Everybody's always talking about Blu, the "best" gelateria in Barranco (ice cream place). But I don't really agree.. I would say Bosco Magico is better, and isn't as famous so you still has a "non-tourist" vibe. Don't you just love the cosy and fairy-tale look? Bosco magic uses organic milk and fresh seasonal fruits. The gelato is... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Isolina
Isoline is a great dining experience for anyone looking to try some traditional Peruvian ‘criollo’ dishes in a casual but vibrant restaurant. The restaurant is named after co-owner's mother Doña Isolina and pays homage to her cooking and spirit. You should book a table or come early if you want a seat! You will have a... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Las Vecinas
Las Vecinas, a perfect spot to have a healthy hipster lunch. The food is fresh, colorful and tasty. All the dishes are vegetarian or vegan but you can ask for some chicken extra. The coffee is also pretty good, and you can even go crazy and drink rain water from the Amazon! Try to come... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Flying over the ocean
Yep, I did it: I went paragliding in Lima! First time experience, I was really scared but... totally worth it!! People usually start from Miraflores but I started in Barranco, with Juan. The 10 min tour takes you over the ocean, the beach and over Barranco. A wonderful experience. Juan is 50 years old and... Continue Reading →
Peru/Paracas – Paracas Backpackers House
A great hostel in Paracas, I would really recommend it! It's clean, cheap and has a cute summer vacation house vibe with its white walls and white wood decoration. There is a kitchen you can use, a laundry area, and three common living areas, one of them with hammocks and beach chairs, another is a... Continue Reading →
Peru/Paracas – El Arizal
A great place to have lunch on the Paracas Malecon: El Arizal. It's easily recognizable with the sea lion statue in front of it. You can either choose something on the menu or order the menú for only 25 soles. You'll have the choice between 3 starters and 3 main courses, as well as a... Continue Reading →
Peru/Paracas – Islas Ballestas
The most important attraction in Paracas, are the Islas Ballistas (Islands Ballestas). Although its nickname is the 'poor man's Galapagos, the Islas Ballestas make for a memorable excursion. The only way to get there is with a boat tour, offered by many travel agencies. None of the small boats have a cabin, so dress to protect... Continue Reading →
Peru – What should you eat?
Peruvian cuisine is one of the world's most important and diversified cuisines and is an exemplar of fusion cuisine, due to its long multicultural history. The specialties reflects local practices and ingredients from indigenous population (ex: Incas) and cuisines brought in with immigrants from Europe, Asia and Africa. The four traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes... Continue Reading →
Peru/Paracas – El Chaco & Reserva Nacional de Paracas
The desert and the sea come together in spectacular landscapes in Paracas, in the department of Ica, just a few hours south from Lima. El Chaco is the principal location on the Paracas peninsula, but is often called Paracas. The earthquake in 2007 destroyed lots of the city but it has rebuilt since, as well as... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Huaycán
Why am I talking about Huaycán? Because I started volunteering for a non-profit organization a week ago, in this community. Let's start with some history and facts. History & facts The urban community of Huaycán is a suburb of Lima and is located in the Ate district, about 16km from Lima. About 30 years ago, immigrants settled here... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – La noche
This place is full of charm for the evening! All wooden stairs and floors, different levels and spaces and a terrasse on the top, all of it wrapped in live music and cold cervezas (17 soles the jar of beer). Don’t forget to check the monthly agenda to see which band is playing (Mondays are... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Centro historico
Once known as the ‘City of Kings’ Lima’s historic centre was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535. The Spanish colons brought, amongst other things, the catholic religion to Peru which is very visible in the historical center. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and despite being damaged by a series of earthquakes... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Miraflores
Sure, Miraflores is a residential and upscale shopping district of Lima, and one of the most touristic parts, but its also very safe and beautiful. Lima is known as the Garden City, and no district rivals Miraflores when it comes to parks. What to do: Walk down the Malecón, a 9km stretch of parks situated along the... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla
La Lucha is a well appreciated sandwich bar, by tourist but especially by locals. You have a different locations in the city and it looks like fast food but the quality is really good, the products are fresh and the price is affordable. You should really try the chicharron (fried pork) with fries and a fresh fruit juice.... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Miraflores – Mango’s
Mango's is quite expensive for Lima, but the view on the Ocean and the food is incredible! Also great advantage, it's open on Sundays but you might want to book to make sure to have a table available. I recommend the ceviche which was fresh ans tasty (starting at 40 soles). Mango's website Av. Malecón... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – Tostaduria Bisetti
Nice little coffee shop to have a cup of real Peruvian coffee (around 6 soles). The place is cosy, hipster-like and the service is great. I recommend spending some time there if you need to read a book and work on your computer for a while... Tostaduria Bisetti website Pedro de Osma 116 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima – Barranco
Definitely my favorite neighborhood in Lima. If you only have a short period of time in the city of cities, Barranco (Spanish for ravine) is a must. You’ll be enchanted by all the colors, romantic and bohemian vibe as well as the colonial mansions. At night, it transforms into the city’s party district with tones... Continue Reading →
Peru/Lima/Barranco – La Bodega Verde
I would really recommend this cosy little place for a bite or a drink. A bit expensive (8 soles for a tea) but the vibe on the terrasse is worth it. You can actually hear birds and feel the peace and quite in this busy city.. And the food is super healthy and good. Great... Continue Reading →
Travel health advice for South America
Understanding the health risks and including a visit to your doctor before you go will help ensure you protect your health. I organized an appointment with the International Travel Vaccination Clinic (I live in Geneva so I went to the HUG Tropical and Humanitarian Medecine) to discuss all medical aspects before leaving. I recommend you book... Continue Reading →