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Greetings...
(I have used the "search" button, but have not found relevant information,
so hope it is ok to post this question here, if not, please remove.)
It looks like I will be traveling solo to Lima at the end of June, to stay with friends of my family who are native to Perú.
If anyone is inclined, I was curious if there was advice from those who have been there on where to go, not go go, eat, or not to etc...?
I have been researching on the web, and I found the State Dept. rating of 3, at threat level. Umm?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts. :)
Holly
Edit to add...due to recent events here in my fam...my trip is being pushed to late summer. Great advice here, though.
The Reaper
05-06-2007, 14:56
Peru has some beautiful sights.
On the down side, even though Guzman is in jail, Sendero Luminoso periodically resurges and terrorism is never far away. In 1996, SL operatives attacked and took over the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima and held the attendees hostage till they were rescued by Peruvian Special Forces troops, along with some friends from Panama.
Some Peruvians like Americans and some do not. In 1992, the Peruvian Air Force shot a US C-130 to pieces in a "misunderstanding". Their cooperation in the drug war has been an on again, off again proposition. The rich in the country get richer, and the poor get poorer, unless they become involved in the lucrative drug trade.
Due to the severe poverty and unemployment among the underclass, street crime is significant.
Lima and other areas of Peru periodically have outbreaks of diseases like cholera, and sanitary conditions are not what you may be accustomed to.
I would be careful where I went, what I ate and drank, who I was hanging out with, and very well attuned to what was going on around me at all times. I would avoid becoming intoxicated to the point where I was not fully in control of my faculties. Keep your SA on high, dress like the locals, don't be loud, especially in English, remain in Condition Yellow or higher, and have a ball.
Take care, be safe.
TR
Ambush Master
05-06-2007, 15:16
Check here if you haven't already:
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/pe.html
TR-Thank You for taking the time to respond in such detail. I have begun mapping out my locations, and am going to register with the US Embassy as to my whereabouts while in country. I plan on keeping my headup and ears open. :)
AM-Thank You for the llink, it is very informative.
Holly
Quartz_MJC
05-07-2007, 11:41
Peru has some great places to visit and Centro de Lima has some fantastic architecture.
The Peruvians I encountered in Lima are like any people in a big city. They are less about manners and more about getting to the point. The people outside the city are friendly.
The biggest threat you will face in Peru is a very high crime rate. Be very careful of were you go and how you get there. Traveling around Lima via taxi is about the best and fastest way be vigilant even when traveling by taxi.
The infrastructure in the country is substandard, so getting around the country via car, taxi, bus, train, air can take awhile. Traveling cross country is risky because of bandits.
There is a very high rate of counterfeiting. Don't Exchange money on the street using the Cambios; you will get counterfit bills. Exchange money only at banks. The 100 Solas is the most popular counterfeit bill. Don't use your credit card with local merchants or on street corner ATM’s. Use only ATM’s at a bank.
Lima is the most polluted city in SA if not the word when it comes to airborne particulate pollution. June is winter down there and it is the worst time for pollution. There will be a constant haze covering the city, so don't be surprised if you never see the sun.
I was in Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu about 2 years ago and loved every minute. My favorite restaurants in Lima are Il Postino
http://webserver.rcp.net.pe/ilpostino/
which has great Italian food.
La Rosa Nautica is a famous place and the food is great there too. It is a typical kind of tourist place though.
http://www.larosanautica.com/rn_quienes_en.html
And for dessert try http://http://www.pasteleriasanantonio.com/ We went there every possible day we could!
For traditional Peruvian dishes I liked
http://http://www.pasteleriasanantonio.com/
Have a great time! I'm hoping to take my 14 year old son in the spring.
Well everyone has made some good points. Well they do not shoot C-130's any more their last shoot down was a Missionary rented plane. Catholic country with Baptist missionary's trying to convert them, who can blame them.:p
The Peruvian people as a whole are some of the most friendly ones in south America as far as I am concerned and I travel each year to all of them.
You have to see Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Iquitos, The Amazon and Chavin de Huantar. Peru has a million places and I think it is the most diverse Latin American country for its history.
If you are Single you will have a Ball, If not and you are alone the 250 mile rule is in effect and you will have a ball.:p
The food is outstanding. Seafood is great in Lima you only need to eat it in a good restaurant.
