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Lima Travel Resources

Lima Travel Resources

Lima Lima Province, Peru Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Lima

  • Navigation:

    Google Maps, Waze, Moovit highly useful.

  • Ride-sharing:

    Uber, Cabify, Didi, InDriver operate in Lima.

  • Translation:

    Google Translate (offline Spanish pack) useful for language barriers.

  • Food:

    TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and TheFork aid dining choices.

  • Accommodation:

    Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld popular for lodging.

Useful Websites

Social Media & Digital Content

Social Media Accounts

Stay updated and inspired by following official tourism boards (e.g., @Peru) and regional dishes bloggers.

Podcasts for Insights

Search for podcasts on Peruvian history, culture, and cuisine. Many independent creators and travel publications feature engaging content.

Digital Content

Deepen your knowledge of Lima and Peru through online articles, videos, and blogs that share current tips and recommendations.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • Lp Peru, A Popular series of travel guidebooks Peru, or Fodor's Peru feature comprehensive information.
  • Detailed city maps of Lima may be found at bookstores or the tourist office centers.
  • Carry these reliable resources for offline access.
  • Consult maps for efficient navigation.

Books About Peru

  • "The Conquest of Peru" by William H. Prescott (historical account).
  • "Death in the Andes" by Mario Vargas Llosa (fiction, cultural insights).
  • "Lima: City of Kings" by Peter F. Klarén (historical overview).
  • Read up on Peru's rich narrative before or during your trip.

Local Publications

Newspapers

  • El Comercio (major national newspaper)
  • La República (national newspaper)
  • Stay informed about current events.
  • Practice reading Spanish.

Magazines

  • Caretas (a weekly news magazine)
  • Specialized cultural magazines
  • Gastronomy publications
  • Stay informed about cultural happenings.

Event Guides

  • Local culture and event guides
  • Frequently at hotels or cultural centers
  • Find listings for concerts and shows
  • Discover art exhibitions

Emergency & Medical Info

Emergency Numbers & Natural Disaster Protocols

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 105
  • Ambulance (SAMU): 106
  • Fire Department: 116
  • IPERÚ (Tourist Assistance): +51 1 574 8000

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Earthquake: Follow "Drop, Cover, Hold On".
  • Move to designated safe zones if advised.
  • Tsunami: If on the coast after strong earthquake, move to higher ground immediately.
  • Follow evacuation routes.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report theft or loss to local police (Comisaría).
  • Contact your embassy or consulate if you need emergency travel documents.
  • File a report with your travel insurance provider (often a police report for claims).
  • Keep copies of documents separate.

Hospital & Clinic Locations

Recommended Hospitals

  • Clinica Delgado (Miraflores): Modern, often for tourists.
  • Clinica Anglo Americana (Miraflores): Reputable private clinic.
  • Clinica Ricardo Palma (San Isidro): Large private hospital.

Medical Tips

  • Carry necessary prescriptions with you.
  • Travel insurance highly recommended.
  • For minor issues, pharmacies can assist.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Contacting Your Embassy

  • Keep your country's embassy contact info handy.
  • Most embassies located in San Isidro and Miraflores.
  • Check their official website for updated numbers.

Consular Services

  • Assistance with emergency travel documents.
  • Citizen services for nationals abroad.
  • General support and guidance.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  1. Search for historical documentaries about "The Conquest of Peru".
  2. Explore documentaries focusing on Peruvian cuisine and its global influence.
  3. Look for films on pre-Columbian civilizations.
  4. Discover travel shows featuring Peru.
  5. Gain visual and narrative insights into Peru.

Music & Art

  1. Listen to "Música Criolla," Afro-Peruvian music, and Andean folk music.
  2. Familiarize yourself with pre-Columbian art (Moche, Nazca, Inca).
  3. Explore colonial art and contemporary Peruvian art.
  4. Search for traditional dance performances.
  5. Immerse yourself in Peruvian creative expressions.

Online Communities & Language Learning

Online Forums

Explore TripAdvisor forums, Reddit (r/Peru, r/Lima), and Social media groups for expats and travelers in Lima for tips and connections.

Language Apps

Utilize apps like Duolingo and Babbel to learn or continue Spanish. Great for conversational practice.

Local Schools

Consider local Spanish language schools in Lima for immersive learning. A great way to deepen your language journey and meet locals.

Health and Safety Reminder

Always drink bottled or purified water. Know emergency contacts and your embassy location. Travel insurance recommended.

Music & Art Scene

Peruvian Musical Traditions

Coastal Music Música Criolla

  • Genre:

    Romantic ballads, waltzes, and polkas.

  • Instruments:

    Acoustic guitar and cajón (box drum).

  • Listen:

    Explore artists like Chabuca Granda.

Afro-Peruvian Rhythms

  • Genre:

    Energetic rhythms with African roots.

  • Instruments:

    Cajón, quijada (donkey jawbone), and guitar.

  • Experience:

    Live performances in Barranco.

Peruvian Art Through Eras

Pre-Columbian Art

Discover intricate pottery, textiles, and metallurgy from cultures like Moche, Nazca, and Inca at Museo Larco and the National Museum.

Contemporary Art

Explore modern galleries and street art, especially in the Bohemian district of Barranco, demonstrating Peruvian creativity.

Andean Folk Music & Dances

Andean Instruments

  • Quena: Traditional Andean flute for melodic tunes.
  • Charango: Small string instrument, similar to a ukulele.
  • Zampoña: Panpipes creating ethereal sounds.
  • Bombo: Large drum providing rhythmic backbone.

Traditional Dances

  • Marinera: Elegant courtship dance, coastal origin.
  • Huayno: Vibrant dance from the Andes, community spirit.
  • Danza de Tijeras: Ritualistic scissor dance, Andean highlands.
  • Festejo: Afro-Peruvian dance, lively and festive.

Live Performance Venues

Barranco Nightlife

  • Peñas: Traditional venues for Música Criolla.
  • Bars & Clubs: Often feature live Afro-Peruvian jazz or salsa.
  • Art galleries often host musical events.
  • Check venues near the Span of Sighs.

Miraflores & Historic Center

  • Theaters: Occasional classical and folk performances.
  • Cultural Centers: Often host traditional music and dance.
  • Gran Teatro Nacional: For larger, formal shows.
  • Consult local listings for upcoming events.

Immerse in the Sounds

Experiencing Lima's music and art first-hand appreciation for its culture.

Next Up: Lima Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation