Magdalena del Mar, Lima attractions and top destinations selection with places to book: Not as large as the Museo de la Nacion, the National Archaeology, Anthropology, and History Museum does an excellent job of exploring the history of Peru from prehistoric times to the colonial era. The displays are well organized, and you won’t be overwhelmed by the amount of material, making it easier to understand. The variety is impressive, too, with priceless examples of ceramics, figural stone carvings, obelisks, wrapped mummies, burial tombs, jewelry, tapestries, and gold and metal work, many shown with scale models of the archeological sites. The ceramic collection features pieces, which date from 2800 BC, and among the carved obelisks are the granite Tello Obelisk and the famous Estela Raimondi. Parents should be aware that some of the ceramic figures may not be suitable for children. Included with the museum is the adjacent home, once occupied by both Jose de San Martin and Simon Bolivar.
One of the best left-hand point breaks in the world is only a short ride away, in Chorrillos. If the swell is right, you’ll score some epic surf. The Miraflores boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, providing you with miles of stunning views. Rent a bike from one of the many rental companies and enjoy a bike ride up and down the coast. Swim with sea lion pups just a short boat ride away from Lima. You can take a boat to Palomino Island and enjoy the abundant marine life there. Barranco is filled with colonial mansions that have been turned into boutique bars. Head to Ayahuasca, drink one of their craft cocktails, and explore their many hidden rooms.
While beaches such as Mancora further north in Peru are better known for their waves, Lima’s Costa Verde has some surprisingly good spots for surfing. La Herradura, south of Barranco, is considered one of the best, with its powerful left break and a swell that can reach up to four meters, making it only for those with experience. Waikiki, in Miraflores, is a good option for beginners, particularly as there are some schools where you can learn the ropes. It’s also home to the Waikiki Club, which started up in the 1920s, making it one of the world’s first surf clubs.
Campos de Vida Natural Foods – Corner of Ugarte and L. Prado. A little cafe and grocery store serving up homemade yogurt and integral breads, as well as Peruvian health foods like quinoa. Candy (corner of Brasil and Cusco) – This is the closest grocery store, although a quick taxi ride will get you to the posh Vivanda on Av. Javier Prado, or the small Plaza Vea on Av. Brasil. Candy is pretty bare-bones, but it’ll get you what you need. The produce section is a bit wilty, but why are you shopping for produce in a grocery store when you should be at the Magdalena Market? Discover a few extra images of this incredible ocean view penthouse on @AmazingPeruPenthouse on Facebook. Need a place to stay in Lima, Peru? Discover a few more details at Magdalena del Mar penthouse to rent.
Centuries ago, Barranco was a sleepy fishing village. Now it is a coastal district that once was the playground for wealthy Limans. In the 20th century, however, writers and artists began moving in, giving the district a bohemian flavor. This picturesque district is dotted with brightly painted Art Deco houses accented with blossoming trees. During the day, Barranco offers a slower pace of life than Lima, but action picks up when the sun goes down. People flock to the Parque Municipal, dine in small restaurants serving typical Peruvian fare, or dance the night away in discos and nightclubs.