mlgb

3B isn't isolated or out of the way. It's half a block to Grau. Restaurants/cafes/wine bars across the street, around the block, down the corner. Two blocks to Hotel B and Dedalo. Yes, the rooms are simple, modern and there isn't an onsite bar (thank goodness). I think Second Home Peru is a little isolated.

If the Casa Falleri has A/C, I might consider it. It would be close to Ayahuasca Restobar (which is also walkable from 3B).

I just am not a big fan of Miraflores, as crellson suggests it comes down to 'vibe', there are a lot of casino hotels, more vehicle traffic, more ugly highrise offices and apartment blocks (although unfortunately Barranco is also going that way). Honestly, if I were going to stay at a 'corporate' hotel I would stay at the Sheraton which is walking distance to downtown/plaza. You'd be using a taxi if you went out a night, or they offer a free shuttle to Larcomar and nearby restaurants.

Google Maps, surprisingly has a Street View function that works in Lima. I highly recommend that to get an idea of the ambience of the blocks around the hotel (eg Terra Viva has none). But I don't think Terra Viva is any worse than Decopalis, if anything you might be closer to some tourist shopping and restaurants.

Re the "beach" comment...Peru has the cold Humboldt current. Lima isn't really a "beach resort" although it's good for surfing. The city is on a bluff overlooking the Pacific ocean. You can get a nice view by walking along the bluffs, or from the Larcomar Mall. There are a number of restaurants that have ocean views, also, including several not far from in Barranco (but always use a taxi to go down the bluff and back up, unless you are carrying nothing valuable).

crellston, is your favorite restaurant "La Cuadra de Salvador"? I've wanted to peak inside there forever. Also across the street for a snack, I like Sofa Cafe and of course Monstruos for the late-night turkey sandwich when walking back from the Metropolitano stop.


http://ayahuascarestobar.com/

mlgb

crellston, hope you are using up those Ibis points.

If the Bogota Ibis isn't to your liking, there several reasonably priced hotels similar to Ibis at the end of Park Virrey. I stayed at B3 Virrey.

crellston

Thanks mlgb - the reason I am using the ibis in Bogota is that I get bonus point for 3 nts stay before August in an Accor. Planning to use the points on a blowout on a Sofitel somewhere next year!

La Cuadra de Salvador is indeed the one I was referring to exceptional steaks but they do other stuff as well. The beef was the equal of any in Argentina, Uruaguay, US, Australia. They also have a great bar - the Chiclanos were a new experience for me - Pisco, lime and ginger ale. They also provided free tasters of the vast array of Piscos they have. Great at the time but definitely noticed it the next morning!

At the other end of the scale there was a nice little place that did a tasty menu del dia for 8 soles. I think it was called the social club ( or something similar ). Anyway it was on Grau on the opposit side to the hotel mention above.

mlgb

Thanks for the tips~

mlgb

Also the taxi quote I got from 3B is for $25 for a regular taxi from the airport. Taxidatum is $20.

WWanderer

Mlgb, the beach doesn't concern me, as far as swimming or sunning. I was just thinking about the view and proximity to the ocean in general.

I'll spend some time looking at Streetview, thanks. So far nothing has really "popped out" at me.

WWanderer

Okay, so I booked the Tierra Viva just to start with, but I can change my mind if something wonderful presents itself.

If we were going to do one day-trip from Lima, what should it be? Like ancient sites, fishing villages, wildlife, everything, but we aren't into long hikes or climbs.

And we will probably be looking for at least one day with either a private guide or a small group to tour parts of Lima as well, so suggestions happily accepted.

mlgb

The two worthwhile tours I've done were to Caral and to Paracas/Ballestas.

But they are both very long days (Caral is probably 12 hours total, the other may even be more and you leave even earlier).

I've been to Pachacamac but it wasn't my favorite.

If you want to see an adobe pyramid there is one in Lima, the Huaca Pucllana. There's a decent restaurant there also.

One day, I'd suggest visiting that, the Museo Rafael Larco, and if possible the amazing Amano. It's open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10 to 5. Haven't been since it's been remodeled but I plan to go back. http://eng.museoamano.org/amano/ Looks like you now pay a group rate for tours.

Another day I'd go downtown, that could keep you busy for a full day. Try the website Lima Easy for ideas on what you'd like to see. There are a few interesting churches that are different than the usual, and more museums. You can include a visit to the central market there also.

There are now also cooking/gourmet tours.

In Barranco the museum MATE and some of the galleries such as Dedalo, Lucia de la Puente (next to Hotel B) and Las Pallas. Barranco is also a good place for looking at murals.

WWanderer

Do you think we need a guide for downtown, or just take a cab and wander? I had already bookmarked Lima Easy so I'll go back now and study it, thanks.

crellston

I think you will be fine wandering downtown without a guide. It does pay to mark on a map the sights you want to see - the main ones are all fairly close together. Worth making sure you are in the main plaza before midday so you can watch the changing of the guard.

mlgb

I don't think a guide is 100% necessary. But Lima is a bit like Los Angeles and can be overwhelming, until you've been there a few times like me and crellston! So even a few hours having a guided tour just pointing out some of the main sights and a little history might add to your visit. Then you could spend the rest of the time on your own.

I've notice there is now a tip-based tour of Lima, as well as Barranco. Haven't done it, but it might be worth researching. You could try it, and if you don't think it's good, you can break off part way through once you're downtown.

http://www.fwtperu.com/fwt-lima.html

Some locations such as San Francisco monastery offer guided tours in English.

WWanderer

Looking more in Baranco, at B&B's, how about this one:

Second Home Peru (http://secondhomeperu.com/, but it doesn't have AC it seems)

mlgb

I mentioned that one up-thread. (July 27).

mlgb

I was about to book my airport transfers for Lima with taxidatum and noticed they are also offering driving tour services, so you may want to ask them for a quote. Their prices are fair IMO. You can probably also arrange a taxi tour through your hotels.

I used them last year when I had a Lima layover, and they were very good. I think I had Leo the owner as my driver, although he didn't tell me that at the time, I saw his photo later on Tripadvisor.

www.taxidatum.com

WWanderer

Right, thanks mlgb. I guess we could hire them to pick us up at the port, with our luggage, and give us a tour before dropping us at our hotel. Good idea.

WWanderer

Has anyone done the Palomino Island boat tour? Sounds great, considering we're not doing the Galapagos.

mlgb

No, I haven't, sorry. But did you say you were getting off a cruise ship? If so, I am not sure why you would do that for a "land" day!

crellston

Mlgb - just checked into 3B Barranco. Excellent!! Thanks for the recommendation.

mlgb

So glad it's satisfactory, my reputation is intact. The best staff & service makes up for slightly small rooms. One tip for noise mitigation is to close the bathroom doors/windows at night.

WWanderer

I will look again at 3B, I promise. Sounds great! Mlgb, not sure what you mean about the "land" day. But as it turns out, there's no way to do the Palomino thing when we get off the ship. The luggage would pose difficulties.

We will probably try to find a driver who can take us on a bit of a tour on the way to the hotel. They usually kick everyone off the ship by 9 a.m., so we have the day to get our bearings.