The Highlands are good but it will be really cold this time of the year. Just encase you did not know it, it is winter now down here. Lima is overcast and damp and cool. The jungle is going into it's dry season so it only rains 1 time a day.
Well let me know if you have specific questions and I am always open to help a fellow out.
Register with the Embassy. Very important, you can do it on the web. If your passport is stolen and you do not register you will have a hell of a time getting out of here.
Scan your passport and reduce it (Front, inside pages and your back page) seal it in plastic and while you travel and they ask for your passport just show them that. that will cut down on the chances of theft.
Hope you have a good trip.:munchin
Well everyone has made some good points. Well they do not shoot C-130's any more their last shoot down was a Missionary rented plane. Catholic country with Baptist missionary's trying to convert them, who can blame them.
The Peruvian people as a whole are some of the most friendly ones in south America as far as I am concerned and I travel each year to all of them.
You have to see Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Iquitos, The Amazon and Chavin de Huantar. Peru has a million places and I think it is the most diverse Latin American country for its history.
If you are Single you will have a Ball, If not and you are alone the 250 mile rule is in effect and you will have a ball.:p
The food is outstanding. Seafood is great in Lima you only need to eat it in a good restaurant.
The Highlands are good but it will be really cold this time of the year. Just encase you did not know it, it is winter now down here. Lima is overcast and damp and cool. The jungle is going into it's dry season so it only rains 1 time a day.
Well let me know if you have specific questions and I am always open to help a fellow out.
Register with the Embassy. Very important, you can do it on the web. If your passport is stolen and you do not register you will have a hell of a time getting out of here.
Scan your passport and reduce it (Front, inside pages and your back page) seal it in plastic and while you travel and they ask for your passport just show them that. that will cut down on the chances of theft.
Hope you have a good trip.
Sir,
Thank You for the information.:) My trip is being pushed to the end of this summer, due to some family things. I am looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu, as the family I will be staying with in Lima is taking me there for sure.
Wilco on the registering with the Embassy, and since I am a single gal, I hope I still am in for a good time.:lifter
Also: tremp: Thanks for the restaurant tips!
Holly
bkleonards
06-26-2007, 10:54
FYI: When you check in at the Embassy, take a moment and speak with the MSG (Marine Security Guard) on duty. The "Marine House" usually has something going on, usually a TGIF on friday evenings.
Enjoy your travels.
Stay Safe and Stay Strong
FYI: When you check in at the Embassy, take a moment and speak with the MSG (Marine Security Guard) on duty. The "Marine House" usually has something going on, usually a TGIF on friday evenings.
Enjoy your travels.
Stay Safe and Stay Strong
Well, thanks for the tip. I like Marines.;)
Must admit though, there's just something about Army Men. :D
Am looking forward most to observing the Peruvian culture, in a non tourista way. My plan is to learn as much as I can while I am there.
Holly
Roycroft201
06-26-2007, 14:14
Am looking forward most to observing the Peruvian culture, in a non tourista way. My plan is to learn as much as I can while I am there.
Holly,
You mentioned that your trip has been moved to later in the summer. I found that the stronger my knowledge of the language became, the more I was able to have quality time - which is what it sounds like you are hoping for.
Best wishes for a wonderful trip.
RC201
(I KNOW I have a pic with me and Simon Bolivar around here somewhere.....just can't find it ! :D )
If you want PM me a week prior to your trip and if I am in town I can give you a dump on the doooos and Dont's and a few good places to go. I work out of the embassy but travel a lot. My older kids loved it here. My daughter hated to leave for College but brings her friends down in the summer. I think I have adopted 8 or 9 kids since college started.
Good Luck
My Door is always open for a QP in the area.
If you want PM me a week prior to your trip and if I am in town I can give you a dump on the doooos and Dont's and a few good places to go. I work out of the embassy but travel a lot. My older kids loved it here. My daughter hated to leave for College but brings her friends down in the summer. I think I have adopted 8 or 9 kids since college started.
Good Luck
My Door is always open for a QP in the area.
Sir,
Thank You. Though I am just a lowly civilian. I am looking forward to my adventure. And as TR advised, will stay on yellow alert or higher.:lifter
Roycroft: Am practicing my espanol daily. :)
Holly
I'm sorry that one of my restaurant links got messed-up. Here it is again. for traditional fare:
El Bolivariano [URL="http://www.elbolivariano.com/"]
One other point is to always leave your backpack, purse or other valuables on the floor between your feet in the vehicle rather than putting it on your lap. When I was there someone had their bag snatched right through the window in traffic!
