Lima, also known as the ‘City of Kings’, is Peru’s capital city situated on the coastal part of South America in the valley of the Rios Rimac on the Pacific coast. This expansive city offers numerous fantastic things to see and fun things to do, being home to the largest McDonald’s restaurant and the famous Tower Records store. Lima provides a unique perspective on Peru, distinct from the traditional image of Peruvian Andean indigenous people and alpacas.
In fact, Lima, like any other place, has a lot of history. Surprisingly, it is found in what is known as a desert by most people, and as such, it is evident that there is a lot to learn in this city in terms of history as shown by the museums, squares, cathedrals, and other old structures evident in Lima. It is a big historical background for which you should spend at least two days enjoying the beautiful colonial buildings with beautiful wooden balconies of the Baroque and Neoclassical directions.
Tourist Places in Lima
Lima is the political, financial as well as cultural capital of Peru. The outline shows the city’s current state, and it is evident that despite the 1746 earthquake that reduced many buildings, the city has been able to reconstruct and even preserve the historical features. Below are some of the places that you must visit during your vacation and tour in this energetic city.
Plaza Mayor of Lima
The central square of Lima, also known as the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas, is an ideal starting point for a city tour. Regarded as the central square of Lima, this plaza was used as the building location of the city. It has well-maintained gardens and a central bronze fountain which was constructed in the year 1651.
Attractions Around Plaza Mayor
- Government Palace of Peru: The present official and actual living place of the president. Some of the pride possessions include changing of the guard that occurs at exactly 12 noon.
- Cathedral of Lima: 1 of the most beautiful buildings in Europe that one can describe as the prime example of the Baroque style.
- Church of the Sagrario and Archbishop’s Palace: The plaza has many historical buildings which gives it that extra appeal.
- Jirón de la Unión Street: Including many restaurants and shops, this street combines the prestige of old constructions with brand new ones, starting from Plaza de Armas up to Plaza San Martín. Also, one may visit the church of La Merced that has the appearance of colonial Baroque style.
People carry out religious activities such as baptisms, marriages, funerals, and other religious events, religious processions, and various cultural, as well as military parades, thus the place is active when tourists are around.
Casa de Aliaga
In the close proximity to the Plaza Mayor, Casa de Aliaga remains relatively unknown and thus is quite secluded. This is one of the colonial buildings constructed in the seventeenth century in Peru and considered among the oldest and most impressive preserved colonial mansions in South America.
Features of Casa de Aliaga
- Historical Significance: Founded as the city itself was established, it is still occupied by the direct descendants of the owner, Jerónimo de Aliaga.
- Interior Splendor: It displays original furniture’s, tiled floors and colonial style fountain. The Batty Langley house is partially adapted for visiting, whereas the owners occupy a part of a modern construction, fully-fledged architectural work.
Lima Cathedral
Adjacent to the Plaza Mayor, hopefully, is the Lima Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Lima. Built for Francisco Pizarro, it is one of the most famous constructions in whole of Lima.
Why Go to Lima Cathedral
- Baroque Facade: It has not physically changed except for the façade which has not been affected by past earthquakes that were characteristic of the town.
- Ornate Altars: Has features altars in the Spanish Baroque known as Churrigueresque style of architecture vividly represented in the America.
- Historical Relics: Burial place of Francisco Pizarro where one of its 13 chapels is decorated with mosaics.
- Religious Art Museum: Found at the back part of the cathedral and with a garden where one can take a break.
Plaza San Martín
Taking a walk to Cathedral then heading to the next place of interest, Plaza San Martín is advised. This calm square is just the right place to take a break from the noisy main street and have a closer look at the monument to José de San Martín, the liberator figure.
The Larco Museum
For lovers of history and art, the Larco Museum is a must-visit place. This one is also situated in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima and comprises a large display of items from the pre-Columbian period.
Highlights of The Larco Museum
- Extensive Collection: Contains material that is more than 5000 years old and presents erotic ceramics and other products from the pre-Columbian time, Moche, Chimú, and others.
- Gold and Silver Gallery: This would mean that it would include such things as funerary masks, any type of textiles and jewelry that was worn by the priests or rulers of the time.
- Historical Structure: The museum is situated in an 18th-century structure and this structure sits atop of a pyramid that was built in 7th-century.
Advice for Lima and Its Surrounds
Visas
As for most of the foreigners, entry into Lima does not require one to have a visa. Once you get there though, you will get a permit that would enable you to stay in Cambodia for maximum one month.
Culture
In its modern means this is a cosmopolitan city with a liberal frame of mind however it is still situated in a nation that regards Islam as its authentic religion and thus it is nice courteous behavior towards local citizens to offer respect to this heritage. It is legal to wear a swimsuit at the beach, drink alcohol in hotels, among others, but when in the public, certain dressing codes and conducts need to be observed.
Religion
Due to its population’s sixty percent of Muslims, Lima practices or celebrates the Ramadan fasting. It must be noted that in this period, the schedules may change and therefore one is expected to carefully plan for the travels and the meals.
Mobility and Transportation
To avoid visiting many places to look for accommodation, try to find accommodation that is close to a transport interface. Most of the transportation in Lima is by means of the primary metro line and several other sub lines.
- Metro: Practical and, for the most part, takes you to all the places you would want to visit.
- Taxi: Cheap and easily accessible and has fixed prices to charge.
- Rent a Car: In Lima it is easy to drive if you have an international driving permit.
Climate
As a desert city, Lima is very hot. One can visit the place throughout the year but the suitable climatic conditions for the tourists are between November and February which is moderately warm that ranges between 20-30 degree Celsius. Encourage them to avoid the elevated temperatures during their summer months of June, July, and August, which can go up to 50 degrees.
Prices and Purchasing Power
Lima cannot be considered an inexpensive city because it opted for luxury tourism. However, it should be noted that the main attractions of the city can be consumed without excessive costs for the guest.
Conclusion
Lima is best described as a city of history and present-day liveliness, explosion of culture and tradition. Learn about the colonial architecture and Boruqe chico old town or simply relax and indulge in the pleasures of contemporary Lima’s amenities and luxury. Choose your travel wisely, be polite and polka respecting the culture of this great city and dive to the great potential of this city. Lima is highly suggested to be on the bucket list of every traveler in their travel expeditions.