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Food• Peru• Travel Tips

5 Staple Dishes you cannot miss while in Peru

All right, now everything is set for your Peru trip, you got your flights, your accommodation, all the transportation you will need is booked and you can just relax before you leave. Meanwhile we suggest to start getting into Peruvian culture learning some Spanish words essential to survive during your trip, learn about Peruvian culture and start checking on restaurants to book for lunch or dinner, dishes you wanna try, market you do not want to miss. As you already know Peruvian cuisine is one of the most popular and well-known in the world and I am pretty sure that one of the things you do not want to miss is tasting a good ceviche and get to know the wonder and gems of our food culture. Here a list of dishes you must tr before leaving Peru.  

  • Ceviche: This is the most popular Peruvian dish in the world. Many times, when we talk about Peru with a foreigner, then we end up talking about ceviche and its amazing and delicious taste. If you want to try the traditional ceviche we suggest to do it in Lima, since the dish is from the coastal region of Peru. Also remember that the fish used for making ceviche has to be extremely fresh. Since fishmen boats goes out very early in the morning and go back before lunch, restaurants in Lima serve ceviche only for lunch. Even tough you could find ceviche at night in some restaurants, it is not very common. 

  • Lomo saltado: This dish comes from the union of Peruvian tradition and Chinese cuisine. The dish is made of marinated strips of sirloin, or other beef steak, red onion, tomatoes, Peruvian yellow aji chilies, French fries, served with rice, cooked at Peruvian style.  The combination of ingredients create a unique flavors, you will love it! This dish is pretty easy to find in any restaurant and Peruvian very often eat it for lunch during the week. 

  • Causa: This is considered an appetizer but it is a very reach dish, made of Peruvian yellow potatoes, avocado (we call it palta), mayonnaise and an ingredient of your choice. That means that it could be chicken, vegetables, prawns, tuna. The combination of flavors is delicious. 

  • Aji de gallina: this is a chicken-based dish and usually Peruvians eat during the week at least once. Also expats and visitors love it for its amazing taste. It’s a spicy and creamy chicken stews served with Peruvian style steam rice and a boiled egg. In some restaurants you can also find black olives on top. 

  • Papas a la Huancayna: this is also considered a starter, very common in restaurants and street stalls. Sliced of boiled Peruvian potatoes topped with a velvety sauce made of yellow aji pepper, evaporated milk, oil, fresh cheese and crackers. The name comes from the fact that traditionally the potatoes used to prepare the dish came from Huancayo area in the region called Junin.  

What are you waiting for? Come to Peru and taste our traditional cuisine. 

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On 11 enero, 2022 • By
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Food• Peru• Travel Tips

5 Peruvian Traditional Desserts

Peruvian cuisine is famous for its variety of salty dishes and tastes, but it is also popular for its traditional desserts. You can find them from the fanciest gourmet restaurant to the most rustic street stall, everyone has its own version but the aim is not to compromise the traditional flavors. 

ALFAJORES

Alfajores are extremely popular in Latin America’s countries, but Peru has its own and unique version indeed. They are two-layer shortbread cookies filled with “dulce de leche”, which we call in Peru “manjar”. They are usually eaten as a snack, after lunch or for tea time, the traditional Peruvian “lonche”. They are sprinkled with powdered sugar and if you want a special exotic flavor roll it into shredded coconut.

SUSPIRO A LA LIMEÑA

This is a smooth caramel–based cream lucuma-flavored, covered by a fluffy immaculate meringue and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a real sweetness experience! The traditional version is made with lucuma, a Peruvian creamy fruit, but there are other delicious versions with passion fruit, peach, chirimoya, coconut or mango.

ARROZ CON LECHE 

This is a traditional dessert which bring us back to the very first traditions of Peruvian cuisine, brought to Latin America by the Spanish conquerors who took it from the Arab traditions. It’s a fabulous combination of rice, cinnamon, cloves, condensed milk and sugar. Sometimes is served with mazamorra, another traditional dessert. When you mix arroz con leche and mazamorra the result is the “combinado”, a mix of both desserts whose tastes are perfect together.

