The department of Lima is located in the central part of
the country, comprising a coastal strip (facing the
Pacific Ocean) and the highlands towards the east.
19º C (25º C maximum and 13º C minimum). There are no
rains in Lima, the season with the highest humidity is
winter which runs from June through September.
Access Routes
By land
Lima is linked by the Pan-American Highway with all the
cities on the coast as well as with the coastal cities
of Ecuador to the north and Chile to the south. The
Central Highway, the Marginal Highway and penetration
roads provide access to most cities over the highlands
and the jungle.
By air
Lima is connected with the world's most important cities.
It is the gateway to Peru's major destinations through
Jorge Chávez International Airport.
Historical Overview
The city of Lima, also known as the City of the Kings,
was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18th, 1 535
on the banks of the Rímac river because of the excellent
strategic and geographic conditions of this valley.
Lima, whose name comes from the Quechua word Rímac,
which translated into Spanish means talker, began its
rapid growth amidst the testimonies of the millenary
cultures that developed in the entire area. During the
Viceroyship, between the sixteenth and seventeenth
century, Lima became the most important and powerful
metropolis in Spanish America, and the cultural and
commercial center of the region, until the creation of
the Viceroyship of Rio de La Plata in the 18th century,
which took up the famous mines of Potosí. Already in 1
821, following a series of intense political movements,
General San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru.
Thus the Republican period of the country had begun.
Today, Lima is a modern city that offers a wide array of
attractions which, united to its rich past, provides
visitors with a harmonious synthesis of all this
historic richness in its many museums, traditional
quarters, restaurants, handicrafts galleries and night
life.
Attractions in the City
Plaza Mayor or Main
Square
The urban center of the city, it houses within its
perimeter three of the most important buildings of
colonial times: the Cathedral, the Palace of Viceroys,
presently the Government Palace also known as the House
of Pizarro, and the City Hall. A bronze fountain which
dates from the seventeenth century is placed at its
center.
The Cathedral
Located in the Main Square.
Phone: (511) 427-9647.
Visits: Monday to Saturday 10:00-16:30.
Built on the same place as the original 1 555 building,
it was rebuilt under the direction of Jesuit priest Juan
Rehr after the 1 746 earthquake.
Both its facade and interior are austere; its remarkable
wooden choirstalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco
Pizarro, who died in 1 541, are to be noted.
San Francisco's Church and Convent
Jr. Ancash cdra. 3.
Phone: (511) 427-1381 extension 111
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:30-17:30
One of the best colonial architectural complexes of the
seventeenth century, it consists of the small square,
the convent and the church. The cloisters are decorated
in blue Sevillian tiles and the superb Museum of
Religious Art contains a valuable collection of
masterworks, in addition to the more than 300-year old
catacombs.
San Pedro's Church
Corner of Jr. Azángaro and Jr.Ucayali
Phone: (511) 428-3017.
Visits: Monday to Saturday 10:00-12:00 and 17:00-18:00.
This Baroque temple inaugurated in 1 638 was given the
name of San Pablo. It changed its name to San Pedro in 1
772 when the Jesuits were expelled from the country.
This church features side naves with magnificent golden
altars and priceless oil paintings. The building
includes a penitentiary and a small chapel.
Santo Domingo's Church and Convent
Corner of Jr. Conde de Superunda and Jr. Camaná
Phone: (511) 427-6793
Visits: Monday to Saturday 9:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00,
Sunday and holidays 9:00-13:00. Closed on January 1.
Construction of this church got underway when Lima was
founded, however it was not finished until the late
sixteenth century. The church features three naves and
has superb choirstalls, carved in cedar, as well as an
imposing dome. The convent's cloisters are lined in
Sevillian mosaic tiles, while the chapterhouse is filled
with Baroque sculptures. It was here that San Marcos
University was founded.
Los Descalzos Church and Convent
Alameda de los Descalzos.
Phone: (511) 481-0441.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:30-13:00 and 15:00-18:00.
