On our way to our hostel, the taxi driver that picked us up at the airport insisted on driving us along this beautiful road by the sea called La Costa Verde – the Green Coast. We didn’t think twice about dropping our bags in the hostel and getting back there as quickly as we could!

The area is a stretch of excellent beaches with fine waves for surfing. You can find several surf schools and rent a surfboard if you need to. It’s also common to see paragliders jumping from the top of the cliff.

Theis place is definitely one of the highlights of Lima for me.

Where to find the Groove

These days, there are concerts featuring a variety of rock styles every weekend and even a few pubs that offer shows during the week – it is just a matter of knowing where to go. One of the best places to look is the Barranco district, which has several live music venues close to the main square, such as La Noche de Barranco, a pub that also serves up a lengthy list of tasty drinks and dishes. Another great place is the El Keko, which tends to feature underground rock, hardcore, heavy metal and doom metal bands. Listeners preferring classic rock will feel right at home at La Estación de Barranco, where bands with a 60s and 70s vibe are right at home.

The historical centre of the city is home to the Culture Centre ‘El Averno’, which presents many ‘anti-establishment’ rock groups that display the more radical sounds of Lima. Hearing the rebellion in the voices of these bands can be an interesting experience. Underground rock concerts are also organised throughout the city, although the locations of these shows change regularly.

Unique Voices with Meaning

The rock scene in Lima is interesting because – especially in the last two decades – many new Peruvian rock groups have sprouted up, each with a unique musical style. With all the influences that have come through this capital city over the centuries, our music is a conglomeration of Andean beats, Creole music, and classical, jazz and folk influences all fused with various styles of rock.

The lyrics also give true insight into that changes that Peru has undergone over the last 30 years. Many Peruvian rockers of today were part of the generation that grew up during the violence that was common during the 80s and 90s – years when bad politics led to massive social protests. The rock music that we hear in Lima’s nightclubs and bars is very much an expression of dissatisfaction with the status quo of Peruvian society and a readiness for change to come.

All these new sounds coming out of the new Peruvian rock ‘n’ roll scene suggest that music is truly at the forefront of the changes occurring with the society – and far more progressive than other forms of art. It is great to join in the energy and exhilaration experienced by the audiences during concerts because Limeños truly identify with these bands. Travellers can gain an authentic glimpse into the lives and feelings of locals during one of these shows, in addition to having fun and listening to good live music!

Many of the groups that play in Lima now have access to recording facilities and the ability to make CDs; therefore, it is possible to take a selection of a band’s music home with you after the concert. This is a great way to help the local band and share their Peruvian art. Of course, some bands hit the road as well. Two local groups from Lima that have toured in Europe are Reino Ermitaño (Hermit Kingdom) and La Ira de Dios (The Rage of God). Both are certainly worth checking out during any swing through Lima.

Competition is fierce for the invitation-only right to set up shop in the coveted 'Traditions' section at Lima's Mistura food festival. This special space devoted to good, old-fashioned Peruvian street food featured tamales as a highlight in 2010.

Peru, a True Culinary Crossroads

September sees Peru‘s grand culinary fiesta, Mistura, take place in the Parque de la Exposición in central Lima. This weeklong extravaganza features renowned local and international chefs celebrating the country’s cultural and culinary melting pot, which boasts influences from Africa, China, Japan, Spain, Italy and the Middle East. One of the highlights is the ‘Traditions’ section, which is dedicated to the versatility and endless variety of Peruvian street food with stalls selling much-loved goodies such as anticuchos, tamales, sandwiches and sweets.

Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, is actually the fruit of the cardon cactus. Native to Mexico, it is also cultivated in parts of Asia.

Prickly and Fruity in Baja Mexico

Every summer, the coastal area of Los Cabos at the southern tip of Mexico‘s Baja California Sur, likes to show its appreciation for the pitahaya (dragon fruit) harvest, during the famous Feria de la Pitahaya. Held in the charming village of Miraflores, just 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, this festival is, as one might suspect, all about this succulent fruit of the cardon cactus, with homemade pitahaya ice cream and candy, as well as fresh fruit and a crowning ceremony for the pitahaya queen, as well as the less fruit-focused pursuits of donkey racing and arts and crafts contests, all accompanied by the mellifluous strains of music from a mariachi band.

