Ships dock at a commercial cruise port in a rather dangerous part of town in Callao. No foot traffic is allowed in the port area, so the ship provided shuttle buses from the ship to the port exit.
Near the exit, but still inside the port area is a chapel, and a little market with free wifi.
This was a great find as we overnighted at this port and could plan to spend some time each day sipping a Coke from the market and checking emails, etc.
We were warned that vendors were not setting up stalls near the port exit due to an increase in petty theft in that area. There was a heavy police presence – and a heavier taxi driver presence at the exit right in the face of exiting travelers. Fortunately, we had contracted with a local tour operator/taxi driver for a private customized tour of Lima: Renato from Taxilimaperu.com He was GREAT!!!!
We communicated by phone and email ahead of time. I told him what I wanted to see and do, and he made it all happen. He also assured me that I would not need to exchange money ahead of time. He would help with that when needed. Renato requested a photo emailed to him, and he was at the port exit watching for us. Renato found us as we exited, walked us over to a security person, and told us to stay by her as he went to get the taxi to pick us up. (Drivers could not just park and wait.) I felt very secure with Renato. Within a couple of minutes he was back with his beautiful taxi – equipped with wifi- and picked us up. We drove through the port town of Callao and on toward Lima. I believe you have to be certified, “crazy” to rent a car to drive in Lima.
There are 43 districts in Lima – each one having it’s own plaza and church.
La Punta District
Our first stop was in La Punta where we walked along the waterfront.
The Miraflores District – beautiful parks, shopping, and touristic area.
We stopped for a few minutes to watch a group of senior citizens playing soccer (futbol) I was impressed with their energy.
O.K. we need to steal this next idea. The parking garage had a sign upon entry that indicated how many parking spots were available. Instead of having to drive back and forth throughout all the levels, there are red lights above occupied spaces and green lights above unoccupied spaces. Maybe large US cities have this, too, but this small-city gal thought it was great!
The Parque del Amor (Park of Love) has the Lover’s statue. Renato says it is expensive to have a wedding in Lima. Once per year, people will gather around this statue and priests will marry them. This is a much cheaper alternative to a church wedding, but the couple still has the honor of being married by a priest.
The next item on my “Must Do” list for Renato was to eat local food at a place locals go. He took us to Rustica.
At the buffet, Renato explained what all the dishes were. I ate three plates of food.
(Well, not every bite on every plate, but I wanted at least a bite of EVERYTHING) Who knew? I like Peruvian food.
We tried (and enjoyed) a drink called Chica Murada – a non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, pineapple rind and spices. Tasted similar to a fruity-grape Koolaid-type drink.
We also tried Inca Kola. It tastes like carbonated bubble gum. I liked it. Hubby…. not so much. This flavor is one of the featured flavors at Disney World in their Coca-cola tasting area.
Next: the Bohemian District
Filled with hostels, cafes and boutiques.
Hubby worked for years in the manufacture and distribution of electricity, so we spent a little time in the Museum of Electricity. Thanks Renato for personalizing that part of the trip, too.
Historic Downtown Lima
San Francisco Cathedral, Monastery, and Catacombs
We toured a house which was originally built by a friend of the President years ago. At one time, it had a tunnel leading to it from the Presidential Palace in case escape was needed. The keeper of the building allowed us to enter with our guide for an after-hours tour of the house and a rooftop view of the city.
Next, we hit the Post Office Market. This was perfect since I try to purchase and mail a post card from everywhere I travel. The funny thing was, it was hard to find a post card! Renato was a man on a mission, finding the vendor who carried postcards and then walking me back to the post office to help me purchase a stamp and mail the card.
Since our ship had an overnight stay in Lima, we were able to stay in the city late at night. Renato took us to Parque de Agua (Park of Water) to see all the fountains. He knew exactly where to have us stand for a great view of the laser light show. A MUST SEE if you are in Lima.
Lima: Day 2 – Renato picked us up again for a few hours of shopping.
Peruvian Coffee- My First Request
He explained that they produce coffee, but many Peruvians don’t drink it. Caffeine naturally dehydrates a person, and the Peruvian climate is so dry that most folks there don’t drink the stuff. However, he knew where a local coffee shop was. Mostly ex-pats were in line to purchase. Conveniently, there was a currency exchange office next door, so we changed enough money for shopping in that area. They ground and bagged the coffee for me right there and I got a cup to go.
Then we went across the street to the supermarket. I wanted to purchase some hard candy as a souvenir to bring back for grandkids and friends. We found Chica Murada flavor!
Peruvian Market
I got most of my souvenirs here (Using American Dollars): T-shirts, vase, alpaca scarves, ski masks, stuffed animal puppets, a Peruvian flag and jewelry. Renato assured me that bargaining here was expected. “Don’t pay full price.” Thanks again, Renato.
Once again, traffic was NUTS! 
If I ever return to Lima….
I might spend more time looking around the Bohemian and Miraflores districts or explore some other districts, and I would certainly eat more local food! I would also love to arrange for a tour of Machu Picchu. No matter what, I would definitely contact Renato to take me there!
Next post: Crossing the Equator