gertie3751

Lima is a first for me and I am a little old lady travelling alone . I like museums, churches, mooching around the old town. Will be staying in Miraflores. This 2 days is the start of a tour to other places. Can I just walk around on my own as I usually do? Or should I take taxis? Is it easy to get organised trips? I have some Spanish. Expert advice please.

crellston

Hi gertie,

I didnt used to like Lima on my first visit 5 years ago but on the suggestion of mlgb here, gave it a second chance a few months ago and loved it and indeed plan to return for a week at the end of Oct before our return home. As a couple, We had no problems at all wandering the streets in Miraflores and elsewhere at night and it all seemed very safe. That said, I believe there are still issues re getting taxis at the airport and bus station and the advice seems to be to get your hotel to book in advance.

I can't help with organised tour as we didn't take any but there are lots of operators around the Plaza de Armas.

mlgb

I am a huge fan of Lima (feels like a twin of my home in the sprawling Los Angeles metro area, down to the cold water and foggy weather).

I wander on my own, but until I had a better handle on it, it was easy to get turned around due to all the diagonal streets and plazas. Bring a good map when you go out walking. For the most part, you will not be anywhere unsafe. There are barriers that you will be advised not to cross, the Rimac River downtown, and probably not to east of the freeway (Republica). It's always a good idea to ask the hotel desk before you set out, if there is anywhere you should avoid.

What part of Miraflores will you be in? If you can stay near the Metropolitano rapid transit line, that is a good way to get between the historic center and Miraflores. It's too far to walk. Taxis are not that expensive. I have not had a problem yet occasionally flagging one on the street, but you can also ask a restaurant or hotel to call one of the radio taxis for you. You will pay more but it's safer. They should make a show of writing down the cab number.

You might start at the Plaza de Armas and branch out from there. If you speak Spanish you can stop by the Mirabus kiosk and book into the 8 soles "Colonial" Tour. They have other tours that leave from Miraflores Park Kennedy. Unlikely that any will sell out, you can buy tickets that day.

http://www.mirabusperu.com/tours.html

Another day you could visit the Larco Museum (kind of expensive but very good). If you are there M-F, I recommend calling or writing to the Amano Museum for their 3 pm tour (Spanish). You will not see anything like that textile collection elsewhere. They are not too far from each other, you can take a taxi between them.

http://www.fundacionmuseoamano.org.pe/

Some special events coming up if you are going soon, Mistura and Casa Cor. I'm sorry I will be missing Casa Cor but decided to follow crellston's lead and go to Ecuador. I do however plan to hit up Mistura for a few days before departing Lima.

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...3-to-11413.cfm

I posted some things that I liked on a recent visit (the churro place is gone, sadly!)

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-lima-peru.cfm

BTW I always make a play for staying in Barranco rather than Miraflores. It's a bit more low key, not far away, and my favorite lodging is there (3B Barranco). It is very single-friendly and has an amazing staff.

http://www.3bhostal.com/

gertie3751

Thanks crellson and mlgb. Looks better than I expected. Will follow up leads. Looks like I should organise an airport pick-up then?

mlgb

Many hotels can arrange a pickup but may over charge. If it is less than $25 it isn't too far out of line. It's worth asking. It can be nice to see your name on a card for your first time in Lima...kind of a mad scene with everyone waiting for their pickups. If they want some outrageous amount like $50, you can use the Taxi Green without a reservation, it is a kiosk just after the exit from customs (before you leave the enclosed area). Cost is about 45 nuevo soles to Miraflores. I believe you can pay at the desk, but I've always paid the driver.

These are not the remisse services that are at a desk as you walk thru toward immigration/customs. They cost significantly more.

Some drivers will ask you to wait outside while they go pay for their parking. It's okay, just keep your hand on your luggage at all times. Others will have you follow them to their cars in the lot. If so, decline any offers (other than the driver) to assist with luggage!

All luggage should be in the trunk (including any small bags), if the driver doesn't prompt you to do it. You can keep your passport etc under your clothing. But I would not carry a purse over your clothing. The taxi takes you through some dark side streets. They all do it, I guess to avoid congestion. Still, there are occasional reports of smash and grab at lights..best not to tempt fate.

Tips are not required other than for carrying your bags.

It can be a bit scary the first time, so I just am giving the run down so you know it is all :normal:, the drive should take 30 to 45 minutes (hopefully not more).

Since you speak Spanish try to converse a bit with the driver, some of them are quite chatty. Others not so much. All Peruvians like to talk about food!

gertie3751

Thanks for that info mlgb. Will do my best!

dwdvagamundo

I too have gotten to like Lima over the years. It sort of grows on you.

Museums: Larco and National Archaeological are just a few blocks apart. I'd start at the National Archaeological as it gives you a chronological look at the various Pre-Columbian cultures. Then walk around to the Larco which is quite different but also a great museum.

I also would recommend Barranco but if you're already booked in Miraflores, then not a problem. Barranco is sort of quaint and fun.

No need to take organized tours with your Spanish--just ask people how to get somewhere and cabs are fairly inexpensive and reasonably safe.