« Return to Eat, Sleep, Play « Return to Peru

Remember, these are only the places I managed to get to, representing not a splash in the ocean, a fart in a hot tub, a mullet in a trailer park, a…you get the idea. Consult your Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Lets Go, Fodors, Local Shaman for dozens of other options. Sometimes, I wish I had.
Punta Sal - If you’re looking for ceviche, look no further. They’ve got all different types, and the platters are great value and exceptionally tasty. Various locations, but I went to Malecon Cisneros cdra 3 Esq. Calle Tripoli in Miraflores.
Tanta - A popular upmarket modern deli bistro with a taste sensation menu. If you’re looking to find a place that lives up to Peru’s gastronomical hype, look no further. Look up address, I was too busy eating tangerine sesame ahi tuna and grilled, stuffed aubergine with basil to remember to get a card!
Los Toldos Chicken - juicy, roasted, smoked chicken and fries, a great bargain, frequented mainly by locals, and possibly, better than Nandos Chicken. There, I said it. Calle Almagro 171, Corner San Andres, about 3 minutes walk from Plaza Des Armes.
Muse - Unfortunately I only discovered this gem on my last night…live music nightly featuring special guests, friendly, homely staff, Claire runs a wicked joint with a wicked view. Plaza San Blas, Tandapata 684. Jack’s Cafe Bar - right on San Blas in the heart of the tourist district, delicious sandwiches, not too cheap but great value, friendly staff, great tunes and a place to bump into familiar faces. Corner of Choqueohaka & Cuesta San Blas, 2 blocks from Plaze Des Armes.
Los Perros - Like Jacks, popular with Lonely Planet crowd, delicous food, great meeting place, wicked couches and jazzy, lounge tunes. Calle Tecsecocha, just off Gringo Alley, a few blocks from the Plaza Des Armes
Blueberry Lounge - I found a great hangout here, with DJ’d wicked tunes, great happy hour specials and laid back, friendly staff and funky ambience. Didn’t eat, but a full menu on offer.
Buho’s Pizzeria - here in southern Peru, a pocket of Italian glory. Pizza is the food of choice, and dozens line the main strip, Lima Street. Buho’s was recommended and lived up to its promise. They also have a smaller, more authentic outlet just around the corner.
Lima - Posada de San Isidro - Joseph’s B&B in the heart of the lush, quiet and safe San Isidro neighbourhood. Close to Miraflores, sweet rooms, and best of all, Mr Lima himself.
Amaru Hostal - Right on the San Blas strip, about 2 blocks from the Plaza Des Armes, Amaru has great rooms (check out the headboards), a beautiful courtyard, and all the amenities (storage, laundry) for weary trekkers. Javier and his staff speak good English, and Amaru is central, clean and fits the budget.
Hostal Margarita - family run, clean, affordable, friendly, popular with Germans, a block away from Lima Street.
Miraflores - the main tourist neighbourhood, lined with cafes, bars, hotels and shops. Grab a cone at Larcomar, a modern mall, or a drink at any of the outdoor cafes (you probably have to chain your bag to the table though!)
Peru Treks - My sure bet as your Inca Trail operator. Mike and his crew operate a first class service, great guides, food and understanding of a debut trekker’s needs. Be warned though, you have to book well in advance to ensure a spot on the trail, as they are limited and high in demand.
Mama Africas / Mama Americas - You’ll be inundated by touts, bribed with free drinks to check out their bars, but these two clubs are the top of the pile, jammed until the wee hours with locals and tourists, dancing to eclectic tunes and getting slammed. If you’re looking to party, look no further, but watch out for the rohypnol. Both are found just off the Plaza Des Armes.