Jose Salinas Casanova can be contacted at casanovacab@hotmail.com. He is a cab and tour guide for Lima, Peru. He works mainly near the Miraflores district, but can guide you anywhere. He took us to Pachacamac which is 45 minutes out of Lima, showing us some beautiful coast line along the way. We toured with him one day and part of the next before he returned us to the ship dock. He has very fair rates and is honest. We went with him to dinner at a wonderful seafood restaurant. He always knows the best places to eat and for very reasonable prices. We paid $15/hr for both of us. Takes US currency. He can be contacted by emailing him in advance. We did this and he met us at the ship. Last time he met my husband at the airport so he is very flexible. If you are already in Lima you can call his cell phone. The number is (51) intern. code 999190336. Dial the phone without the code if you have a phone from Lima. If you want a safe, honest driver who speaks English and will give you a good tour Jose Salinas is the one.Very reliable. Read Less

Didn't take an excursion since Machu Picchu was so overpriced... just took a cab downtown and the shuttle service from Miraflores back to the ship.Lima was very nice and pleasant to walk around, although you must watch for pickpockets; the historic centre is beautiful. They charge US$10 to enter the Cathedral, what the...? Read Less

3 days with “Lima Mentor”, Cynthia Caceres is the founder and general manager. Cynthia is a very modern tech savvy lady who answered every one of our emails in a prompt and courteous manner. We combined her Two Day Shore Excursion with her One Day Modern City Tour and the Junius Peruvian Fiesta. Cynthia had warned us of the construction work at the Port of Callao (Lima) that would delay our shuttle from the ship to the gate.Day 1 of the Two Day Shore Excursion we met Cynthia’s brother who is the driver and all around good guy outside the Port of Callao gate. He introduced us to our guide Vanessa who was extremely knowledgeable of all the Lima attractions and pleasing to the eye. We first drove to the Historic Center where we changed dollars to soles in case we find something we cannot pay with in dollars. Vanessa explained the most important monuments at the Historic Center such as the Main Plaza, the Cathedral and the Government Palace. Our group decided on the spot we wanted to walk through the Cathedral so we changed the itinerary without any hassle. We learned our guide Vanessa was well known here in Lima as several people came up to her, shook hands and started talking. Next we visited the Convento Santo Domingo, which is a very impressive convent that Vanessa knew extremely well and could answer every one Father Vincent’s questions with ease. We walked up the tower to great views of the Historic Center of Lima. In the tower are photo stops including boards painted for the people to poke their heads through and get their picture taken in traditional Lima periodic clothing. Friends say it makes me look to thin for my face. Highly recommend seeing both the Cathedral and Convent Santo Domingo in the same day. We walked through the local streets to see the old town stores and where the locals shop. Next a stop for lunchtime in Chorrillos, historical and traditional district where we had lunch in a local house converted into a restaurant. The traditional furniture still remains and the tables are well spaced so everyone is comfortable such as at a large family reunion. We chose the courtyard so we could watch the cooks and socialize with the local cat that desired attention. Their Pisco Sours were great with or without the raw egg whites that the cruise ship had warned us not to have because Salmonella serotype Enteritidis (SE) can be inside perfectly normal-appearing eggs. Even without the Pisco Sours we could have stayed there for hours enjoying the perfect weather and all the historical sights in the restaurant. But we had to move on to Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca site, in the middle of the modern city in the district of Miraflores. Next we walked around the Shopping Center Larcomar (Centro Comercial Larcomar) on the cliffs overlooking the coast. This is a not to be missed sight on the sand cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The women chose to shop and complain about the high prices or that they could not communicate with the shop attendants. The men got some excellent drinks, fantastic view of the sun setting on the pacific ocean and the opportunity to help some young Peruvian women with their photos. The wives did choose to go shopping and leave us by our lonely selves with Peruvian women