Top 10 Lima Travel Tips

Lima, the capital of Peru, is one of the largest cities in South America and by far the largest in Peru. It also sees a large number of international visitors, because it houses the only international airport in the country.
With its coastal location and modern shopping and dining districts, many travelers choose to spend at least a few days in Lima during their Peru trip. Here are 10 Lima travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Lima.

Tip 1: Remember the seasons. As a southern hemisphere country, Peru experiences seasons at opposite

Downtown Lima

times of the year compared to the United States, Europe, and other countries in the northern hemisphere. This means that if you visit in July, perhaps the hottest time of year in your hometown, it is likely to be the coldest time of year in Peru.

Tip 2: Book ahead. Although Lima isn't the hot spot destination Cusco is, quality hotels do fill up, so it is best to book in advance. Plus, it is nice to know where you're going to stay before you arrive so you don't have to waste time hunting around for a hotel.

Tip 3: Check Google Maps. If you're going to spend a few days wandering around the city, looking at the layout of Lima on Google Maps is a great way to orient yourself.

Machu Picchu

Tip 4: Go out to eat. Lima is home to some of the best seafood in the world. Indulge in some local dishes by going out to eat a couple times during you stay in Lima. Ceviche is the most famous, and seafood causa (a delicious mix with creamy potatoes) is a must try.

Tip 5: Pack a jacket. If you're going to be near the coast, a jacket is a must. The ocean breeze can be brisk, and if you're visiting during Peru's winter, it can be downright cold during the day, not to mention in the mornings and evening. It also tends to mist a lot in the winter, so bring a jacket that will keep you dry and has a hood.

Tip 6: Bring sunscreen. When the sun does come out, it comes out with a vengeance. As if to make up for lost time, the sun in Lima can be very strong. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat.

Lima, Peru

Tip 7: Drink like a local. The popular district of Miraflores is full of bars and restaurants. Make sure that when you visit you taste the local beverages, like pisco sour (an alcoholic cocktail) and chicha morada (a sweet purple drink made from corn).

Tip 8: Visit the museums. Lima is full of wonderful museums. Be sure to visit at least a few. One of the best is the Larco Museum, located in the district of San Isidro.

Tip 9: Know the customs. To try to blend in a bit more, read up on local customs, such as a quick kiss on the check when people greet each other.

Tip 10: Ha ve fun. This one is pretty self explanatory; you're on vacation, so just relax and have fun!


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If you’re planning to travel to sometime soon, you should know that the best time to visit this fascinating country is definitely within the dry season. This time begins in Mid-December and lasts throughout April. If you opt to travel to between the beginning of the dry season and early February you can also enjoy the beautiful lush vegetation dotting the countryside along with the advantages of dry weather. You should also be aware; however, that during this time period some areas tend to be drier than others. This is especially true near Guanacaste. If you plant to travel in these areas be prepared to deal with the dust. It’s a good idea to bring along a hat and sunglasses to keep the dust out of your face and eyes as much as possible.

While it’s best to travel to during the dry season if you want to avoid the discomfort of the wet rainy season, if your primary objective is to avoid the throngs of tourist crowds, it’s definitely better to travel from May to mid-December. This time period embraces the rainy season and although it’s definitely wetter during this time period, you will gain the advantage of being able to enjoy the beautiful vegetation of Costa Rica while at its most lush and gorgeous period.

Traveling to even during the wet season can be easily managed if you known how to gauge the weather. For example, it’s typically dry and sunny in the morning, with the rains coming in the afternoon. So, if you plan to visit one of the beautiful stretches of beach in during your travels, be sure to do it in the

morning.

Getting around in can be a bit tricky, depending on the time of year that you plan to travel. Some of the roads in tend to wash out during the rainy season; particularly those that are paved without asphalt. If you want to visit some of the more rural areas, make plans to arrange for transportation with four wheel drive. Since many of the top destinations in tend to be at least a half a day’s drive apart, it’s important to take care of transportation arrangements early on.