MAZAMORRA

This s a pudding-like dessert of a brilliant purple color, usually served cold. This dessert is made with purple corn, from which comes its color, pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, cornstarch, which is used to thicken it.

PICARONES

It is very common to find food stalls in the man streets and parks that cook and sell picarones, a traditional dessert to go for Peruvians. They are the Peruvian version of doughnuts, drenched in syrup called “chancaca”.

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On 22 noviembre, 2021 • By
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Peru• Travel Tips• What to do

Five Places to buy a Delicious Turron de Doña Pepa

October is the “mes morado” in Lima, it can be translated in English as “purple month”, and it is a holy month to celebrate the Señor de los Milagros, one of the most important religious festivals in the country. You can notice people dressed in purple as an offer to the patron during the month. A traditional sweet eaten during the Señor de Los Milagros celebration is the traditional Turrón de Doña Pepa. The turrón has become Peruvian family’s favorite treat and also travelers and expats love it.  

In October the turron starts appearing in the pastry shop’s shelves, in the grocery stores, in the food stalls. It’s a sticky anise-flavored pastry, filled with “chancaca” syrup (a sort of honey) and topped with colorful candies and sprinkles. It’s a sort of eternal dessert, Peruvians love traditions! 

Here a list of places where you can buy a delicious turrón de Doña Pepa if you happen to be in Peru in October. 

 Pastelería San Martín

This historic pastry shop is located very close to the Plaza San Martín, it was open in 1930 and it is a mandatory stop if you want to taste a delicious turron de Doña Pepa in Lima’s downtown. 

Pastelería Italo  

This pastry shop is also very old, it was opened 40 years ago in Magdalena district in Lima, today it also has a branch in Callao Monumental. It offers a wide variety of tasty desserts, but it is its turron de Doña Pepa the most delicious and popular dessert on its menu.

Antigua Panadería Huérfanos de Lima 

The turron de Doña Pepa of this traditional pastry shop stands out for its dough and flavor, which makes the shop a mandatory stop during the “purple month”. The place is located in Lima downtown. 

Turron Isabel 

Made with fruit honey and an original recipe since 1947, this turrón de Doña Pepa is one of the most traditional in Lima downtown. 

La Bonbonniere

This place has become another favorite of Limeños to taste their turrón de Doña Pepa. The dough and the syrup used create a perfect combination of flavors, which will make you want to try more. You can find La Bonbonniere in several Lima’s district.

 

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On 4 noviembre, 2021 • By
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Food• Peru• Travel• What to do

Best Outdoor Dining Experiences in Lima

COVID-19 has changed several aspects of our lives, and it has also changed our dining habits. We now prefer outdoor restaurants and dining places to the fancy indoor restaurants, since we definitely feel safer there. That is why we want to give you some of the best outdoor dining options in Lima, so that you can enjoy our delicious food without any risk and being able to fully enjoy the dining experience. Yes, that is what it’s about, having a meal in one of these restaurants is a true life-changing “experience”.

  • Huaca Pucllana Restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/restauranthuacapucllana): this restaurant is merged into an ancient pre-Incan Huaca, located in the middle of Miraflores district. You will dine outdoor with a stunning view of the Huaca enjoying delicious traditional food with a modern twist. The site is charmingly illuminated at night, so we suggest to have a romantic dinner there. 

  • Osaka (https://www.facebook.com/OsakaOficial): when in Lima do not lose the opportunity to try Nikkei cuisine, a fusion between Peruvian and Japanese food. The result is an amazing mixture of tastes, savors and textures. You will definitely love it. This restaurant is one of the best places to have a real Nikkei experience and get to know it. The restaurant is located in San Isidro district.

  • Astrid & Gastón (https://www.facebook.com/AstridyGastonLima): You cannot live Lima without dining at this restaurant if you are a foodie. Here you can catch the real essence of Peruvian food. Do not forget to try their delicious drinks as well.