strolling by that say they are so different from the "cold" North American and European women. We recommend at least 90 minutes to 2 hrs to see this lovely place, fantastic sights, especially at sunset and make sure the wife wears a jacket so she is not “cold”. Next we were on to the Peruvian Fiesta at Junius Restaurant, part of El Pardo Double Tree by Hilton. The price includes a Peruvian buffet with all of the dishes labeled in English for us non-Spanish readers and they let you taste small samples before selecting. All this intended to stop the wives from asking what is that, but they still had to ask what was in it before trying. The folkloric show is performed using the entire restaurant and cumulates on a tiny stage that already has 10 very good musicians on it. By my count there were 11 different dancers the night we attended. The dancers performed for up to 10 minutes in the same costume then a new group came out in new costumes and danced for their 10 minute set. The only break from this routine in the 90 minute show was when the drummer got up to perform different styles of tap dancing to give the dancers a chance to change costumes and catch their breath. I took so many pictures that I ran my camera battery dead. The finally includes all the dancers and the audience as they make the audience part of the show. Those with cameras that still work were busy taking pictures with the folkloric group in their magnificent costumes on the tiny stage and around the restaurant. Cynthia’s brother arrived during the finally and waited patiently outside to drive us back to the ship. Seeing Lima in the night is another not to be missed sight. Day 2 of the Two Day Shore Excursion we met Cynthia’s brother and our guide Vanessa outside the Port of Callao gate at the appointed time. As neither the driver nor Vanessa had ate breakfast yet we stopped at a street vender to get a warm local fruit drink and snack that was shared with those of us brave (stupid) enough to try them. Now comes the mesmerizing 40-minute ride to the Pachacamac Ruins. Vanessa talked nonstop as each of the different areas we pass through is explained in detail. We learned that the Pachacamac Ruins is a hugely important archaeological find containing pyramids from pre-inca times. Teams of scientists have determined this location was home to people from as far back as 200A.D. and civilization prospered until around 1533 AD. Thanks to the scientists still working the area there are signs everywhere for the school children and tourist to read. As we walked and the non-walkers rode in the vehicle, our guide Vanessa continued explaining in great detail about the Temple Pintado ( coloured temple) and Temple Viejo ( old temple) as well as the Temple del Inti (Temple of the Sun) which contains a stone staircase we climbed leading up to a terraced area with a great view of the surrounding lands that has modern civilization fast encroaching upon this ancient monument. Vanessa explained the Acllahuasi temple or the house of Mamaconas (name given to a particular group of women, sent from Cusco or other important cities to come to the place and take care of the religious ceremonies and the production of fine textiles for the nobility). The Pachacamac museum and vendors located at the entrance of the ruins provided a good rest stop after all that walking. The giggling school children were a blessing for some of us. In the museum we were able to see various ancient relics found at the site during archaeological excavations. Among the remains, we will see various decorated ceramics, textiles and carving woods representing Pachacamac God.The ride to Café del Museo was quiet as Vanessa had already explained all the sights and some tourists were recharging their energy with their eyes closed. Café del Museo serves excellent food with correct portions to fill the average appetite, especially after all that waking and giggling. The cafe is in what some giggling ladies described as the sexually explicit exhibit area of the Larco Museum. And the ladies did check each nook and cranny for what ever was tickling their fancy. I stayed with the free Pisco Sours and enjoyed the pleasant day until it was time to move on to Barranco. Barranco, which is the bohemian district with art galleries and pleasant tree lined streets that is a nice area to walk and has two very good handicraft shops that we explored. The shopkeepers treat them as museums and guided us through the different sections explaining what was not obvious to the untrained eye. This attention to details did seem to help with the sales. I took as many pictures as seemed prudent. With the sun setting we headed back to the Port of Callao pass the Navy base.Day 3 in Lima was our One Day Modern City Tour. We met Cynthia’s brother and our guide Vanessa outside the Port of Callao gate at the appointed time. As neither the driver nor Vanessa had ate breakfast yet we stopped at the same street vender as yesterday to get a warm local fruit drink concoction and snacks that were shared with the men as the wives said they already new what pain is. The lady operating the stand was so happy to see tourists drinking her product she gave all the men free refills. