Barranco, Lima is an extremely walkable part of the city. And while you’re wandering, you’ll inevitably come across incredible murals. Nearly every available wall has been taken over by vibrant expressions of artists’ imaginations.

So when you visit Lima, Peru, don’t miss the street art in Barranco. This neighborhood is one of the best places to see murals in Lima—and perhaps all of Peru.

Want to know what to look for? Read on for some of my favorite murals in Barranco. What’s more, at the end of this post, I’ll share some of the other best things to do in Barranco, Lima!

Why is there so much street art in Barranco?

Barranco is the beating heart of Lima’s arts and culture community. Here you’ll find galleries, museums, innovative restaurants and book stores that make you want to dive in and never leave.

It makes perfect sense, then, that Lima’s artists (and muralists from elsewhere) find a welcome reception for Barranco’s street art.

And while I recommend checking out this neighborhood’s arts centers, hip shopping and museums, don’t miss Barranco’s street art. Muralists have turned this corner of Lima into an outdoor gallery—a place where public art is truly meant for everyone.

Where to find Barranco street art

One of the wonderful things about street art is it changes constantly. Chances are, the murals in Barranco that I saw will be different than the ones visible when you explore.

Murals come and go, so no one can be sure if the street art will still be displayed—or painted over, tagged or torn down.

That said, there are a few spots that have become permanent centers of street art in Lima. Here’s where to find murals in Barranco:

1.Under the bridge next to the Parque Federico Villarreal. If you’re wondering where to find murals in Barranco, Lima, you can’t go wrong walking under this bridge. You’ll see some of Lima’s most famous murals and maybe folks painting new ones, like I saw when I visited. Street musicians also perform her often, especially on weekends.

2. The famous street art stairs in Barranco. Pretty much every square inch of wall is painted along these famous stairs in Barranco. You can find them by their entrance next to Restaurante Javier. It’s near the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), the romantically named but fairly underwhelming bridge.

3. Everywhere! Besides these two spots, Barranco murals are spread all over the neighborhood. You can’t help but run into them as you walk around Barranco!

More murals in Barranco, all the time

The Barranco District has embraced its identity as the street art center of Lima. Beginning in 2015, murals festivals and contests have added more public art to this hip neighborhood.

In addition to sanctioned and professional murals, you’ll also probably spy street art that went up on the sly. These more ad hoc murals stick closer to the art form’s history as a subversive, grassroots expression.

Regardless if the artists are world renowned or anonymous, you’ll love seeing the street art in Barranco.

Where else to see art, galleries and museums in Barranco

Since you’re in an art and culture mood, you should also check out the indoors arts. If you’re looking for things to do in Barranco, Lima, add these to your list. These are some of my favorite galleries and museums in Barranco:

Jade Rivera’s studio

Jade Rivera is one of the most famous muralists of Peru, and he keeps a studio in Barranco. The studio is open to the public, and you can buy his art—on a smaller scale (which is much easier to fit in a suitcase than an entire wall!).

You’ll also want to meet the cats that hang out here!

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo – MAC (Modern Art Museum, Lima)

On the border between Miraflores and Barranco, you’ll see the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. (It’s just past the Barranco sign.)

This modern art museum is fairly small, making it a quick stop. You can make your way through the exhibitions in an hour. Its works are continually rotating, so you never know what you’ll see.

The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MAC) also has a little outdoor cafe for quick bites to eat and a drink. Don’t forget to walk the museum grounds to see large outdoor sculptures.

If you’re spending time in Miraflores, you’ll definitely want to read my post on things to do in Miraflores, Lima. It’s one of my most popular posts!

Pedro de Osma Museum

On the other side of Barranco, I definitely suggest you visit the Pedro de Osma Museum. This museum has a completely different feel and exhibits art primarily from the 1600s-1800s. You’ll see how imperialism and Catholicism mixed with indigenous values and religion to create a wholly unique artistic style.

This Barranco museum also holds art and artifacts from Peruvian cultures dating from the fifth century onward.

The Pedro de Osma Museum is housed in the mansion that belonged to the art collector the museum is named after. In the second and smaller building of the museum, you’ll see portraits, art and artifacts from the collector’s family.

I also enjoyed walking around the museum grounds. Its perfectly manicured lawn and palm trees made me feel like I’d traveled back in time—that I might see Pedro de Osma Gildemeister himself pulling up in a horse-drawn carriage.

MATE Museum (Mario Testino photography museum)

Mario Testino is a famous Peruvian photographer who made his name as a fashion photographer. Throughout his career, he photographed portraits of the rich and famous, including Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Madonna and Angelina Jolie. He was also recently accused of sexual harassment and assault by some of the models he worked with—so I leave it to you if you want to visit the MATE Museum. (The museum is a nonprofit, so the money you spend there doesn’t actually go to the photographer.)

I didn’t visit it personally, but some of the people I traveled with went. The MATE Museum focuses on photography, especially that of Mario Testino. It also includes other photography special exhibitions.

When my sister and friends went, they were actually more interested in the visiting exhibition than in the photography. A Peruvian artist had spent four days collaborating with regular ol’ people to create vibrant, spontaneous pieces of art.

Things to do in Barranco, Lima: See all the street art!

