I loved Machupichu and the people were very friendly. But Lima is a 'toilet' really. I think it is the least developed city in the continent when compared to cities like Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, or Mexico City. I found these four cities to be the most developed and modern. However Lima, as a capital city, is truly a sad picture. So much poverty and chaos everywhere you look at, but people seem to be always happy and friendly.
Lima is the best kept secret in South American travel destinations. It is still developing its own identity but within the next several years it has the potential to become one of the most interesting destination cities on the continent. It takes time to discover all its best aspects and this cannot be done in less than a three- or four-day per-visit minimum. It really has the best of everything in Peru -- art, culture, and the best food in the world!
Lima sucks. The food is not as good as everyone says and most of the people are very nice and will befriend you but you better watch out because they will take everything you have! Remember, this is a third world country and you can lose everything fast, even your life! I have lived in this city and can tell you that if you stay an extended period of time you will see the horror and disgust of what you might think is a "wonderful place." Just as anywhere in the world, there is bad, but you better remember where you are and that people are desperate in this country. Also, I found people to be very rude, pretentious, noisy, racist, uptight, and very careless and very timid. Be careful in Lima -- myself and others I have known when I lived in this polluted, filthy city have had some very bad experiences. Enjoy Peru, yes, but do not trust anyone.
Arequipa is a beautiful city, but we had problems getting to our hostel, because the taxidrivers only offer to -- actually they forcefully take you to hostels where they get comission for every gringo they bring.
From Puerto Maldonado you can get into the real jungle, and if you search a little, you will find options for camping in the jungle, or even have an expedition to look for big animals. You can find very good local guides.
Juliaca was great. The people there are very kind, and make you feel at home. About the weather - a bit too cold sometimes but the sun was shining most of the time. I am looking forward to going back.
There are almost no mosquitoes in Piura! You can walk the streets safely until midnight every night. The streets are narrow, and mototaxis ply the streets.
Lima is a really pretty city. A tip: bargain for almost everything.
Greater Lima is a very big city. If you lodge at Miraflores or San Isidro, you'll see that Lima is a nice destination, with the best food and restaurans, superb food, many places to go, the best museums, and beautiful parks -- besides an interesting nightlife.
Yo visite Juliaca en el ano de 1966, vivi por cautro meses, estuve sufriendo de soroche por una semana hasta que me acostumbre, conoci Puno, me pasee en el lago en un yate, cuyo propietario un hacendado lo habia llevado desde Ancon, Lima, muy hermosos lugar, fue la primera vez en mi vida que observe una tormenta electrica, iba yo manejando, y por el miedo propio de la ignorancia regrese a Juliaca, manejaba hacia Puno.
Contaba en ese ano con 21 anos de edad,soy natural de Lima, y vivo actualmente en USA, muy feliz de ser Peruano, pero anoro mi patria, ya me es imposible regresar por el momento, quizas cuando me jubile pueda hacerlo. Deseo el mejor gobierno para nuestra querida Patria.
Gracias por esta breve oportunidad.
vicenteest@msn.com
Lima is a city for adventurers, danger is everywhere.
Piura is warm and sunny year-round, and there is little air pollution!
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