San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize plays host to the annual San Pedro Lobsterfest. The last and longest of the three lobsterfests in Belize, it's five fun-filled days of BBQs, carnivals, block parties, cocktail parties, pub crawls and music.

A Belizean Fishy Fiesta

With 198 miles of Caribbean coastline and the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, Belize can always be counted on to feature its fresh fish and shellfish cooking. To celebrate the start of lobster season (in June), there are annual summer lobster fests that kick off in Placencia Village before moving on to the island of Caye Caulker and wrapping up at the San Pedro Lobsterfest in the main town on the island of Ambergris Caye. The towns slip into lobster lunacy, as stalls selling all manner of lobster dishes set up along the streets and beaches, bands play day and night, and the rum and beer shacks are in full swing. With most restaurants offering all-you-can-eat lobster buffets as well, this two-week party is guaranteed to satisfy your king-of-crustaceans urges until next season.

Cooking and Culture in Australia and Portugal

Australia has a large Greek population, so it is only fitting that there be celebrations of Hellenic hospitality. The city of Brisbane has its own in the form of the Paniyiri Greek Festival in late May. This largest cultural festival in the state of Queensland is in its 34th year and is a three-day extravaganza of food, drink, fashion, fireworks, music, eating contests, grape stomping, dancing and cooking demonstrations, all adding up to more than 50 hours of non-stop entertainment. Zorba would be proud!

Machico Gastronomy Week on the island of Madeira, Portugal, is one of the highlights of the island's social calendar. Not just content to showcase local cuisine, the event also features a very popular cocktail festival.

The Portuguese island of Madeira celebrates Machico Gastronomy Week at the beginning of August. Visitors and locals descend on the seaside town of Machico, famous for being the landing point of Madeira’s first settlers, to enjoy a vast array of local dishes and delicacies. Although there are a few other food fests on the island, this one draws the biggest crowds and culinary talents and acts as a showcase of traditional Madeiran cuisine and produce with the aim of widening its appeal beyond the island. Food is of course the rich principal attraction, but the addition of sports tournaments, live concerts featuring local bands and artists, and even a cocktail festival adds to the fun.

Wet Your Whistle in India (wine), Malta (beer) and South Africa (whisky)

Proudly billed as Malta‘s largest free outdoor festival, the Farsons Great Beer Festival has celebrated the humble ale annually in since 1981. The 10-day mid-summer festival boasts over 300 hours of music, 40 live performances from local bands, 15 bars, two stages, a daily beer drinking competition and a variety of international cuisines complemented by a large selection of beers produced and imported by Farsons. The bars and souvenir stalls also sell the official festival beer mug, which has become quite a collector’s item!

A wine festival in India like the Grape Escapade Festival in Goa might seem rather unusual, but the country does actually produce both decent vintages. Of course, there are a few wacky interpretations thrown in for good measure. Herb-infused health wine anyone?

The beginning of every year sees wine fever hit India’s small, southwest state of Goa with the Grape Escapade Wine and Haute Cuisine Festival. Going strong since 2005, it attracts India’s biggest wine makers, guaranteeing some great local nectar. In addition to some traditional grape crushing, which lures in participants eager to dance barefoot in a vast tub of grapes, the event features free wine tastings, top-notch nosh in the food courts, dancers, fire-breathers, artists, fashion shows, live music and the crowning of the Grape Escapade Queen. Started by the Goa Tourism Development Organisation as a fun platform to promote Goan lifestyle, culture, food and drink, the event has certainly done that and more and regularly attracts between four and five thousand visitors a day.

South Africa pays its respects to the aqua vitae with both Cape Town and Johannesburg playing host to a three-day FNB Whisky Live Festival every November. With the Scotch Whisky Association confirming the spirit is fast becoming a tipple of choice to young, upwardly mobile South Africans, it’s little wonder that this is the largest whisky and lifestyle event of its kind, attracting more visitors and brands than any other whisky festival globally. Divided into zones, the display area is definitely not short of attractions, including a chance to sample over 180 whisky varieties in the tasting hall, expert workshops and tutorials on whisky jargon, distillation and cocktail making, guided tours and food and whisky pairing. The event is capped off with a big party, where everyone still standing can indulge further before heading home to sleep it off.

