When getting to know the capital city of Peru, head straight to the neighborhood of Miraflores, for a scenic introduction to Lima’s charms. Taking cues from its name, Miraflores is peppered with flowerbeds and grassy parks, just calling for you to enjoy it’s lush greenery. From jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific and the centrally located Kennedy Park, to some dazzling gems in Peruvian cuisine, Miraflores offers the perfect beginning to your Limanian adventure.

1. Wander along the boardwalk

With giant, jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the boardwalk through Miraflores is the perfect way to take in Lima’s ocean views. Wander towards the city’s lighthouse and join in with locals for a yoga class or a lesson in Capoeira, a Brazilian mixture of martial arts and dance. Feeling lazy? Settle down in the grass for a picnic and some people watching. You may catch a glimpse of some local tightrope walkers practicing their skills! As the sun sets, grab your loved one and follow the path to the Parque de’ Amour, as you watch the sky change colors surrounded by brilliant mosaic patterns.

2. Shop and snack in Kennedy Park

Decidedly the most notable landmark in Miraflores, Kennedy Park is a right in the center of the shopping and restaurant district. Visit on a weekend, when the streets are roped off for pedestrians and bikers, and enjoy the local markets full of traditional Peruvian crafts. As you work up an appetite sifting through alpaca scarves and handmade jewelry, go on your own personal food tour and taste the sweets offered from the surrounding food carts. Warm churros and picarones topped with honey are among the highlights.

3. Hang glide over the cliffs of Miraflores

Why see the sights of Lima from the ground, when you can enjoy them from the sky? Get strapped into a hang glider (with a guide safely beside you!) and take a running plunge off the cliffs. For fifteen thrilling minutes, you can gaze at the city scene below you, taste the salty ocean spray, and sail through the soft breezy skies of Miraflores.

4. Learn to surf in the Pacific Ocean

The perfect spot for novice surfers, Miraflores’s pebbly beach offers gentle waves, and an unorthodox method to practice your Spanish. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the surf shacks and get a package deal for the day, complete with wetsuit, water shoes, and instructions. Paddle out with the local guides and spend the afternoon perfecting your skills. Just make sure to tread carefully when exiting the water; the rocky beach makes a literal slippery slope.

5. Try the local dishes

With more traditional dishes than days in a month, dining in Peru is an exciting experience day after day. Head to famed chef Gaston Acurio’s reasonably priced restaurant Tanta, for some traditional bites like Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina. Choose one of the mixed fruit juices on the menu, or create your own! Don’t forget to end your meal with a treat from their famed dessert cart.

Related articles

• Hola Peru! (anamericangirlintransit.com)