Over the last decade, Peru has seen a dramatic increase in tourists, with millions traveling to see the world wonder of Machu Picchu. The ancient Incan ruin is the most visited tourist attraction in Peru.
But travelers don’t just travel to the Andes Mountains for this beautiful and mysterious site. People who love adventure will start their journey in Cusco by mountain climbing and white water rafting along the Urubamba River before heading to see another wonder: Rainbow Mountain.
Lima is often the entry point for many travelers before heading on their respective adventures. And there’s a night and day difference between the capital city and other parts of the country.
For starters, it sits along the coast so that you can enjoy the beach. It is also where you will find a majority of Afro-Peruvians, who comprise at least 10 percent of the population.
If you’re heading to Lima, Peru, we have the ultimate itinerary for Black travelers.
El Rincón Que No Conoces
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El Rincón Que No Conoces comes up on so many lists and guides as one of the best restaurants to try in Lima, and guess what? It’s Black-owned! The restaurant is a staple in the community as it was founded by Dona Teresa Izquierdo in 1978. Here is where you want to go to experience Afro-Peruvian cuisine.
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Okay, here’s where things can get tricky. Because El Rincón Que No Conoces is so popular, prepare to wait at least 45 minutes if you don’t get there early. Try to get a reservation if possible.
The menu is different every day, but if you plan to go on a Wednesday (Miércoles), you can try the entire menu for a fixed price.
National Afro-Peruvian Museum
If you’re interested in learning about Afro-Peruvian culture, head to the National Afro-Peruvian Museum or El Museo Nacional Afroperuano.
You will go on a journey learning about Peru’s role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and how Africans melted their culture into Peru.
From music, dance, clothing, food, and tradition, the museum explores and recognizes the contributions of Afro-Peruvians.
Barrer Project
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The Barrer Project was created as a safe space for Afro-Peruvian women. Group organizers often have dialogues, programming, and think tanks by various scholars, authors, and more.
Keep up with Barrer Project events by following the Facebook Page.
Prieta Perú
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Need your hair done? Well, there’s a space for people who look like us! The salon is called Prieta Perú, and according to its Instagram page, the stylists specialize in curls and afros.
Black Summer Celebration
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Each summer, there’s a festival that takes place in El Carmen – part of the Chincha Province – that celebrates Afro-Peruvian culture.
The festival, Verano Negro or “Black Summer,” is where you will hear Afro- Peruvian music, dance, and indulge in Afro-Peruvian cuisine.
Remember that summer in the southern hemisphere is from around mid-December through March.
There’s no specific date for the celebration, so check social media for Verano Negro for complete dates.
Related: Traveler Story: Sleeping In A Pod On The Side Of A Mountain In Peru