The Alameda was a popular promenade built in the Lima
eighteenth century style. The convent was founded in the
late sixteenth century and has the characteristics of a
typical Meditation Convent. Its quiet and spacious
apartments contain valuable oil paintings belonging to
the Quito and Cusco Schools.
Torre Tagle Palace
Jr. Ucayali 363.
Phone: (511) 427-3860.
Visits: Visitors are required prior authorization from
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is a
mansion dating from the early eighteenth century. Its
façade features a stone doorway and two superb carved
wooden balconies.
Oquendo Mansion or Osambela Palace
Jr. Conde de Superunda 298.
Phone: (511) 427-7984.
Visits: Monday to Friday 9:00-16:00.
Built in the early nineteenth century, its façade
features five balconies and a look-out tower from where
it was possible to watch the ships arriving in and
departing from Callao. It was recently restored and is
the seat of important cultural institutions.
House of Riva Agüero
Jr. Camaná 459. Lima.
Phone: (511) 427-9275.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-20:00.
Built in the nineteenth century, the house was donated
to the Catholic University by the last of the original
owners' descendants, Don José de la Riva Agüero. Today
it houses the Riva Agüero Institute, which in turn
features vast historic archives and a fine library on
the first floor.
National Anthropology and Archaeology Museum
Plaza Bolívar, s/n Pueblo Libre.
Phone: (511) 463-5070 / 463-2009.
Visits: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:30.
An important collection of ceramics, textiles and gold
and silver works belonging to the Chavín, Mochica, Chimú,
Tiahuanaco, Pucará, Paracas, Nasca and Inca cultures are
exhibited in a didactic way.
Museo de Oro (Gold Museum)
Av. Alonso de Molina 1100, Santiago de Surco.
Phone: (511) 345-1271.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 11:30-19:00.
Private collection belonging to Mr. Miguel Mujica Gallo,
it features replicas of gold pieces and jewels from pre-Inca
cultures, particularly the Mochica, Chimú and Nasca
cultures. It also houses an Arms Museum exhibiting
pieces dating back to as early as the sixteenth century.
Larco Herrera Museum
Av. Bolívar 1515, Pueblo Libre.
Phone: (511) 461-1312 / 461-1835.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:00-18:00.
Superb private collection of ceramics, particularly from
the Mochica culture. It has a treasury room that holds
exquisite gold work pieces such as the only complete
gold pectoral of a Chimú chief ever found.
Amano Museum
Calle Retiro 160, Miraflores.
Phone: (511) 441-2909.
Visits: Visits by appointment only, Monday to Friday
15:00, 16:00 and 17:00.
Exclusive private collection of ceramics and textiles
from all pre-Hispanic cultures, particularly from the
Chancay culture.
Museum of Art of Lima
Paseo Colón 125, Lima .
Phone: (511) 423-47332 / 423-6332.
Visits: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00.
Formerly known as Palacio de la Exposición (1 869), it
gathers a superb collection of ceramics, textiles, pre-Hispanic
gold and silver works, oil paintings and Colonial and
Republican silver work, spanning 3 000 years of Peruvian
history, from the Chavín cultures to the contemporary
era.
Museum of the Nation
Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja.
Phone: (511) 476-9878.
Visits: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00. Closed on December
25th and January 1st.
It exhibits a select collection of archaeological pieces
showing the main cultural expression of ancient Peru in
a didactic way. Interesting replica of the tombs and
ornaments of the Lord of Sipán.
Huaca Huallamarca
Corner of Av. El Rosario and Av. Nicolás de Rivera, San
Isidro.
Phone: (511) 222-4124.
Visits: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00
Pyramidal pre-Inca ceremonial center and on-site museum
exhibiting pre-Inca relics.
Huaca Pucllana or Juliana
Av. Gral. Borgoño cdra. 8 s/n, Miraflores (between
blocks 5 and 6 of Av. Angamos Oeste).
Phone: (511) 445-8695.
Visits: Wednesday to Monday 9:00-17:00.
Pyramidal pre-Inca temple built from hand-made adobe
bricks. It has a small on-site museum.
