Peru’s capitol of 11 million people sits in the desert region of the country, on the Pacific Ocean. It has 43 districts and its population features a complex mix of racial and ethnic groups. Lima is also one of the major gastronomic capitals of the world!
Historic Downtown
Lima is huge! On a walking tour, I was able to see the famous Plaza de Armas and Presidential Palace for the changing of the guards. We visited the Basilica y Convento de San Fransisco de Lima, a Catholic Church with monastery and catacombs beneath the church. We were also treated to a traditional churro filled with caramel (probably my favorite part of the tour 😉😋).
Barrancos Food/Walking Tour
I knew I wanted to take a food tour here, given Lima’s reputation for great food fusion! I stayed in the Barrancos neighborhood and was excited to find a tour centered around this exact area. We tried cold brew coffee and a Peruvian empanada, fresh ceviche and fish/potato appetizers with prickly pear juice, Inca Kola, a freshly made Pisco sour, and gelato!! My guide also gave me a tour of the area to include beautiful murals, the Jade Rivera museum, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Miraflores Neighborhood
This area of Lima, next to the ocean, is a popular place for tourists with neat bars, restaurants, shopping and the beach. It is also home to Amor Park and a paragliding area just above the water front. I was really impressed with the beautiful murals and bright walkways that I found when exploring here.
Chocolate Workshop
Looking through activities to try in Lima, I came across a fun 2 hour chocolate workshop in a place called The Choco Museo. Set in a very pretty retail store, the class took us through the process of ‘bean to bar’ in how chocolate is made. We roasted, and ground our own beans in a mortar and pestle, and made a chocolate tea and a hot chocolate with cinnamon and cloves. Lastly, we made chocolate truffles to take home!
One thing that stood out here was that every tour guide I interacted with was super friendly and enthusiastic! I stayed in an airbnb with a security guard, who was also really kind and chatty!
The building had a roof top pool, so this leg of the journey was a nice mix of exploring and relaxing. Next up: Cusco and Machu Picchu!
The Adventure that Awaits 
Wow! This looks amazing! My second (or third) favorite saint is from Lima. San Martin de Porres. Did you hear that name while you were there? Also, that picture of you in front of that mural looks like it should be hanging in a gallery!
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Aw thank you! The city was definitely really bright and unique, the murals were lovely! I have heard of San Martin de Porres but not actually while there…I’m going to look him up! Hope you guys are doing awesome! I watched the sermon online on Sunday, it’s always so fun to see you and the band =)
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The murals are GORGEOUS there. I agree about the picture of you in front of that one mural too. It seems very deep. The food sounds so yummy and the chocolate class sounds like so much fun. The catacombs with the skulls are kind of creepy though 😉
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