There are so many things to do in Barranco, Lima. I loved visiting Barranco museums, shopping in the independent stores, perusing book shops, eating artisan gelato and so much more. Most of all, though, I fell in love with Barranco’s street art!

I’m pretty sure you will, too. If you’re heading to Peru, you should stop in Barranco, even if you’re only staying in Lima for a day. It was one of my favorite neighborhoods in Lima.

And if you’re heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to read my post that details visiting Machu Picchu!

The post Street art in Barranco, Lima: Peru’s murals neighborhood (w/ pics!) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Once an overlooked stopover city in South America travelers just passed through on their way to something more interesting, Lima is now a destination in its own right. Yet Peru’s capital of nearly 10 million people is big, spread out and a bit confusing to navigate—so we were left wondering, where to stay in Lima? The consensus was to either stay in Miraflores or Barranco. For the first part of my trip to Lima, our group opted for Miraflores—a quiet and safe residential neighborhood in Lima.

My group—11 of us in all—stayed at The Hotel Dazzler in Miraflores for four nights. It was a beautiful, convenient and comfortable hotel within walking distance of most things to do in Miraflores.

When you’re searching for where to stay in Lima, you probably want a more detailed review than the few sentences you’ll find on a travel review site. That’s why I put together a full, comprehensive and honest Hotel Dazzler Lima review. Read on for everything you need to know about this Miraflores hotel.

Hotel Dazzler Lima review: Upscale hotel in Miraflores

I recently traveled to Peru with my sister, brother, sister-in-law and 7 other friends for my sister Beth’s birthday. We gathered in South America from all across the US to celebrate what an amazing human she is, so naturally we wanted an upscale hotel in Miraflores. We needed a hotel that could accommodate all of us, with our varying arrival and departure times, room needs and dietary requirements.

The Hotel Dazzler Lima fit the bill.

Plus, we all got to make jazz hands whenever we said “DAZZLER!”

If you’re looking for hotels in Miraflores and elsewhere in Lima, I know this Dazzler Hotel Lima review will help. Read on for the details you need on rooms, food, drinks and of course the rooftop pool!

Comfortable and spacious rooms

Often when you travel abroad, one of the first things you notice is that hotel rooms in foreign countries tend to be much smaller than you’re used to in the US. Not so with the Hotel Dazzler: Rooms were spacious and comfortable, even for those of us sharing rooms.

In fact, the Hotel Dazzler even had triple rooms, with three double beds. This setup was perfect for our group, as my sister, my friend Paulina and I shared a room. The triple room made our hotel stay—and the whole trip to Peru—much more affordable.

Even with three of us in one room, we had plenty of space: I never felt like I was tripping over anyone or their stuff.

I have zero complaints about the rooms: Beds were comfortable. Blackout curtains kept out any unwanted light, helping us sleep off jet lag and adjust to the different time zone (since Peru is 2 hours ahead of the West Coast of the US). The bathroom was spacious and had a minimalist style; the shower was strong and hot, and the toiletries were high quality.

Accommodating customer service

I have nothing but good things to say about the customer service and front desk at the Hotel Dazzler Lima. At one point, we had to change a reservation, and we just sent an email. Technically, we missed the cancellation deadline, but they were more than happy to help us—no fees attached.

The hotel was also helpful when my sister needed to add me to the room reservation. You see, she booked the room—and her name was on the reservation—but I arrived before her and would need to be the one checking in. One email later and my name was added to the reservation, and I was able to check us in without any hiccups.

Level 10 travel tip: Some of our group had trouble booking the Hotel Dazzler Lima on travel web sites, so I recommend booking directly through the Hotel Dazzler web site.

I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t exchange any money at the front desk, but the concierge pointed me in the direction of several banks within a few blocks and explained that I could also find money-changers on the street—which is apparently a legit (if kind of odd) practice in Lima.

What’s more, the front desk was always happy to hold my bags for me. I arrived in Lima around 7am, much earlier than my room was ready and available to me. So the front desk held my suitcase while I wandered around Miraflores and Barranco. They even held my suitcase when I wasn’t staying there: When I checked out and left for Cusco, I left my large suitcase with the Hotel Dazzler so I could travel light when I went to hike the Inca Trail.

Hotel Dazzler food and drink

When I travel, my MO is to load up on breakfast—after all, I have a really fast metabolism and tend to get hangry if my blood sugar drops. It should come as no surprise, then, that a teeny-weeny continental breakfast isn’t my jam.

Breakfast at the Hotel Dazzler Lima definitely hit the spot, though. Each morning, a central buffet table held dozens of choices, from toast and sliced deli meat to scrambled eggs and traditional Peruvian rice-and-sausage dishes. There were new foods every morning, so I never got bored with the breakfast options. There were hot choices as well as cold choices, plus juices, coffee and tea. I don’t drink coffee, but the rest of my group said the coffee at the Hotel Dazzler was fine—not great, but definitely drinkable.

The breakfasts had plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options (several mornings even had homemade lentil burgers). The kids I saw at the Hotel Dazzler breakfasts loaded up on cereal, granola with yogurt, fruit, eggs and bacon, so their buffet is definitely kid-friendly.

