Name: Lima

Status: capital

Country: Perú

Area: 32,126.46 km²

Population: approximately 10 million inhabitants

Introduction

Lima, the capital of Perú, is a sprawling metropolis home to nearly 10 million inhabitants. It sits at the foot of the Andes Cordillera, on Peru's western coast and along the Pacific Ocean. Let your journey to Perú lead you to discover this dynamic and vibrant capital. Its historic center and beautiful neighborhoods are well worth exploring during a short stay.

History

Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, also known as Ciudad de Los Reyes. At that time, roughly twenty tribes inhabited this part of the country. They worked tirelessly on immense construction projects under Inca direction.

The city became a battlefield during the Manco Cápac Rebellion in 1536. Yet despite these early conflicts, Lima developed rapidly over the following four years.

In 1543, Lima became the seat of the royal audience, and then the country's capital in 1546. It welcomed South America's first university, San Marcos. From the 17th century onward, the city experienced significant demographic growth, expanding from 25,000 inhabitants in 1619 to over 80,000 by 1687. Numerous bourgeois residences and palaces filled the expanding city.

In 1679, ramparts were constructed around the city to counter attacks by the English army led by Francis Drake. Lima was subsequently devastated by earthquakes in 1687.

From Independence to Today

In 1820, General San Martín and his Argentine and Chilean troops arrived in Lima, during which time the country achieved independence. War between colonists and revolutionaries continued nonetheless until late 1824. The capital was not fully restored until the 1850s. Grand public infrastructure replaced the ramparts.

From 1879 to 1883, the city was occupied by the Chileans during the War of the Pacific. In the early 20th century, Lima regained momentum by developing major avenues and rehabilitating great historic buildings between the 1920s and 1940s. Violent earthquakes that followed allowed the city to rebuild and modernize.

In 1960, Lima experienced rural migration on a massive scale. Its population tripled in just 20 years, reaching 1.9 million inhabitants. Today, it's estimated at 10 million. Lima is thus the third-largest city in the Americas.

Today

The capital offers diverse tourist attractions. Its historic center groups most of the city's ancient monuments, including the Torre-Tagle Palace, the Prado residence, the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo church, the San Francisco church and convent, and more. Lima also boasts numerous museums and exhibition gardens. Examples include the Larco Museum, the Museum of Gold of Perú, and the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology.

You'll find it easy to locate accommodation, as the city offers a wide range of hotels suited to all budgets. For luxury hotels, head toward the Miraflores and San Isidro neighborhoods.

Given its size, Lima stands out for its sprawling streets, crowded avenues, frenetic energy, and numerous shops. In winter, the entire city is wrapped in fine mist from the sea, called garúa by locals. In summer, the fog gradually disperses as the sun returns and temperatures rise.

Regardless of season, Lima shines with beauty through its characterful tourist sites and countless attractions. Don't miss the nightlife in the city's peripheral neighborhoods, nor its gastronomy.

Description

Geography

The city of Lima covers an area of 32,126.46 km². It is bordered to the north by the regions of Ancash, Pasco, and Junín. To the south, it is limited by the Ica region, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Climate

Perú's capital has a distinctive climate, subtropical desert type, with a warm season between December and April. It experiences a cool, humid, and cloudy season from June to October, and a transitional season between May and November. The cold ocean current of Humboldt reaches the capital due to its location in the central part of Peru's coast. Its position at approximately 12° south of the equator gives it both an arid and mild climate.

Winter season extends from June to September and is characterized by cloudy skies. During this period, temperatures are mild, sometimes even slightly cold. Summer, by contrast, runs from December through April, marked by generally sunny days.

What to See in Lima?

The Churches

Plaza Mayor

Former known as the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Mayor was rebuilt in 1997 with various neocolonial buildings. On its left stands the municipal building dating from 1945, which today houses the Government Palace. On the right rises the Cathedral. At its center stands a bronze fountain erected in 1650. The plaza sits at the former location of the Conquistador statue.

The Cathedral

Lima's Cathedral was erected upon the city's founding. It was rehabilitated from 1746 onward, following the great earthquake. This grand monument stands out for its steep facade. It opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Admission costs 10 soles per person.

