Peru - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 730

INFORMATION
Tourist information The municipal tourist o ce is
just off the Plaza de Armas behind the Palacio Municipal
(Pasaje Los Escribanos 145; Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm,
Sat & Sun 9am-5pm; T 01 314 1542). iPerú is the national
tourist info provider, and can also help if you need to make
a complaint, visit the police or simply book accommo-
dation. iPerú has desks in Lima airport (open 24hr;
T 01 574 8000) and Miraflores (Larcomar, stand 10; daily
11am-2pm & 3-8pm; T 01 445 9400), as well as San
Isidro (Jorge Basadre 610; daily 9am-1pm & 2-6pm;
T 01 421 1627). Callao has a basic tourist information
booth on the road between Plaza Grau and Chuquito (daily
10am-5pm), which has information about the museums
in the area. The South American Explorers' Club, at C Piura
135, Miraflores (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm;
T 01 444 2150), has good information including maps,
listings and travel reports available to non-members for
a higher fee.

9

CENTRAL LIMA
Hostal Belén Nicolás de Piérola 953, Plaza San Martín
T 01 427 7391, E [e-mail]; map p.729.
One of the best-value budget options in Central Lima -
a well-maintained colonial gem with a restaurant (Mon-
Sat) serving barga in se t lunches. Try to get a room with
views of the plaza. S60
Ì Hostal España Jr. Azángaro 105 T 01 428 5546,
W hotelespanaperu.com; map p.729. The main courtyard,
filled with antique oil paintings, marble statues and
trailing pot plants, is quite stunning. There's also a verdant
rooftop patio where breakfast is served (S6-6.50) - look
out for peacocks strutting about. España is perhaps a little
old-school, but it's secure and has wi-fi, a book exchange
and a tour operator servi ce for on ward travel anywhere
in the country. Dorms S20 , doubles S50
Europa Jr. Ancash 376 T 01 427 3351; map p.729. A very
basic and slightly run-down building opposite the San
Francisco church, with a pretty internal courtyard. The
rooms are worthy of a monastery in their simplicity (most
have shared bathr oom ), but it's good value (although can
be cold in winter). S35
Pensión Ibarra Av Tacna 359 apt.1402 T 01 427 8603,
E [e-mail]; map p.729. For a different
type of experience, try staying with the very welcoming
Ibarra couple in two apartments on the fourteenth and
fifteenth floor. The rooms are simple but the views are
spectacular and the place is kept tidy. Breakfast (S8-10)
and laundry can be arranged, use of the kitchen is
permitted and there's no curf ew. Very cheap rates can
be arranged for long stays. S35

TOUR OPERATORS
Bike Tours of Lima C Bolívar 150, Miraflores T 01 445
3172, W biketoursoflima.com. Does what it says on the tin,
as well as bike rentals.
Ecocruceros Av Arequipa 4960, Miraflores, and a stand by
the port in Callao T 01 226 8530, W islaspalomino.com.
Runs trips to the Islas Palominos.
Fertur Peru Jr. Junín 211, Central Lima T 01 427 2626,
W fertur-travel.com. Offers nationwide package tours and
some local tours.
Kolibri Expeditions T 01 273 7246, W kolibriexpeditions
.com. Recommended for birdwatching tours locally and
across Peru.
Lima Vision Jr. Chiclayo 444, Miraflores T 01 447 7710,
W limavision.com. The best choice for Lima tours, including
Pachacamac and the museums.
Mirabús Stalls in both Parque Kennedy and Plaza Mayor
T 01 242 6699, W mirabusperu.com. Runs open-top bus
tours of Lima by day/night, as well as Callao (Sun only
10.15am). Also does boat trips to the Islas Palominos
(bi-monthly) and a land and sea excursion (Thurs, Fri &
Sat 2pm).

MIRAFLORES
Casa del Mochilero Jr. Cesareo Chacaltana 130a,
upstairs T 01 444 9089, E [e-mail]; map
p.731. This safe place is remarkably good for the price,
with hot water, cable TV and a newly refurbished kitchen.
It's not right at the centre of Miraflores's action, but it's
close enough. Don't confuse it with the similarly named
and decorated hostel next door; ask for Pilar or Juan to
be sur e you 're in th e righ t place (it's the green building).
Dorms S15 , doubles S40
Explorer's House Av Alfredo Leon 158 T 01 241 5002,
E [e-mail]; map p.731. Out of the
centre of Miraflores but close to the sea, Explorer's House
is a good old-fashioned hostel. Breakfast is included and
internet, wi-fi, hot water and a rooftop terrace add to the
charm; there's also a small kitchen for gues ts to use. Book
ahead as it is small and popular. Dorms S21 , doubles S50
Flying Dog Hostels W flyingdogperu.com; map p.731.
The Flying Dog is the most established backpacker joint
in the city, with several outlets: Backpackers , at Diez
Canseco 117 (includes breakfast); Bed and Breakfast , at
C Lima 457; Hostel , at Olaya 280. All locations offer cheap

ACCOMMODATION
There are good budget options throughout the city,
although Central Lima works out slightly cheaper and
offers hostels within walking distance of some of the most
important tourist sights. Barranco has a relaxed bohemian
atmosphere and is close to the sea, but the most popular
district for tourists is still Miraflores; with bright lights
and fast-food joints on every corner, it has a cosmopolitan
feel, plus plenty of chain backpacker hostels providing
mainly dorm-style accommodation. There are no camp-
sites, o cial or otherwise.