If you follow me on social media, you’ll know that my husband and I packed our bags and journeyed across the Pacific Ocean to South America for a month last year. Whilst we love each and every holiday for a number of different reasons, there was something incredibly special about this South American adventure and it’s one that I would recommend EVERYONE add to their bucket list. Having travelled quite extensively, I can honestly say that South America is truly is a place like no other. Today, I share where we ate, slept and explored in Lima, Peru.

Why We Chose Peru 

Machu Picchu has been on my list of places to visit since I was a little girl hence, Peru was top priority when visiting South America. We flew Air NZ straight into Buenos Aires before connecting to Lima. We opted to stop over in Lima (the capital of Peru) for a few nights to recover from jet lag before flying onto Sacred Valley, Cusco and the Inca Trail a few days later – I’m so glad we did.

 Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Mira Flores. It’s considered the upmarket area of Lima and according to hotel staff, very safe to walk around. There were lots of incredible restaurants nearby, the hotel was amazing, staff were incredible and the breakfast was second to none – a continental breakfast menu where for 69 soles, you can order as many of the items (quinoa pancakes, omelets, eggs, traditional Peruvian dishes, smoothies rich in traditional “super foods” aka maca, chia, lucuma) as many times as you like. Fair to say, we were stuffed, but meant we didn’t have to worry about lunch. Gluten Free was not a problem at all. #Win.

View from Rooftop Bar @ Hilton Hotel, Lima.

Advice:

If you arrive at night into Lima airport I highly recommend organizing a $50USD transfer. We used CMV through our hotel and it made all the difference. The driver was lovely, he knew where to go, he ensured all our valuables were locked in secured in the boot of the car and he was fully insured should anything go wrong. We were so grateful to avoid the chaos that is Lima taxi rank (enough to knock any weary traveller a back). Taxis to our hotel were around 40 soles ($15AU), so there is a fair price difference, but in our opinion, worth every penny – esp. as we were ripped off by other taxis in the area. Negotiate your fee before you jump in, and ensure the drive knows where they are going.

Where We Ate

PUKU PUKU

This was my husband’s favorite café (coffee and sweets) in Lima. They are an organic Peruvian specialty roaster and take pride in their bean.

11:11 Wake Up

This is where we found bulletproof coffee (we were as shocked as you are) and super food smoothies. It’s a grab and go kind of cafe but they are also really passionate about their food.

2 doors down from 11:11

We found an organic take-away place (sandwiches etc. where they stocked organic cold pressed juices in fridge).

Local 

A place for lunch. Peruvian dishes with an organic vegan twist. Order the soup entree! I had lentils and Andrew had organic chicken. Simple food, but very inexpensive!

Isolina

Hands down my favorite meal in Lima. Traditional Peruvian food served in a restaurant full of local people (always a good sign in my book!). Beef Sirloin with Peruvian Potatoes and Tomatoes (OH EM GEE), served with Rice. If you’re feeling game, opt for organ meats – they actually looked incredible and the locals were all over them! Vegans and Vegetarians, unfortunately I’d give this one a miss.