Monthly Archives: April 2014
“Great Bright Morning” – Casey Abrams
In honor of all of our friends wandering that beautiful world out there.
Hakuna Matata
Backpacking Lima Peru- A Lucid Practice Destination Guide
Backpacking Lima Peru : A Travel Guide
Lima Peru: How to get there, where to stay, and what to do:
Our first encounter with the city of Lima was arriving on a sixteen hour bus from Piura, Peru. We saw the “Welcome to Lima” signs and thought we had made it. Well, it wasn’t until two hours later after navigating through morning traffic that our bus finally reached its final destination in Central Lima. We learned that this mega capital is made up of many neighborhoods which might as well be their own cities. Nearly nine million people live in or around Lima, Peru.
Even with long taxi rides and lots of traffic to deal with, we loved our stay in Lima. In what major city can you find a desert with great surfing? This city really has it all – possibly the best gastronomy in South America, history that will amaze, and gorgeous cliffs overlooking Pacific Ocean beaches.
Lima is an international city that caters to all types of travelers. We met people from all over the world – businessmen, backpackers, rastas – all types! We ended up staying five days and loving our visit.
In this guide we will provide you with details to help you navigate your way through Lima.
How to get to Lima Peru :
It’s quite easy to get to the biggest city in Peru.
Getting to Lima from the North of Peru:
In the north of Peru you can literally catch a bus from any large city. We caught a 16 hour bus from the beach town of Piura.
Getting to Lima from Ecuador:
It’s a bit trickier getting to Lima from Ecuador by bus. We wrote about the patient process of traveling from Ecuador to Lima.
Getting to Lima from Cusco:
Many people come from Cusco on their journey from South to North. There are 24 hour buses from Cusco. We opted to fly to Cusco after realizing that the flight costs only $40USD more than the bus. Go to any Peruvian airline kiosk around Peru to book your flights to Cusco.
Where to stay in Lima Peru :
When deciding where to stay in Lima, Peru, this will depend on your budget and travel style. Kate and I enjoy interacting with other travelers, so we opted to stay at 1900 Backpackers Hostel. “1900” is a large hostel located in Central Lima. It is located in a fascinating old mansion built around 1900, hence the name. We loved the location – it is very close to the Plaza de Armas and the government buildings. It’s also next to a brand new mall and supermarket — perfect for a budget traveler.
In addition to the the great location, there are fun activities such as salsa classes. The bar and pool area make happy hour a lot of fun. If you are young and traveling through Lima we certainly recommend staying at 1900. You’ll feel safe and you will meet many new friends.
5 Best Things to do in Lima Peru :
1) Visit Miraflores
Miraflores is a beautiful neighborhood in Lima located right on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Definitely take a day to wander about Miraflores and visit the world’s (potentially) most beautiful mall, Larco Mar. Miraflores is also home to some of South America’s best restaurants. If you are looking to go out in Lima, check out Barranco, which neighbors Miraflores. Every person we have talked to loved their experience in Barranco, where the food, ocean, and nightlife make for a perfect night.
2) Go to the Lima Magic Water Show
This was a really, really cool experience. Whether you are traveling with a significant other or by yourself this is a great nighttime activity. The magic water circuit offers thirteen water fountains developed by the city. All fountains combine music, light, and images. A true must-see in Lima. Cost: $2 USD.
3) Drink a Pisco Sour at The Grand Bolivar Hotel in Lima
If you haven’t heard of Pisco, it is the most popular alcohol in Peru and Chile. The first pisco sour was made at The Grand Bolivar Hotel, a central Lima staple back in the 1920’s. The grand foyeur and old lounge-style bar stay true to this hotel’s historical feel. Cost: $15 USD for two people.
4) Visit the Plaza de Armas in Lima – Home to the President’s Residence and the Massive Cathedral
This plaza is the main square and center of Lima. Here you will find the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace, and a massive Cathedral, all surrounding a beautiful fountain. It is definitely worth a visit to understand some of the history of Lima.
Note: Image of the plaza is at the top of the page.
5. Visit Larco Museum in Lima
We had our introduction to Inca history at the Larco Museum, which houses over 45,000 Pre-Colombian artifacts. If you are traveling on to Machu Picchu, a visit to this museum is a great way to learn about Inca history. We were excited to get a deeper look into the history that shaped the country we were exploring. It was a bit expensive to enter at $15 USD per peson.
