As the epicenter of the Peruvian upper class, there are a plethora of fun things to see and do in the glitzy suburb of Miraflores. And although some activities require large sums of cash, others are refreshingly easy on the wallet and well within the reach of budget-minded backpackers. Here are Culture Trip’s recommendations.
A number of travel agencies offer bicycle excursions through the neighborhood’s most prestigious streets, following a route along the coast which ensures plenty of breathtaking views. For those who prefer to go it alone, it’s possible to rent a bike for the day and head out to explore on your ownsome.
Not that keen on cycling? No problem, because the famous boardwalk known as the Malecón is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Occupying an enviable position on a cliff overlooking the ocean, this picturesque spot is popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Malecon de la Reserva, Miraflores, Perú
Miraflores Malecón | © Municipalidad de Miraflores/Flickr
As you might expect, Miraflores is brimming with shopping malls and trendy boutiques. For the best upscale shopping experience, head to the renowned Larcomar, a modern oceanfront shopping mall with all the latest international designer brands.
Larcomar, Malecón de la Reserva, Miraflores, Perú +51 1 6254343
Larcomar | © jjmusgrove/Flickr
Few places are as popular in South America with paragliders as the cliffs of Miraflores, largely thanks to the stunning views they afford of the ocean and city below. Great news for budget travelers, a brief 10 minute stint can be bought for as little as 160 PEN (US$50).
Whether it be an internationally renowned restaurant or a simple roadside cevicheria, there is somewhere to feast for every budget in this glitzy seaside neighborhood.
For a suburb full of Starbucks and McDonald’s, an early indigenous pyramid is the last thing you would expect to stumble upon. Nevertheless, the fascinating 1,500-year-old site known as Huaca Pucllana is open to the public for a grand sum of 10 PEN (US$3).
Huaca Pucllana, cuadra S/n, Calle General Borgoño 8, Miraflores, Perú +51 1 6177148
Huaca Pucllana | © Christian Córdova/Flickr
Sip a cocktail as the sun sets over the ocean or dance with the young and the restless until the break of dawn, there is no shortage of nighttime entertainment in this glamorous neighborhood.
Healthy eating fanatics will be in heaven at the Miraflores Eco Feria, an expansive organic produce market that sells the freshest fruit and greens in the city. Other wholesome products such as herbs, teas, oils and grains are also available to tempt the palate. It takes place on Saturday between 8 am and 4 pm.
Parque Reducto N° 2 Miraflores, Calle Ramón Ribeyro, Miraflores, Perú
Farmers Market | © Gemma Billings/Flickr