An Introduction to Lima
Originally founded on January 18, 1535, Peru is now a thriving cosmopolitan city with over 10 million residents, making it the third-largest city in South America. Many sectors make up Lima’s economy, including industry and the production of textiles, clothing, and food. These combine to make Lima one of the most important financial centers in Latin America. Lima has many attractions that are perfect for nature lovers, culture vultures, and people interested in historic and religious sites. The official primary language spoken in Lima is Spanish, with the official currency being the Peruvian sol.
Top Attractions in Lima
Lima has a lot of religious sites, with many churches and cathedrals open to the public, including the Monastery of San Francisco (Convento de San Francisco), which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Historic Centre of Lima. General admission costs 10 sol (just over $3), while students cost 5 sol (about $1.50) and children just 1 sol (about $0.30) Also, the Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of Lima, which is dedicated to St. John, stands in Plaza Mayor and still retains its colonial structure and façade.
Lima is home to many art museums, including Museo de Arte de Lima, or MALI, which displays Peruvian art from throughout the years and is one of the most visited museums in Lima. Another museum not to be missed is Museo Mario Testino, which displays Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino’s extensive work alongside Peruvian and international contemporary art.
There are also many ancient ruins and historic sites in Lima, including Huaca Pucllana, which is a sacred place located in the upscale Miraflores district of Lima. The ceremonial center was built around 500 A.D. You can take guided tours that include visits to the exhibition hall and the archaeological site. Another popular historic site is the Aliaga House, which showcases a wide-ranging collection of Peruvian art and artifacts, some dating back centuries.
With so many other attractions in Lima, including The Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua) with more than a dozen dancing fountains and El Parque del Amor, which features a huge kissing sculpture, you’ll find something for everyone in the city.
Dining Out in Lima
Peruvian cuisine incorporates a number of influences from different immigrant cultures, including Spanish, Basque, African, Asian, French, Italian, and British. Some local specialties include:
-Ceviche: sea bass (Corvina) marinated in lime juice, onion, salt, and hot chilies with sides of boiled corn (choclo) and sweet potato (camote) and dry-roasted corn kernels (cancha).
-Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef): Strips of soy-marinated beef (or alpaca), onions, tomatoes, aji chilies, and other spices served with rice or french fries.
-Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce): sliced potatoes covered in a purée of queso fresco, aji amarillo, garlic, evaporated milk, lime juice, and saltine crackers, topped with hard-boiled eggs.
If you’re looking for food made by top-class chefs, you’ll find restaurants such as Nanka located at Jr. Los Bambúes 198, La Molina offering Peruvian, Latin, and Mediterranean cuisine. Maido serves sensational Japanese fare, and IK Restaurante has great vegetarian and vegan options.
If you want a quick dinner that won’t stretch your wallet, try Chicha & Carbo, offering Cajun & creole dishes. La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla is a great choice for fast food and, if you enjoy burritos, then Burrito Bar – Lima is the place for you.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Lima
The legal drinking age in Lima is 18. The nightlife in Lima caters to a wide range of crowds, styles, and budgets. If you are looking for great cafes, salsa clubs, or even nightclubs, the upscale district Miraflores is the place to be. Just make sure you are well-dressed or you won’t be allowed in some of the clubs. Barranco, another upscale Lima district, is the place to head if a laid-back and bohemian vibe is what you are looking for with music, film, photography, and performing arts found around every corner.
Transportation in Lima
There are plenty of options for transportation in Lima, including the metro, buses, and taxis. The Lima Metro currently consists of a 21.5-mile line and 26 stations with five further lines planned. The bus system is made up of privately owned and operated big buses, medium-sized micros (coasters or microbuses), and combis (small vans) and is often chaotic, but it is the cheapest way of getting around the city.
Therefore for many Limeños and visitors, it is a great and adventurous way of commuting and getting around. The majority of taxis in Lima are unregistered and lack meters, so negotiate your fare before getting in. If you decide to rent a car while in Lima, be ready for delays if you’re traveling during peak commute periods.
Climate in Lima
Lima’s climate is mild and warm throughout the year with little rain, which makes Lima one of the driest capitals in the world. The summer season is sunny, moist, and warm with quickly passing morning fogs; it runs between December and April with average daily highs hitting 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter season — which is cloudy, damp, and cool — runs between May and November.
When to Visit Lima
Lima attracts the most tourists during the summer season from December to April. If you plan to visit during any of these months, be sure to book your Lima hotel in advance. If you visit between May and November, you’ll find la garua: a thick misty sea fog over the city along with overcast skies. If you are traveling on a budget or looking for a bargain you will find lower-priced accommodation and fewer tourists during these months.
Flying to Lima
Jorge Chávez International Airport, named after Peruvian aviator Jorge Chávez, is Peru’s main international and domestic airport and is located just 7 miles from Lima. There are many ways to organize a flight to Lima. If you’re already in South America or the United States, there are many inexpensive direct flights. Travelers coming from Europe will likely have at least one connecting flight. With cheap flights to Lima available, there’s no reason not to visit.