What to eat in Lima, Peru:
Lima is home to some of the world’s best restaurants – literally.
I advise you to splurge and visit Astrid y Gaston. Many publications have rated it as a top-twenty restaurant in the world. It is also ranked as the number two restaurant in South America. While it’s a bit pricey for a budget traveler at $50-70 USD per person, you will be experiencing a meal that is “once in a life time” good. Gaston Acurio started this restaurant in 1994 and now has restaurants in Chile, Colombia, and Panama among many other countries around the world. The food will speak for itself.
Average Daily Cost of Travel in Lima, Peru – $40 Per Day
Hostel: $10 USD
Food: $10-15 USD
Activities: $15-20 USD
Transportation: $5 USD
Total: $40-50 USD
Traveling to Peru or Lima, Peru for the first time?
Post a question in the comments section, we’ll respond with advice!
Life is best lived (short video)
“Hearts of Space” – Space Music
Cambodian Money — 5 Things to Know While Traveling Cambodia
Cambodian Money — What You Should Know While Traveling Cambodia
While traveling Cambodia, one must consider several aspects of Cambodian money. What’s the currency? How far does a US Dollar go in Cambodia? What are other issues to be mindful of?
1. How Far Does a Dollar Go in Siem Reap, Cambodia?
The cost of food is always a great way to gauge cost of living while traveling. In my Cambodian travels, I’ve been spending less than $12.00USD a day for food! Typically $12.00 only covers one meal in the U.S., but take a look at the other side of the world in Cambodia and you’ll get yourself 3 full meals with an afternoon snack included. 🙂 The food is fresh, delicious and will satisfy your taste buds!
My average daily expenses for food in Cambodia
$1.75USD total for breakfast: $0.75 coconut, $1.00 16-bundle of small bananas
$3.50USD total for lunch: $1.00 fruit smoothie, $2.50 khmer curry
$1.50 total for afternoon snack: bundle of lychee
$5.00 total for dinner: $2.50 khmer crepes, $2.50 fruit salad
total= $11.75
2. Are Some Areas of Siem Reap Cheaper than Others?
Yes. There are definitely areas in Siem Reap, Cambodia that are cheaper than others. For instance, restaurant prices will be twice as high when dining at restaurants on Pub Street (the most touristy area of Siem Reap). Street and corner stands (as opposed to restaurants) are 75% cheaper than when buying fresh fruit (coconuts, pineapple, papaya, bananas).
The Old Market near Pub Street in Siem Reap is even cheaper when buying fruit. Old Market vendors sell by the Kilo (I usually buy at 1/2 kilo). Don’t let their initial asking price of $5.00/kilo fool you — you can always bargain lower or find a different seller among the many inside the market for a better price.
3. Use Dollar or Cambodian Money (Riel)
Moreso than most countries, Cambodian vendors allow customers to use multiple currencies — either US Dollars or Cambodian Riel. Interestingly enough, USD often comes out of the ATM machines in Cambodia! As of now, one US Dollar is equal to 4,000 Cambodian Riel.
4. Carry Small Notes for Street Purchases in Siem Reap, Cambodia
If you’re making a small purchase, some vendors will not accept large USD notes. For example, you might have trouble buying a $.75 mango with a $10 dollar bill. At restaurants, large notes are not an issue.
Tip: Before coming to Cambodia, my friend took out $300 USD from her bank and asked for all one dollar bills — I suggest doing this!
5. Bring Crisp USD Notes for Purchases in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Unless you’re using Cambodian money (the riel), then I suggest carrying crisp USD notes (no creases or tears). The local Khmer people can be picky about their money. For instance, if you give a vendor a ripped or crinkled USD note, they might note accept it!
So, while making a bank withdrawal, ask for “new money” instead of old. On the other hand, Cambodian money (the Cambodian Riel) is viewed differently — the crispness of notes is not a concern.
Conclusion
These are the 5 most important things to consider about Cambodian money while traveling in Siem Reap or other parts of this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Click here to read about my recent experience celebrating Khmer New Year in Siem Reap.
I hope you found this post useful! I’d appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing your comments about your deals in Cambodia or elsewhere abroad!
xo,
Danners
Copacabana, Bolivia
Lucid Practice featured on Passion Passport
Passion Passport just featured a small piece Kate and I wrote. Check it out!