Well, yee-haw... I just confirmed that I am going to be able to go to Lima, Peru in February '08!!! :)
I spoke to my host family today, and am very excited to be there in summer-time. I hope there is no violence, and no earthquakes. :lifter
Holly
Geez1234
10-20-2007, 20:38
Blank
Thank you for all the advice in this thread.;)
Will be leaving in 5 days, and am only curious about one aspect of my trip. I have heard that random "attacks" on American's occur regularly on the HWY that connects the airport to the city. Since my flight is arriving at mid-night, am curious if anyone else who has been there has any tips?
Otherwise, am going to spend at least the next month learning about a new culture.:)
Holly
Thank you for all the advice in this thread.;)
Will be leaving in 5 days, and am only curious about one aspect of my trip. I have heard that random "attacks" on American's occur regularly on the HWY that connects the airport to the city. Since my flight is arriving at mid-night, am curious if anyone else who has been there has any tips?
Otherwise, am going to spend at least the next month learning about a new culture.:)
Holly
Holly
When you come out of customs before you go out side at the airport you will see some TAXI services being offered inside the secure area. You pay a little bit more but they are secure. The price depends on the zone you are going to for your Hotel/Hostal...... If you need any help or further questions let me know since I am in Lima. If you need any recommendations PM me and I will See if I can help.
Bryan
SF_BHT,
Thank you Sir. Great information. PM Sent as well.
Holly
Demerde-toi
01-27-2008, 17:08
Holly
When you come out of customs before you go out side at the airport you will see some TAXI services being offered inside the secure area. You pay a little bit more but they are secure. The price depends on the zone you are going to for your Hotel/Hostal...... If you need any help or further questions let me know since I am in Lima. If you need any recommendations PM me and I will See if I can help.
Bryan
SF_BHT
Be in town in a few weeks and if you don't recall you owe me aq "Pisco Sour"
(Cluseo) I will shoot you a note when inbound
Gday
SF_BHT
Be in town in a few weeks and if you don't recall you owe me aq "Pisco Sour"
(Cluseo) I will shoot you a note when inbound
Gday
Always like a rason to have a Pisco Sour with friends. Hell I drink with anyone:D Drop me a line whe your on the way.
Greetings PS.com'ers.
Wanted to update this thread, as I just returned from Lima yesterday.
(Yep, I have been experiencing PS.com withdrawls!) :o
This trip was very educational for me, and cannot thank heaven enough that I was born an American citizen, in the USA.
I would highly reccomend visiting Peru, for anyone who wants an appreciation for what we have in this Country. The peruvians I saw have an amazing work ethic, and even though they may not be wealthy, they take enoumous pride in their work.
Also, being in Peru kick-started a new drive for me...and cleared away some old cobwebs. :lifter Honestly, have not felt this energized in years, and I owe that to meeting and enteracting with some truly amazing people!
Will be posting the pics in a couple of days, in case anyone weants to see.
(and a special Thank You to all here that pm'd while I was there!);)
Holly
Greetings ps.com'ers.
Wanted to update this thread, as I just returned from Lima yesterday.
(Yep, I have been experiencing PS.com withdrawls!) :o
This trip was very educational for me, and cannot thank heaven enough that I was born an American citizen, in the USA. I would highly reccomend visiting Peru, for anyone who wants an appreciation for what we have in this Country. The peruvians I saw have an amazing work ethic, and even though they may not be wealthy, they take enoumous pride in their work.
Also, being in Peru kick-started a new drive for me...and cleared away some old cobwebs. :lifter Honestly, have not felt this energized in years, and I owe that to meeting and enteracting with some truly amazing people!
Will be posting the pics in a couple of days, in case anyone weants to see.
(and a special Thank You to all here that pm'd while I was there!);)
Holly
That Kick Starting did not have any thing to do with all those Pisco Sour's or that Bottle of Wild Turkey 101 that you drank?:D
That Kick Starting did not have any thing to do with all those Pisco Sour's or that Bottle of Wild Turkey 101 that you drank?:D
Um....Bottle...what Bottle?:D No, I think it was the verde tamale. Yep, that was it if I remember correctly.:lifter
And yes...if ya'll find yourselves in Peru, drink real Pisco sour's. They are good!
