Lima

Originally, I did not plan to spend more than a couple of days in Lima, but it finally summed up to nine days before I left for Arequipa. My time in Lima coincided with my dear friend Jacky’s holiday, which she spent in Lima with her parents, so I stayed a little bit longer.

Lima is a rough and dangerous place if you head to the historic centre but there are certainly oases in this massive capital (the fourth largest city on the continent) too. I chose to stay in the traveller-friendly and upscale area of Miraflores. Here there are plenty of policemen on the streets and it is safe to walk around at almost any hour of the day. This is also where most of the expensive restaurants, good nightclubs and discos are located. On the downside, it can be difficult to find budget lodging and food here as most people living in Miraflores are rich.

Lima is famous for it's nightlife but although one could spend a couple of days exploring historic sites in the centre, there is little else to do. For a Peru-traveller, Lima is possibly the perfect place to relax and burn some money a few days between being isolated in some remote valley or mountain-range.

Pictures from left:
1) Yellow buildings with characteristic balconies at Plaza de Armas, the central square in the heart of Lima.
2) Another square with white buildings.
3) Lima's seaside beach.
4) Shopping centre by night in Miraflores