At the Swissôtel Lima, concierge Lelia Diaz guides visitors to the best things to do and the right places to dine in Peru’s capital city. Here she offers expert guidance for business travelers.
Q: What should business travelers pack when visiting your city?
A: Bring comfortable clothes in all seasons and sunscreen in the summer. You’ll need to carry a small amount of cash as you explore our city. Some shops and restaurants do not take credit cards—and you’ll definitely want to sample our local cuisine.
Q: What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?
A: Chef Virgilio Martinez’s Central (Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores, Ph: +511 242 8515) is a must for adventurous eaters. Its menu reflects an anthropological approach to serving up locally sourced dishes. Astrid & Gastón (Av. Paz Soldán 290, San Isidro, Ph: +511 442 2777) serves delicious food in a beautiful setting—a 300-year-old hacienda. The enticing options available at our hotel’s three restaurants, La Locanda, La Fondue and Sushi Cage (Av. Santo Toribio 173-Via Central 150, Centro Empresarial Real, San Isidro, Ph: +511 421 4400), are great examples of Lima’s “fusion” cuisine.
Q: What’s one thing that always surprises guests about your hotel?
A: Guests are surprised and delighted at how the Swissôtel Lima and other modern buildings coexist with the ancient Huaca Huallamarca pyramid, a five-minute walk from our hotel.
Q: If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see in your city?
A: Take a walk around downtown’s historic streets and Plaza Mayor, stopping at the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. Take a tour of the catacombs at the San Francisco Convent. If you’re interested in archaeology, go to the Museo Larco, whose collection offers an overview of the history of ancient Peru. For thrill-seekers, paragliding in the Miraflores district is an affordable and unique experience.
Q: What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?
A: The Lima Golf Club in the San Isidro district is a popular spot for locals and tourists who want to walk or jog. The perimeter path is 3.7 kilometers long (about 2.3 miles).
Business know-how
Concierge Lelia Diaz’s top tips for getting business right in Lima:
Tip 1: Plan ahead for rush hour traffic to avoid being late for meetings. Peak times are 8-9:30 a.m. and 6-9:30 p.m.
Tip 2: Many businesses accept U.S. dollars. But carry some local currency—the sol—especially for small purchases.
Tip 3: Peruvian taxis don’t have meters; negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.
