Newbies with no spanish what to avoid

[iceman1]

Dear All,

Thank you for all your valuable information and guidance on Lima and beyond. I am planning a trip to Lima and then to Cusco mid-feb'. I will spend a night or 2 on my own in Lima and then head off to Cusco where I have a friend. I hope to sample some of the fine dining RT has reported on (generously) and the peruvian gems (hopefully).

However, I do not speak spanish and have never been to Peru. There is a lot of scare mongering in relation to be careful etc. I accept that anyone in a host country that is not there own must respect and appreciate that they could be the victims of some unscrupulous individuals (lets be honest we have them in all of our countries). I wanted to know if there are certain NO NO for us first timers who are cautious but still the risk is soo great that it is not worth us spoiling our first time. There maybe certian things that you suggest that we must do and that if we have not then we have not tasted the true experiance.

Personally, I am not a guy that is too much concerned to go places that are off the beaten track but I am no idiot and know that there are times that everyone should just reflect and think is it really worth it!

I am gratful for all the generic advice for newbies and the haunts (my friend was shocked with all the info i had on the joints and said that it took him 3 yrs!! to know what i found out in month).


I want to personally thank the moderators and especially Mr RT (who is a moderator) and the individuals who have bothered to give thier insite into the scene. There are other sites but I found this to be the best for me. Ok, enough of this oscar speech.

This is my first thread so please be kind. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Icy


NB - I aint got a clue about the templates and am just winging it - lets hope i get this posted

 

[Sly One]

Read sly ones first timers guide here on this board..
Sly

 

[iceman1]

Sly

Thanks, I have read your article a few times and it very helpful (excellent I could say) but i wanted to know more about what to be avoid (ie my freind said that I should not go to las cuarrades - I know i have spelt it probably wrong).

I want to knwo for all us guys that dont mind going out of our comfort zone where not to go.

Thanks

Icy

 

[RT Gooch]

RT here. That's an excellent question, Ice, but one that's difficult to answer.

As to where not to go, due to either safety or language issues, there's lots of them. Many are not discussed here in the English Forum, but here's my thoughts on a few:

1. Anaconda (Los Olivos) - When my local friends took me to Anaconda my first time, it was the 0nly place that they said, "don't speak English here." I think that they are too overly-cautious, but maybe they know better. It is indeed off the 'gringo trail', you're there late at night with people drinking, we stick out like sore thumbs, and we probably have what would be a month's pay for some of the people there in our pockets. I can see the concerns.

2. The massage parlors/chongos around Polvos Azules - Most of my Peruvian friends avoid the Polvos Azuls area like the plague, as the area is dangerous. Again, we're walking around, looking like gringos, carrying money, and not sure where we are going... it's a recipe for disaster.

3. La Victoria's nighttime ugly underbelly - Sure, there are street girls there (cheap). Sure, there are clubs with girls there (cheap). Oh yeah, even the taxi drivers don't want to go there at night. That's good enough for me.
​

I disagree about concerns at Las Cucardas. There's hardly any English there, but there's not a lot for you to have to discuss. As to safety... yes, the area is dicey, but the place itself has security and they will be glad to get you a taxi, if there isn't one hanging around outside.

I feel the same about the Trocadero. They don't stay open late, so that's one less worry. The 0nly difference is that I would probably pay my driver to wait for me, rather than hope to get a random taxi when I leave.

Now, you didn't ask, but the other side of that question is "Where can I go with little or no Spanish skills?" My first suggestion would be: Another country. However, if you pass on that advice, there's still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself in Lima:

1. Relax y Vida #1 - Be sure -- whatever else you do -- to go to Relax y Vida. There's a ton of info on the place here in the English Forum. You can get by at #1 with no Spanish at all. They see enough Americans there to deal with the language barriers, and there are usually one or two girls working with rudimentary English skills. Ask the boss lady when you get there. Just tell them you want 1 hour with sauna, pick a girl, and let her do whatever she wants to you. Tip her 50 soles in the room at the end. In the unlikely event that she has sex with you, tip her 100. You pay 110 at the door when you leave (updated Dec. 2010). It will be the best money you ever spent. Trust me.

2. Scarlets - If you like strip clubs, but wish you could also screw the girls, get your ass to Scarlets. There's a thread on them here, too. It's a little far, but worth the trip. Take a pen, and have the girl write the price IN SOLES on a napkin before you go upstairs with her... there's different prices for different girls. You'll probably be the 0nly gringo there when you go, but don't worry, the place is clean, shiny and safe. They even have a sign in front with fixed prices for taxi rides when you're ready to leave, and the prices are just a tad on the high side of fair. Sadly, they make you check your camera at the door, so leave it in your hotel room. Yeah, it's 0nly two blocks from Anaconda, but it is a whole different world.

