LIMA

Location and Geography:
Lima, the capital of Peru, has a territory of 35,892.49 km2, the equivalent of 3% of the territory of all of Peru. It is located along the central coast of the country, but also reaches into the sierra. It is bordered to the north by the department of Ancash, to the northeast by the department of Huanuco, to the south by the department of Ica, to the east by Junin and Pasco and to the south east by Huancavelica.

It is divided into ten provinces: Barranca, Cajatambo, Canta, Cañete, Huaral, Huarochiri, Huara, Lima, Oyon and Yauyos.

Altitude:
154m

Access Ways:
How to arrive: Lima, the capital of Peru, is connected to all of the coastal cites by the Pan American Highway, which also continues through to Ecuador to the north and Chile to the south. It is connected to the cities of the sierra and jungle by the Carretera Central (Central Highway), the Marginal and other penetrating routes.
The International Airport is situated in the Constitutional Province of Callao, part of the city of Lima, and allows Lima to be connected aerially with the major cities of the world as well as the major cities within the country.
The Constitutional Province of Callao is the primary maritime port in the Country.

History:
Officially named the City of Kings, bit by bit the people opted to call the city Lima, a word which comes from a form of the name of the River Rimac, which forms the margins of the city. Founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, Lima became the most important city in the Americas within a short time.
With currently more than 8 million inhabitants, Lima receives immigrants from all over the world.

Culture and Traditions:
In the historic center, one can observe examples of colonial architecture such as the Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo, the Convent of San Fransisco and others, as well as wooden balconies. For this reason, it was declared a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. As an example of its inexhaustible sources of culture, there are many museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History and the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which house invaluable Inca and pre-Inca treasures.

Within the city, one finds archaeological monuments such as the Huaca Pucllana or Huaraca Huallamaca. By the ocean outside of the city we find the Pachacamac ruins, the most important pre-Inca sanctuary on the coast. Also along the coast one can enjoy the beaches and practice aquatic sports, take in the sun, or simply observe the Pacific Ocean.


ATTRACTIONS - LIMA

Plaza Mayor Lima:
In the perimeter of the Plaza Mayor one finds the Lima Cathedral, the Palace of the Government and the Municipality of Lima. The bronze fountain in the center dates to the XVII century.

Palace of the Government:
Francisco Pizarro ordered its construction and it was his residence. Nowadays, it continues the tradition as it is the residence of all of the Presidents of Peru. In its numerous patios and salons there are illustrations of important figures of Peruvian history and impressive pieces of art. Note that every day at 11:45am, one can observe the changing of the guard in charge of the Battalion of the Huasares de Junin in the Patio de Honor.

Lima Cathedral:
Though the interior is sober, inside we can find true historic jewels such as the choir loft, side alters and the remains of Francisco Pizarro. There is the opportunity to visit the Museum of Religious art, which possesses an important collection of canvases, sculptures, chasubles and chalices.

Church and Convent of San Francisco:
The principal facade of the temple was carved from stone and is characterized by its Corinthian columns. It is an architectural grouping that dates to the XVII century and includes the church, the convent and the small plaza. There is an area of cloisters decorated with glazed tiles and houses the Museum of Viceregal Art. One can also visit the catacombs (subterranean galleries) which served as a cemetery during Colonial times.

Church and Convent de la Merced:
The church retains the granite facade which dates to 1687. We can appreciate plaster figures on the ceiling which give it a fine decoration. Note the largest neoclassical alter where one can find the image of the Virgen de la Merced and the Archangel Saint Michael. Inside one finds the chapel of Brother Pedro Urraca and the wooden cross, which continues to tell his story which was to have the power to escape the devil.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo:
This church of three naves includes a dome, a beautiful cedar choir loft and walls adorned with Sevillian glazed tiles. In 1551, the National University of San Marcos, the first university founded in America, was founded in the convent.

Church and Monastery of Santa Rosa de Lima:
Shaped by the church and the sanctuary, it was constructed in the XVII and XVIII centuries next to the house where Santa Rosa de Lima, Patron of Lima, America, and the Philippines, was born and raised. Of note is the hermitage or chapel which was constructed in 1614, the silver lemon planted by the Saint and a pool 19 meters deep into which she threw her metal belt which circled her waist, a pertinence the Saint took on.