Lima, the intriguing capital and largest city of Peru, has long been an important hub in Latin America. The Spanish founded Lima in 1535 as a strategic position from which to explore the unknown treasures that the interior country was believed to hold. They had no idea just how accurate this assumption would prove to be.

The children of Peru are even more beautiful than the amazing views. In general, the world-famous hospitality of the locals makes visitors feel more than welcome

Lima still serves as the major gateway for tourism in Peru, with travellers coming from all corners of the globe to discover the secrets and admire the ruins of ancient civilizations, traverse the Amazon jungle and develop an understanding of Peruvian culture. The traffic filtering through the capital has blended with the distinctive local way of life and given rise to an incredible melting pot. This fusion is mirrored in the city’s culinary, architectural and ethnic diversity.

Lima’s unique story has left it steeped in history and culture, promising plenty of things to see and do during one’s time in town. An itinerary could include tours of the fascinating catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco, a wander through the halls of the most famous Lima museums, going on a shopping spree through the dozens of bustling outdoor markets, admiring the imposing Spanish architecture or learning about the history of the Inca people. As always, make sure to leave plenty of time to sample the various culinary options that will leave the taste buds begging for more.

After a full day, peace of mind comes from knowing that you’ve made your choice of the many Lima hotels, running the gamut from budget backpacker hostels to top-notch, five-star luxury.

With all that Lima has to offer, Local Tours Peru, your whl.travel local connection is ready to spread the word. On behalf of Local Tours Peru team, Victor Barba commented: “We are very proud to be part of the whl.travel network. It consists of a skilled team from whom we have learnt a lot since the beginning – especially me. Now we are glad, thanks to the whl.travel team, to launch the Lima portal. It will allow us to continue working on tourism in a sustainable way.”

The practice of and potential for conscientious tourism in Peru is considerable and the Local Tours Peru team has woven a responsible tourism philosophy into its business model. Among other things, the company has led by example for years by allocating 10% of its income to the Los Apus Association, a group based in Lake Titicaca (in the south of Peru) that assists the Sancayuni Alto and Sancayuni Bajo communities of Amantani Island (close to Puno) with technology, family planning and health. A library and infirmary are currently in the works as vital standard-of-living improvements. “The group also works to educate women in the more effective handling of their finances,” added Barba. “We will continue to be committed to responsible practices in all destinations.”

The launch of the Lima portal expands on the whl.travel presence in Peru, with destinations live in Arequipa and Cusco.

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EN ESPAÑOL / IN SPANISH:

Lima, misteriosa capital y ciudad más grande del Perú, ha sido durante mucho tiempo un centro importante de América Latina. Los españoles fundaron Lima en 1535 como una posición estratégica desde donde poder explorar y descubrir tesoros desconocidos que se creía existían en el interior del país. No tenían idea de cuán exacta podría ser esta hipótesis.

The 'pisco sour' is a national drink of Peru so important that it has its own national day during the first week of February, when this delicious mix is served up all over Lima

Lima aún es considerada la principal entrada para el turismo en el Perú, hasta aquí llegan viajeros procedentes de todos los rincones del mundo para descubrir sus secretos; admirar ruinas de antiguas civilizaciones, recorrer la selva amazónica así como entender y comprender la cultura peruana. El tránsito que fluctúa en la capital desde sus inicios se ha combinado con el distintivo modo local de vida dando lugar a un increíble crisol de culturas. Esta fusión se refleja en la gastronomía, arquitectura y diversidad étnica de su ciudad.

El extraordinario pasado de Lima ha quedado impregnado en su historia y su cultura, que prometen muchas cosas para ver y hacer durante su estadía en la ciudad. Un tour puede incluir visitas a las fascinantes catacumbas del Convento de San Francisco, paseos por las salas de los museos más famosos de Lima, recorridos por centros comerciales o decenas de bulliciosos mercados al aire libre, admirar la imponente arquitectura española o aprender sobre la historia del pueblo inca. Como siempre, asegúrese de tener el tiempo suficiente para degustar las variadas opciones culinarias que dejarán a sus papilas gustativas rogando por más.