Holly:o
Um....Bottle...what Bottle?:D No, I think it was the verde tamale. Yep, that was it if I remember correctly.:lifter
And yes...if ya'll find yourselves in Peru, drink real Pisco sour's. They are good!
Holly:o
See what happens when you take a Gringa out she forgets everything after the second drink.......... But she is good at picking out Good looking Latina's while standing in line for the bathroom. Only problem she was married but it was a good attempt.:D
See what happens when you take a Gringa out she forgets everything after the second drink.......... But she is good at picking out Good looking Latina's while standing in line for the bathroom. Only problem she was married but it was a good attempt.:D
Okay...to set the record straight, um...she was not Good-looking...she was Hot!:D In addition, She spoke great english! That was such a pleasure for me at the time...to actually be able to converse in English with another woman.
And we both thought You were "cute!" Remember?:D
Holly
Okay...to set the record straight, um...she was not Good-looking...she was Hot!:D In addition, She spoke great english! That was such a pleasure for me at the time...to actually be able to converse in English with another woman.
And we both thought You were "cute!" Remember?
Holly
Yes She was Hot BUT.......... She spoke English so she was not selectable. Latinas that speak english are:
1. Looking to get out of here.
2. Already ruined and will act like Gringa's.
3. Same as #2 Ruined.....:D
Well after a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 everyone looks Cute.:munchin
Yes I am always Cute because I always have a bottle near by....:p
Well after a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 everyone looks Cute.:munchin
Yes I am always Cute because I always have a bottle near by....:p
Nada senor! You were cute before, during, and after the Wild Turkey!:D
All I had to do was look around at the Latinas...they were all checking You out!;)
Holly
Defion69
02-23-2008, 00:15
Dadburnit.....I left Peru too soon I see....:D
Ah well....look forward to the pictures! :munchin
JM
Dadburnit.....I left Peru too soon I see....:D
Ah well....look forward to the pictures! :munchin
JM
Next time Sir! ;)
Got called in to work today, hence a delay in posting my pic's taken in Peru. I tried to capture as much culture as possible, as my hosts hardly ever took me to "tourista" spots.
Here is hoping Wednesday is the day,
Holly
Next time Sir! ;)
Got called in to work today, hence a delay in posting my pic's taken in Peru. I tried to capture as much culture as possible, as my hosts hardly ever took me to "tourista" spots.
Here is hoping Wednesday is the day,
Holly
I want to see the Pic's of the Erotic Museum you went to......:munchin
I want to see the Pic's of the Erotic Museum you went to......:munchin
Lima has a museum that has a wing dedicated to sexually explicit pottery from the days of old.
So, of course, I'll just go ahead and post those...then Our TS can ban me for posting explicit images!:eek: ;)
Umm, I think not...especially considereing my favorite image, which will not be named here in public.:D (I told you that one, right?)
Sir, You have visited the Museo...so feel free to post any photos you may have?
Holly
Geez1234
02-26-2008, 20:25
[QUOTE=echoes;200930]Lima has a museum that has a wing dedicated to sexually explicit pottery from the days of old.
So, of course, I'll just go ahead and post those...then
Greetings to all. I took a ton of pic's while in Peru, and wanted to share some of the diversity I tried to capture while visiting this beautiful country.
The Reaper
02-29-2008, 09:16
Piranha on the menu?
TR
Piranha on the menu?
TR
Actually Sir, I did encouter various menu items that would never thought possible for human consumption.
Instead, I prepared many "American" meals in the kichen for my hosts...Pancakes, bacon and eggs, steak and potatoes etc...I think they liked it?:lifter
And finally, my friends in Peru.
Jeff Randall
06-03-2008, 12:41
Peru is a great country. I've been there many times and was down in November visiting with the PNP and also doing our thing in the jungle. Will be back in July and again in October.
SL is kicking back up a bit from all the reports we've gotten. I just did an article for Serviam Magazine on this very issue. For the most part though, if you stay clear of the Huanuco, Tingo Maria regions to the north of Lima and a few place south then everything seems to be ok.
Stay safe!
OMG,
There has been a natural disaster in Peru, in the form of massive mudslides!!!:eek:
My friends in Lima that live in the suburbs of Molina and other places are okay, but OMG, the flooding is incredible and so fast
Hope Our guys down there are 5x5.:munchin
Holly