It’s also important to know that if you choose to travel to during the rainy season, that accommodations may be limited. It’s quite common for hotels in rural areas to close for the entire rainy season.

Regardless of which time of year you plan to travel to , be aware that the temperature tends to range between seventy degrees and eighty-five degrees. Travel in the jungle means that you’ll need to be prepared to deal with intense humidity. Coastal areas tend to be even hotter, with temperatures typically reaching up into the nineties; with high humidity.

With proper advance planning, your plans to travel to will be sure to deliver a vacation that will provide lifelong memories. 

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What you may want to know about Belize - San Ignacio

1. San Ignacio is known as Cayo by the locals.

2. San Ignacio and Cayo are great fun for horses, stunning scenery, jungle treks (arrange a 3-day tour to Caracol on mule-back with Martz Farm), off-roading, kayaking on the Macal or Mopan, waterfalls (Big Rock or 1000ft), transit to Guatemala, practising your Spanish.

3. If you don't like the outdoors, aren?t headed to Guatemala and aren't interested in Mayan culture, then stick with the Cayes (Caulker is best value for backpackers, Tobacco is good for getting away from it).

4. The best place for 'travellers' who only ever do what the Lonely Planet suggests is definitely Eva's. For the rest, look out for the next edition spots and some local flavour: try "Cocopeles" 2 mins from Eva's (just ask for directions, the locals don't bite) for a great vibe, bar games, better prices and local/gringo mix. Food is supplied by local eateries such as.

5. The Firenza Cafe' in the small street opposite Belize Bank. It's great for pizzas, has an outdoor bar/patio & a very cheap/good breakfast. It's also clean and won't give you a bad stomach unlike some other places mentioned in the guides...

6. The San Ignacio hotel is bad value, even on someone elses credit card; Martha's & Venus are much better for in-town options.

7. Backpackers is a good option out-of-town and the Xuanantunich Inn, just opposite the ferry to the Mayan site, is a fair spot if you are in a group and you negotiate a discount.

8. My lux choice would be Cacao Creek (when it opens to the public in December or for budget, the cool Martz Farm with horses & tree-houses (speak to Joe or Miriam on 614 6462).

9. The cheap way to Tikal is to take the bus or Benque taxi to the border, then take a collectivo (mini-van from the gas station past the border bridge 3 minute walk) towards Flores, the closet town to Tikal. Ask to be dropped at the junction to Tikal and then flag a ride there from one of the many shuttles that do the trip from Flores. If you are in a group, negotiate a deal with the mini-vans at the border. The third price is usually the best.

10. Taxis in Cayo are cheaper by day, but few trips will cost over $10. Buses run regularly from the town and are good value. Look out for express routes to/from Belize City.

Hotels 

Hotel Central has a friendly English owner.The rooms are spacious and have common private bathroom. It has a balcony with hammock. It costs 22 B$ for a double, but it was full when we arrived around noon.   We went to Hotel Venus which is a large block full of rooms. Only rooms 10 and 16 have a window. The showers are somtimes broken, a double costs 35 Q. 

Restaurant 

The place to be for travellers is Eva's Restaurant. It provides plenty of travel info and organises relatively cheap tours to the jungle (at least compared to the tours lodges in the neighbourhood are offering). 

What to do 

The Xunantunich ruins are 30 minutes out of town. It's a bit difficult to get there, since you first have to take a bus to the ferry, and from there it's a walk up the hill. The ruins themselves are nothing special (especially after you've seen Tikal), the view over Guatemala is OK.  

A 1 day trip into the jungle is possible during the dry season and can be arranged at Eva's, but don't expect too much of it. There are mainly 3 things to see:  

• A nice and very high waterfall which you can see from a viewpoint (the Hidden Falls waterfall).  
• A smaller waterfall with pools, nice to have a swim (Rio On pools).  
• A cave which is OK (Rio Frio Cave).  

When I was there, it was extremely difficult to visit the Mayan ruins of Caracol in the middle of the jungle. In the mean time however, they continued the excavations, made a road and recently opened a visitor's center. Although the ruins are bigger then the ones in Tikal, most of it is not yet excavated. It is also much less touristic then Tikal. Entrance (including visitor's center) is now 5 US$ (5/99). You can visit the ruins on a day trip from San Ignacio usually also including the Rio On pools and the rio Frio Cace.  

