Lima, also known as "The City of the Kings" or "Lima, la gris", is the capital of Peru. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Francisco Pizarro, currently has more than 8.5 million inhabitants, thus being the most populous city in Peru. This territory was occupied by the ancient Maranga culture and Lima culture, before both were conquered by the Wari culture. It is for this reason that until now you can find huacas in different parts of the city of Lima. During the viceroyalty, the city became very important until it became the center of political and economic power. Its excellent location, since it was close to a sea, made it part of a large commercial network that included not only America, but also Europe and East Asia. When the independence of Peru occured in 1821, Lima adopted its new role as capital of the Republic of Peru. In fact, the most important building of democracy, the Government Palace, is located in this city. Finally, in 1930s, the migratory waves from the interior of the country to Lima begin, thus initiating urban expansion. Traveling from Cusco to Lima takes approximately 20 hours and 40 minutes. Of course, this will depend a lot on the bus stops during the road as well as the chosen route.
Lima Weather
The weather in Lima is cool and comfortable, excellent if you want to spend a few days of total relaxation and without much sun or cold. In this city it is said that only summer and winter can be distinguished, since during the other seasons the climate remains almost the same. During the summer, which is from January to mid-March, the temperature can reach up to 27 ° C and the sun can be at its maximum. On the other hand, in winter, it drops to 14 ° C. It is important to take care of yourself leaving Arequipa because it is hot, so the change in climate can affect it.
Hotels in Lima
Like any capital city in a country, Lima has the widest variety of lodgings. From 5-star hotels, with all possible luxuries, to hostel´s or backpackers for travelers looking for cheaper options. The hotel industry is also not centered in one area, and can even get different accommodation options in different parts of the city, such as in the Center of Lima, Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, even outside the city, or beach places.
Restaurantes & Bars in Lima
Lima is not only the capital of Peru, but also of all its gastronomy. The fusion of flavors, cultures and history stands out deeply, making Lima's food a leading role in your visit to the city. Gastronomy can be termed as an incredible culinary journey. With the widest variety of dishes on offer in its restaurants, it is perhaps the city with the most diverse gastronomy on the planet, asserting itself as one of the world's leading, most recognized and award-winning culinary destinations.
Gastronomy in Lima
In the city of Lima, you will try delicious dishes such as:
- Causa Limeña.
- Suspiro a la Limeña.
- Ceviche.
The most tourist places in Lima
● The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Lima and Primada del Perú is the Main Church of Peru. Its facade is Renaissance and its tall towers with slate spiers are neoclassical.
● Miraflores with its parks and its beautiful view of the sea, is the district with the most tourist attraction for renowned figures from the country and abroad. A district that, in addition to being beautiful, knew of great battles such as the one that occurred during the War of the Pacific on January 15, 1881.
● Plaza de Armas de Lima: Declared a World Heritage Site in 1991, it is one of the main parks in the city of Lima. It is located in the Historic Center and around it you can find the Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace of Peru. It was here that San Martín proclaimed the country's independence in 1821, hence its importance also lies. Its planning was an order of King Carlos I of Spain in 1523.
● Huaca Pucllana: It is an archaeological complex that was built by the Lima culture and is made of adobe under the dynamic "" technique of the book "". Its exact function is still a mystery, but investigations have found mummies inside, so it is possible that human sacrifices or religious rites were given here. Currently a tour of the huaca is offered.
● Costa Verde: It is the name by which this road is known, which crosses 8 different districts (La Punta, La Perla, San Miguel, Magdalena del Mar, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos). Its construction began thanks to the then mayor of Lima, Luis Bedoya Reyes, and since then it has been a recreation space for both youth and adults. In 2019, it was a space used for the Pan American Games and the Parapan American Games.
● Parque de las Leyendas: It is a zoo located in the San Miguel district and is very popular with families due to its infinite possibilities for recreation. It not only has several animals that can be seen, but also activities and courses that will awaken the curiosity of the boy or girl. In addition, for a few months they offer a night tour, so that you can live a new experience in everything.
