"The City of Kings", as Lima is known, was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and became the center of Spanish power in Peru, during the colonial period.The urban planning of Lima is one of the colonial models in South America. Lima is known for its social, economical and cultural growth and stands out as the cultural center of Latin America; besides that, Lima is the home of San Marcos National University, the most ancient from America, founded in 1551.Lima is famous for being the viceroyalty capital of Peru and one of the cities most important of South America in the spanish regime period; after its independance in 1821 the city became the republic's capital. Before this period, the Baroque and Neoclassical style took the power on the streets, impregnating those architectural styles in the main constructions. The capital counts a high variety of tourist attractions that combine history and modernity, as you can see on the Historical Center. Another strong point of Lima is the food, there are many restaurants from the 3 Peruvian regions where you can live a complete gastronomical experience, given that the population is multicultural and mostly migrant. Live Peru from one of its corners, and enjoy tasting the culture that Peru offers you!
Lima weather
The city of Lima is characterized by its scorching and hot weather during the summer season, which runs from January to mid-April. After this, until mid-December, the weather becomes cool with mild bursts of cold wind, so it's recommended to wear a sweater and jacket. The likelihood of rain during these last months is quite high, but when it does rain, it tends to be for short periods. If the traveler is departing from Chiclayo during Lima's winter season, we suggest leaving dressed warmly to avoid catching a cold.
Hotels en Lima
Hostal Alpackers
- Address: Av. Ernesto Diez Canseco #480 B, Miraflores.
- Price: From 105.00 PEN
- Services: This hostel is located very close to the Larcomar Shopping Center, which can be visited on foot. The staff provides excellent service.
Hotel Esperanza
- Address: Calle Esperanza #350, Miraflores.
- Price: From 146.00 PEN
- Services: A hotel located one block from Kennedy Park, perfect for young travelers visiting Peru who want to enjoy nightlife. It offers basic amenities, including breakfast.
Habitat Hotel
- Address: Calle Piura #105, Miraflores.
- Price: From 247.00 PEN
- Services: Clean, standard-sized rooms ensure a comfortable stay. Room rental includes hot showers, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Casa Andina Standard Miraflores Centro
- Address: Av. Petit Thouars #5444, Miraflores.
- Price: From 260.00 PEN
- Services: Staying here is a luxurious experience, perfect for starting your trip right. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the hotel is close to a handicraft market for souvenir shopping.
NM Lima Hotel
- Address: Av. Pardo y Aliaga #330, San Isidro.
- Price: From 300.00 PEN
- Services: A great hotel for business meetings. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food, and the rooms are spacious.
Restaurantes & Bares en Lima
Perroquet Restaurant (Country Club Lima Hotel)
- Address: Calle Los Eucaliptos #590, Cercado de Lima.
- Price: 60.00 PEN
- Services: Dining here is a luxury for any visitor. The price reflects the excellent service and exceptional cuisine.
Bao?
- Address: Calle José Domingo Choquehuanca #411, Miraflores.
- Price: From 25.00 PEN
- Services: A fantastic place to try new dishes and experience Peruvian gastronomy. Don’t hesitate to visit; the experience is phenomenal.
Huaringas Bar
- Address: Calle Bolognesi #460, Miraflores.
- Services: A great spot to enjoy a delicious passion fruit or mango pisco sour. Be sure to try the snack menu, which offers excellent appetizers.
Piano Bar Munich
- Address: Jirón de la Unión #1044, Cercado de Lima.
- Services: A great place to enjoy music and good company. Try amazing cocktails and tasty snacks like salchipapas.
Tourist Attractions in Lima
- Parque de la Exposición: Located in Cercado de Lima, this park houses the Lima Art Museum. Designed by Italian Antonio Leonardi, it originally covered an area that included the National Stadium. The park hosts recreational activities such as children's theater, painting, and dance. It also features a play area and a small pond with fish to feed.
- Pantanos de Villa: Located in Chorrillos, this natural area is known for its wetlands and diverse bird species. The "Pantanos de Villa" are divided into three systems: biotic, abiotic, and human interaction.
- Parque Maria Reiche: Named in honor of Maria Reiche, a German researcher dedicated to studying the Nazca lines. The park features drawings of these famous lines.
- Parque Zoológico Huachipa: Located in Ate, this zoo is renowned for its animal exhibits and the water treatment process from the Rímac River on display.
Important Dates in Lima
- Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) - July 28: Celebrates Peru's independence from Spain. Only Peru and Chile use the term "Fiestas Patrias" for their national holidays.
- Lord of Miracles Festival - October 18: Honors the famous "Cristo Moreno," a painting by a slave believed to have stopped the 1746 earthquake. Many devotees wear purple habits during this month.
- Día de la Canción Criolla - October 31: A celebration of Criolla culture, established in 1944 by President Manuel Prado Ugarteche. Originally planned for October 18.
- Lima’s Anniversary - January 18: Celebrates the city with parades, concerts, and food fairs, with events varying by the current mayor.
Getting Around Lima
Tourists in Lima can use several transportation options:
- Bus: Affordable, with fares starting at S/1.00, depending on the route.
- Taxi: Faster but more expensive, with fares starting at around S/7.00.
- Metropolitano: Runs from Comas to Chorrillos with a fare of S/3.20. Feeder buses cost S/3.50 in total.
- Corridors: Cover specific routes with authorized stops. Fares range from S/1.50 to S/2.50.
- Metro de Lima: Connects the south to the northwest with a fare of S/1.50, offering faster travel times.
How to Get to Lima
- By Bus: The distance from Chiclayo to Lima is approximately 768 km, taking 12 to 14 hours by road.
Gastronomy in Lima
Lima offers delicious dishes such as:
- Causa Limeña
- Suspiro a la Limeña
- Ceviche
What to Buy in Lima
Popular souvenirs in Lima include:
- Toro de Pucará
- Peruvian Jewelry: The Inca Cross
- Ethnic backpacks
Facts About Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, is home to 30% of the country’s population, making it the most populated city. In pre-Hispanic times, the area was inhabited by the Maranga and Lima cultures, later conquered by the Wari Empire. Significant constructions like Mateo Salado, Pucllana, and Huallamarca date back to this period. During the colonial era, Spanish-inspired architecture was prominent, such as the Plaza de Armas, designed by Francisco Pizarro. Lima’s strategic location favored commerce while being safe from pirate attacks due to its distance from the sea.
In conclusion:
Traveling to Lima from Caraz is an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes along the journey with the chance to discover Peru's vibrant capital. From the mountains of Caraz to the dynamism of Lima, this trip allows you to explore two equally fascinating but distinct worlds, enriching your travel experience.