WWYD-time in Lima, Peru

[librarygirl]

Hi ladies,

Later this week the h and I will be traveling to Peru (first time for both of us). After returning from Cusco, we'll have a night in Lima along with basically the whole next day (our flight back to US isn't until midnight). I was planning on hiring a private guide to see the main sights in Lima, maximize our time there etc. Originally, I was thinking of doing the private guide on our first day there. Our flight is supposed to arrive in Lima mid-morning. So I thought have the guide pick us up at the airport and then just start the tour. But now I'm having second thoughts on that idea since if the flight from Cusco is delayed, that would eat into tour etc. (Yes, I know I have no control over anything and that whatever I pick I just need to go with it ). So I then thought have the tour on our second day, store luggage at hotel etc. If we ended up doing the tour on the day we arrive, the second day I was just planning on eating, shopping, exploring more of the neighborhood we're staying in.

So in short, what day would you want to do a tour of the city on? First or second day? It would probably be around 5-6 hours.

P.S. I know Lima doesn't get many rave reviews from travelers, but Mexico City doesn't either and that's one of my favorite places so I'm looking forward to Lima too.

Thanks!

[marina007]

Jalapeñomel might be able to help?

[emilyinchile]

The "casco histórico" is the old downtown area where you can see Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the government palace and generally pretty old architecture. Near to the plaza is the Iglesia de San Francisco, which has catacombs in the basement. In a totally different part of town, the Museo Larco showcases pre-Columbian art, including a section on erotic statues. If you're into fashion I'd check out MATE, Mario Testino's gallery, although I haven't been. We went to Huaca Pucllana last time we were there, and it was interesting but not amazing - something to include if you have the time but not to stress over if you can't fit it in.

If you go to Museo Larco you could have lunch at Don Fernando. Also try to have lunch at Mercado (make reservations) in Miraflores. It was the favorite meal of all 4 of us on my last trip. FWIW, I don't think a tour is necessary if you speak Spanish, but I totally understand if it just seems like less of a hassle since you're on a tight schedule.

[scout8]

I don't have any advice, but I liked Lima and I am also a big Mexico City fan. We had a similar amount of time there and we walked around on our own. A tour would probably be easier though.

[phillyrunner]

We were able to wander around Lima on our own and see a lot of the sights. I found the city to be very walkable. Don't know if a food tour interests you at all, but we went on a food tour with Lima Gourmet company and had so much fun.