Finding Hostal Ancomar and Hostal Cerna

Ancon, described in Lonely Planet guide book as an up-market beach resort, is to the north of Lima, just one or two kilometres outside past the city boundary.

This means it is just a short bus or taxi ride from both the centre of Lima and Jorge Chavez Airport (which is also to the north of Lima). Buses to the centre run every couple of minutes, take a little over 1 hour, and for around $1 (3 Sol/ 75 pence) let you see the real Peru and Peruvian people. Taxis are also remarkable value. But if you want the real experience of life for Limeños, take the bus at least once.

As a medium size town, Ancon is largely free of the crime sometimes associated with Lima, especially at night.

Ancon is the ideal staging post to explore the beautiful Cordillera Blanca, perhaps the mountaineering capital of South America, definitely of Peru. Hostal Cerna is situated very close to the Via Panamericana, which runs almost the entire length of the Pacific Coast of South America. Many long-distance buses stop about 200 metres from the hostal. Alternatively, the termini of most of the companies covering the northern routes of Peru are situated a short bus or taxi ride into Northern Lima.

One of the main destination towns available from here is Huaraz. This modern, yet characterful town, is the centre for exploring the Cordillera Blanca and other northern mountain ranges. The region is perfect not just for mountaineering at various abilities, but for tours and walks to and in various beautiful and fascinating locations.

Other notable tourist destinations to the north of Lima, hence convenient from Ancon, include the following: - Chimbote, Barranca, Sechin, Casma, Cordillera Negra, Caraz, Chavin, Yungay, Llago Llanganuco, Trujillo, Cajamarca, Huanchaco, Chicama Valley, Jequetepeque Valley, Chepen, Chiclayo, Piura

Excellent guide to the Cordillera Blanca and an excellent company who provide local knowledge guided tours there (in Italian)