DESTINATION GUIDES
LIMA
History in motion
Never has a city been less static. Lima’s history dates back to the Inca Empire, through the age of the Spanish conquistadors and has thrust itself into the future. A city plagued by earthquakes is one that continues to rebuild itself, and not only on a physical front. Known now as a gastronomic hotspot with the international reputation to match, Lima is also on the brink of innovation in the realms of art and architecture – with plans for the ‘Unbalanced Hotel’ to be set diagonally into the edge a cliff face challenging convention in daring new ways. This is the essence of Lima.
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EAT
LUNCH
El Pan de la Chola
In the vibrant Miraflores neighbourhood sits a bakery that’s become something of a sweet spot for locals. The once small-scale, one-man-show now bakes up to 700 loaves of bread a day, serving up signature tostadas and a selection of sweet treats to legions of satisfied customers. Staying true to its surroundings (steelwork and industrial work spaces), rustic metalwork furnishings are installed into the tiled white wall interiors. El Pan also sources high quality Peruvian beans that are roasted locally within the district.
Avenue Mariscal La Mar 918, Miraflores;
www.fb.com/el-pan-de-la-cholaDINNER
IK Restaurante
Sourcing refurbished wood from old colonial houses, the panelled walls of the restaurant’s interiors are modelled to resemble ‘a fruit box, as seen from the inside’. Franco Kisic took leadership of the space following the tragic passing of his twin brother, the eponymous restaurateur, Ivan. IK now boasts its own farmhouse, boasting a seasonal menu and the option of a ‘short’ or ‘long’ tasting menu, allowing patron of the fine dining space to sample Lima on a platter.
Calle Elías Aguirre 179, Miraflores;
Tel. +51 1652 1692 -
DRINK
BARRA 55
Nordic-influenced designs behind this watering hole take centre stage – the black, white and blue geometric tiles light up the space while blackboard walls with the daily specials and tapas selection add a personal touch. In Lima, the Pisco Sour may overshadow other liqueurs. But the artfully crafted cocktails at Barra 55 are not to be underestimated; with more than 20 variations of gin and a selection of drinks served in prescriptive medicine jars.
28 De Julio 206, Lima;
+51 986 634 193 -
STAY
SECOND HOME
Once the residence of the famed sculptor Victor Delfin, this eight-bedroom boutique hotel and beachfront property offers a much-needed slice of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre without existing in isolation; walking distance from the art district in Barranco and an array of bars and restaurants. The early 20th Century building boasts an in-house art gallery and quaint fixtures exuding an old-world charm, with clawfoot bathtubs in each room.
Domeyer 366, Barranco;
+51 1247 5522 -
SHOP
DÉDALO
Bringing the magic of a holiday home with you can be hard, but a step inside the realm of authentic craftsmen is a step in the right direction. Dédalo is run by a husband and wife pair, who studied in Florence before returning to Lima. The creators turned curators now host a range of local clothing, jewellery and art designs in their house of curios with a little terrace and café, as well as an on-site exhibition space and live music evenings each week.
Saenz Peña 295, Barranco;
Tel. +51 1652 5400 -
DO
MATE
The non-profit cultural exhibition centre was founded by one of the world’s most acclaimed fashion photographers, Mario Testino. The proud Peruvian has stayed true to his roots, with the 19th Century mansion’s facade restored with the utmost integrity. The inside has been brought to life in celebration of Peruvian culture and heritage, with an added modern flair, including a permanent exhibition featuring images from his personal collection.
Avenida Pedro de Osma 409, Barranco;
Tel. +51 1200 5400Images via Facebook
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A Fish in the Water
by Mario Vargas Llosa
A memoir of the life and times of Peru’s most prolific author has a lot of territory to cover. The novelist turned journalist turned presidential candidate (who also tried his hand at screenwriting) has lived life to the highest degree, and this autobiographical piece recounts the seminal events in his life in conjunction with a narrative of the country’s past and present.
