lima as loud, chaotic, or unsafe, I had a truly beautiful time there (especially thanks to Carlos and the excellent food 😊).
One thing’s for sure: If you’re heading to Peru, don’t skip the capital. And who knows – maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find your very own local guide 😉
Bussi Baba!
Check out my post about Lima on Instagram:
Bussi Baba 
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