If you're into eco-tourism (to be honest I'm not such a big fan myself), then San Ignacio might have what you're looking for. Although, a lot of the lodges charge pretty much and cater for Americans willing to spend some US$ (70% of visitors entering by airplane are Americans). Here are some options:  

- One of the largest cave systems in central America  

- 3 butterfly farms  

- Belize botanical gardens  

- Belize Zoo  

- You can do some kayaking, rafting, horsebacking etc...  

- I didn't do any of these so I can't comment on them.  

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Travel Costa Rica Safety Tips

If you plan to travel Costa Rica, there are a few things that you should know in order to make your visit to this fascinating Central American country not only more enjoyable but safer as well.

While is generally much calmer than some of its neighbors, it must be recognized that this beautiful and lush country is still far different than many other tourist hot spots across the world.

First, the weather is significantly different than what you may be accustomed to so it’s a good idea to understand up front that there are really only two seasons in Costa Rica and these are wet and dry. If you travel from December to April, you will likely encounter the wet season. This means that you should plan to pack sturdy rain gear. During the remainder of the year, the weather tends to be dry. For the most part, this is the only seasonal weather difference that you will find when you travel throughout the country. The mountain rangers tend to experience temperatures that are cooler, while the coasts are hotter. Expect temperature ranges between 60 and 80 in the mountains and 70 to 85 along the coasts. In addition, the low lying areas can be quite humid.

You should also anticipate the fact that you may become exposes to certain local health conditions when you travel . With the lush beauty of this country, that is certainly no reason to delay your visit; but it is a good idea to be forewarned so that you can take appropriate pre-cautions.

One health condition that you should be on the lookout for is known as Dengue fever. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for this disease but by knowing how to spot the symptoms, you can take precautions to keep from contracting it and know how to treat it if you should come down with it. The disease is transmitted by a specific mosquito, which tends to be most active during the day. Some of the symptoms of this disease include a high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and joint/muscle pains. Individuals who have contracted dengue fever may also develop a small rash. If you believe that you have contracted Dengue fever, seek medical attention and avoid aspirin.

Cholera and Malaria are two other diseases that tend to be present in some countries, such as . Fortunately, you can take tablets to prevent developing Malaria, which is contracted from mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pains. The best course of action to prevent Malaria is to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, use mosquito repellants with DEET and avoid perfumes and colognes.

Cholera is transmitted from one person to the next by passing bacteria in direct contact. It can also be contracted by contact with contaminated food and water, especially seafood. Fortunately, there is a relatively low risk of developing cholera when you travel . It can be prevented by avoiding seafood and taking precautions with hygiene as well as ensuring that only drink distilled water. While there is a vaccine available, it is believed to not be highly effective. 

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Costa Rica Travel: A Natural Adventure

Costa Rica is often touted by the national tourism board as one of the few natural destinations in the world and with good reason. Costa Rica travel is well known for providing a surprising and interesting view in a Central American country replete with a lush tropical landscape and sincere native hospitality.

If you are planning Costa Rica travel at any time in the near future, you should be certain of the entry requirements when finalizing your travel arrangements. When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you should take into consideration how long you plan to visit the country. Citizens with valid passports from certain countries are allowed to stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa, while citizens from other countries are only allowed to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa. Still yet, other prospective visitors must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy before traveling into the country; so it’s always best to check before making firm travel arrangements. Beyond the issue of your visa, you will need to present a round trip ticket as an entry requirement.

Inside the country itself, Costa Rica travel is quite easy. The country is bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. By air, the coasts of Costa Rica can be traversed in as little as 45 minutes and only 4 hours by car. Costa Rica is bordered on the North and South by Nicaragua and Panama.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica; so if possible it would be a good idea to pick up a few pertinent phrases while planning your Costa Rica travel. The citizens of Costa Rica are known as Ticos and enjoy a well known reputation as being a peace loving people; happy to provide warm hospitality to the millions of tourists that make their way to this tropical country each year.

