Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Day One:

Waking up at dawn is never easy for me, but the excitement of returning to Lima after 13 years made it a little easier. My sister Sandra, always the reliable one, kindly drove me to the airport for my Latam flight, ensuring I arrived bright and early for my flight to Lima at 5 am, arriving in the capital of Peru at 8 am. Thanks to the perks of Premium Economy, I breezed through baggage claim, eager to begin my adventure.

A minor hiccup with the driver almost took me to the wrong hotel, but with a quick correction, I found myself at the doorstep of Casa Andina Standard San Antonio, nestled in the sought-after neighbourhood of Miraflores.

The friendly staff allowed me to check in early, and I relished the opportunity to catch up on much-needed sleep in my spacious room with a breathtaking view and a charming balcony.

Having explored Lima and other parts of Peru in the past, I was filled with anticipation to revisit this vibrant Latin-American gem.

Arising from my rest at 4 pm, I was ready to dive into the heart of the city!

Parque Kennedy

Parque Kennedy, named after the well-known President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, stands as a beloved attraction in Lima. I was just a leisurely 25-minute stroll from Casa Andina San Antonio where I was staying. I was warmly welcomed by the several local charming cats surrounding the whole square.

This bustling hub absolutely bursts with life, resonating with the melodies of local musicians, the appeal of handcrafted treasures, and the aromas of street food.

As I stepped into the park, I was greeted by a lively salsa circle dance, where people of all ages, from grandparents to babies, swayed to the infectious rhythms of salsa music!. And just a few meters always a fabulous Maracatu band was also performing. I absolutely loved the vibe!!

It was a heart-warming sight that instantly immersed me in the vibrant spirit of Lima. Throughout the year, Parque Kennedy host to a myriad of events, concerts, and festivals, infusing the atmosphere with a dynamic energy that captivates visitors and locals alike.

As I wandered through the park, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of excitement and familiarity, sensing that this was just the beginning of the adventures awaiting me in Lima.

This vibrant landmark offers more than just entertainment. It provides a window into the heart and soul of the city, embodying its culture, diversity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a traveller seeking to immerse yourself in local life or simply looking for a delightful weekend outing, Parque Kennedy promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lima.

Don’t miss out on this quintessential spot during your visit to the city!

Day Two: Half Day Lima City Tour

At 9 am sharp, I was picked up for my half-day tour, accompanied by Gustavo. a friendly expert Lima local guide. As we embarked on our journey, I couldn’t contain my excitement for the explorations that awaited.

Huaca Pucllana Site

Our first stop was the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum, also known as Huaca Juliana, nestled in the heart of bustling Miraflores. It was a delightful surprise to stumble upon such a significant archaeological site amidst the modernity of Lima! I highly recommend a visit to anyone exploring Lima.

This ancient complex, constructed from adobe and clay, traces its roots back to the Pre-Inca Lima culture, flourishing in the region between 200 AD and 700 AD. It serves as a poignant reminder that Peru’s rich history extends far beyond the Inca civilisation, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient Lima inhabitants. Admission to this historical marvel is priced at 15 Soles (approximately GBP 3.50).

Exploring the museum exhibits was a stimulating experience, as I explored into the history and significance of Peru’s ancient civilisations.

One aspect that particularly fascinated me was the remarkable durability of the adobe structures. As a child, I vividly remember my grandparents’ fragile adobe house in Suesca, Cundinamarca, Colombia. It was astounding to learn from Gustavo that Huaca Pucllana’s preservation is attributed to the region’s minimal rainfall, which has safeguarded its integrity for centuries.

Lima’s Main Square

Our journey continued as we travelled northward to Lima’s Main Square, also known as “Plaza de Armas.” like many squares around Peru.  

Stepping into this historic square felt like stepping back in time as I passed by landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the renowned Lima Cathedral.

Gustavo, my guide for the day, entertained me with intriguing tales, including the macabre history surrounding the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish “conquistador” who played a significant role in the subjugation of the Inca Empire. Pizarro’s remains were discovered in the Cathedral of Lima, where they had been buried since his death in 1541.

Shockingly, it is said that Pizarro’s body was dismembered after his assassination, with his head severed from his body and his limbs separated, a gruesome act of vengeance orchestrated by the supporters of his rival, Diego de Almagro. The chilling tale sent shivers down my spine, adding a layer of dark mystique to my exploration.

Surrounding the square, colonial buildings adorned with intricate balconies stood as silent witnesses to centuries of history. Among them, local vendors proudly displayed traditional crafts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Lima’s rich cultural heritage.

For me, browsing through these stalls was a highlight, and I couldn’t resist purchasing a beautiful doll flower as a memento for my beloved grand-niece Sofia.

My journey through Lima’s historical treasures led me to the Museum Convent San Francisco and Catacombs, a site that elicited mixed feelings. While the thought of descending into the catacombs was admittedly spooky, the opportunity to examine into Lima’s past was too intriguing to pass up.

Lima Larco Museum

As my tour with Gustavo was sadly coming to an end, I asked him to drop me off at the Lima Larco Museum, eager to research deeper into Peru’s rich history. To my pleasant surprise I was warmly greeted by Samantha, the director of institutional relationships at the museum, whose charm and expertise immediately captivated me!

Samantha, a charming archaeologist, guided me through the exhibits with her insightful commentary, particularly focusing on ancient Peruvian Cosmology, an area of personal interest for me. We spent a delightful three hours engrossed in conversation, and I found it truly enriching to learn from someone so passionate about their work.

Samantha also mentioned that the museum offers curated visits tailored to clients’ specific interests, further enhancing the visitor experience, so if you want tailor-made visit just contact the museum on the Instagram page.

After our engaging conversation, Samantha also recommended that I visit the museum’s erotic exhibition, which showcases a fascinating collection of historical artefacts depicting human intimacy.

This exhibit offers a unique and intriguing glimpse into Peruvian culture, highlighting the natural and universal aspects of human sexuality.

Through these artefacts, the exhibition explores how ancient societies celebrated and depicted the beauty and complexity of human relationships and intimacy.

Lunch at Cafe Museo Larco

Absolutely enchanted by the elegance of this high-class spot with its captivating garden atmosphere. Words fail to capture the sheer beauty of this dreamlike setting. Impeccable service elevated the experience, and my quinoa and mushroom dish was a delightful culinary journey. Pure bliss!

Day Three

After thoroughly enjoying my time in Lima, it was time to embark on the next leg of my journey. Boarding my Latam flight in Premium Economy, I headed towards Iquitos,  the gateway to the Amazon. It’s one of the world’s largest cities unreachable by road, accessible only by air or boat!

Stay tuned for more tales from Peru in my upcoming blog. Watch this space

Lima: Where history whispers, rhythms beat, and every corner reveals a new tale

Love

❤️

From

Jenny