Miraflores: A walk on the beach and above the beach

The beach and the parks associated with the Miraflores district of Lima are very impressive.  If you are wondering why the words "on" and "above" were used in the title, see the first three pictures below.

When we first saw these cliffs, we marveled that they have not crumbled.  But it never rains here, and they have been here for a long time.  All greenery that is seen is watered by work crews.

There are multiple ways to descend down to the beach.  If you don't drive, you walk (often carrying a surfboard).  Many, many people walk. 

Once you are at the bottom, you are hit with a piece of reality.  The beach is on the Pacific Ocean, and earth quakes are common in the Andes and surroundings.

The beach is mostly small stones, but there are sandy beaches too.  Notice the blue tent "surfboard & wet suit rental" stand.  These tents are all along the beach, and they also provide surfing lessons.  You can rent surf boards and wet suits for a full day for about $11, and you can get a 90-minute lesson, including a surfboard & wetsuit (to use all day) for about $28.  It is a great surfing location.  

If you don't surf, you watch those that do. The water is cool and most people wear wet suits.  The Humboldt current brings cold water northwards along the South American coast.

The surfers out in the water looking for the next big wave.

This is a good place for a pier and a restaurant so you can have a better view of the ocean. This is the restaurant La Rosa Nautica.

Harold enjoys a beer in the Rustica next to the Pacific.

What goes down must go up, and one can always stop, rest and enjoy the view.

Yes, that is Julie not too happily making her way back up the steps.  It was a warm day, and the next time we were down at the beach, we took a taxi back up.

Once you are at the top, the views are varied and enjoyable.  Notice the surfboard park next to the ocean.

If you want to have virtual reality and you have your laptop, there is wifi access in all of Miraflores' parks.

Gatorade reminds us that bicycling, dancing, skating, aerobics, etc are good for our hearts. On Sunday mornings, Gatorade has a stand where they pass out drinks for the joggers, walkers, bicyclers, etc.

The little ones are not forgotten and there are multiple playground spaces for them.

 A naval yard for the young ones.

For those that like a challenge on their bikes, there is space for them also. See the lineup at the starting gate at the top of the picture.

 The skateboarders have considerable space also.

On a late afternoon - some of the old guys congregate. See the one sunbathing on the wall on the right of the picture and a group in the shade towards the left.

Different work-out machines are available all along the beach walkway (currently several miles long and expanding by the day). Our observation is that they are used.

 Julie tries out a machine on this available set.

 Another set of machines.

Instead of looking at the panoramic views, one can enjoy the flower plantings. Miraflores means "View the Flowers."

 This planting has the shape of an alligator.

 This planing is a hummingbird (we think).

One can also watch what other people are doing.  See the hang glider just to the right of the light house (a memorial to the Peru Navy). Paragliding is a daily activity, and yes, you could do it too -- for $56 for a 10-minute ride with a professional on board too.  

A view of the center piece in the Parque de Amor. Young people congregate there, and take the cue figuratively.

Of course, you can just walk along and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

If you really want to shop, you can walk to Larcomar (shopping center perched on the cliffs with over 100 stores.)  This pic taken from the web.  See some of the walkways in back of the mall.

Bicyclists are receiving favored treatment. The lane for them is marked and was recently painted this red-brown color (previously it had been green)

If you are a jogger and keeping to the right and not paying attention, you could run into this tree.  Harold can attest to that.

There is a tennis club behind the fence. The Miraflores parks are terrific and you never know what you will see around the bend - so keep on going.  Happy Trails!