Después de un día completo, tendrá la certeza de haber hecho una buena elección entre cualquiera de los hoteles de Lima, que van desde hostales backpacker de bajo presupuesto hasta hoteles de lujo como son los de cinco estrellas.

Con todo lo que Lima tiene para ofrecer, Local Tour Perú, tu conexión local de whl.travel está listo para brindarle todo esto y mucho más. En nombre del equipo local Tours Perú, Victor Barba comenta: “Estamos muy orgullosos de ser parte de la red de whl.travel, la cual esta conformada por un talentoso equipo de profesionales de quienes hemos aprendido mucho desde el principio – especialmente yo. Ahora estamos contentos, gracias a ellos, por hacer realidad el portal de Lima, lo cual nos permitirá continuar trabajando en turismo de manera sostenible”.

La práctica y el potencial del turismo sostenible en el Perú es considerable y el equipo de Local Tours Perú ha incorporado una filosofía de turismo responsable en su modelo de negocio. Entre otras cosas, la compañía ha destinado durante años el 10% de sus ingresos a la Asociación Los Apus, un grupo enfocado en el Lago Titicaca (en el sur de Perú) que asiste a las comunidades de Sancayuni Alto y Sancayuni Bajo en la Isla de Amantani (cerca de Puno) en lo referente a tecnología, planificación familiar y salud. Una biblioteca y enfermería son actualmente algunos de las obras para la mejora del estándar de vida de estas comunidades. “El grupo también trabaja para educar a las mujeres en el manejo eficaz de sus finanzas”, añade Barba, “Continuaremos comprometidos con las prácticas responsables en todos los destinos”.

El lanzamiento del portal de Lima expande la presencia de whl.travel en el Perú, con destinos en Arequipa y Cusco.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Lima, a intrigante capital e maior cidade do Peru, tem sido um importante hub da América Latina. Os espanhóis fundaram Lima em 1535 visando e supondo uma posição estratégica para explorar os tesouros desconhecidos que o interior do país certamente guardava. Eles não tinham idéia do quanto estavam precisos nessa suposição.

The Pucusana Bay of the Lima district with the same name is a popular summer vacation destination in Peru, notable for its multitude of restaurants and bars

Lima ainda é a principal porta de entrada para o turismo no Peru, com viajantes chegando de todos os cantos do globo para descobrir os segredos e admirar as ruínas de civilizações antigas, atravessar a selva amazônica e desenvolver uma compreensão da cultura peruana. As diferentes culturas introduzidas na cidade com o passar dos anos se misturaram com a maneira distinta de vida local e deu origem a uma mistura incrível. Esta fusão é espelhada na diversidade da cidade, arquitetura e culinária étnica.

O passado único de Lima a deixou cheia de história e cultura, oferencendo assim muitas coisas para se ver e fazer durante apenas uma hora na cidade. Um itinerário poderia incluir passeios das catacumbas do Mosteiro de São Francisco, a vaguear pelos corredores dos museus mais famosos Lima, indo as compras se perder no intenso movimento nas dezenas de mercados ao ar livre, admirando a arquitetura imponente espanhola ou aprender sobre a história do povo Inca. Como sempre, certifique-se deixar algum tempo para experimentar as diversas opções culinárias que vai deixar seu paladar implorando por mais.

Após um dia cheio, a paz de espírito vem de saber que você fez a escolha certa entre os muitos hotéis em Lima, que vão de hostels para mochileiros aos hotéis de luxo, os cinco estrelas.

Com tudo o que Lima tem para oferece, a Local Tours Peru, a sua conexão local da whl.travel, esta pronta para presentar as novidades. Em nome da equipe local no Perú, Victor Barba, comentou: “Estamos muito orgulhosos de fazer parte da rede whl.travel. É constituída por uma equipe qualificada de quem temos aprendido muito desde o início – especialmente eu. Agora nós estamos contentes, graças à equipe whl.travel, para o lançamento do portal de Lima. Ele irá permitir-nos continuar a trabalhar no turismo de forma sustentável.”