Important dates in Lima
● October 31 - Day of the Creole Song: On this day the country is celebrated and the best Creole songs are sung. The neighbors gather to organize parties and peñas, accompanied by the cajón and the guitar, with excellent Peruvian dishes such as anticuchos or fried trout.
● October 18 - Feast of the Lord of Miracles: The most popular Saint in Lima is the Lord of Miracles, whose figure has been revered since he remained intact in a strong earthquake. The processions take place throughout the month and thousands of Peruvians gather to accompany him.
● July 28 - National Holidays: Every July 28 a lot of activities are carried out, the main one being the military parade, in which the military forces present themselves with their weapons to honor the homeland. Popular parades are also held, where artists gather to dance the indigenous dances.
● January 18 - Lima Anniversary: The Spanish foundation of Lima is celebrated, also called " The city of kings ". It is common for the municipality to organize various activities throughout the city and for different singers to gather in the Plaza de Armas to serenade the city.
How to move around Lima?
There are 3 options to mobilize in the city of Cajamarca, tourists can opt for the public bus, commonly regulated by the municipality, a taxi run by a citizen who provides a service and a train, which serves as a support to transfer to places with higher density of population.
● Public bus: It is the most popular form of transportation within the city, as well as being very economical. The rate does not usually rise from S / 3 per person. The public bus has different stops where it picks up passengers, so the trip can be a little slow. However, there are exclusive corridors and routes for buses, which help to further accelerate the trip. These usually cost an additional value to the conventional bus.
● Taxi: This is the fastest way of transportation within the city. This means of transport goes straight to the desired destination. You can take one on the streets, calling a company or through an application. The rate here is usually higher, usually exceeding S / 10.
● Train: It is a service of greater capacity and speed than the bus, but limited to certain areas of the city. Generally the trip can cost no more than S / 3 per person.
How to reach Lima?
● Lima by bus: If you travel from Cuzco for example, your trip will take between 23 and 25 hours.
● Lima by train: You can get to Lima from Cuzco by train for approximately 200 dollars
● Lima by plane: Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main air terminal of the metropolitan city. It is located in the constitutional province of Callao but it is the natural airport of Lima.
Things to buy in Lima
The most typical souvenirs that you can buy in Lima are:
- Peruvian paintings
- Burinated mates
- Stuffed Alpacas
Lima Facts
Capital of the Republic of Peru, Lima is located on the shores of the Pacific and is the most populated region in the country. It was also the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru in antiquity and the most important city in South America of the Spanish empire. Today it is the 5th largest city in South America, with more than 15 million inhabitants. Here the climate is almost unique, despite being located in a tropical area, you can feel a warm climate but without that tropical heat or extreme cold, with average temperatures of 17.5 to 19 ° C, with a maximum between 29 and 31 ° C, despite the fact that its sky remains gray 8 months a year.
Terminals in Tacna and Lima
Departure Terminal
● Terminal Terrestre Tacna.
Arrival Terminal
● Terminal La Victoria (Av. Paseo de la República).
● Terminal La Victoria (Av. Luna Pizarro).
● Terminal La Victoria (Av. Garcia Naranjo).
● Terminal San Isidro (Av. Andrés Aramburú).
● Terminal Excluciva (Av. Javier Prado Este).
● Terminal Javier Prado (Av. Javier Prado Este).
● Terminal Plaza Norte.
Operators that work on the route Tacna - Lima
● Civa
● Wari Palomino.
● Oltursa.
● Cromotex.
● Paredes Estrella.
● Excluciva.
● Tepsa.
● Perú Hop.
In conclusion:
Spending a few days sightseeing in Lima is a great choice. Visiting its historic center, the different archaeological sites, its nightlife, museums, art galleries, streets or piers, make Lima a very remarkable city. Not for nothing, Lima is the leader of the most visited cities in Latin America and is in the top 25 worldwide.