Level 10 travel tip: If you travel with a group, it’s likely you’ll eat lunch later than you may be used to, since it takes longer for lots of people to decide on a place to stop and eat. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast, then, before you head out for your day’s adventure.

You’ll also get free drink tickets when you check in to the Hotel Dazzler. We used ours for Pisco Sours, Peru’s signature cocktail, at the rooftop bar. Each drink was handmade—no pre-made mixer here—and quite delicious. We drank them before dinner and watched the sun set over the Pacific from the rooftop bar.

Central to Miraflores

When I travel, I avoid taking taxis—partly because I am cheap (ha!) but mostly because I love wandering. So I was happy when I discovered that I could walk all over Miraflores and other parts of Lima from the Hotel Dazzler.

Miraflores is perhaps Lima’s safest tourist neighborhood, and I never felt uncomfortable walking in the area.

From the hotel, I walked to the Malecon, Parque Kennedy, the Huaca Pucllana pre-Incan ruins, the Amano Museum of Textiles, the Parque del Amor and Barranco. (To read about these must-see destinations in Miraflores, click over for a full post on what to do, see, eat and drink in Miraflores.)

We were also an easy taxi ride to Lima Central. The hotel front desk was helpful in telling us how much to estimate for paying for the taxi ride (which you always need to negotiate before getting into the car).

Hotel Dazzler amenities

I usually keep my distance from hotel gyms, but while I was traveling I really wanted to keep up with my weight-lifting routine. So I got up early a few mornings to work out at the Hotel Dazzler gym, and it was actually pretty nice. There were a few elliptical machines and treadmills, plus two benches and free weights. It was nothing fancy, but it got the job done.

Just be aware that the gym was open air: The plus is that it doesn’t get sweaty and stinky (yuck!) but the down side is that it’s humid.

Next to the gym is the Hotel Dazzler rooftop pool. I didn’t end up swimming, but it is heated and has a gorgeous view of the Lima skyline. The hotel also has a sauna next to the swimming pool.

Bottom line: Hotel Dazzler Lima review

If you’re looking for where to stay in Miraflores, I absolutely recommend the Hotel Dazzler Lima.

I had peace of mind and confidence in my safety and comfort staying at the hotel here. What’s more, I knew we wouldn’t have the problems faced by my friends who booked another hotel in Miraflores—which mysteriously closed without ever notifying them or refunding their money. (No bueno.)

As a reminder, this Hotel Dazzler Lima review is completely unsponsored and unsolicited. I hope it helps as you figure out where to stay in Miraflores!

Let me know if you’ve stayed at the Dazzler, and if this Hotel Dazzler Lima review is helpful.

The post Complete + honest Hotel Dazzler Lima review: Where to stay in Miraflores appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My older sister turned 40 this year, and she decided she wanted to celebrate in Peru. Who was I to deny her birthday wishes? So she, my brother and sister-in-law, and a handful of friends jetted down to Peru to celebrate the great luck we have in knowing my sister. (I love you, Beth!)

The Moray ruins in Peru are concentric circles carved into the mountain, where Incan communities cultivated crops.

Toward the end of our trip, Beth and I wanted to see a bit more of Peru, so I looked into Peru Hop’s day trips from Lima. We ended up doing a two-day trip to Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca.

I didn’t know what to expect, and I was wary of bus tours that tend to cater to backpackers and travelers just barely in their 20s. I was pleasantly surprised with our whole experience, though.

Here, I share everything you need to know about budget-friendly bus travel in Peru in this 100% unbiased, unsponsored Peru Hop review.

Read this Peru Hop review before booking your trip

Peru Hop buses

Peru Hop replaces its buses every three years, so the fleet is always in top condition—and it showed on our recent day trip from Lima. The seats were comfortable and reclined (although I recommend you don’t fully tip your seat back—otherwise, you’ll encroach on other passengers’ space). The buses were always clean.

There are two bathrooms in the back, which you can use while the bus is moving—crucial for longer stretches. (Our trip from Huacachina back to Lima was about 4 hours nonstop). It’s important to know that you can only pee in the bus toilets; they’re not equipped to handle #2 or toilet paper.

Peru Hop guides

Our Peru Hop leaders were always friendly, approachable and extremely helpful. They all spoke fluent English and Spanish; some of them also spoke Portuguese.

The guides sometimes offer information about Peru and what you’re seeing. For example, one guide explained that Lima’s population boomed in the ‘60s-80s when people in the rural areas fled fighting and terrorist attacks; squatter’s laws mean that they legally own property after living on it for 10 years.

I have to give a special shout-out to Natalia, our guide from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina. She (and the other Peru Hop leaders) did an excellent job of managing many passengers, making sure we were all where we needed to be on time, and doing so with grace and a sense of humor—without seeming pushy. That is not an easy job.

Peru Hop itineraries and tours

Although Peru Hop doesn’t operate tours and activities—it contracts with local companies at the different locations it serves, thereby supporting community-based economies and entrepreneurs—I completely appreciated having a trusted recommendation for organized sightseeing.

After a week and a half of traveling in Peru, I definitely felt the decision fatigue of figuring out where to stay, eat and visit. I was more than happy to cede some decision making to Peru Hop, especially because a 2-day trip from Lima included two things to do in Peru I had been eyeing on Pinterest for months: Huacachina and the Nazca Lines.

