A Day of Exploration in Lima with Jessica
As I’ve been snuggling up with our new Peruvian knits, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for Peru. It’s a country that captured my heart years ago and one of my absolute favorite places to travel. Lima, in particular, is a city that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. As I’m sitting in my office managing the tasks of the day, I’m choosing to imagine that instead, I’m wandering the streets of the Peruvian capital, with you strolling along next to me. Are you in? Then come explore one of my favorite destinations and let’s give in to that stubborn wanderlust for a while.
Let’s start this daydream off with a bang. After we land in sunny Lima, we’ll make a beeline for the Barranco District, one of 43 districts in Peru and my favorite by far. Known as the most romantic and bohemian district in Lima, the Barranco district is home to many of Peru’s artists, musicians, and creatives. It’s also right on the coast with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounded by high cliffs that keep colder air at bay. After dropping our bags at our inevitably chic hotel, we’ll enjoy a long walk on the boardwalk, see the surfers and waves, and head to lunch down the street.
My restaurant of choice when I’m in Lima is always Pescados Capitales. There, we can enjoy some of the freshest, most delicious ceviche in the world (in my humble opinion). With a cool, modern design and fresh seafood delivered straight from the neighboring ocean, it just doesn’t get much better than this place.
Enjoying some delicious tapas at Pescados Capitales
Our next stop will have to be shopping. To visit my favorite shops, we will go all over Lima. First stop: Dedalo—the fashion hotspot for trend-conscious Peruvians and turísticos alike. This shop brings together artists and designers from all of South America and features a more modern aesthetic than most shops geared towards visitors.
After spending some time checking out the modern art and design scene at Dedalo, a trip to the local market is a must. Here we’ll discover traditional crafts, vibrant ponchos, and anything else you might want to find. The markets have everything. On a recent visit to Lima, Johanna, Noonday’s designer, and I traveled to the industrial market with Faustino, one of our Artisan partners. Walls and walls of yarn, zippers, buttons, and sequins stretch out in front of you. It’s a truly amazing experience. As a designer, Johanna was overwhelmed with all of the potential we saw there. The colors and textures made for a memorable scene.
Now back to the present. After a full day of exploration, you and I will be so ready for a delicious pick-me-up, and there’s no better place to grab one than at La Bodega Verde. This cool café features a lovely garden just right for relaxing after spending hours on your feet. My favorite refreshments include passion fruit licuados (smoothie-like drinks blended with yogurt and water) and fresh guanabana (a local fruit that tastes a little like pineapple and strawberry swirled together). They also have delicious breads that they make completely from scratch in-house, if that’s what we’re craving.
A guanabana in the wild
After that, we’ll head over to Wayra, a shop that sells amazing alpaca knitwear just right for cozying up with on the plane home. The craftsmanship of the artists who create these pieces never ceases to amaze me, nor does the wide variety of colors and styles to be found at Wayra. On the way out, we’ll be sure to snatch up some snuggly souvenirs for all our loved ones who couldn’t join us on our Peruvian adventure.
Thanks for coming along with me to one of my favorite cities! Travel is one of my favorite parts of my job, and something I’m always ready to share with others. Next time you’re warming up with your rural Peruvian Frosted Eyelet Arm Warmers or adding some sparkle with your Lima-made Sedona Necklace, let your mind wander back to our dreamy day of exploration, delicious food, and amazing shopping in the Peruvian capital.
Meet Jessica Honegger
Jessica is Noonday Collection’s Founder and Chief Dreamer. Jessica spends her days inspiring others to live lives of purpose—from empowering our Ambassadors to be powerful storytellers and stylists, to visiting and encouraging our Artisans partners across the globe. After hours, Jessica can be found relaxing with her husband, dancing with her three children, and enjoying a good book.
