Located on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima is not only the capital of and largest city in Peru, but also its business and cultural center, with a rich archeological heritage and awe inspiring natural beauty. Drawing tens of thousands of visitors every year, a different world is found beneath the garua (a mist that settles over the city from May to October), a slower paced, more traditional populace than what is typically found in metropolitan areas.
Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Fransisco Pizarro, and was originally christened, La Ciudad De Los Reyes (The City Of Kings). Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of Peru, and today roughly one third of the Peruvian population lives in the metropolitan area. Today it is the fourth largest city in Latin America, following Sau Paulo, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro.
Despite its tropical location, climate remains fairly consistent all year round, with fairly high humidity, but mild spring like temps throughout the year. Rainfall is very low, mainly occurring during the winter months and brings only 2-4 inches of rain to the city, drastically impacting the city’s water supply.
Industry is quite diverse, ranging from shipbuilding and oil refining to food processing and the manufacture of cement, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, plastics, clothing, and furniture. Peru is also an international leader in the fishing industry, accounting for roughly 10 percent of the world’s fish catch.
Lima is a veritable melting pot of cultures, mainly due to colonization, immigration, and indigenous influences. The result is a vibrant, thriving arts scene, including museums, theatre, and music.
Lima is home to the single highest number of museums in the country, which mostly focus on art, religion, pre-Colombian cultures, natural history, and science. The Museum of Italian Art is the only museum that displays European art in Peru.
Churches are also a popular destination among tourists, with 16th and 17th century cathedrals including the Cathedral of Lima and Monastery of San Francisco. The Lima City Walls are also a popular draw, remnants of medieval Spanish fortifications designed to protect the city from pirates and privateers.
The Pan-American Highway provides access to the cities various beaches, popular destinations during the summer months, with an ample supply of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, bars, clubs, and hotels.
Native cuisine is rapidly notoriety for its freshness and creativity, with influences as diverse as Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and African. Peruvian cuisine actually holds several Guinness world records for its diversity and quality.
In the center of town, known as the Plaza de Armas, the President’s Palace is a popular tourist attraction, along with the changing of the guard.
Mirflores is the shopping mecca of Lima, with markets, cafes, outdoor entertainment, stores, and restaurants. Kennedy Park is a popular spots for artists to sell their works.
Flying into Peru? you most likely will be flying into Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, Peru’s largest and main gateway to the world.
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Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
