Lima Travel Guide: The Casas of Lima

Every city has a typical tourist route; some even offer a hop on hop off bus so you can explore on your own a little. These tours are great for a general understanding of a city and what it has to offer, but there is little depth found in these mass tours. If you are the traveler who really wants to delve into the culture and history of a destination, you need more than just an overview. Take Lima, Peru for example. In this expansive metropolis, it can be difficult to find those hidden secret gems scattered throughout the city.

The historic homes of Lima are a huge draw for history buffs wanting to absorb the hundreds of years of history that Lima, once the capital city of the New World, has to offer. These preserved homes offer the opportunity to enter a time capsule and travel through time. There are agencies that specialize in securing access to otherwise private residences through utilizing personal contacts. This exclusive access can include a tour of family memorabilia spanning from Spanish colonial through modern times as well as access to private art collections coveted by the world’s greatest museums.

By arranging exclusive tours through the homes of Lima, it is possible to also have the opportunity to sit over tea, lunch or dinner with the host family after a privately guided tour. This is the case at Hacienda Santa Rosa. This Republican style home in Villa, is located 20 minutes south of Lima. Here you will be received as the guests of a distinguished Limeño family who will not only show you the stunning grounds and allow access to their private residence, but also sit for lunch with you to quench your curiosities by answering your questions. If you would like to arrive a bit earlier than the arranged tour, the on staff bi-lingual Peruvian chef will let you participate in the preparation and cooking of your lunch. They also allow private visitors to use their swimming pool or ride horses along the beach. During your visit you will also be given a private Peruvian Paso horse demonstration at the ranch located on the grounds.

Unlike most private homes in Lima, you are able to stay overnight at Casa Punta Hermosa. This private summer home offers streamline elegance overlooking the crystal blue waters of the ocean. As one of the homes of a famous Lima antique collector, this home is superbly decorated and offers a relaxing oasis just south of the city of Lima. Their resident chef caters brunch, lunch and dinner. Spa treatments, massages and yoga lessons are all available upon request when you are not enjoying your time on the terrace, relaxing in the open air lounge or enjoying the dramatic ocean-scapes from the pool.

Casa Garcia Alvarado is located in the Miraflores district of Lima and can be walked to from most hotels. The house was built in 1912 in the Republican architecture style and is one of the few remaining original homes in this style located in the Miraflores area. Still used as a private resident, Mrs. Ana Maria Garcia Alvarado will guide you through the home to explain the architecture, history, art collection and antiques that are found in each room. The charm of your hostess as well as the home will certainly leave an impression that Lima is certainly a worthwhile tourist destination.

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