  • La Plazita (https://www.facebook.com/laplazitalima): this is a more casual option, where ou can find gourmet Peruvian traditional food in the heart of Miraflores district. This is a real win-win option for lunch if you want to try Peruvian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

  • La Lucha Sanguchería (https://www.facebook.com/laluchasangucheriacriolla): Are you more in fast food style dining experience? You do not want something too fancy and you’re looking for comfort food and fast meal? This is the perfect option for you. The chain has several points in the main Lima’s districts. This is a sort of Peruvian fast-food, where you can taste delicious sandwiches, native fried potatoes or sweet potatoes, that we call camote, and delicious juices and shakes with local fruits. We definitely recommend his option if you are looking for a real Peruvian experience. Many locals dine there as well during the week.  

  • Cebichería La Mar (https://www.facebook.com/LaMarCebicheriaPeruanaLima): this is not a suggestion, but take it more as an order: do not live Lima without tasting a real ceviche. Ceviche is the traditional dish from Peruvian coast, made of marinated fish, Peruvian boiled corn and sweet potatoes. At this historical restaurant you can taste the real essence of Peruvian ceviche, as well as other delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant is located in Miraflores district.

As you can see there are plenty of options for outdoor dining in Lima. COme to Peru and discover our amazing food culture.  

RESTAURANT ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS 

Huaca Puccllana Restaurant 

Calle General Borgoño, Miraflores
T: +51 (1) 445 4042  

Osaka Restaurant 

Felipe Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro
Phone: +51 (1) 222 0405 

Astrid & Gastón 

Av. Paz Soldán 290,San Isidro 

Phone: +51 1 4422777 

La Plazita Restaurant 

San Fernando 380, Miraflores, Lima 

Phone: +51 994 972 336 

La Lucha Sanguchería 

  1. LARCO 999, MIRAFLORES/AV. DIAGONAL 308, MIRAFLORES/ PASAJE CHAMPAGNAT 139, MIRAFLORES/ AV. SANTA CRUZ 814, MIRAFLORES 

Cebichería La Mar 

Calle Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores 

Phone: +5114213365 

  

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On 28 octubre, 2021 • By
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Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Best Tips for a Safe Travel

After a year of pandemic we definitely need to get back on track with traveling. Many people have lost their sense of traveling, their habits and the necessary measures they usually used to travel safely. That is why we felt necessary to write this article including all the best tips we could share for a safe trip. They are good if you’re traveling by yourself, or for family trips or couple trips. Here our list: 

  • Always travel with one or two hard copies of your travel documents: passport, IDs, health insurance cards. You can definitely lost all of them or some of them and you might need a backup, especially for your policy report. Also, it is advisable to go sightseeing with hardcopies of the documents and leave them locked at your accommodation.

  • Bring a lock in your suitcase, it could be useful if you have some documents or items you need to lock in your suitcase or a cabinet. If you are stay in a hostel it will definitely come handy to lock your stuff up. It is better to use a lock with a combination of numbers or letters that the ones with keys. If you lost those keys you’re screwed.
  • Travel with city maps: they are extremely useful for sightseeing and going around the city. But still do not be afraid to lost since this is also a good part of traveling. Getting off the beaten paths is always an experience and will allow you to get to know the real essence of the place you’re visiting.

  • Try to have written down or to learn basic phrases in local language. They could be very helpful since you never know what happen while you’re exploring the place.
  • Have a first-aid kit with you: add paracetamol, antibacterial cream, pads, roller gauze, bandages, medical tape, thermometer. If you are taking any remedies, bring it with you, as well as a prescription from your physician. If you are traveling with kids you should know that the amount of remedies you should bring with you is basically tripled. Just play on the safe side. 

  • Take picture of your luggage before approaching the counter, this will help you in case the airline lost it.
  • Get vaccinated: apart from COVID-19 vaccine, some countries require you to do specific vaccines to enter it. So be prepared for it and get your shot before traveling.

