Lima
Peru’s capital and the most important city of America, is located in the central coast, along the Pacific Ocean. It has more than 8 million people, made up of different races of the world.
Nowadays is regarded as the political, cultural, financial and commercial country. Internationally, the city ranks fifth among the largest cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
It was founded on January 18th, 1535, by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, under the name of the City of Kings, was the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the largest and most important city in South America during the Spanish regime.
The historic center was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lima is a city with great cultural diversity that is why there are a large number of museums. Another relevant topic is its cooking that managed to be recognized worldwide through the years. Lima offers a wide range of restaurants and bars, where you can taste delicious Peruvian dishes and drinks.
In Lima you will find everything you are looking for as cultures, adventures, beaches, dining, entertainment and everything you can imagine.
History
Prehispanic
Different civilizations were established such as the Chanca and Maranga. Sanctuaries as Lati, now Puruchuco, and Pachacamac, the main sanctuary of pilgrimage during the time of the Incas, were built. These cultures were conquered by the Wari Empire. When the importance of Wari went down, local cultures became independent again, and one of the most important of those was the Chancay culture. In the fifteenth century, these territories were incorporated into the Inca Empire. At this timeline we found plenty of huacas such as Huallamarca Pucllana, Mateo Salado and Pachacamac.
Viceregal
In 1532, Atahualpa was taken prisoner in the city of Cajamarca, in order of Francisco Pizarro. Although a rescue was paid, he was sentenced to death. Francisco Pizarro was appointed as governor of the lands he had conquered. Pizarro founded the capital in the valley of the Rimac River; he thought it was in a strategic location, close to the coast to build a port. On January 18, 1535 Lima was founded with the name City of the Kings, the Plaza de Armas, the Viceregal Palace, now the Government Palace of Peru and the Cathedral were built.
In the following years Lima became important when it was designated capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the next century, was the center of an extensive trade network which integrated the Viceroyalty with the Americas, Europe and East Asia. Some events happened as the 1687 earthquake that destroyed much of the city and the presence of pirates in the Pacific Ocean, for that reason that the walls of Lima were built between 1684 and 1687.
In 1746 a strong earthquake damaged and destroyed Lima Callao, had to be rebuilt. In the second half of the eighteenth century, ideas of public health and social control influenced the development of the city. During this period, Lima lost its monopoly on foreign trade due to the Bourbon reforms and had to depend on the charges issued by the colonial government and the Church
In 1820 an expedition of argentines and chilean led by General Jose de San Martin landed in the south of Lima, but they did not attack the city. Viceroy José de la Serna was forced to evacuate the city in July 1821, fearing a popular uprising; the City Council invited San Martin to enter the city by signing a Declaration of Independence to his request.
Republican
When General San Martin proclaimed the independence of Peru in 1821, Lima became the capital of the Republic of Peru. Through the years Lima had a steady urban growth that resulted in modernization. In 1868, the walls that surrounded it were demolished creating the first major avenues such as Paseo de la Republica, Leguia, now called Arequipa, Brazil and the Salaverry also the Venezuela and Colonial avenues.
During 1950, the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor and the Hospital Insurance and Employee Workers and the National Stadium were built and several large housing units.
The inhabitants of the interior began to immigrate to the capital which caused an urban expansion. The new towns were settled on land near the center of which were used as agricultural area.
Wheather
Is warm with high humidity, it’s sunny, humid and hot in summer (December to April), cloudy and mild winters (June to September). The summers have temperatures ranging between 29 and 21 ° C. The winters with temperatures ranging between 19 and 12 ° C
Limits
To the north: Ancash Region
To the east: Pasco and Junin Region
To the south: Ica Region
To the west: With the Pacific Ocean and the Constitutional Province of Callao.
How to get to Lima?
Land:
Interconnected by the Panamerican Highway with several cities of the coast of Peru, Ecuador and Chile. To the east, Central Road communicates with different cities of the highlands and the central jungle.
Flights
Regular flights to the principal cities around the world from the Airport Jorge Chavez International, located in the Callao region, 30 minutes about the city of Lima. More information. More information >>>
Main Touristic Attractions
• Main Square of Lima
• Lima Cathedral
• Churches and Convents
• Pachacamac
• Caral
• District of Miraflores
• Larcomar
• District of Barranco
Tour in Lima
Lima has a high tourism level; the most important attractions are its historic center, its archaeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals and traditions.
* Lima City tour and gold Museum
* Culinary Tour
* Lima City Tour By Night
* Pachacamac Ruins
* The Peruvian Paso Horse Tour
Festivities
Lima Tips – Useful Information
For travel
– Book your hotel or hostel in Miraflores or Barranco, because there you can find the best ones.
– Get information about the places that you want to visit.
– Take all your documents with you.
Health
– Drink bottled water.
– Eat meat and fish well-cooked, preferably served hot.
– Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled.
Security and Safety
– At your arrival at the airport is recommended to take taxis which are inside it, they are more safety. Also you can ask your hotel to send you a transfer, especially if your flight arrives at night.
– Try to walk in lighted and crowded areas.
– If you need to change money go to changes offices.
– You must be careful when you take money, cameras o video with you.
Culture and Entertainment
Museums
Lima is known by the many kinds of museums that has on it, because it is a cultural city, you will learn about the history through them, they will show you the variety of cultures of the ancient Peru. Some of them are located at the centre of the city, and the others are outside of it. More information museums of Lima >>>
Gastronomy
Known for the flavor and diversity of the dishes made with quality products. Is one of the most recognized worldwide. Lima’s cooking is a fusion of ancient Peru with Spanish cooking, with significant input from culinary traditions brought from Africa. This mixing was influenced by culinary traditions and customs of French chefs who settled in the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. More information >>>
Restaurants in Lima
Nightlife
Nightlife of Lima is full of life. There are many activities to do and tours to enjoy by night. Also, of course the Bars and nightclubs are full of Peruvians and foreigners. It usually starts quite late. The most popular discos and bars are in Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. Some places are opened from Thursday until Sunday. We have a list with the most demanding programs and the best clubs and bars in Lima where you can have a great time with your friends and. More Information >>>
Shopping
The capital has the greatest variety of shopping in Peru, from boutiques to artisan and antiques shops. In Lima, you can find traditional handicrafts from across Peru. Miraflores is where most shoppers congregate. Also you will find Shopping Centers where you can buy clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, among others. We have information about the most important shops. More information >>>