Lima...
The city of Kings!

Lima - most likely to be your entry point to magnificent Peru - is a fascinating blend of local tradition and European influence that will give you the perfect introduction as you move inland.

We have lived on and off for several month and never ceased to be amazed by its striking architecture, friendliness of its people, excellent Creole (traditional) cuisine and nightouts filled with Afroperuvian music in San Isidro and Miraflores districts.

Built on the banks of the Rimac river and caressed by the Pacific ocean, is the social, cultural and economic heart of Peru.

Did you know that Lima hosted the first university in the New World?
It was created in 1551 and named University of San Marcos.

It was was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, it's also known as the "City of the Kings" because in that particular day - January 6th. - the Catholic celebration of the Epiphany takes place.

Lima excels in architecture, making it one of the top tourist attractions.
Take for instance the historic center, and splendid example of Colonial architecture listed by UNESCO in the World Cultural Heritage...

• The Cathedral: (modeled on Seville Cathedral in Spain)
• Convent of Santo Domingo: (the oldest convent in the city)
• Convent of San Francisco: (considered the greatest architectural complex of this kind in Latin America)
• Plaza de Armas (Main Square): Where the Government Palace (House of Pizarro), Cathedral and Cabildo (Town House) are located.
  This square continues to occupy the same original area as conceived by Pizarro.
  He lived and died there in 1541

Peru Map Download this PDF file here. Courtesy of UN Cartographic Department

Another remarkable sight you should include in Lima tourism are the wood-carved balconies of Torre Tagle Palace, the most beautiful of Lima's 18th. century mansions, as well as other historic mansions such as House of Aliaga - built upon the house of Chief Taulichusco, or the House of Goyeneche, or even the House of Pilatos - one of the oldest, built in 1590.

For museums you are not short of options, particularly if you are an art and history lover...

• National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology and History
• Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum
• Gold of Peru Museum
• Museo de la Nacion
• Museum of the Congress and the Inquisition
• San Francisco de Jesus Museum
• Art MuseumConvento de los Descalzos Museum
• Cathedral Museum of Religious Art
• Javier Prado Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Peruvian Culture

Churches are icons as well in the history of this place, a city that reached its greatest splendor in 17th. and 18th. centuries...

• San Pedro Church
• San Francisco Church
• La Merced Church
• Jesus Maria Church
• Santa Rosa Church and Sanctuary
• Santo Domingo Church and Monastery
• San Agustin Church
• San Marcelo Church
• San Sebastian Church

It also has a vibrant nightlife and music scene.

Barranco and Miraflores are the districts to enjoy the city's contemporary art, theaters, fine restaurants and Peñas Criollas - live Afroperuvian music at the rhythm of guitar and cajon ( percussion wooden box).

San Isidro is the garden district. It stands out for its green zones and exclusive residential areas, also the place to do some Lima shopping.

As for food, Peruvian cuisine is known world over.
Criollo (traditional food) has many dishes based on fish and shellfish.
The most representative is Ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice and seasoned with chili). Check South American recipes to get you started.
Jalea and Tiradito are also well known seafood dishes.

Other jewels are Lomo Saltado (stir fried pork and vegs) and Cara Pulcra.
Chinese food (chifas), particularly Arroz Chaufa (stir fried rice) is tremendously popular. The contribution of the first Asians that entered the country in the last century.

Let's take a tour around Lima just to whet your appetite...

Give yourself several days to explore it because it will give you both the chance to discover what it was once the most beautiful city of the Americas and the opening door to help you to understand and enjoy what you're just about to experience in this amazing Peru...

How To Get There:

Lima airport isJorge Chavez International Airport, about half an hour driving from the historic center. For more info on this, please visit Airports in Peru.
It also services national flights.

Where To Stay:

You have an extensive accommodation range to suit the most diverse of budgets, from hostels and middle-of-the-range hotels to the international found in every leading city worldwide.

Hostels:
Book cheap accommodation in Lima.
Hotels:
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