  • Carry extra cash, this is always useful for last minute shopping or for emergency reason. You can also consider to carry an extra credit card in case you experience any problem with the one you usually use. 

  • Get travel insurance: this is a must have for any kind of travel. So get yours and learn all the conditions of the contract before purchasing. This is the best expense you can do for your trip.


We hope that these tips can help you planning your next trip, and remember: get whatever you can to travel safely all around the world. 

 

 

 

 

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On 21 octubre, 2021 • By
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Peru• Peru Destinations• Travel• Travel Tips

Best outdoor sites to visit in Lima

Tourism has changed due to COVID-19 pandemic and travelers are often looking for outdoor places to visit and outdoor activities during their trips. Fortunately, Lima and other Peruvian destinations have a lot to offer on this side. Lima has also a mild climate; temperatures do not drop drastically in winter and it is never rainy, so it is possible to keep staying outdoor even in the cold season. 

Here a list of outdoor places you can visit while in Lima: 

  • Huaca Pucllana: we have already talked about this archeological site in the middle of Miraflores district here (http://www.magicalcuzcotours.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-lima/). It’s easy to reach even on foot if you are staying in Miraflores or San Isidro districts. Ther you can visit the site and also dine at the restaurant located inside.

  • Mercado 28 (https://www.mercado28.pe/): when in Lima you cannot miss the opportunity to discover Peruvian food and this place is definitely what you are looking for. Several food stalls from different restaurants in the country who serve their main dishes. There you can find traditional Peruvian food, chifa, nikkei, wich is a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese food, traditional Peruvian desserts and much more. All in an open space, so it is quite a good option for your meals in the capital city.

  • Miraflores and Barranco’s Malecon: those are the best places to enjoy the breeze of the Pacific Ocean and its charm. Grab some snack and have a picnic there, you will have a peaceful afternoon in a quite outdoor place and enjoy beautiful view. Also, there are plenty of activities you can do, such as biking along the Malecon or paragliding.

  • Parque de las Leyendas (https://leyendas.gob.pe/): if you are traveling with kids that’s a pretty good option to make them happy. It is a zoo where you can find archeological sites, a botanic garden with trees from all over the world, and learn a lot about Peru and its culture.

  • Lima city centre: a stroll in the city centre is a good way to get in touch with Peruvian culture and history. Visit Lima’s main square, called Plaza de Armas, with the cathedral, the bronze fountain in the centre, the Archibishop’s Palace and the presidential palace. This square is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Parque de la reserva (https://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/): the park, a Lima city icon, is located in downtown Lima and there you can find the Magic Water Circuit. The park has thirteen cybernetic fountains which combined with music and colorful laser lights create a magic and attractive show surrounded by Art Deco style architecture.

Parque de la reserva (https://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/): the park, a Lima city icon, is located in downtown Lima and there you can find the Magic Water Circuit. The park has thirteen cybernetic fountains which combined with music and colorful laser lights create a magic and attractive show surrounded by Art Deco style architecture.

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On 8 septiembre, 2021 • By
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Peru• Travel• Travel Tips• World travel

Tips for traveling during pandemic

With the increase of people getting vaccinated all over the world and the drop in infection rates in many countries, we can definitely say that travel is becoming a lot safer now and tourism is recovering. Also the fact that people are more used to live respecting the usual safety measures such as washing their hands and wearing a mask indoor is helping. 

Here few tips you need to take in account while planning your next trip:

  • Test yourself. Take a COVID-19 test before leaving, ideally the day before and once you are back home. Even if you are vaccinated you might want to take the test to check your status. Some countries require a negative test to get in even if you are vaccinated, so you have to check the specific requirements for each destination. As for Peru, a negative PCR test issued up to 72 hours before boarding or a negative antigen test issued up to 24 hours before boarding is required. 

  • Use Masks or face shields. Bring with you the necessary amount of FFP2 masks and change them after 8 hours. If you prefer use a face shield to better protect you on the plane and indoor. 