3. Escort Agencies - Some of the escort agencies will have a booker that speaks English. He/she will help you get the job done. You'll wind up paying a premium for this convenience, but it might be worth it for the peace of mind. Browse through the "Escort Links" thread for some of the agencies.

4. Banos Turcos - You won't find anyone at these places that speak English, but if you do your research, you'll know the routine, and can bluff your way through most of it. The girls know why you're there, and they will ask (during your massage) if you also want 'servicio'. If you agree, then it's time to discuss the 'propina'. Get the price IN WRITING before proceeding, so there's no problem after. On my last visits to both Lyons Spa and BT La Marina, the girl wrote in the (non-gringo taxed) price on the slip as we started, and simply handed it to me to sign. Other places have required negotiations. I don't know if it was company policy or the individual girls' policy, so your results may vary.

5. Tequila Rock - Again, the girls know why you are there, and many of them realize that English is their best sales tool, so you will find a higher percentage of English-speakers here. Even if your girlfriend for that night doesn't speak English, whip out your pen and both of you can agree on a price and a time beforehand, so there's less opportunity for misunderstandings.

6. Local Ex-Pats - If you're either into groups or are curious about it, Sly's parties can't be beat. Sly's first language is English, so that's not going to be an issue. Most of the girls he has at the parties are Spanish-0nly, but you will have already been introduced and know them, er, intimately, so you can date them later with less confusion. Also there are one or two guys that live in Lima that have 'friends' that they will arrange to come and see you. None of those guys post here, and I have no first-hand experience with them, so you will have to nose around some on the internet to dig them out.
​

My last piece of advice: be careful, watch your back, trust your instincts, don't carry too much cash, and bring a pen. But mostly, trust your instincts. If you're not comfortable somewhere, get out. There's plenty of places to get laid without having to deal with being worried at the same time. This is supposed to be fun!

 

[iceman1]

RT

Thanks for that run down and I didn't know that you were also a mind reader!!

"Now, you didn't ask, but the other side of that question is "Where can I go with little or no Spanish skills?"



This combined with Sly info and all the useful tips I think that any newbie will have an excellent time!!

Thank you all!!

Icy

 

[RT Gooch]

These are PeruTops links for some of the places discussed above:

Tequila Rock

Sly_One's Newbie Guide

Anaconda

Scarlets

Las Cucardas

Lions Spa

Relax y Vida

 

[iceman1]

RT,

Thanks for the list and the kind links i think i will print them off and put them to good use!

Iceman

 

[pyrojohn]

Having read the invaluable information in the Newbie guide and RTs advice for the Espanol impaired like myself, I've decided that Tequilla Rocks and Scarlet's sound like my kind of thing. Well, group activities at Sly One's place also sounds fun if I get lucky on timing.

I arrive on a Sunday morning (24 de Abril) and would like to find something to do that afternoon. Too early for Scarlet's and TR I would think. I'm not much into getting a massage as a hate not having much of a selection to choose from. Not that I have any particular right to be choosy other than the fact I won't be there for too long and want to make every shot count.

Realizing that Sunday afternoon isn't the best time to find some action, what would be your best advice for my limited language skills?

Thanks

Pyro
olp3jefe@live.com

 

[RT Gooch]

RT here.

Sundays are pretty slow in Lima. Calling for a girl on a Sunday is difficult, even if you were born, bread and lived in Lima your entire life.

It's a shame that you are hell bent against getting a massage, because Relax y Vida and Lions Spa are excellent Sunday afternoon options.

Yes, both Scarlets and TR get going late at night. Sunday is the slowest night at Tequila (don't even bother walking in before midnight), and Scarlets is doable, but far.

Whatever you decide to do at night, just go to RyV in the afternoon. Don't worry about the selection, all you need is one. Trust me. If you really need full service, go to Lions Spa. Spend some of your time before that walking around Miraflores... there will be something going on in Parque Central. Also, take the time to stop in one of the supermarkets and get a cell phone; it will make your calls to the girls the rest of your week much easier (and cheaper) than doing it from the hotel.

 

[electro]

Rt has given you some of the best advice.. but to add on his post

Perhaps the safest - and best bet is to go and check a local sauna.
There is plenty to choose from. There are some upscale saunas like the Smik and Adan where they offer some good service-prepare to pay a bit over $100 in the girl alone. The selection depends on when you go.

I have heard Adan has a party on thursday with a DJ and the best girls from this place arrive.

I am a big fan of Lui spa- but it would be kinda of hard to find if you are a newbe. Some other alternatives could be King spa or Cavin- Open 24/7

But again, the best girls show in the afternoon- where most of the business is. Word of advice- I usually go about 5ish before the thing
gets to crowded.

please post your experience for others to follow