Costa Rica tends to enjoy a pleasant climate year round; although it can be cooler near the coastal areas. The best way to describe the weather in Costa Rica is very similar to a spring type climate. When packing for your Costa Rica travel, it is advisable to keep in mind that the country experiences a rainy season from May to December each year so you might want to toss in an umbrella and raincoat. Also, don’t forget to pack a good quality sunscreen. If you plan to make a trip into the rainforest during your Costa Rica travel, it is advisable to also bring along a good pair of hiking boots and insect repellant.

Most modern amenities are available in Costa Rica. During your Costa Rica travel, you can enjoy cable television at most major hotels and keep up with world events through a wide availability of newspapers from around the globe.

The official currency of Costa Rica is known as the colon. US currency is also widely accepted throughout the country as well as major credit cards.

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Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Latin America & Caribbean

 

Curacao
This Island should be called Romance! With its rich history that combines the Caribbean vitality, hidden coves that reveal an emerald-blue sea, and a multicolored sunsets it will make you want to never leave. Staying in this island requires staying in a boutique hotel and scuba! Check out the Boutique Hotel Scuba Lodge & Suites which offers intimate hotel accommodations, private beach and if you get tired of the sand a beautiful pool with the view of the ocean. (Cost of hotel during low season is $129 a night.)

Cancun, Mexico
Even though this city is known for its spring break parties, it has some of the best beaches and hotels in Mexico! You can explore the beautiful underwater art museum, enjoy its gorgeous shoreline and stay at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort that offers something for the leisure traveler. (Palace Resorts all-inclusive accommodations start at $171 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.)

  

San Andres, Colombia
Your first glimpse of San Andres Island is the sea of seven colors, home to many-hued fish and coral, working their magic on the visitor. Fresh seafood, live ballenato, awesome diving excursions and beautiful sunsets are just some of the things you can experience in San Andres.

Costa Rica
For the adventure couples, head to Costa Rica where you can zipline through the rainforest, get pampered in sexy spas, and indulge in some of the most beautiful beaches in central America. One hotel to check out for your stay is the beautiful hilltop, Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. 

  

Buenos Aires, Argentina
This metropolitan city is the second largest in South America and has everything that encompasses love: sexy tango music, delicious food, and most importantly some of the best wines in the world. If you visit Buenos Aires also known as the South American Paris, stay at the posh Alvear Palace that is heavily influenced by the French style and décor and all the rooms have Jacuzzis where you can snuggle up with your honey! (Cost of hotel during low season is $420 a night.)

  

Cuzco/Machu Picchu, Peru
If you are a couple that loves to explore the world, then the Inca Imperial City is calling your name.  In one visit you will get to try Peru’s finest cuisine, be in the middle of mountains, check out the “City of the Incas” which is just a train away from Cusco and get reenergized by its beauty and history.

  

Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
If your plan is to be completely carefree then looking into an all-inclusive is your best bet. This sexy hotel in San Jose del Cabo offers the all-inclusive package you are looking for plus swim-up suites, couples massages in private cabanas on the beach and much more!

  

Archipelago De Bocas Del Toro, Panama
You don’t have to travel all the way to Bora Bora to experience staying at a hotel on top of the water. Just travel south to Panama and visit Bocas Del Toro and stay at Punta Caracol Hotel, which offers water standing cabins with beautiful views of the ocean. (Cost of hotel during low season is $372 a night.)

 

Casa Colonial, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
This boutique hotel is known for its stately Victorian houses, unaltered views of the Atlantic ocean, amazing spa, and gives an entirely new meaning to the five-star concept. (Cost of hotel during low season is $250 a night.)

  

Archipelago Los Roques, Venezuela
Looking to have your own private island for the day at only a ferry ride cost? Then Los Roques is the perfect spot for you! This national park has been maintained by its own locals, so expect to stay at quaint Bed and Breakfast spots and enjoy fresh lobster for as low as $10 per person. 


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