(See my comprehensive post about everything you need to know about Huacachina for more on this desert oasis town!)

Here’s the thing: Peru Hop, which has a 96% 5-star rating on Trip Adviser, serves thousands of passengers a year. They must work with reputable, safe, high quality operators if they want to maintain their reputation. This is why I felt comfortable going with all their recommendations for activities, tours and even restaurants.

The Peru Hop 2-day trip from Lima

Beth’s birthday group spent quite a long time in Lima; we wanted to end the trip by getting out of the big city for a bit and seeing other parts of Peru. If you’re thinking the same thing, I’m so glad you’ve found this Peru Hop review. (If you’re spending time in Lima, click over to my post on the best of Miraflores.)

We were picked up in front of Starbucks in Barranco at 6:30am. The Peru Hop guide, Natalia, literally hopped off the bus to greet us: She had our names on a list on a clipboard, and there was zero confusion of where we were meant to go.

Peru Hop trip to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

After a 1.5 hour bus ride, we arrived in Paracas, a beach town south of Lima. As it’s winter in Peru in June, Paracas was sleepy and slightly foggy, so it didn’t immediately feel like a must-see destination. From Paracas, we took a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a national preserve set aside for wildlife conservation.

The hands-down highlight of the boat tour to Ballestas Islands was seeing Humboldt penguins. They were unbelievably cute, and we saw them waddle/fall down the rocks to the edge of the water, then jump in to go fishing. We also saw sea lions and approximately 79 bajillion birds that all nest on these rocky outcroppings.

I was impressed that the boat ride was smooth—I’m pretty sure no one felt sick at all. The boat captain did a wonderful job of maneuvering the boat so each side got to see the animals and rock formations.

On the boat tour, we also saw the Candelaria, an ancient engraving in the sandstone near Ballestas Islands. Historians don’t know a lot about the mysterious design (does it represent a cactus? something else?). It does look like the famous Nazca Lines (more on those later!) but they differ in many ways, too.

Peru Hop trip to Huacachina

Next, we drove about 2.5 hours south to Huacachina, the desert oasis town. After lunch, we took a dune buggy and sandboarding tour on the towering sand dunes surrounding Huacachina.

Again, here’s where my trust of Peru Hop partners came into play. Although zipping up and down sand dunes like they were rollercoasters was somewhat terrifying, I was more excited-scared than afraid-for-my-life scared. Peru Hop has been working with local companies for years and so knows which ones have the best reputation for safety.

The dune buggy ride was beyond fun, and I absolutely loved sandboarding. I also appreciated that our dune buggy guide, Orlando, gave us plenty of time to take pictures (and Boomerangs!) on the otherworldly dunes. When you’re in a one-of-a-kind place like Huacachina for such a short time, you definitely don’t want to feel rushed, and I never did with Peru Hop’s operators.

Peru Hop trip to Nazca Lines

When I first researched visiting Nazca and flying over the Nazca lines, I was totally overwhelmed. There are about a half-dozen airlines that operate flights, but every blog post on this iconic Peruvian adventure warns of disreputable companies with sketchy safety records. The thing was, I had a hard time figuring out which ones were legit and which weren’t.

This is again where Peru Hop’s help made me feel taken care of. With a guide’s help, we booked our Nazca Line flight on FindLocalTrips.com. The Peru Hop guide also explained all the must-know details, like how much cash to bring for the airport tax, and to ensure we brought our passports.

Then Peru Hop arranged transport for our small group to Nazca. We drove the roughly 3 hours on a comfortable bus, which dropped us off directly at the Nazca airport. We were picked up after our Nazca flight and brought into Nazca town, where we were later picked up to be taken back to Huacachina, and then back to Lima.

Peru Hop review: Pros & cons

Pros

Convenience. I was happy to let an experienced company arrange activities and tours because I already knew I wanted to do the trips—e.g. to the Nazca Lines and Huacachina.

Safety. Peru Hop hires and trains safe bus drivers. I felt totally comfortable with our drivers.

Cost. I thought Peru Hop’s prices were totally reasonable. Had I paid for the same activities a la cart, I would have paid a lot more—and had way more of a logistics headache.

Straightforward pricing. Peru Hop was completely transparent about what a trip would cost and what it included—there were no surprises. The company didn’t try to upsell me, either.

Clarity. I always understood where we were going, what was happening next, and when I needed to be at the meeting point for the next leg of the trip. The guides invited questions at every stage, and they never made me feel stupid when I needed clarification.

No gimmicky sales stops. Most tours you go on include “educational” activities that are little more than high-pressure sales stops. Peru Hop didn’t shoehorn these kinds of stops into the itinerary; every stop was clearly outlined, so there were never any surprises.

Cons

Driving time. Over our 2-day trip from Lima, we spent about 13 hours on a bus. This of course isn’t Peru Hop’s fault; it’s just the nature of going a far way to see Peru’s spread-out attractions. I would have preferred to spend more time in our destinations (which is also an option with Peru Hop, since itineraries are customizable and flexible), but Beth and I only had two days and wanted to see and do as much as we could. That said, know that a 2-day trip from Lima includes a lot of bus time.

