LIMA AT A GLANCE
Costa Verde
Right next to the upscale
residential district of Miraflores
are the coastal cliffs of Costa
Verde. The best way to catch the
beautiful views of Costa Verde is
to take part in some adrenaline
pumping activity. On a windy day,
the 70m cliffs provide an excellent
lift for paragliding and hang-
gliding. There are a handful of
paragliding operators along the
beach who can provide the
opportunity of not just seeing the
panoramic coast from a birds’ eye
view but also the thrill of flying by
shopping malls and residential
buildings in such close proximity.La Herradura
Surfing is a popular
sport in Peru, thanks to
the long Pacific
coastline in Lima. For
beginners to the
sport, Waikiki and
Makaha beaches off
Miraflores have a
number of surf
schools in the area.
However, the best
place to catch surfing
action is at La Herradura
in the district of Chorrillos.
The swells here are much
bigger and last longer. La
Herradura is also a favourite spot
for scuba diving with its diverse
marine flora and fauna.Activities
FROM ABOVE Paraglide
off the cliffs at Costa
Verde, Makaha beach is
best suited for surfing
beginnersShopping
Mercado Indio’s
Some may label this place as a tourist trap but
there really is no better market to go to for
locally crafted souvenirs. Mercado Indio’s is an
artisan market that sells nearly everything
Peruvian craftsmanship has to offer. Just some
memories of Peru you can bring home are
pre-Columbian-style clay pottery, alpaca
rugs, silver jewellery and silverware, and
knock-offs of Cuzco School canvases –
didactic religious art. Take your time exploring
the three-block grounds and, as a rule of
thumb, bargain every price offered to you
before purchasing anything.
OPetit Thouars 5245
PHOTOGRAPHS: CARLOS IBARRA, JOYCE HUANG
Mercado
de Surquillo
No. 1
Start your day like a local Peruvian by first
heading out to the markets. The Mercado de
Surquillo No. 1 (Surquillo Market) is a
favourite with local chefs thanks to the sheer
variety of fresh produce available. Locally
grown fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, and
of course, cuts of meat, and even offal, fish
and other seafood are just the tip of the
iceberg of what can be found. Take the time
to peruse and be amazed at other rare finds,
like unpolished grains, cheeses and spices on
display. Elsewhere in the market, find
whatever you need for a well-stocked
kitchen and pantry, such as kitchen and
tableware from small businesses.
OPaseo de la Republica Block 53, Surquillo