BEHIND THE LENS
LIMA, PERU WITH CAMILA BASURCO
Images by Paolo Rally
You recently returned to your hometown with Chanel. Can you briefly tell us about this trip?
It was a really special trip for me. I truly enjoy being a host, especially in Lima, my hometown. I’ve always loved having friends from different parts of the world come visit, and showing them all the wonders of my city.
To have the Chanel team in Peru was an honor for me because I had the chance to show them around, and it felt like they enjoyed my culture and traditions as much as I do.
My favorite part was having everyone at home eating Pachamanca like real peruvians. It was a trip full of surprises, good food, special people and magical traditions.
You’re from Peru, but have been living abroad for awhile. What’s the first thing you do when you come back home?
Visit my grandma Nancy, who luckily lives next to me. It’s a must to go give her a big hug directly from the airport.
I also go to my favorite restaurants, do some sports (tennis and Síclo) and go to Gamarra, the fabrics market where I buy fabrics for my fashion brand, The Last.
What does Lima smell like?
Ocean breeze.
What does Lima taste like?
An explosion of flavors and Inca Kola.
If you had to pick one favorite thing from your city, what would it be?
Eating Ceviche Imperial at Canta Ranita, a local market in Barranco.
If the city had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
Cariñito by Bareto.
Describe a perfect day in Lima.
Wake up early to play tennis at El Malecon de San Isidro then head home for breakfast before meeting my team at Gamarra to choose fabrics for my next collection. Eat chifles de carretilla at the market followed by a family lunch at my grandparents’ house. Then, a coffee with friends at Miguel Dasso, and end the day with sushi from Osaka.
When traveling to Lima, what can’t you miss?
Inca Kola, ceviche or chifa!
Typical local meal or drink?
Fruit juices from the Surquillo market and pollo a la brasa with Inka Kola (these two should always accompany each other).
Something everyone should know before traveling here?
Dare to try different neighborhoods aside from the ones everyone might suggest. The real Lima is in the people, the food and the vibrant spirit.
What would surprise a foreigner about Lima?
La Costa Verde, especially when it’s sunny and the sky and ocean are blue.
Any local words or slang one should know?
Que chevere, Bravazo, Buenazo, Al toque, Yala, Unas chelitas, Papaya, Yapa, Que palta!
In search of local souvenirs…?
Mercado Inka, Larcomar, Dedalo
In search of some style inspiration?
On the streets, especially in the Barranco and Miraflores neighborhoods.
A place for dancing?
La Peña: La Oficina, La noche de Barranco y Cordial.
A local secret?
RJ, a hidden cevicheria, or Alfredo in the Victoria district.
Where does the style set frequent in Lima?
Barranco.
Best place for a drink?
Cordial, Siete, Bar Inglés del Country Club, the bar at Osaka.
What’s in your suitcase?
My camera, beauty case, my clothes, sports set, comfy sneakers and my bags.
Peru is known for its gastronomy. What’s the best meal you’ve ever had here?
Hard to choose, but my favorite ones include: Ceviche, Chifa, Causa, lomo saltado, Ají de gallina, chifa and Pollo a la Brasa.
Five places that define the Peruvian gastronomic scene?
- Mercado de Surquillo
- Mercado de frutas in La Victoria
- La reserva nacional de Paracas
- Calle Capón for Asian-Peruvian food, also known as chifa
- Local carretillas and food trucks around the city
…And, horno bajo tierra for the Pachamanca at my home in the countryside.
