Casa Hacienda Los Condes (Antigua Hacienda San Isidro, Av. Paz Soldan 290, Lima) – this one-time colonial manor was once used as a reception hall by the South American liberator José de San Martín. It’s now an upscale restaurant that serves a variety of local & international dishes. Realistically, patrons come here as much to […]
Canta Rana (Genova 101, Barranco, Lima) – this well-regarded restaurant is known for its ceviche (Peru’s national dish), and at reasonable prices. Because of its popularity, diners are advised to get there before 12 Noon or after 3 pm (to get a table). First-time diners are advised to ignore the restaurant’s Spartan reputation, which is […]
Astrid & Gastón (Calle Cantuarías 175, Lima) – located in Lima’s diplomatic district, this has been rated one of the best restaurants in Lima. Among the recommended dishes are Peking style coy (Guinea Pig) and Lomo Saltado (a delicious sirloin steak stir fry served with sautéed red onions and fresh plum tomatoes and French Fries […]
Cali Salsoteca (Panama 418 e/Tomás Martínez y Imbabura, Guayaquil) – located in the heart of Guayaquil’s Zona Rosa (and a block away from Malecon 2000), this is a major Salsa nightspot. For non-Hispanic visitors, a visit here will expose them to contemporary Latin music (which is prevalent in various Latin countries, as well as Puerto […]
Coffee Tree (Reina Victoria y Foch, Quito) – for those hanging out in the Plaza Foch area, this is a good place to sit back, have a drink and do some people watching. On occasion, those recovering from a night of partying may come here for a freshly-roasted cup of coffee.
Salsoteca Lavoe (Iñaquito E2-17 y Av. Naciones Unidas, Quito) – located northwest of Parque la Carolina, this nightspot is for Salsa music lovers (this club was named alter Puerto Rican salsa sensation Hector Lavoe). To no surprise, there’s always a live Salsa band here (with occasional acts & bands representing other genres of Latin music, […]
Retro Bar (Av. República y Mañosca, near Plaza de la Américas (Cinemark), Quito) – as the name of this bar implies, this is a theme bar that plays pop, New Wave and dance music from the 1980s (and sometimes even before then). There are occasional live acts booked here as well (including a local singer […]
Q Restaurant/Bar (Plaza Foch E6-12 y Reina Victoria, Quito) – this is one of the more popular catering holes in the Plaza Focha area (offering a variety of cocktails, the best martinis in Quito, and a large selection of wines). At night, the DJ-driven music played there ranges from rock (en espanol) to House and […]
Kaoba Liquid Music (Baquerizo Moreno y Av. 12 de Octubre, Quito) – located across the street from Swissotel, this is another hot spot for local college students. This is a popular place for birthday and bachelorette parties. Mostly DJ-driven dance and Latin rock & pop music is played here.
Excess Club Uio (Plaza Foch/Marsical Foch y Reina Victoria, Quito) – this is another party destination at Plaza Foch (playing everything from “Top 40” international pop music, to Latin Rock, as well as House music, and even some Salsa and Reggaeton. College girls sometimes throw bachelorette parties there.