hi there,

i will be in lima for two single days. i and my mum will be on our way to chimbote and have two stopover days in lima. (one day on the way to chimbote and one day on the way back). we will stay at the hostel homeperu in miraflores (which was recommended by friends).

as i understand lima is considered a "dangerous city" and i would like to be on the safe side (especially as my mum is the perfect victim). do you have any recommendations what we could do on one day?

thanks in advance
CHris

Lima is not the dangerous city it used to be during times of the Sendero and periods shortly thereafter. That said, it is still a place in which to be careful.

Miraflores is by far the best part of town, although I know nothing of the hostel you mention or the area in which it is located. You will most likely need a taxi to get around, but don't ever take a taxi that you pick up along the street, especially if you have your mother with you. Instead have the hostel arrange a taxi for you and if possible, have the taxi stay with you for the entire day. Arrange a fee for the day when picked up and this should work fine and cost very little.

As far as things to do there are many. Any good guidebook will list many of them. However, my first stop would be the central plaza (but avoid the area at night) with the old Spanish Colonial achitechture. I would also consider seeing the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). As you will be in Maraflores, there is a lot of shoping to be had in the area in and around Larco Mar. I would also think about spending part of the day in the Indian Market were a lot of interesting native Peruvian things can be found (a lot of junk too).

What he/she said about Miraflores and Larco. I didn't find Lima to be especially dangerous and I walked everywhere, including from downtown to Miraflores. I don't recommend it, per se, but I did not feel threatened doing it. I will say, though, that the drivers are nuts. They will *not* stop for you.

Be sure to try the Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine... its some of the finest asian style food you can get on the continent.

This gringo has taken street taxis all over Lima, of course I can speak enough Spanish to explain where I'm going and to converse politely with the driver. I am by no means a fluent speaker.

The value from the street taxis in Lima is unbelieveable. One can travel five to six miles (in a major metro area) for about $2.00 to $3.00. This would cost $20.00 in NYC.

I too speak Spanish fairly well and have worked in country at various times for 7 years and would still never take a taxi from off the street. I have had far too many friends get the unwanted ride to the nearest ATM at gun/knife point.