A mystical sanctuary, Peru has long been an inspiration for writers, producers, musicians and anyone seeking to get a glimpse into the extraordinary that resides outside of our imaginations. Influenced by the epic Inca legends that are an integral part of Peru’s rich cultural history, I remember piling up in front of the big screen with my Uncle and cousins to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark as a kid.
Years later, a friend invited me to visit Peru for the 1st time with her family. Presented with an opportunity to finally embark on my own Peruvian adventure, I didn’t hesitate in booking a last-minute flight to the popular South America destination that serves as home base to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
While the region is best known by people who want to explore ancient Incan ruins, trekking to Machu Picchu did not make the agenda for this urbanista’s short trip. Not sure if Marion Ravenwood would approve my city days that were filled with adventures involving cute little boutiques with beautifully crafted goods in eye-catching colors and quaint restaurants, as narrowly escaping Indiana Jones type danger was not a requirement.
Arriving in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, my own mission to eat my way through the ancient city led to me making sipping on Pisco Sours and indulging in the freshest ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice) a part of my daily vacation routine. After overcoming my wariness with raw egg whites, I had my first pisco sour and it quickly became my cocktail of choice while in the “City of Kings.” From the popular lomo saltado to Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food), Peru’s multicultural history has influenced the fusion of local ingredients with flavors from around the world.
Lima’s gorgeous, cliffside Malecon was one of my favorite places to feast on Peruvian cuisine in the Garden City. The views of Lima’s Costa Verde (Green Coast) are absolutely stunning! Stretching for several kilometers high above the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores, the Malecon has several different parks. One of the highlights of strolling the esplanade along the waterfront was our visit to the Parque del Amor (Park of Love) where we encountered the huge sculpture called El Beso (The Kiss), depicting the artist smooching his wife.
A huge fan of street art, embarking on adventure meant not only exploring the historic centre, but exploring the hidden artistic gems found in Lima’s Barranco district before heading over to the Magic Water circuit in the Parque de la Reserva in the evening. Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain complex, I was amazed at the height and intensity of the fountains.
I hope to one day explore the colorful Andes Mountains and the waterfalls of the Amazon. In the meantime, I have my wonderful foodie memories of the time that I spent in Lima’s urban oasis.
Do you think Peruvian cuisine is the best in all of South America? If not, what South American cuisine do you recommend?
“I would rather own little and see the world, than own the world and see little of it.” – Alexander Sattler