Standard accomodation. Just before we arrived in Huacachina, I realized we’d been booked in the standard partner hostel, the Casa de Arena—aka backpacker party central. Beth and I are happily past that stage of life and wanted no part of a hostel scene next to a nightclub. I wish we had been given the option of choosing where to stay when making the Peru Hop reservation; I would have gladly paid extra for different lodging. Unfortunately, I didn’t know I should email Peru Hop to book a different location.

Thankfully, though, our Peru Hop guide Natalia helped sort us out: She reserved a private room at a quieter hostel for us on the fly. When we arrived in Huacachina, the Wild Olive knew to expect us and had a room ready. I did have to pay for the separate lodging (though we got a discount as Peru Hop customers); then I had to request a lodging refund via email from Peru Hop, which I got within a couple of days.

Bottom line: Should you book a Peru Hop trip?

Ultimately, my Peru Hop review is strongly positive: I would recommend taking a Peru Hop trip to just about any traveler who wants to see more of Peru without spending a ton of money.

I found Peru Hop to be:

• safe
• efficient
• helpful
• reliable
• comfortable

Peru Hop allowed me and my sister to visit Huacachina and fly over the Nazca Lines in just the two days we had available. Without booking this 2-day trip from Lima, I wouldn’t have been able to organize such an ambitious outing. Dune buggying, sandboarding and flying over the Nazca Lines are unforgettable experiences my sister and I shared, and I’m so glad we took the time to see more of Peru. I hope this Peru Hop review helps you decide if this South America bus travel is right for you.

How to make the most of a Peru Hop trip

Book your trip in person, if possible

You can reserve your Peru Hop itinerary in-person at a handful of Peru locations, including their office in Miraflores, Lima. This method is better than booking online because you can, for example, arrange for non-standard lodging (and avoid the stress of having to make a last-minute change, like we did).

Use your Peru Hop discounts

You’ll get a Peru Hop bracelet to wear during your trip, which gets you a discount at partner restaurants and hotels. Remember to show your waiter or hotel your bracelet so you don’t pay full price, which is a great perk that comes along with being a Peru Hop customer.

Bring snacks

You won’t always have a lot of time on each planned stop to buy food, so bring snacks to eat on the stretches when you’re driving long ways.

Don’t be late

No one wants to wait for you while you take one more picture or haggle for a cheaper t-shirt. Arrive at the meeting place on time so everyone can get to the next stop on schedule.

Speak up and ask questions

I found Peru Hop guides and staff to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They seemed well trained and ready to help—but they wouldn’t have known how to be of assistance had Beth and I not spoken up.

Reminder: This Peru Hop review was unsolicited and unsponsored. My sister and I paid 100% of our 2-day trip from Lima, and no one from the company knew I would be writing a Peru Hop review.

Have you been to Peru? What was your favorite part of the country? And if you’ve taken a Peru Hop trip, I’d love to hear your thoughts—both pros and cons—in the comments below!

The post A complete & honest Peru Hop review: Cheap travel in South America appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My sister and I didn’t spend a ton of time here, which is how most travelers see Huacachina. I could have stayed another day, but unfortunately we both had planes to catch and so had to cut our visit short.

I fell in love with this strange, otherworldly desert oasis town, though, and I’m pretty sure you will, too. Here’s everything you need to know about Huacachina to make your visit unforgettable. Read on for tips on dune buggy tours, sandboarding tips and where to eat in Huacachina. Save this post for later by pinning one of the images below—you definitely won’t want to forget Huacachina, Peru when you’re making your bucket list or planning your trip to South America!

What to know about Huacachina: the nitty gritty details

1. Plan for partying

Huacachina is a party town. Thursday through Saturday nights are the loudest, and it’s hard to escape the noise, even if you’re not staying in a backpacker’s hostel. (A nightclub’s noise carries and echoes in the dunes.) If you’re not the partying type, visit Huacachina Sunday through Wednesday, and select one of the quieter lodgings. (I stayed at Wild Olive, which was quite mellow, and the price included breakfast.)

Level 10 travel tip: If you just can’t abide the party vibe, you can stay in nearby Ica. It’s just a few minutes away from Huacachina by taxi. The most out-of-the-way hotel within Huacachina is the Hosteria Suiza; the Casa de Bamboo is on the quieter side, too.

2. Don’t expect 5 stars

Much of the lodging in Huacachina is quite basic. Windows don’t have a lot of insulation so you’ll hear whatever is happening on the street, and you definitely can’t flush toilet paper down the toilet. You come to Huacachina for the otherworldly sand dunes, though, not for impressive hotels.

Level 10 travel tip: The swankiest lodging in Huacachina is the Curasi Hotel. It’s still pretty basic, compared to what you may be used to, but it’s less of a backpacker vibe and it has a pool with a view of the oasis.

3. Respect the dunes

Make sure you don’t drop anything, even a scrap of paper. Garbage is a huge problem in tourist centers like Huacachina, and you’ll see evidence of people’s carelessness on the dunes.

Level 10 travel tip: If you’re staying for a few days, look into volunteering with Eco Dunas Huacachina. They’ll take you up on the dunes, where you’ll learn about the local ecology and help pick up trash, preserving this incredible place for everyone.

