Lima
Travel Guide > South America > Peru > Lima
Introduction
Peru's capital and its largest city, Lima dates back to 1535 when it was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Owing to its prominent colonial history, it is home to a good selection of old churches, cloisters and monasteries for visitors' enjoyment. Lima is one of the world's most populous cities, home to close to 8 million inhabitants.
Neighbourhoods
Miraflores is the area where the more affluent population of Lima live and work. At the heart of this neighbourhood is Parque Kennedy, an explosion of green in an otherwise grey city. Surrounding this park and in the streets leading from it are numerous restaurants and bars offering all kinds of traditional and world cuisine. Probably the largest attraction, a short walk from the park, is Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Incan adobe pyramid recently discovered which can be seen towering over it's neighbours. Entrance costs a few Sols and includes a guided tour.
Lima Centro is home to large parts of Lima's colonial heritage, including the Plaza Mayor and it's accompanying cathedrals. Mixed in among the colonial buildings are large department stores if you fancy some shopping, or, if you'd prefer to relax, a number of bars and restaurants.
Sights and Activities
Huaca Pucllana a large pre-Incan temple in Miraflores.
Museo Nacional houses a massive collection of artefacts from across Peru and it's many thousands of years of history. Expect to take the best part of a morning or afternoon following the trail from Peru's ancient past up to the more recent Incan period, where Peru's history apparently stops. The museum is well laid out and houses some amazing pieces. It is located out in the suburbs and is probably best reached by taxi.
Events and Festivals
Weather
As you'd expect from a city on the edge of a desert, rain is rare, strangely however it is usually grey and cloudy thanks to the Humboldt current. Expect it to be hot and dry.
Getting There
By Plane
Most international flights to Peru land here at Jorge Chavez Airport.
Transport to and from the airport is available by bus or taxi, it takes about 20 minutes from Miraflores to reach the airport by taxi. lima is also the hub for domestic air travel in Peru and flights from here will take you to every major city in Peru.
By Car
The roads around Lima are good, but the traffic in Lima is frequently at a standstill.
By Bus
All the major bus companies have terminals in Lima, these are frequently in the suburbs and you'll likely need to get a taxi or local bus into the centre. Buses travel from Lima to the major cities in Peru such as Cusco, Arequipa and Trujillo.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
Lima is sprawling but easily navigable, however beware of the traffic it will slow you down and the drivers can be erratic at times.
By Public Transport
Smaller buses run across the city and you can easily hail taxis throughout the city.
By Foot
Walking around a single suburb such as Centro or Miraflores is feasible, however Lima is a large place and you may find it easier to use public transport to move between areas of the city.
By Bike
It's possible to cycle around the city, but given the traffic it probably wouldn't be ideal.
Eat
There's a profusion of restaurants in all suburbs, usually along or just off of the major roads and Plazas. You will be able to find local food to most types of world cuisine across a range of budgets.
Drink
Sleep
As you would expect in a major city there is a wide range of accommodation
Budget
Hostel Loki (also known as Incahaus) Avenida Larco 189, Miraflores. Tel: 01-2424350. Located on the edge of Parque Kennedy, opposite McDonalds, lies this popular hostel. It's a good place to meet up with other travellers and they offer work for food and board. Some private rooms are available but it is largely dorm room accommodation. Rates are from $8 (US) per night. http://www.lokihostel.com/lima/
Mid-Range
Hotel kamana Jr Camana, Lima Centro. tel: 01-4277106. Large hotel near to the Plaza Mayor, it has decent, clean rooms although you can hear your neighbours quite well through the bathroom window!
Upscale
Work
Learn
Keep Connected
Internet
Internet cafés abound in the more affluent areas such as Miraflores and Lima Centro.
Phone
Pay phones are located around the city, most commonly on major roads.
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