Also known as the "City of the Kings" or "Garden City" it is the capital
of Peru. A bustling metropolis with over 7 million inhabitants, located
on the coast, roughly mid-way between the Ecuadorean border and Chile.
It was founded in 1535 in the Rimac valley by the Spanish conqueror, Francisco
Pizarro. The city is very contrasting: beautiful historical buildings with
balconies, convents, churches and plazas from the days of the Spaniards
are located in the old city center, whereas modern buildings, parks, numerous
restaurants, hotels and shopping centers are located in the residential
areas of Miraflores, San Isidro, Monterrico, La Molina and others. Lima
has several splendid museums, galleries and monuments reeking with history!
The summer beach season (December-April) is ideal for bathing and surfing,
right below the cliffs overlooked by Miraflores and San Isidro! Quaint
little beach towns with restaurants serving fresh sea food are spread along
the coast 120 km. South of the city. Although during the cool season (May-November),
the city is mostly overcast, lots of sun and pleasant countryside restaurants
are found minutes away, just up the Rimac valley. There are several pre-Inca
cities on the outskirts of Lima, such as Cajamarquilla and Pachacamac,
well worth visiting. The city is accessible by air from the U.S.A. (several
daily nonstops from Miami, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles)
and from practically all major European and South American Capitals. Likewise,
it is well connected by air with daily flights to/from all major Peruvian
cities. It is also linked to them by well paved highways and boasts of
the highest railroad in the world, taking passengers and freight eastbound
into the Andean mountains. Electricity in Lima - and also in other towns
- is 220 volts, 60 cycles.
Click here for a simplified map of Lima and
its main districts and attractions. |