4. Don’t bother with taxis

The small oasis town of Huacachina is tiny, but that won’t stop taxi drivers from trying to take you places. You can walk anywhere in Huacachina within a few minutes.

5. Don’t mind the dogs

Like in the rest of Peru, Huacachina has a lot of stray dogs—and people’s pets that wander on their own. They walk through hotel lobies and restaurants alike, looking for handouts. I recommend not feeding them—you might not be able to get rid of them.

Level 10 travel tip: Huacachina’s streets are kept pretty clean by workers who sweep up garbage and waste, but watch where you step anyway—you don’t want to walk through dog doo.

6. Take care for safety

Anywhere you travel, you’ll need to take commonsense measures to protect yourself and your belongings: Secure your passport and extra cash in a safe, be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit, public places. Huacachina is a tourist center, which means you’re susceptible to people triyng to take advantage of the concentration of money. We didn’t have any problems at all (in fact everyone was super nice), but beware pickpockets.

7. Don’t expect an early rising town

Huacachina is a backpacker’s paradise, and people tend to party at night. Accordingly, mornings start later than you may be used to. (At our hotel, breakfast began at 8am.)

What to pack for Huacachina

8. Plan for the arid air

The climate here in the desert oasis town of Huacachina is, of course, very dry. Bring along body lotion and eyedrops. (I didn’t plan ahead and my eyes burned the whole time from being so dry!)

Level 10 travel tip: If you forget your eyedrops, ask at a pharmacy in town for gotas lubricantes para los ojos.

9. Bring fannypacks back

I don’t keep it any secret that I’m a huge fan of fannypacks. (I rock one very similar to this space kitty fannypack all the time and get compliments on it all the time! – affiliate link) No matter your opinion on them, there’s no denying their practicality on Huacachina’s dunes. In it you can stash your room key, phone and sunglasses. Twist it around to your back when you slide down sandboarding.

Level 10 travel tip: For extra protection for your phone, bring a ziplock baggie. You can put your phone in it when you’re not using it, further guarding it against sand.

10. Bring enough cash

Huacachina doesn’t have an ATM, so take out enough cash to get you through your stay in Huacachina. Many places take cards, too, but will charge a fee.

11. Wear layers

Huacachina is in the middle of the desert, so the temperature drops immediately after sunset. I wore a sweater plus a jacket at night.

12. Find out if you need a towel

Much of the lodging in Huacachina is hostel-style, which means it doesn’t provide a towel. Check with your hotel to ensure they provide towels and soap; otherwise, bring your own.

What you need to know before a dune buggy tour

13. Research dune buggy tours

It seems as if there are more dune buggies than people in Huacachina, and just about everyone will try to sell you a tour of the dunes. Do your research first to ensure you book with a reputable and safe company. FindLocalTrips.com books with reputable groups.

14. Your dune buggy guide may not speak English

If there’s anything in particular you need to communicate with your dune buggy guide (and you don’t speak Spanish), make sure you tell him before you head out to the dunes, when someone nearby can help translate. In the group of about 5 guides I interacted with, none of them spoke English.

15. Protect your belongings on the dunes

When you dune buggy up Huacachina’s famous dunes—and you definitely should—leave your nice camera in your hotel. Bring, instead, just your phone. You’ll get great photos without running the risk of bumping your DSLR on the buggy’s rollercoaster ride or dropping it in the sand.

16. Bring water

Your throat will be parched after breathing the arid air (and screaming your head off on the rollercoaster-like dune buggy ride), so definitely bring a bottle of water on your dunes tour.

17. Try sandboarding

Before I got to Huacachina, I was on the fence about sandboarding. After all, I’ve never snowboarded or skiied (crazy, right?). Turns out, though, you should not stand up on the sandboards unless you’re very experienced; the rest of us slide down on our bellies, face-first.

Sandboarding this way is simple enough that even total newbies like me can do it—and have a blast. I laughed the entire way down!

18. Your feet are your brakes

You’ll hear your dune buggy guide yell “Baja los pies!” when you’re sliding down the dune on a sandboard—that’s because dragging your feet behind you slows you down. So if you’re going too fast, or you need to steer, use your feet.

19. Zip your pockets

When you slide down the dunes on sandboards, sand flies everywhere. Sounds obvious, but in my excitement, I forgot to zip my pants pockets. I ended up with about a pound of sand in my pants as a result.

20. Wear sunglasses

Yes, your sunglasses protect your eyes from the glare, but they’ll also stop sand from getting in your eyes. I wore my sunglasses even after sunset for this reason.

Level 10 travel tip: If you forgot your sunnies, there are people walking around selling them. You can also buy a bandana to wear over your face, which is what the locals do to protect from the sand.

21. Stay for sunset

When you book your dune buggy tour, go around 4pm. You’ll have lots of time to bomb around the dunes in the sun—and wrap up right before sunset around 5:30. Watching the sun dip below the dunes is a gorgeous sight.

Where to drink and eat in Huacachina

22. Know what you’re getting into with the BBQs

When you arrive in Huacachina, someone might try to sell you an entry to a BBQ. The price may be right, but find out first if they also have an all-you-can-drink special at the same time and place. If that’s your thing, great, but if not, know there will be a gaggle of 20-somethings drinking as quickly as they can there.

