Lima on a Shoestring: My Messy Budget‑Student Trip Journal
i dropped my backpack in the middle of Plaza de Armas, a stray cat knocked over a vendor’s watermelon and i realized i was only 13°C away from freezing out. i just peeked at the forecast and it’s a steady 13°C right now, guess that’s your vibe.
- Backpack: *no more than 25 L, waterproof outer pocket for surprise rain.
- Shoes: cheap canvas slip‑ons that survive cobblestones.
- Card: free hostel discounts with student ID (show at front desk, they’ll smile like you’re in a secret club).
- Money: load a local SIM from Movistar - 5 sol for 1 GB, keeps you online when you’re lost in the metro.
- Food: a reusable metal water bottle (refill at any kiosk, helps you dodge 82% humidity).
Pro‑tips:
- Grab a 6 am bus ticket to Miraflores - the city’s still asleep and seats are half‑price.
- Use the Lima Transport app for real‑time updates; avoids the “no seat, no ticket” trap.
- When 13°C feels too chilly, stack on a second pair of socks under your shoes - weird but it works.
- Gear list (bonus):
*Fold‑out travel pillow - you’ll thank yourself on night‑long tram rides.
*Portable power bank - recharge at hostel lounges, not the street.
*Mini‑flashlight - for midnight market spelunking.
- Gossip i heard:
someone told me that the night‑time market on *Av. Arequipa has a “ghost vendor” who never takes cash; he sells empanadas at 2 am and the locals swear the dough levitates.
i heard that the *Casa de la Luna hostel is haunted by an old fish‑seller ghost, but the staff says it’s just the plumbing creaking.
if you ever get bored, a short drive will take you to Huacho or Callao, both have cheap beach rentals and plenty of sunshine.
- Review rumors:
someone told me that the *Mercado Central is haunted by the smell of rotten fish (or maybe just bad ventilation).
i heard that the *Barranco cafés have secret “student specials” that never make it on the menu.
Links* you might need:
- TripAdvisor reviews for the cheapest hostels: TripAdvisor.
- Yelp listings for budget street food: Yelp.
- Local board “PeruTravelTips” on Reddit: Reddit.
- Official Lima tourism site for transport tips: VisitPeru.
