Day Trips from Lima

If you have a day to kill in Lima in between arrival or departure and want to get away from the noise and pollution hire a car and driver from your hotel and head to the Mala Valley, 80 kms. south in the province of Cañete.  You will pass through the town of Mala first where a stop at the local market is a must.  Here you will find wonderful local produce at bargain prices, as well as all sorts of meats and even toys and clothes.  Be sure to find the fruit stands in one of the corners of the market.  Even if you’re not looking to stock up on flavourful and exotic fruits, you will find perfect photo ops here.

Asking the locals for directions continue towards the hills about 15 minutes to the town of Santa Cruz de Flores, where you can taste local wines.  Another 15 minutes further (and more asking for directions) and you will reach the town of Azpitia, your final destination.  This area is known for its pisco as well as its breathtaking view of the valley.  El Balcon del Cielo was the first restaurant to come to this location.  Its stepped balconies overlook the valley where you can spot grape plantations, river shrimp farms (camarones) and other local fruit. 

This is the perfect place to spend a lazy day enjoying a long lunch to the sound of the water from the Mala River.  Many locals from Lima come here in the winter for lunch on the weekends escaping its grey days.  In the summer the upper class that vacations in the nearby beaches also frequents the town.

Travel Advice & Recommendations by Local Experts

* Note that this delicious variety of shrimp is in ‘veda’ from January until the 11th of april.

Comments

[New Zealand Kiwi]

I am thinking about heading to Lima but my sensible side is saying skip it altogether. Are there any areas of the city that are considered safer for tourists? Thanks, Kiwi

[Claudia]

Hi, I had the oportunity to visit Mala last year when I traveled to Peru and it was amazing to visit this town. what I remmember of this place is the food, in special the tamales...This visit was possible because of the travel agency that I hired, ´cause they planned a lot of tours for me and this was one of them. I recommend you if you want information the web is http://www.turperu.com.pe/pages/index.php