Lima Travel Guide
City of Kings
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Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the City of Kings sits on the Pacific Ocean, at the centre of Peru. Gateway to the rest of Peru, most travellers will spend some time in the city, and those who take the time to scratch beneath the surface, to discover its historic sites, colonial streets, faded seaside haunts, fine cuisine or limitless bars, generally find it a very rewarding experience.
Lima blends old with new and has grown to become a major cosmopolitan city, with its fair share of modern hotels, world-class restaurants, shopping malls and a vibrant nightlife.
In 1991, the historical centre of the city was a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for its colonial architecture, such as the Convent of the Nazarenes, or the Torre Tagle Palace which is now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But Lima’s history goes far beyond that, and you can still visit the adobe temples of ancient Pachacamac on the coast.
Throughout much of the year, as the cool waters of the Humbolt Current reach Lima, a sea mist is formed. Known as garua, this fine cloud rests over the city for much of the year, but from January to March this opens up to clear blue skies and with it lifts the spirits of the already fun-loving Limeños.
Attractions in Lima
Lima is home to the country’s best museums, well preserved colonial architecture, pre-Hispanic sites, scattered over several different districts. Along the coast there are many parks and open spaces, which are worth strolling through when you want to soak up some free time.
Activities in Lima
Lima is an entry point for the rest of the country, so most activities tend to be focussed elsewhere. It is possible to hire bikes to explore one of the cycling circuits, try your hand at tandem parascending over Lima’s cliffs, or hire horses close to Pachacamac.
Whist local surfers take to Lima’s beaches, this is somewhat dubious in terms of personal safety and water quality – better to head a short way out of town.
Relaxing
If you want to splash out one evening head to the Rosa Nautica restaurant. Located at the end of jetty below Miraflores, this restaurant offers a great environment and offers some of the best seafood in the country, best washed down with a glass of chilled Peruvian wine and a Pisco Sour.
Getting Around
Collectivos run regularly in all directions all over the city, but unless you know exactly where you are going and speak Spanish, it is probably better to take a taxi. It seems that every second car is for hire in the city, so you rarely need to wait more than a minute.
Note that most taxis are unregulated, so if you are a single traveller it may be worth asking your hotel or Travel Expert to arrange an official regulated taxi.
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