Lima, Peru anyone??
 

I would love to visit Lima, anyone been there - done that?

Was in Peru for Xmas Day when United still flew it .. seems they stopped that route during this year? .. see detailed report here at:
www.GlenStephens.com/travel.html
you MUST get out of Lima ( a DUMP!!!) and to Cuzco at least, and MP in particular of course!

I was in Lima in May and I agree with ozstamps, get out of Lima and go to Cuzco. If you must stay in Lima, there are a number of museums you could visit and some great little cafe's and restaurants right by the park in Miraflores, which is where I would recommend staying. Good luck on your trip!

I echo the last two posters. Lima is worth less than a day. Cuzco is wonderfull to walk around in. From here there are amy companies selling tours to local archaeological sites. Machu Pichu is the pearl and is absolutely unforgetable.

I suggest you jump to one of the LatinPass forums-- everyone who did the Million Mile promotion went to Peru within the last few months. All went to Lima, most also went to Cuzco, and some went to Iquitos. Granted, some people stayed longer than others (I was only in Lima for a day, and in Cuzco for less), but they can give you more recent insights, especially with the current political situation.

I have heard rumors that the Lima - Huancayo passenger train service has resumed. If you like trains it's a spectacular trip, highest standard gage RR in the world, reaching over 15,000 feet, in a tunnel, no less.

I agree with the other posters, the exciting part of Peru is the highland!

My experience in Lima was limited but Miraflores is a suburb of Lima and a place I would recommend to anyone. My wife and I stayed at the Del Pilar Miraflores Hotel. An excellent hotel with great staff and good rates. They will pick you up from the airport (for a fee - $15) for the 30 minute ride to the Hotel. Miraflores is like a small Gibraltar. Lots of rock and great views over the Pacific Ocean. There is a "love Park" overlooking the ocean that is worth a look. The main square has some nice architecture, the traffic is slow as well as the pace. I would recommend Miraflores as a base to see the Lima area. Car Rentals are plentiful as well. Worth a looksi.

Dave

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I stayed at the Oro Verde in San Isidro section of Lima. It was Swiss run and a georgeous hotel. It is immediately ajacent to a small indoor shopping center. Given a choice, I would stay in Miraflores sectio. It is brighter, livelier, and appears safer.

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton there?

I stayed at the Holiday-Inn which was in Miraflores. $10 cab ride, the rooms were big enough to get a 747 into it. It was either 76 or 88 via the Priority Club 800#. I wouldnt think twice about staying there again.The gym was small but had enough stuff. But the room size still blows me away.

ne14snow: A friend of mine stayed at the downtown Lima Sheraton. He said it was a not very good, non-descript hotel in a not very interesting part of town. I was slated to do a trip to Lima and had reservations at Swissotel in San Isidro neighborhood, which was suggested as a nice part of town, but the trip ended up getting cancelled, so I never went.

From the July 2000 issue of Northwest Airlines, "Update" newsletter:

Once the crown jewel of the Spanish South American empire, Lima is a city of historical architechture, lively cafes and excellent museums. For a glimpse of the city's pageantry, watch the changing of the guard at noon on the Plaza Major. Find an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver treasures at the Museao de Oro. Explore Barranco, the Bohemian seaside resort community. And sample a spicy dish of fresh Pacific fish in Lima's world-class restaurants.

Have fun!

[This message has been edited by raffy (edited 07-15-2000).]

CRAZ: When you say the Holiday Inn was either 76 or 88 via the Priority Club 800#. What does that mean. I am almost a plat with starwood and have no experience with other chains.

call 1-800-HOLIDAY, and join HI's hotel club called Priority Club. They'll give you a # on the phone then tell them you want imfo on their Lima,Peru property. As a member I was able to check-in @ 10am instead of 1pm. The rate at the time was $88 plus the txs for a Weds night stay, HI will look to see what the cheapest rate is sometimes its club rate other times not. The cheapest rate was $99 if not a PC member.