Church of the Nazarene:
It was constructed during the second half of the XVIII century. In its interior a type of display case contains the image of the Señor de los Milagros, painted in oil on an adobe wall. The story goes that the image of the Señor de los Milagros was painted in the XVII century by a black slave. This wall was the only one still standing after the earthquakes in 1655, 1687 and 1746. Every year in October, a replica of the image of Christ is taken out during a multitude of processions through the streets of Lima.

Church and Convent of the Descalzos (Barefoot):
This convent was founded at the end of the XVI century. It is characterized by its roomy and relaxed environment in which valuable paintings from the Cusqueña, Limeña and Quiteña schools are conserved.

Park of the Muralla (Wall):
This wall has been restored and contains a part of the old wall which contained Lima. It was constructed in the XVIII century to protect the city from pirates and enemy attacks on the Spanish crown. There is also a site museum where archaeological pieces from the area are exhibited.

Casa Aliaga:
Constructed on the base of a prehispanic building, on other levels the facade consists of a balcony from the Republic period. One patio is covered in Italian marble and the other is adorned with an antique bronze fountain.

The house has been the property of the Aliaga family since its construction (1535) until today. Currently, it houses diverse cultural events.

Palace of Torre Tagle:
It consists of two floors and the construction was undertaken by order of the Marques de Torre Tagle in 1735. Nowadays it is considered one of the best examples of Limeña residential architecture. Of note are its carved wood balconies, its Baroque style chapel and its stone facade. It currently houses the Ministry of External Relations.

Exposition Park:
Here we can find monuments which commemorate the centennial celebration of Independence such as the Moor Pavilion, the Seismograph, the Chinese Fountain, the Botanical Garden and the Japanese Garden. There are also areas for training and the stage arts such as the Island of Puppets, the Open Theater and the recently inaugurated Magical Circuit of Water, different circuits of pools which are worth a visit for the impressive fountains which move in time to music produced by extraordinary figures.

Art Museum of Lima:
Installed in what was the Exposition Palace, here Prehispanic ceramic, textile and metalwork pieces are shown. You can also find the most important collection of paintings and works of art in the country.

Museum of Italian Art:
The Italians constructed this museum in tribute to the Independence centenary of Peru in 1924. Its facade is in the Italian Renaissance style and is made of carved white marble; here the shields of the principal Italian cities and mosaics of historical Italian figures can be appreciated. The permanent exhibit includes inspired Italian works by Donatello, Miguel Angel and Botticcelli, to name a few.

Temple Huallamarca:
It was a place of residence for the Huallas, one of the tribes which the Spanish found living in the valley of Lima. The Huallas used the temple to bury their dead. It does not show any Inca elements and because of this is thought that the site was definitely abandoned in the middle of the XV century.

Temple Pucllana:
It was one of the most important ceremonial and administrative centers of the Lima culture, which developed between the years 200 and 700 AD.

Gold Museum:
This museum is the result of the private collection of Miguel Mujica Gallo, realized over the years of his life by creating a Foundation which takes his name. The Gold Museum of Peru and Arms of the World (weapons which date to the XVI century) exhibits Prehispanic art of gold, silver, copper and textiles.

Museum of the Nation:
It is considered one of the most important Peruvian history museums. In this museum one has the opportunity to observe thousands of authentic objects belonging to ceramics of the Moche, Nasca and Wari cultures. The museum also has reproductions of many antique Andean pieces, the most notable being the Lanzon de Chavin and a recreation of the burial chamber of the Lord of Sipan.

National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru:
This is the oldest and most important State Museum in the country. Among the most outstanding rooms is the Formative Period, with examples of ceramics from the legendary cultures such as Kotosh and Chavin. Other rooms explore cultures such as: Nasca, Recuay, Pasash, Moche, Tiahuanaco and Lima.
The Metallurgy Room exhibits beautiful objects worked in metal and the respective elaboration processes. The Textiles Room contains beautiful fabrics from the most outstanding Peruvian cultures. Ceramics, textiles, metals, organic materials and wood carvings related to invaluable human remains conserved by techniques that surprise modern specialists also shape the legacy of our past.


OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

TO THE SOUTH:
Pachacamac Archaeological Complex:
Located 31km south of the city of Lima. It was the most important ceremonial center on the Peruvian coast since before the Incas. The principal building material used was adobe.
One can distinguish palaces, plazas and temples. Of note are the Temple of the Sun and the Acllahuasi which were both raised during the Inca domination and form the best conserved area. There is a site museum which houses pieces found during the excavations.


TO THE EAST:
Cajamarquilla Archaeological Site:
At Km. 10, detouring 5 km along the right bank of the Rimac River. Constructed between the years 500 and 600 AD during the period in which the Lima culture dominated the valley. At 167 hectares, it is considered the second largest adobe city in the Prehispanic Andes, after Chan Chan in La Libertad.

Huachipa Zoo:
It houses more than two million animals and close to 300 species including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. Of note is the Bird Forest with a replica of the Peruvian tropical forest and the interactive children's zoo.

Puruchuco Archeaology Site:
Constructed of mud and adobe during the Inca period (XV-XVI centuries AD). It is thought to be a palace or administrative center of high importance in the area. The distribution of the space follows geometric lines and is divided into three sectors including a group of patios and viewpoints. During the excavation process diverse human burials were found, characterized by their fetal position and accompanying diverse daily use objects. There is an interesting site museum.


TO THE NORTH:
Chancay Castle:
87 km north of the capital, it was constructed between 1922 and 1942 imitating the design of medieval European castles. Its interior consists of 10 salons, 100 bedrooms, 12 terraces, 4 towers and subterranean caves facing the sea. There is a pool, restaurants and a playground. It owns a collection of Chancay ceramics.

Lachay National Reserve:
105 km north of the capital along the North Pan-American highway. It covers 5070 hectares. It is a system of hills in a flat coastal desert which is full of plant and animal life during the months of June to September thanks to the humidity of the clouds and sporadic rains.

Archaeological Remains of Rupac Marka Kullpi:
89 km north of the city of Lima until the city of Huaral, and from there 70 km northeast to the archaeological remains. It is found at 3200m. It is a citadel, built on the edge of an abyss. The principal building is the Marca Kullpi Castle which contains mausoleums with cornices, halls and ornaments on the walls. There are constructions up to 10 meters high. It is part of the cultural testimonies of the Atavillos (900-1460 AD), in conjunction with the archaeological sites of Chipprak, Kanta Marca and Añay.

City of Huaral:
Huaral, also called the "Capital of Agriculture" is found north of Lima, less than two hours from the center by omnibus. It is known for its beautiful beaches, open countryside, thermal baths, hills, intriguing folklore, archaeological zones on the coast and in the mountains and its history.


SPAS:
To the North:
Santa Rosa (Km. 43) and Ancon (Km. 44). The later, on the tranquil sea, has been frequented by vacationing Limeños since the XIX century. It is now a small city, almost integrated into the greater Lima area. Its height as a spa was during the 1950s and 60s. There are well conserved buildings and an imposing nautical center called the Yacht Club.

To the South:
(Km. 35), From Km. 35 of the Southern Pan-American Highway, one can find beautiful beaches which continue uninterrupted along the coast until the city of Cañete, 135 km from the city of Lima. There are sand and round pebble beaches, with waves ideally suited to surfing: Arica Silencio (Km. 41.5), Señoritas (Km. 42), Peñascal (Km. 51 - San Bartolo), Pico Alto (Km. 43) and Punta Rocas (Km. 45). Many have been converted into residential spas: Pulpos (Km. 41), Santa Maria and Embajadores (Km. 51) and Naplo (Km. 51). Others have services such as hotels, restaurants and recreational areas: Punta Hermosa and Punta Negra (Km. 45), San Bartolo (Km. 51), Pucusana (Km. 57), Asia (Km. 97), Puerto Fiel (Km. 121) and Cerro Azul (Km. 132).

Weather:
Lima has a subtropical, desert and humid micro climate. In summer of December to March it is humid and hot with temperatures of 19 to 30C. In winter from June to October it is humid and cold with cloudy skies and temperatures from 13 to 20C. The months of spring and Fall are pleasant with moderate temperatures and some sunny days.

When to Travel:
Because of its mild climate, without hard rains or intense cold, one can visit Lima any time of year.