23. Find good vegetarian food

If you’re vegetarian, there are good places to eat in Huacachina. Casa de Bamboo has plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (we tried the quinoa risotto and the Thai curry, which was actually spicy—unusual in Peru). Desert Nights has a veggie burger special, with a house-made veggie patty plus a small salad and delicious fries for 20 soles, or less than US $6.

24. Eat with a view

When you’re staying in the oasis town of Huacachina, you should definitely eat your meals somewhere you have a view of the oasis. Desert Night’s rooftop patio has the best view in town.

25. Use your discount promotions

If you go to Huacachina with a tour group (which is what we did—we went with Peru Hop and had a great experience), take advantage of discounts it offers. Peru Hop, for example, partners with several restaurants in town and you’ll get up to 20% off listed prices. Just show your bracelet. We often stopped at these places because I trusted them more: After all, the tour company wouldn’t continue to partner with them if their clients got sick!

If you didn’t go with a tour, your hotel or hostel may offer discounts at its own restaurant and bar or at partnering ones. Ask when you check in.

26. Drink a lot of water

It’s easy to get dehydrated in the desert, so be proactive and drink more water than you think you’ll need. 

27. Look for cervezas artesenales

To be honest, I don’t have a high opinion of cocktails in backpacker-heavy locations: The mixed drinks tend to be poorly made. So instead of ordering cocktails like Peru’s signature pisco sour, opt for one of the country’s wonderful craft beers. Ask your waiter which cervezas artesenales they have. We drank Candelaria La Peruana, a light amber ale that was beautifully refreshing on a hot, dry day.

What to do in Huacachina

The main activities in Huacachina are dune buggy tours and sandboarding. If you already finished your high-speed sand adventures, here are additional ideas.

28. Rent a paddle boat

You can pedal boat around the oasis pool at the center of Huacachina for about 20 soles per half-hour (approximately US $7). There are several places to rent boats; they’re impossible to miss.

29. Walk up the dunes

Even if you did a dune buggy tour already, it’s a blast to walk up the sand dunes. It’s most popular to do so at sunset—just bring a light jacket, as the temperature drops quickly.

30. Pop into the library

There is a small but sweet library in Huacachina with quite the collection of philosophy and Peruvian culture books, in addition to other topics. Most are in Spanish.

31. Relax in a tree

Perhaps the best view in all of Huacachina is a tree that overlooks the oasis pool across from Nuna Cocina Bar. Climb up and watch the pedal boats go by.

32. Walk the horseshoe promenade

The U-shaped boardwalk around the oasis is peaceful in spite of the men trying to get you to rent boats and come to their restaurants. Take a slow stroll along the pedestrian-only path, which stops at the dunes on both ends.

33. Collect recuerdos

Huacachina’s artisan shopping isn’t extensive, which is actually a refreshing change. At the few handicraft and tourist stalls, you’ll find postcards, souvenirs and woven hats in the typical Peruvian style.

Ultimately, I recommend anyone with a few extra days in Peru travel to this desert oasis town. Pretty sure reading everything you need to know about Huacachina convinced you, too.

Add Huacachina to your Peru itinerary, jot it down on your bucket list or save this pin for later. Between Huacachina’s sandboarding, dune buggy rides and otherworldly landscapes, you won’t regret a visit.

The post 33 things to know about Huacachina: Peru’s otherworldly desert oasis appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Take a look at my favorite things to do in Miraflores, Lima from my recent trip to the incredible city. Add these to your itinerary—or pin this post for later. Whether you’re traveling to Peru right now or South America is on your bucket list, you’ll want to visit Miraflores, Lima.

Not convinced yet? You will be by the end of this post!

This post is not sponsored. I tried and loved everything on this list personally, and I think you’ll love these things to do in Miraflores, too!

11 Unforgettable things to do in Miraflores, Peru

In no particular order, here are my top 11 things to do in Miraflores!

1. Stroll along the Malecón

A boardwalk winds along the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean throughout Miraflores. For fresh air, ocean views, and a pedestrian-friendly outing, you can’t beat the Malecón. There are also bike rentals at the Larco Mar, the high-end mall that overlooks the ocean, and you can cycle along the Malecón’s bike paths (painted red).

If you’re wondering what to do in Miraflores with kids, the Larco Mar also has a playground named after Paddington, who arrived in London from Peru.

Level 10 travel tip: Look north to see Lima’s lighthouse, which warns passing ships from crashing into the rocks here.

2. Go cat-spotting at Parque Kennedy

The triangular park in Miraflores, Lima is called by its whole name, Parque Central, on many maps, but most people call it Parque Kennedy. It was named for the American president but these days it’s more famous for the hundreds of stray cats that call it home.

Locals leave them food and volunteers give them veterinary care, so they seem quite happy. They’re also friendly, so if you’re missing Fluffy at home, you can always get your cat fix here.

Level 10 travel tip: In the evenings, you might find an informal and impromptu dance party in one of the mini-amphitheaters in Miraflores, Peru’s Parque Kennedy. Join the crowd if you know salsa or bachata, or simply admire everyone else’s moves.