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?With warm male bellies we are off to see the one of Lima’s most defining characteristics, the massive urban population of the city, caused by a constant migration of people from rural regions in the Andes in search of work. However, unemployment is still a serious problem, which leaves most people in this sector with no option but to work in the informal economy or underground economy off the government records. That means we are headed for the slums on the edge of town. From the highway we could see the shanties built from left over construction material, packing material and shipping material. Up close they have constructed walls that surrounds the house or houses. Broken bottles cover the top of the walls, as a form of protection from would be perpetrator of crimes. We are now on to the La Molina district at the other end of the financial scale of Lima. There are 14 universities in the La Molina district and our guide Vanessa points out every single one of them. This consists of pointing to a high wall and stopping in front of the entrance gate to see the name of the University. That is all we could see, a high wall, a name and a small piece of the insides through the barred gate. Some of the most exclusive Peruvian social clubs are located here: Rinconada Country Club, La Planicie Country Club and Hebraica Club.Next we come to a gated community to see how the rich and famous live. To get past the guard Vanessa showed her tourist guide ID and her tourists sitting behind her. Not sure if the ID or the foreign faces was the key to enter. We got to see high walls with electric fences on top and beautiful vegetation on the outside. We were assured the homes inside are impressive as well as immaculate. As a couple of us wanted to purchase some non-tourist Pisco we were taken to Wongs a typical grocery store for this high end bedroom community. It is Chinese owned and Pervuin operated. The lady operating the liqueur section went into great detail as to the different qualities of Pisco, so much so, that even Vanessa learned something new. They had gift sets of Pisco available with glasses and a wooden case that was half the price of a bottle the same size at any of the tourist gift shops. On to “Cerro San Cristobal”, the highest populated hill of Lima (400masl). The drive up is a unique experience with colorful houses and panoramic views on every curve. On a clear day like today, the whole city can be seen from the top! We are given a choice of restaurants to choose from and we want to try the middle income neighborhood restaurant that is open 24 hrs a day known for being a place that husbands or boyfriends can be found in the hours before work after a night of celebrating the football teams win or loss or a simple hard night of male bonding or drinking. I think Vanessa may have been here before. Sandwicheria Macario is so popular it is on Face Book, You Tube and Foursquare. They serve more than one fantastic fully dressed sandwich. The ladies commented that the sandwiches are so big only a man would eat that much at one sitting. Sitting with the locals going through their daily lives made the sandwiches all the better. Moreover, as we came to the end of our delicious sandwiches the locals were ready to ask questions and tell us of their lives. Vanessa explained that the wives retain the family name of their mother's and pass their family name on to their children. Another difference is property is kept in the woman's name. I think I see why so many of the men are not interested in marriage. The single men did admit to thinking about marriage but Vanessa’s translation offered no reason as to why they are single. This is a male sanctuary so it is not recommended for the ladies to use the establishments one and only toilet. The seat is gone so you can’t be hit on the back of the head. The tank top is gone for reasons not remembered. Toilet paper is on the handle of the plunger safe off the wet floor. The ladies did get advice on some local stores for shopping before we had to head back to the ship. Read Less

