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Lima

Lima, founded on January 18, 1535, with the Spanish name Ciudad de los Reyes, respects its past and has achieved a perfect harmony and contemporary architecture. While strolling through its streets, you can admire churches, archaeological sites, and houses with Spanish-style balconies that coexist with modern buildings. In 1992, its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site.

Useful information

  • Location: Lima is located on the central coast of the country, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Its 4,802 km2 extend from Callao, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, to Chosica to the east, from Ancón to the north to Lurín to the south.
  • Altitude: The altitude of the city of Lima, Peru, is approximately 155 meters above sea level.
  • Climate: Lima’s climate is the result of its location. Combined with an almost complete absence of precipitation, a very high degree of atmospheric humidity, and persistent cloudiness, it gives Lima a humid subtropical, cool, and desert climate.
  • Best time to visit: To travel to Lima and the entire Peruvian coast, the best time is from October to April, with sunny days and the city free from the fog that covers it almost all year round.

How to get there

Lima has one of the best airports and seaports in Peru, as well as overland transportation. It is the main center for international, national, and bus flights in the country. If you are planning to visit this wonderful city, here are some options for getting to Lima:

  • By Air: Lima is located on the central coast of the country, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It covers 4,802 km2, extending from Callao, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, to Chosica in the east, from Ancón in the north to Lurín in the south.
  • By Land: Lima has an excellent road network connecting it to other Peruvian cities. If you are in a nearby city, you can choose to travel by bus or car. Bus services are frequent and offer various options in terms of price and comfort. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and enjoy the scenery along the way.
  • By Sea: If you are traveling by cruise, your itinerary may include a stop at the port of Callao, located near Lima. From there, you can take ground transportation to the city center and explore the charms of Lima.

What to do

Like the majority of cities in Peru, Lima has different attractions to enjoy; the following are the most outstanding ones:

  • Historic Center of Lima: Area of the city encompassing the districts of Lima and Rímac. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, it is considered one of the most important tourist centers in Peru.
  • Magic Water Circuit: Located in Lima’s Reserve Park, it is one of the city’s new attractions and features 13 ornamental fountains that combine water, music, and laser lights.
  • Miraflores Malecón: A large green area located in the Miraflores district. It has several parks: María Reiche, Tres Picos, Miguel Grau, the Parque del Amor, Parque Salazar.
  • Larco Museum: Created by Rafael Larco Hoyle when he began collecting pre-Columbian pieces. The museum has thousands of pieces depicting over 3,000 years of indigenous civilizations’ history.
  • Church of San Francisco de Asís: One of the most representative religious centers in Lima. It has catacombs where the remains of over 25,000 people are located. This church is in the architectural center of Lima.

Important Dates

Here are some important festivities in the city of Lima:

  • Lima Anniversary: Founded on January 18, 1535, by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. On this date, its anniversary is celebrated with various civic, cultural, and artistic activities.
  • National Paso Horse Contest:Held near the archaeological site of Pachacamac. This contest is attended by the main breeders of the famous horse.
  • National Holidays: Ica celebrates its anniversary as a city. On this date, civic parades, cultural activities, sports events, and competitions are held.
  • Feast of Santa Rosa de Lima: A religious celebration commemorating Saint Rose of Lima. Every year, processions and a large pilgrimage of thousands of devotees take place at the church and sanctuary of Santa Rosa.
  • Lord of Miracles Feast: The most traditional and devotional festival in Peru. Hundreds of thousands of devotees participate in processions on the 18th, 19th, and 29th. The faithful usually wear a purple habit.

Gastronomy

Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America due to its culinary heritage of magnificent pre-Hispanic cooking traditions, which nourish the best Eastern and Western cuisine.