3. Get a taste of pre-Incan history at the Huaca Pucllana ruins

The contrast between 1,500-year-old pyramids and the chichi homes of Miraflores is a perfect expression of Lima: grounded in history but always pushing forward.

The hour-long tours are mandatory at Huaca Pucllana—no roaming about on your own—but you’ll learn much more about the three pre-Incan cultures who worshiped at this Miraflores, Peru ruins that way. The mud bricks that form these pyramids are still mostly intact and survived earthquakes—and the motorcross races that used to take place here before the ruins were excavated, protected, and preserved.

When researching things to do in Miraflores, don’t miss these urban ruins. 

4. Have a fabricgasm at the Amano Textile Museum

Wandering throughout Lima, you’ll see plenty of examples of Peru’s signature textiles—some mass-manufactured, some painstakingly hand-woven—and you’ll learn about this tradition’s roots at the Amano Textile Museum in Miraflores.

This impressive collection stands out with its detailed explanations in both Spanish and English so you get a sense of history along with the wow factor of centuries-old textiles. Plan for about an hour exploring this impressive museum in Miraflores, Peru, which displays ceramics and other art in addition to its comprehensive collection of pre-Incan textiles.

Level 10 travel tip: For an additional 20 soles (US $7), you can see the archives of blankets, clothing and more that aren’t on display.

5. Taste all the pisco at the Pisco Musuem

Ok, so the Museo del Pisco isn’t actually a museum, but if you come with an open mind, you’ll still learn plenty about Peru’s national drink from the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable waiters. The second (and admittedly less atmospheric) Pisco Museum location in Miraflores is right next to Parque Kennedy, and its expansive cocktail list will take a while to look through.

The canchitas (fried and salted corn) are the best I tried in Peru, and the rest of the tapas menu is delicious, too (try the fried cheese served with guacamole—you won’t be disappointed). Your list of fun things to do in Miraflores must include trying pisco, and you might as well drink it at one of the more respected bars in Lima.

Level 10 travel tip: Don’t limit yourself to iconic pisco sours here, and to make the most of your visit, come with friends (as long as they’re friends who are willing to swap tastes!). My hands-down favorite cocktail in Peru was the Flor de la Canela, which included a beautiful blend of cinnamon and cardamom and was a refreshing departure from the often-sweet cocktails made from pisco. Another standout: the Cocamanto, which draws just a hint of flavor from the coca leaf.

6. Join the faithful at the Iglesia de la Virgen Fátima

This church in Miraflores isn’t typically open to tourists, but if you stop by during mass times—generally 7 and 9am on weekdays and Saturdays and throughout the day starting at 7:30am on Sundays—you’ll get an authentic taste of Lima life while admiring this gorgeous iglesia.

The stained-glass windows let in the morning light in, and faithful locals slide in throughout the service. Stay for a few minutes after mass finishes to wander in the church and admire the artwork.

7. Let the local ceviche blow your mind

Ceviche (or cebiche, as it’s spelled in Peru) is raw fish or other seafood cured in an acid, typically lemon juice.

Such a simple explanation doesn’t even begin to describe the incredible tastes of the ceviche and tiraditos (thin strips of raw fish and other seafood, similar to ceviche) served at La Mar Cebichería. It’s not easy to choose from the traditional dishes served here, but my favorite was the tiradito chalacos.

Level 10 travel tip: This Miraflores restaurant is large, so it can accommodate bigger groups if you make a reservation or are prepared to wait. If you do need to wait for a table, they’re happy to seat you at the bar or bring you a menu so you can plan out your delicious meal to come.

8. Watch fútbol with locals in Miraflores

Soccer—or football/fútbol, to the rest of the world outside the US—is a force that brings people together. Peruvians are no exception.

If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, simply head to the concentration of bars around Parque Kennedy. At any given time, there’s probably a soccer match going on. Cheer for whichever team the locals are rooting for and make some new friends!

9.Feel the love at Parque del Amor

On the Malecón, you’ll find an entire park dedicated to love. The sensual statue at the park’s center gets the most attention, but I was even more smitten with the mosaic walls that wend around the park.

Quotes from love poems are set into the walls, and you’re sure to find a few favorites.

10. Eat tamales that will make you turn vegetarian

Peru’s tamales aren’t the Mexican ones you’re used to, but one taste of Panchita’s veggie tamales will have you swear off meat for good (or at least as long as you have a steady supply of these beauties).

When looking for where to eat in Miraflores, don’t miss Panchita’s criolla cooking. 

11. Sample local beer im Miraflores

Peru’s craft beer game is strong—and you can taste your way through about 20 local cervezas at Curaka Bar in Miraflores. One of my favorites: the Magdalena Pálida. If you can’t decide what you want, order a tasting flight and find your own new favorite!

Still wondering what to do in Miraflores, Peru

Bottom line: If you’re looking for things to do in Miraflores, there’s plenty to choose from. When you travel to Lima, Peru, don’t miss Miraflores, the neighborhood that offers so much!

And if you’re wondering where to stay in Miraflores, definitely check out my review of the Dazzler Hotel, Lima.

The post 11 BEST things to do in Miraflores that will make you fall in love with Lima, Peru appeared first on To & Fro Fam.