Oct 13 thru 15 – Lima
Another early flight! Our Sunday (the 13th) flight from Cajamarca to Lima required a 4:30 get-up-and-go. The Cajamarca airport is pretty small and was really busy, even at that time of day. We bid farewell to Enrique and Julio – a great driver/guide combo.
Our lodging in Lima is at ‘aTemporal’, a boutique hotel in the Miraflores district. It is lovely. The ‘Maitre de Maison’ is a spitting image of Hector Elizondo, currently starring in ‘Last Man Standing’. Two blocks from the hotel are the ruins of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Incan ruin of the Lima culture. We’re also just a few blocks from ‘Wong’, a local grocery chain (they have a nice selection of craft beers!).
On Monday we took a tour of the city which included a visit to the Cathedral of Lima and the Convent of San Francisco. Beneath the convent are catacombs where remains are stacked in strange patterns, some in circular stone pits. Lots of police presence with shields. El Presidente recently dismissed Congress so there is a clear show of police strength to ensure no troubles! Our final stop is at the Larco Museum and its beautiful grounds. Fantastic. The Larco is a private museum with a priceless collection of mostly Moche artifacts.
We had a relaxing morning at the hotel Tuesday with an evening culinary tour of the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Some really interesting meals. Lima consistently rates as one of the top five culinary destinations. One could easily spend a few weeks exploring the city’s restaurants.
D.
Early Sunday morning I have another relapse and am worried about getting through the flight to Lima. I take a bunch of drugs, hope for the best, and manage to get to the hotel without any further incidents. We have arrived at 9 am, too early for normal check in, but are offered early check in (for a fee) and promptly say yes. This is a very small, eclectic place to stay with only 9 rooms and in the desirable Miraflores district of Lima. The inspiration is said to be: “Atemporal is conceived as the home of a globetrotting freelance photographer. He loves Lima but is rarely home. He ensures that his trusted staff spoils his friends and takes special care of his possessions. His majordomo, his personal assistant, cook and chauffeur are always on call.” It is very much the spirit of the place.
Sunday, we hang close to the hotel after a brief walk down to the supermarket, it’s nice to relax. We have some soup for dinner at the hotel. Monday, we have a half day tour of the city focused mainly on several of the churches and the cathedral. The churches are amazing, at the Basilica of San Francisco, we tour the catacombs where many thousands of people are interred (although their bones might not all be located together). Last is the renowned Larco Museum, a private museum with a 45,000 piece collection of pre-colonial pottery and artifacts of the various indigenous populations. Later in the afternoon, we take a several mile walk down to the waterfront and have a light dinner overlooking the beach.
Tuesday, we sleep in a little and relax around the hotel. In the evening we enjoyed a culinary tour at several restaurants to introduce us to Peruvian cuisine. Lima is the ‘foodie’ capital of South America and I have been looking forward to trying some of the local offerings. Luckily, there is no Llama or Guinea Pig on the menu this evening.
M.
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Great adventure, sorry to hear about ongoing intestinal issues, take care of yourself! Loved the bit on the car ride over the mountains. Darla and I would not survive such a trip. She would throw me of the mountain for taking her there and I am sure she would have a heart attack before reaching the final destination.
Dick – have you had any chicha while your are there? Bring back a fist full of coca leaves – I think there is a killer beer to be brewed.
I’ve been waiting for the first mention of Craft Beer!!
Hope you feel better soon Mary
What have been the scores on the doors Mary? 2 or 3?
Take care xx