  • Hand hygiene. Handwashing is the best way to protect yourself, so keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water for an extended period of time and using hand sanitizer if you do not have a place to wash your hands. Hand sanitizer must have at least 60% of alcohol in it. 

  • Bring antibacterial wipes. Bring them with you to clean up and disinfect hotel room or apartment’s doorknobs, light switches, surfaces and bathrooms. Just to be on the safe side.

  • Plan carefully your trip. Plan your trip in a smart way trying to avoid unsafe activities, such as going to crowded indoor places. Schedule in advance your visit to archeological sites, museums, parks, etc. Make the necessary restaurant reservations to ensure you have a table booked, many restaurants may have reduced available tables due to COVID-19 restrictions.

  • Enjoy your trip! Do not obsess and try to fully enjoy your trip. 

Even if things have changed and we are living in a different world today, we believe that we can still keep doing things we love using all the necessary measures to keep ourself and other people safe. So, travel, enjoy yourself, but do it in a smart way. The help of local people and an experienced travel operator could be crucial for your trip. 

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On 1 septiembre, 2021 • By
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Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

8 Tips on How to Travel with Kids

We here at Magical Cusco Tours love to travel with our kids but it can get a little complicated unless you know how to keep them busy and happy. Here are our top 10 tips to travel with kids and teens.

Make sure that daily activities are spread out well: Don’t visit 10 different monuments in one day, let your kids rest and have some downtime.  

Bring lots of snacks and water: In our experience, kids and teens often forget to bring their own food and water so when they get annoyed or hungry, you make sure that you have all the options that they might need. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check and make sure that they have water and snacks.

Ask for their opinions when planning the activities: The activities that you do during the trip should be a mix between things that you want to do and things that your kids find interesting  

If you’re flying somewhere take an earlier flight: The flights can be less crowded and people are more likely to sleep, your kids included.  

Pack lots of activities: Keeping busy is a great way to pass the time and having activities suitable for a kid of any age is always useful. This can include coloring books (of any level), pens, cards, toys for smaller children, and more.

Bring lots of layers and other supplies for any kind of weather: You never know what the day will bring and you want to be prepared for anything to happen. Examples are flashlights, toilet paper, rain jackets, hats, mosquito repellents, sunblocks, comfortable shoes, etc.  

Bring a light blanket in case your kid gets cold on the airline. 

Be prepared for long flights: Many airlines now offer free entertainment if they have a specific app o check if your airline has one of those. If you have a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+, have them download movies and episodes to watch. 

Those are just a few of the many tips we have for you. Make sure to check out our blog on how to stay safe while traveling so you know how to keep yourself and your kids safe. We hope that these tips will help you out. 

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On 19 agosto, 2021 • By
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Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Requirements to Travel to Peru

It has finally come time to start traveling again. The world is opening up and there are more and more adventures to be had. And what better place to start with than Peru! If you want to travel to Peru but have no idea what the requirements are, let me help you out. 

To be able to visit Peru you must have: 

A negative RT-PCR test that was done less than 72 hours in advance. OR An Antigen Test from less than 24 hours before your trip. Usually, a PCR is more expensive and hard to find. In the US, a major pharmacy chain (like CVS or Walgreen’s) provides the Antigen test for free. 

A signed “Health Electronic Sworn Statement, and commitment to carry out the traveler’s isolation or quarantine”. Here’s the link to the statement: http://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud/

Both the Test and Statement must be kept on hand because they’ll probably be requested once you’re in Peru 

If you are an international passenger and you have any symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of your arrival to Peru, you have to contact the health authorities of your country. 

If you don’t wear a mask and/or comply with the rules that the airline/airport/etc have, your boarding to Peru could be rejected.

Those are all the things that you need to have in order to travel to Peru. Make sure to check out my blog about safety tips while traveling.Stay safe and have happy travels! 

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On 11 agosto, 2021 • By
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