The ship and guides all remind passengers that the port of Callao is dangerous and it looked seedy from the bus window. We took a tour to the pyramids on the outskirts of Lima, to the special horses bred by the conquistadors to ride without swaying which were demonstrated in a Hacienda about 1 and 1/2 hours south of Lima. The show was excellent as was the food. Read Less

A nice city tour, with an opportunity to see horrendous traffic up close! Great tour guide though, and driver. If you do any of the city tours, go for Treasures of Colonial Lima and do lunch at Casa Aliaga. A beautiful home, a fabulous meal, and a great experience, Read Less

The port is a huge commercial hub. However, opposite the pier where the cruise ships dock is a 'Peruvian Market'. All kinds of crafts and clothes are offered. A shuttle takes everybody to the gate where the taxis are waiting. They charge $ 20 for a trip to town or per hour if you book them for a city sightseeing tour. With a bit of luck you can barter and get a ride to Plaza Mayor for $ 15. The area around the port is definitely not good for walking in fact it looks quite rough. The drive to Plaza Mayor takes - depending on traffic - 25 to 45 minutes. It is nice to see the changing of the guard in front of the Palacio del Gobierno at 12 pm. One block north of the plaza is the old Puente Piedra, a Roman style bridge. On the way about half a block from the Plaza are the beautiful Santa Domingo Arcades. It's nice to stroll through them. There are many stalls selling maps, stamps, bills and some crafts. There are also internet shops, a couple of little restaurants and a post office. It's no problem to pay with dollars. From the bridge one can see the colorful cube shaped shacks where the poorer population of Lima lives. Don't go into the Rimac district on the other side of the bridge even though it looks quite inviting. We were wandering around there when locals warned us to leave the area and return to the busy streets close to Plaza Mayor. They considered it to be too dangerous for tourists. Police was everywhere around Plaza Mayor and the adjacent streets some even in riot gear and in armored vehicles. It took a while to get a taxi back to Callao because the Plaza was closed due to a government event and not all taxis are licensed to go to Callao. Right down the name of the port entrance otherwise the taxi drivers don't know where to drop you off. US Dollars were accepted everywhere. Read Less

What you can do in Lima (port is Callao) depends on if you have a full day in port or one afternoon and morning. We had two half days and the following is recommended: 1. Gold museum (Museo de oro) - a must see with all its pre-Columbian art. 2. Larco Herrera Museum and Indian Market - very interesting museum, also contains an erotic section of statues "guaranteeing" fertility in the next life and left in the grave. 3. A full day can get you to the Pachacamac Inca Ruins, however, read the reviews as a lot of sections are closed and the dust may turn you off. 4. At the wharf enjoy the free Wifi at the Peruvian market as the ships internet is very dear and very flakey and shop for souvenirs there. Read Less

Went to two places. One an archelogical site which I cannot spell. Fantastic and interesting. They even held it open for the tour buses as we were late getting there. Second was to the Peruvian Prancing Horses at a Hacienda, That was amazing. The dinner was something that Princess Cruises could learn from - it was superior to any I had aboard ship. The entertainment was excellent. The whole experience was a cruise plus. Read Less

The port is incredibly smelly, so if you have a veranda room, you'll want to keep the door closed. The port city itself (Callao) is rather sketchy and run-down, but Lima is a great city. The Saint Francis of Asissi church is spectacular. The main downer is the weather, which seems to be constantly overcast. Beware - if you are on a private excursion, it is a bit cumbersome to meet your tour operator. Private buses aren't permitted to drive to the ship, so you have to take a shuttle bus to the main port entrance, walk outside, and meet your operator there. Confusing if you don't know what to expect. Read Less

Immigration issues and port issues rendered this port horrible! Supposedly, immigraion requirements required early arrival but left us trapped on the ship. Also, the ship was moved during the port stop. Thus from 11:00AM-1:00 PM no one could get on or off the ship. There was some shpping at our first berth but absolutely nothing at our second berth. Read Less

We took both the day and night City Tour Bus. It was a mistake, I would suggest a private or small tour group that take you to the city sites and the Magic Fountains of Lima. You might also go to the San Isidro neighborhood, very upscale and beautiful. The Inka market was a fun place to shop for local crafts. Read Less

Ask for a proper map which shows where the ship is, where the shuttles go to in relation to Central Lima. Read Less

Let me say that we probably would have rated it a five, if we had more time. Again, we had a private guide that knew his stuff. We enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the city. FYI: they are very good at food preparation. If you go, take some time to visit the mercado...pretty large assortments of fruits and vegetables. Read Less

