Miraflores is a district located in the city of Lima in Peru and is considered one of the upscale neighborhoods in the city. It is situated along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean and is a vibrant city filled with heaps of things to do and see, excellent food to tantalize your taste buds, and incredibly generous and kind people. Here are some reasons why Miraflores is a good place for tourists visiting Peru: (All photos I took with my drone)
Larco Mar is the most stylish contemporary shopping center in Miraflores and a great place to sit back and people-watch. Here are some things to do in Larco Mar, Miraflores:
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- Shopping: Larco Mar is a shopping center with many stores, including international brands, Peruvian handicrafts, and jewelry. I am not sure about you, but I would rather shop in the US than here as the prices can be quite expensive, however, they do have some local Peruvian stuff, such as local fabric.
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Famous Peruvian Ceviche (I made this myself, very proud lol) - Dining: There are many restaurants and cafes in Larco Mar that offer delicious Peruvian cuisine and international dishes. Most of the restaurants overlook the ocean and in summer (Christmas til April approx) the view can be breathtaking, especially the sunset, you will see hundreds of people watching it set. A must-see! Here you have a lot of options to eat. Mangos is quite elegant with a beautiful outdoor view, prices are not too bad, the service is great and the food is fab!
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Breathtaking views, great food and you need to make a reservation. - Entertainment: Larco Mar has a cinema, a bowling alley, and a game center. We used to have a few drinks and go bowling, have some food and some good craic! Again, I live in Miraflores, it might be a little different for you if you are a tourist. However, movies tend to be in their original language.
- Activities: Larco Mar is a great starting point for a walk along the Malecon, a scenic path that runs along the coast of Miraflores. Paragliding is also available nearby. Paragliding can be quite expensive and you are usually up and down within 10 minutes but the views are great and you can see the whole city. There are sports centers nearby, you can skate, walk, jog, and run as the coast is quite people-friendly with plenty of space to even just chill out on the grass (in summer of course).
In addition to Larco Mar, there are many other things to do in Miraflores, such as visiting the Huaca Pucllana (Also visit the restaurant) archaeological site, Kennedy Park, the Parque del Amor, and the Inka Market. A food tour is also highly recommended to sample Peruvian cuisine. For me the food tours are the best! Go on an empty stomach!
- Ok, so some extra info you should know:
Transportation: Although the transportation system in Lima can be a bit chaotic and messy, there are options to move easily around the city and enjoy the tourist attractions offered by the capital of Peru. There are buses that run through the heart of Lima (tourists get on them for the laugh and live the chaotic moment), all the way to Miraflores, and the express bus (Metropolitano) is a rapid-transit system that links 12 districts, including the more touristy neighborhoods. Taxis are also readily available, but it is recommended to have a simple and exact payment if you use cash. However, I would strongly recommend using Uber that you use in your own country, your account and app will work perfectly here, never use cash, just your card connected with it, it is safe and easy to move about.
- Safety: Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are safe neighborhoods to explore on foot or rent a bike. They have good public bus connections, and if you’re in Miraflores, the Metropolitano is a convenient transportation option. However, like in most countries and large cities, it’s important to exercise caution. Avoid using your mobile phone while walking alone and refrain from wearing headphones, as pickpockets are prevalent. Keep your bag in front of you, particularly on buses or in crowded areas. Using common sense is key. When out and about, it’s advisable not to carry your passport (have a photocopy of it), credit cards (Have one card with you only), or large amounts of cash. If you need to exchange dollars for Peruvian soles, it’s recommended to approach individuals outside the banks who conduct currency exchanges on a daily basis. These individuals are more reliable than random people on the streets. Look for the exchange services located near the bank entrances.
I have lived in Peru for over 6 years on and off and have visited most of the country. It is a very beautiful place. Miraflores for me is the meeting point for everyone. It has everything you need in walking distance. The airport is about 45 minute drive away. Check out Booking or Priceline for hotels, cars…