Outskirts of the City
Pachacamac
Archaeological site located at km 31 of the South Pan-American
Highway, about 25 minutes drive from Lima. It was the
main ceremonial center in the Peruvian coastline. Its
influence declined starting from the fifteenth century
when it was conquered by Inca Túpac Yupanqui. The main
buildings include the Temple of the Sun and the
Acllahuasi, both built during the Inca domination. The
principal material used in the buildings, as well as in
the entire Peruvian coastline, was mud. The Inca section
is the best-preserved part of the archaeological complex
(1 440 - 1 533). The archaeological site includes
palaces, plazas and temples that have been painstakingly
restored and even includes an on-site Museum that houses
and interesting collection of Pre-Inca relics.
Lúcumo Hillocks
Located 34 km south of Lima, access is through the town
of Pachacámac by a gravel-surfaced road up to the town
of Quebrada Verde. This is one of the last ecosystems of
hillocks that still survive in the coastal strip.
Pantanos de Villa (Wetlands)
This marshy area features a sprawling Reserved Zone of
totora reed-lined pools that are one of the main havens
on the coast for more than 150 bird classes, including
30 migratory species that fly here from all over the
continent. Lima's last remaining natural reserve spreads
across 396 hectares which are an obligatory stopping-point
for ornithologists and nature lovers from all over the
world. The most important birds can be spotted during a
three-hour stroll down signposted trails and
strategically-located look-out towers. The Villa
Wetlands are located 19 km south of Lima. Access is
through Huaylas Ave.
Cajamarquilla
Archaeological complex, one of the most important in the
Peruvian pre-Hispanic central coastline, it is located
15 km up east of Lima. Access is through the Central
Highway, after crossing a gravel-surfaced road that
departs from Huachipa towards the Cajamarquilla Zinc
Refinery. The complex was entirely built from adobe mud
brick and comprises a number of palaces protected by
surrounding walls.
Chosica and Santa Eulalia
Located in the Lima highlands, 1 h drive east of the
city through the Central Highway. Here, visitors can
find many recreation centers, clubs and country
restaurants, in addition to its dry climate and the
always-present sun at the foot of the hills. This is
also the starting point for trips to the Peruvian
central highlands.
Paramonga Fortress
Located 4 km from the city of Pativilca, almost on the
Ancash borderline at km 209 of the North Pan-American
Highway. This is a Chimu building surrounded by arable
land and fertile valleys.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF CAJATAMBO
Small town located near Raura and Huayhuash mountain
ranges. Its main attractions include:
Chiraumarca Ruins
Located 3,5 km from the town.
Viconga Lagoon
Formed by the thawing of Araraj and Cóndor Mounts, about
6 hours' horseback ride from Cajatambo.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF CALLAO
Located in the central western part of the Department of
Lima. Its main attractions include:
Real Felipe Fortress
Plaza Independencia, Saenz Peña
Phone: (511) 429-0532
Visits: Monday to Sunday 09:00-14:00.
Fortress dating from 1 747, the year in which its
construction began with the main purpose of guarding the
coast of Callao against the attacks of pirates and
corsairs.
Naval Museum.
Av. Jorge Chávez 1243.
Phone: (511) 429-7278 extension 184 / 185 / 194.
Visits: Monday to Sunday 9:00-16:00.
The main cultural department of the Peruvian War Navy,
it was officially established as museum in 1 958 and
plays host to an important collection of oil paintings,
photographs, jewels, navigation instruments and weapons
that had a major role in Peru's maritime history.
There are also important archaeological zones such as:
Oquendo, Huaca Cerro Culebras and Huaca Pampa de los
Perros.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF CANTA Checta Petroglyphs
Located in the district of Santa Rosa de Quives, halfway
between Lima and Canta. It features approximately 450
stone-carved figures dating back to 1 500 years ago.
There are representations of animals, astral maps, flora
species and fantastic beings.
