Day 69 - Lima, Peru

So good not having to set the alarm this morning. Although we still wake up naturally at 9.15am. After breakfast we decide to go on the Lima version of Free Walking Tours, our third one in Peru. 

We meet in Kennedy Plaza where there are lots of girls getting dressed up for reasons our guide unfortunately doesn't know. We have seen a lot of girls getting dressed up in Lima. 

He takes us to Plaza de Armas to start the tour. We go on their version of the metro which is a bus lane down the centre of a motorway that has the look as feel of a subway systems just with buses. 

We arrive at Plaza de Armas just in time for the changing of the guards which takes place as midday every day. 

The cathedral which has lots of different styles due to having to be rebuilt many times due to the earthquakes Lima has had over the years. 

Lima's changing of the guard is so much better than ours. It is much more theatrical and takes place to a band. It takes place outside the palace where the president is based. 

After we have a good explore of the area (Lima Central). This tour is pretty good as talks us through more of the history of the areas which is good. 

We visit church Santa Domingo which has the skulls of old saints on show. 

This used to be the main river that ran through Lima which is now a major contrition project. As the river has dried up a lot they have built a narrow canal to the left of it and channeled what water remains into it. They rest of the old river bed they are turning into a major highway. Not the most environmentally friendly project but impressive nonetheless. 

The river / canal that remains absolutely stinks. It's like a river of fast flowing sewage. 

We then visit an old house that became an important excavation site after they found a lot of old items buried. Can't remember what it's called. 

Next up was sampling some good old Pisco at a cool little shop in the back streets. We tried the Pisco sour (again) as well as a mango and milky version. All were absolutely delicious. 

San Francisco cathedral. 

The tour ends at the local park where the last remains of the original city wall are. There is also a statue of Pizzaro, the Spanish conquerer who founded Lima. 

Nice views from the park across the river to San Cristobal on top of the hill. The cross on top of the hill is lit up at night as are many other crosses around the city. Ominously our guide warns us to not cross the bridge and enter that area as it is not safe at all. 

The old town wall. The last remaining piece. 

After the tour we have a drink at a roof top restaurant overlooking Plaza de Armas.  Then head back to the hotel. 

I decide to go for a workout at Golds Gym which is just around the corner from our hotel. They gym is amazing. One of the best I have been in. Hundreds of different machines and free weights. 

I have a great workout, what with the high altitude training, the trek to strengthen my legs and my new trainers I feel like a machine!!

That evening we opt for a proper treat night and go to a top restaurant. We go to a place called Huaca Pucllana which is set in some pre Inka ruins. The setting is amazing and the good even better. 

http://www.resthuacapucllana.com/en/

Finally I get to taste guinea pig (bottom right).  It's ok but a bit fatty. The other dishes of salmon tartare, scallops and fried shrimp were delicious. I go for the seared tuna again for main as it was so delicious last night. It's even better tonight. 

Just noticed the ghost behind me in this pic! 

The ruins we look out over from the restaurant terrace. 

After we are quite tired and have spent a fair amount treating ourselves tonight so decide to head back to the hotel.