The Basilica of San Francisco

The San Francisco church and convent rank among Lima's best-preserved monuments from the colonial era. On the left side of the complex stands the Soledad church; in the middle is the entrance to a monastery and museum; and on the right stands the San Francisco church. The latter distinguishes itself through its harmonious facade topped by two bell towers and pigeon niches. Its design dates to the 16th century, heavily influenced by Arabic style in its interior decoration.

The Basilica of San Francisco sits at the intersection of Los Jirones Ancash and Lampa streets. It welcomes the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is 7 soles per person.

Santo Domingo

The Santo Domingo church is known for its catacombs, considered the largest in the city. Founded by the Spanish, including Pizarro, it shares a convent with the church. The monument withstood the earthquakes that struck the city, though it was renovated around the 18th century.

The Santo Domingo church is located at Jr. Camaná 170 – Lima Cercado. You can visit daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Night tours are organized on the last Friday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Museums

Larco Museum

Housed in an 18th-century colonial building, the Larco Museum invites you to discover the development of Peru's pre-Columbian civilizations. Visually, it stands out for its beautiful flowering gardens. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle, the establishment contains several collections of Mochica ceramics and objects from pre-Columbian civilizations. Its grand exhibition hall contains thousands of pieces, from floor to ceiling, testifying to Peru's great wealth of archaeological remains. Some erotic collections are also presented for educational purposes.

The Larco Museum is located at Avenue Boulevard 1515, Pueblo Libre. Admission is 30 soles per person. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Perú

Through its impressive collections, this museum reconstructs Peru's history from the first traces of human activity in the region. It is located at Boulevard Plaza, corner of San Martin & Vivanco, Pueblo Libre. The establishment is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs 10 soles per person.

The Museum of Gastronomy

This establishment traces the history of food in the country from the first Peruvian civilizations onward. It also offers ideas for local dishes. You'll find the Museum of Gastronomy at Jr. Conde de Superunda 170, near Plaza de Armas. Admission is 3 soles per person. Opening hours extend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays.

Archaeological Sites Around Lima

Numerous archaeological sites await you in the Lima area: Huaca Pucllana, Pachacamac, Puruchuco, Incahuasi, Paramonga, Cajamarquilla, Huallamarca, and more.

Pachacamac

Pachacamac is arguably the capital's most famous archaeological destination. It sits 31 km from Lima. This pre-Inca site spans an area of more than 460 hectares. Pachacamac was an important pilgrimage center. It was occupied by many civilizations: Lima, Wari, Yshma, and Inca. Today, several pyramids, palaces, temples, plazas, and streets are visible.

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana nestles in the heart of the city, in the Miraflores neighborhood. Long used by neighborhood youth as a playground, the site was restored by scientists as a major archaeological site. It contains several damaged pyramids. Some parts of the site are covered by houses.

Lima and Its Neighborhoods

In Lima, you'll enjoy strolling through beautiful neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco.

Miraflores

Miraflores attracts tourists for its seaside promenades. Discover the famous Park of Love and a massive shopping center here.

Barranco

Barranco is nicknamed the "artists' neighborhood." It features small multicolored houses, charming alleyways, and numerous cafés. It's the ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Activities

Beyond visiting the capital's historic and archaeological sites and sampling Peruvian gastronomy, several activities are available to tourists staying in Lima: cycling, paragliding, surfing, diving, and more.

How to Get There?

Foreign tourists primarily arrive at Jorge Chávez Airport, located about ten kilometers from the capital. It's Peru's main airport. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to your hotel.

How to Get Around?

Peru's capital offers numerous transportation options. You can travel by taxi, minibus, or bus. Metros are also available to connect Lima with other cities.

There is no central bus terminal for the capital. However, each bus company has its own station depending on destinations—north or south of Perú. Most are concentrated at Terminal Plaza Norte and along Javier Prado Avenue.

What to Do in Lima?

• Visit the historic and archaeological sites and museums of the capital.
• Explore the beautiful neighborhoods and their fine residences.
• Participate in major activities throughout the city.
• Taste Peruvian gastronomy in local restaurants.
• Enjoy a dream stay in one of the city's hotels, and more.