There isn't much to see in Ica, to be honest... But there are wineries! I decided to visit Tacama, the oldest winery in South America. The place is beautiful, installed in a pink hacienda surrounded by vines. It was created in the 16th century by the Spaniards to avoid having to import wine for religious... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Miraflores – El Pan de la Chola
Two words: Amazing Bread! This bakery is outstanding. Very welcoming, the natural materials used gives a cost ambiance. And the bread is just incredible. The sandwiches are made in home made focaccia, grilled to make it crispy. You can also buy different types of bread by the loaf, with various seeds and flour. Delicious.. El... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – DaDa
A friend brought me to DaDa, and I've returned there since because I like it so much. You first notice the exterior of this gorgeous restored mansion and then your eye is drawn to the spacious and colorful outdoor patio bar. I just fell in love with the lights... The interior is nice but I... Continue Reading →
Peru/Ica – Huacachina
Located five hours south of Lima, Huacachina is a village built around a small oasis surrounded by sand dunes. To get there, take a taxi from Ica (8-15 soles, depending on your negotiation skills). These ancient mountains of sand are beautiful and surreal. The legend is that the lagoon was created when a beautiful princess removed her clothes... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Bar Piselli
Piselli is a traditional bar, there isn't any music so you can actually hear what your friends are saying. It's very casual but comfortable, the beer is cheap and the wine is good! You can also order some piqueos (snacks to share). Make sure to go early because it crowds up quickly! Bar Piselli Website... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – El Bigote
As a Belgian, I HAD to taste the supposed "best waffles in Lima". And I will be very honest.. they were excellent!! I took the Banana Split with bananas (obviously), melted chocolate sauce, whipped cream and fior di panna ice cream (like vanilla bit creamier), for 18 soles. An absolute delight! They also have artisanal... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Twins Coffee
This is BY FAR the best gluten-free lasagna I've EVER tasted (20 soles)! The vegetarian lasagna was also a blast with eggplants instead of the pasta. This little restaurant is 100% gluten-free and organic but offers so much flavor and love. Tables are limited so don't come too late. You can also buy products from... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Pan Sal Aire
If you've been to Lima, you'll know it's VERY hard to find good pizza. I've been searching for weeks and here it was, just waiting for me to eat it.. Incredible pizza! And a beautiful wine menu to accompany your dishes. And all of it served in a very nice place, between hipster and Italian... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Panatteria
Own by a Peruvian, Argentinean and Italian, this small but cosy little bakery has amazing bread (pretty rare in Lima!). They also have fresh juices and good coffee. The prices are reasonable and the quality is amazing. You'll find different types of bread, cakes and pastries, but also salads, avocado toasts... I just want to... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Burrito bar
I think I can say that this is the best Burrito I've ever had! OK, the place really isn't fancy nor sexy, but you can order to take-away and eat on the Plaza. The ingredients are fresh, it's pretty quick, and prices are good, especially for the HUGE size of it! There are different possibilities,... Continue Reading →
Peru/Ayacucho – Restaurants
Ayacucho has very good restaurants, you are sure to have a nice time! Frutelli Frutelli (also known as Creamz): AMAZING ice cream! The place doesn't look very nice and the ice creams look kind of cheap but... OMG! I recommend taking the paletas (ice lolly) and not the scoops. I tried the maracuya-mango, strawberry-kiwi and the... Continue Reading →
Peru/Ayacucho – Quinua and the Pampa Obelisco
Quinua is about 30km away of Ayacucho. You will find the Pampa Obelisco, a huge monument that marks the site of the Battle of Ayacucho. To get there, you can grab a colectivos to Quinua (5-6 soles one hour). Better to ask the tourism desk the exact spot where to find them on the street José... Continue Reading →
Peru – Ayacucho
Ayacucho is famous for its 33 churches, which represent one for each year of Jesus' life. The name is derived from the Quechua words aya (death) and kuchu ("corner"), referring to the historical Battle of Ayacucho, the last armed battle between Spanish armies and patriots during the Peruvian War of Independence. It was the battle that secured... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Recipe Aji de Gallina
I met these amazing women, Zenia (one of the women I work with at the organization), Yolanda (her mom) and her sister. Yolanda taught me how to cook Aji de Gallina, one of my favorite Peruvian dishes so far. And I just had to share it with you because it's way simpler than I expected!... Continue Reading →
Peru – Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is home to a unique set of huge rocks with curious shapes resembling human faces, animals, and religious symbols. There are many theories as to their origins, they are thought to be the remains of a pre-Incan civilization, although they most likely were formed naturally through erosion. There are very few tour agencies that... Continue Reading →
Peru – Chincha
The area is split between the main centre at Chincha and the district of El Carmen. At first glance, there is little difference between Chincha and most other large towns in Peru: busy, loud, bustling and vibrant. The Plaza de Armas is beautiful, but that's pretty much it... In a nutshell, Chincha is a cute place... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Markets & Malls
Mercado #1 Surquillo One of the most authentic produce markets in the city, where housewives and chefs rub shoulders, hunting down the freshest ingredients for the family lunch or tasting menu. Be aware that this is not a "pretty" market like you can find in other cities, but it definitely is genuine, you will meet... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – San Isidro
San Isidro is the financial district of Lima where numerous banks and businesses set up their headquarters in modern office blocks. There isn't much to visit but the district does have a nice atmosphere combining the high towers and the lovely colonial houses. It's very modern and at the same time very traditional and preserved... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/San Isidro – Astrid y Gastón
If you've never heard of Astrid y Gastón, it's time you did! Number 7 in the 50 best Latin America restaurants, 33rd in the 50 best restaurants worldwide, it was founded by Gastón Acurio and his wife Astrid Gutsche and relocated to its current home at the palatial Casa Moreyra in 2014. The well awarded... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Ayahuasca Restobar Lounge
Picture: Elie Gardner Ayahuasca is a great place to start your night, sharing a few drinks and stories in this atypical place. Located in the heart of the bohemian district of Barranco, Ayahuasca Restobar Lounge transformed the old Mansión Berninzón (Peruvian cultural heritage) into a daring lounge bar designed by different artists and designers, giving life... Continue Reading →