A prática e o potencial para o turismo sustentável no Peru é considerável e a equipe Local Tours Peru teceu uma filosofia de turismo responsável em seu modelo de negócios. Entre outras coisas, a empresa ajuda durante anos alocando 10% do seu rendimento para a Associação Los Apus, um grupo baseado no Lago Titicaca no sul do Peru que auxilia o Alto Sancayuni e comunidades Sancayuni Bajo de Amantani Island perto de Puno com a tecnologia, planejamento familiar e saúde. Uma biblioteca e enfermaria estão atualmente em obras vitais como padrão de vida melhorias. “O grupo também trabalha para educar as mulheres na gestão mais eficaz das suas finanças”, acrescentou Barba. “Nós vamos continuar a ser comprometidos com práticas responsáveis em todos os destinos.”

O lançamento do portal de Lima expande a presença whl.travel no Peru, com destinos ao vivo em Arequipa e Cusco.

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EN FRANÇAIS / IN FRENCH:

Lima, mystérieuse capitale et la ville la plus grande du Pérou, durant beaucoup de temps était la plus importante ville hispano-américaine. En 1535, les Espagnoles ont fondés Lima comme situation stratégique d’exploration pour découvrir des trésors qui éxistaient á l’intérieur du pays. Ils ne pouvaient s’imaginer combien cette hypothèse était exacte.

Lima est encore considérée le principal accès touristique du Pérou, d’où procèdent les voyageurs de tous les coins du monde pour découvrir ses secrets et admirer les ruines de ses anciennes civilisations, pour parcourir la fôret amazonienne et pour savourer et comprendre la culture péruvienne. La capitale a émergé d’un transit fluide depuis son initiation, et maintenant se distingue comme lieu où se fondent diférentes cultures. Cette fusion se répercute dans la gastronomie, l’architecture et la forte diversité éthnique de la ville.

L’histoire extraordinaire de Lima et sa culture vous incite de visiter ses sites de grand intérêt. Un circuit peut inclure une visite guidée des fascinantes catacombes du Couvent de San Francisco, une balade dans les plus fameuses salles de musées de Lima, un peu de lèche-vitrines dans un centre commercial ou des marchés typiques, une appréciation de l’architecture espagnole si imposante, ou une leçon sur l’histoire du fantastique peuple Inca, tout en gardant le temps pour savourer la délicieuse gastronomie qui vous fera vous lécher les babines.

Après une journée intense, ce qui sera certain, vous trouverez bon repos selon votre budget dans un grand choix de logement à Lima, soit dans un petit auberge backpacker de bas prix soit dans un hôtel de luxe de cinq étoiles.

Etant donnée tout ce que Lima peut vous offrir, Local Tours Peru, la liaison local de whl.travel, est prête à tout. Au nom de l’équipe Local Tours Péru, Victor Barba s’exprime : « Nous sommes très fiers d’avoir intégré au réseau de whl.travel, une équipe de professionels qui nous ont appris beaucoup depuis le début – surtout moi. Nous sommes contents, grâce à eux, d’avoir lancé ce portail internet pour Lima. Nous pourrons ainsi continuer notre travail touristique d’une manière durable ».

La pratique et la puissance de tourisme éthique au Pérou sont considérables et l’équipe de Local Tours Péru a adopté une philosophie de tourisme responsable. Durant des années, la compagnie a contribué 10% de ses revenus à l’Association Los Apus, un groupe basé dans la région du Lac Titicaca (dans le sud du Pérou) qui soutient les communautés de Sancayuni Alto et Sancayuni Bajo sur l’île d’Amantani (près de Puno) en matière de technologie, de planning familial et de santé. Une bibliothèque et une infirmerie sont en cours de construction pour améliorer le niveau de vie de ces communautés. « Le groupe travaille également pour éduquer les femmes afin qu’elles puissent gérer leur propre finance » ajoute Barba. « Nous continuerons à être attaché aux pratiques responsables dans toutes nos destinations ».

Le lancement du portail internet de Lima développe la présence de whl.travel au Pérou, déjà présent à Arequipa et à Cuzco.