We took the ships Off Road Tour with Village Visit with our friends Fred and Sue. The owner's of the 6X6 all-terrain vehicle were Erick and Jose and they made the trip so much fun! Read Less

Lima is a huge city with the incumbent traffic, noise and pollution. There is a bus from the ship for the 60 minute trip to the Miraflores shopping mall. It cost $12.50 roundtrip and I understand it filled up. There is a free shuttle to the gate but the advice to not independently wander around Callao seems legitimate. There is a large first-world supermarket near the gate. Taxi service is provided as you exit the ship. There also is a smaller version of the famed Indian market right at the ship and an additional row of shops. Again prices were surprisingly good. We bought a Christmas ornament for $3, a table cloth for $8, and saw good quality t-shirts for $10. Table mates were pleased with their jewelry purchases. There is free Wifi at starbucks and TGI Fridays about 10 minutes away by car. Table mates who swam with the sea lions enjoyed the trip but said the water was very cold. WARNING, as we get closer to the equator sunburn is fast and severe. Read Less

Great port. We were there 2 days which gave us time to take a tour, wonder on our own, and go to dinner at a lovely old mansion. We arrived on Good Friday and these people celebrate the "funeral of Jesus" as I've never experienced. There were about 1,000 people in the square at night with Jesus laying in a glass casket followed by many many candles. It was beautiful. We got caught up in the crowd and were not sure how to get to dinner, but were rescued by another HAL group and all ended well. Read Less

We were late getting into the port due to fog so no one got to go to Machu Pichu. The port is in a really bad part of town. We went into Lima and had a nice day but it was really hot and miserable, Read Less

This is absolutely the cleanest city of any size I've ever seen, let alone on of nearly 12 million! Friendly and shy, the population here is very proud of Peru. Loved the (Inca) Indian market with most reasonable prices for handicrafts. US dollar is Peru's currency. Read Less

Travelling into Lima during the rush-hour is not fun as the city is choked with vehicles and taxis. Our travel guide was poor and walked at a brisk pace giving minimum information and potentially losing passengers from the party. It was left to the passengers to check on each other to ensure that we all returned to the ship in tact.There was so much more we could have seen but we lost out because of the time lost travelling into the city. Read Less

This was the wealthiest of all of the cities in Western South America that we visited. It was typical of all large cities in that there was plenty of commerce and activities although everything was quite a distance from the port so a tour here is necessary. There are quite a few historical sites like La Popa Monastery, Huaca Pucllana and of course no stop would be complete without purchasing some Peruvian jewelry and trying a Pisco sour. Read Less

This is the Costa Rica port(don;t remember the name of the port). We did the rain forest and aerial tram. It rained the entire day. We brought a jacket but not prepared for covering our entire body. Since we were wet & cold it was hard to enjoy yourself. The forest was pretty and all. But we were disappointed in the lack of wildlife. Read Less

Costa Rica's Favorites with Lunch was an outstanding excersion. The boat ride and rain forest gondola ride were absolutely great and we had fantastic guides. The traditional Costa Rican lunch was excellent. This is an excersion we would definitely do again. The Britt tin of cocoa makes fabulous hot chocolate and is well worth the purchase price in Costa Rica. Costa Rican coffee is very good and much less expensive than Jamaican coffee. Read Less

HAL was charging $4,200 for 3 a three day excursion in Machu Pichu so we stayed around the town. We went to the Indian Market which was had a lot of native items. There was a mall by the sea which had high end shops. Other than that there wasn't much else to do. Read Less

Port was actually LIMON, COSTA RICA. The port itself is very bare bones, not much shopping opportunity at the port or anywhere else. We used Oscar Brown Tours for a Zip Line excursion. Small company, very good service and value for the money. In addition to the zip lining, we toured downtown Limon, stopped to hold and pet a Sloth, sampled local fruit, and visited the Del Monte banana plantation. Read Less