Day 1 – Lima

After arriving at Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM), the immigration process was a breeze and luckily I got my bag quick and I was out of the door in no time. Right next to the baggage claim was the Claro cellphone operator’s office where they were offering SIM cards, so I bought a SIM card for data only (no calls or text messages) that I can use around Peru and valid for 10 days. It costs US$50 for 2GB data.

Taxis are abundant outside the airport but don’t go with anyone asking for a taxi. Check in with the information center and they will assign an “official” taxi to you which is reliable and safe. Taxis usually cost anything between PEN 70 to PEN 90 to Miraflores area. But I had pre-arranged a taxi with the hotel I was staying at and it costs US$25 one-way, payable to the taxi driver.

New bus service from Lima airport (LIM) to Miraflores in city A new bus service called Airport Express Lima will run luxury, AC buses 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes from the airport to Miraflores area and back. Read more…

 
It takes about 45 minutes from the airport to the Miraflores area during a weekday afternoon because of the insane traffic of Lima. After checking in to the hotel, I headed out to the beach which was about 5 blocks from the hotel.

The Larcomar Mall at the beach is one of the best places to meet people, shop or just take it easy and have some drinks! Stopping by ‘Tanta’ bar & restaurant, I had some drinks before walking across to pick up the Peru Rail tickets.

Hotel Miraflores Lodge Value Location Cleanliness Rooms Service Breakfast included: Yes Wifi: Free, included in price. Wifi Coverage: Good network across the hotel. Airport Pickup: Yes. Extra. Towels provided: Yes Toiletries provided: Yes Address: Calle Colon 230, Miraflores, 18 Lima, Peru Website: www.booking.com/hotel/pe/miraflores-lodge.html Location Located in the heart of Miraflores, this is a very good places to stay for the value in terms of money and location. The rooms are clean, beds are comfortable and clean. The staff is amazing and facilities are great. Rooms & Bathrooms I had booked a double bed room with private bathroom for one night and I was very happy with the room which had large windows and air-conditioning. The room also had a TV and closet space for bags. Bathroom was clean and had towels and napkins provided. Services The reception staff was very friendly and helpful with the restaurants around. The hostel also has its own cafeteria that serves food and coffee for a price. Breakfast is included in the price of the room. A cozy lobby area also serves as a library. Overall With a lot of expensive hotels in the Miraflores area, this one is a good value for money.

It was past 3pm and feeling hungry, I walked to the hotel and stopped by this tiny restaurant called El Vegetariano Savel for lunch. Their Lomo Saltado is well-known and delicious! Post lunch, I wandered around the area and found a massage place that was offering 30-minute back massage for PEN 30. After a long flight and work stress, it was a great feeling to have the massage.

 
After spending the rest of evening around the beach, I returned back to hostel, and called it an early night, all set for a 3-day bus ride to Cusco.

Note: All values in USD, unless otherwise mentioned, are approximate and based on the exchange rate of USD 1 = PEN 3.30 at the time of publishing. Each cost is for one adult.