  • Ceviche: One of the most popular Peruvian dishes. It is made with small pieces of fish cooked in lime juice, accompanied by chili pepper, onion, lettuce leaves, yuyos, choclo (corn), and cooked potatoes served on a cold plate. When pieces of shellfish and crustaceans are added, it is called ceviche misto.
  • Anticuchos:Another typical Peruvian dish made with pieces of beef heart, marinated in vinegar and spices, bathed in sugar and placed on a skewer. They are grilled and served with potatoes cooked in ají sauce.
  • Limean Carapulcra:: A variety of carapulcra chinchana, made with dried potatoes, pork, and chicken, ají, garlic, cloves, olives, roasted corn, cumin, onion, and mild wine. It is served with fluffy rice.
  • Mazamorra Morada: The most traditional dessert in Lima made with sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. Its fame and tradition throughout Peru make “mazamorrero” synonymous with Limean gentility.
  • Suspiro Limeña: A delicious sweet made with manjar blanco (dulce de leche), covered with cane sugar, port wine, and meringue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to Lima?

Like in any large city, it’s important to take safety precautions when traveling to Lima. In general, Lima is considered safe for tourists, but it’s recommended to avoid displaying valuables, be cautious with public transportation, and use safe taxis. Additionally, it’s advisable to inform yourself about the less safe areas of the city and avoid them.

What is the best way to get around in Lima?

In Lima, you can get around using different transportation options. The bus system and the Metropolitano (a rapid bus transit system) are popular and economical options. You can also choose to use safe taxis and transportation services like Uber or Cabify. If you want to explore specific areas, walking can be a good option, especially in the districts of Miraflores and Barranco.

Where are the best shops and markets in Lima?

Lima offers a wide variety of shopping options. In the historic center, you’ll find commercial galleries like Jirón de la Unión and the Central Market. For crafts and souvenirs, the Indian Market in Miraflores and the Surquillo Market are good choices.

How much does it cost to eat at an average restaurant in Lima?

Restaurant prices in Lima can vary depending on the type of establishment and location. In general, you can find dining options starting from around 20 soles (6 US dollars) at average restaurants. However, prices can be higher at luxury or renowned restaurants.

Do I need a visa to Lima, Peru Travel?

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Peru as tourists, as long as their stay does not exceed 183 days. However, it’s important to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling and ensure you have a valid passport.

What is the currency used in Lima?

The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). In Lima, you’ll easily find currency exchange offices and ATMs where you can exchange your currency for soles. Additionally, many tourist establishments also accept international credit cards.

Is English spoken in Lima?

While the official language of Peru is Spanish, it’s common to find people who speak English in the tourist areas of Lima, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. However, outside of these areas, English knowledge might be limited, so it’s helpful to know some basic phrases in Spanish.

Is an advance reservation necessary for a Lima tours?

While it’s not strictly necessary to make an advance reservation for a Lima tours, it’s recommended to do so to ensure availability on the desired date and time. Some tour companies offer discounts for bookings made in advance.

Is it necessary to hire a travel agency for a Lima tours?

It’s not necessary to hire a travel agency for a Lima tour, as there are options available for travelers who prefer to organize their own visit. However, it’s important to consider that a travel agency can offer several benefits, such as the convenience of having everything organized in advance, a tour guide to accompany you during the visit, and personalized recommendations about places to visit in Lima, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

How long does a Lima tour last?

The duration of a tour of Lima can vary depending on the interests and activities included in the itinerary. Generally, Lima tours last either half a day or a full day. A half-day tour can last approximately 4 to 6 hours, while a full-day tour can extend from 8 to 10 hours.

However, it’s important to note that there are different types of tours in Lima, each with its specific duration. Some tours focus on exploring the main historical and cultural attractions of the city, while others may include visits to museums, gastronomic experiences, or tours of iconic neighborhoods.

Are evening tours offered in Lima?

Yes, evening tours are offered in Lima for those who want to explore the city from a different perspective. These tours provide the opportunity to enjoy the illuminated beauty of Lima at night and discover its nighttime charm.

During an evening tour in Lima, you can visit iconic places like the Plaza de Armas, the Parque del Amor in Miraflores, the Magic Water Circuit in the Reserve Park, and other points of interest. It’s also common to include a gastronomic experience at a local restaurant to taste delicious Peruvian cuisine.

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