City of Canta
Located 104 km east of Lima, up to the valley of the
Chillón river (2 800 masl), this city is surrounded by
fields of crops and green hills, which make it ideal for
camping. Famous for its breathtaking scenery and dairy
products.
Near Canta, between the Yanacocha gorge and the town of
Huaros, grow two groves of the Puya Raimondi (a cactus-like
plant that grows more than 10 m high and produces around
17 thousand flowers, a world record. It flowers just one
in its 100-year lifetime, before releasing its seeds and
dying).
Obrajillo
Located 3 km from Canta, is smaller and more quiet, and
is popular with campers for its peaceful countryside by
the banks of the river; an area carpeted with
wildflowers. Its main square features superb colonial
houses linked by winding alleys and featuring ancient
wooden balconies.
The Citadel of
Cantamarca
Located 15 km from Canta, this archaeological site (3
500 masl), belongs to the Atavillos Culture. The site
features an aqueduct, a large number of chullpas or
kullpis with their almost intact structures and other
buildings; here locals celebrate the Feast of the
Crosses (May 1-3 ).
The Fortress of
Sinchipampa
Fortified settlement, its buildings include towers,
watchtowers and defensive enclosures.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF CAÑETE Lunahuaná
Locate 180 km, about 3 h drive from Lima. At km 140 of
the South Pan-American Highway, the road branches off
towards the left to lead us to this town. The road
running up along the Cañete river shows us pre-Hispanic
archaeological remains surrounded by impressive
mountains and lush vegetation. The colonial church of
Lunahuaná that dates back to 1690 is also noteworthy.
This is an excellent area for adventure sports such as
canoeing, Kayaking, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting,
paragliding and mountain-biking.
Cerro Azul
Traditional resort located at km 132 of the South Pan-American
Highway (1 ½ h drive from Lima), one of the favorite
spots of surfboard lovers. The beach offers restaurants
and hostels. In the hillsides of Cerro Centinela,
overlooking the southern part of the beach, there are
pre-Hispanic constructions painted in bluish green (which
explains the origin of its name).
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF HUARAL
Lachay National Reserve
At km 105 of the North Pan-American Highway and about 1
h 45 minutes drive from Lima, the highway branches off
to the right towards a 4 km-long road. A very
interesting foothill microclimate with abundant
vegetation and wild animals as well as archaeological
sites from pre-Hispanic cultures. The ideal time to
visit this reserve is from July through November.
Castle of Chancay
Located 87 km north of Lima, this rare castle spreading
over an area of 10 000 m2 keeps an interesting showcase
of mummies, textiles and huacos from the extraordinary
Chancay culture.
Rupac Archaeological
Remains
Located 65 km from Huaral at 3 400 masl, this is a
citadel featuring sturdy vaulted ceilings, also known as
"Lima's Machu Picchu". Some buildings located on the
edge of the abyss are as tall as 10 m high.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF HUAROCHIRI
Marcahuasi
Located 3 km east of San Pedro de Casta in the Lima
highlands (3 180 masl). A 3 h horseback journey or 6 h
hike leads to Marcahuasi which spreads across 4 km2 of
high plateau featuring colossal rock formations up to 26
m high, eroded by the action of climate, many of which
have the shape of animals. It is necessary to carry
camping equipment.
Forests of Zárate
At km 56 of the Central Highway lies the town of San
Bartolomé. From here, a 7 h hike leads to the Forests of
Zárate (3 100 masl), a highland grazing area. The trail
is narrow and zigzagging, but crosses through several
picturesque villages until it reaches this balmy forest
teeming with wildlife. The area has given life to native
tree species including the San Pedro cactus, used for
its hallucinogenic effects. The ideal time to visit the
forest is from April through June.
Palakala
Waterfall in the Lima highlands. The departing point is
the town of Surco located at km. 67 of the Central
Highway. After 2 h drive along the river formed by the
gorge of Matala, visitors reach the hamlet of Huaquicha
a popular spot for camping.
Tres Ventanas (Three Windows)
Caves that were occupied by men who have left samples of
stone work.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF HUAURA
Albufera Medio Mundo
Although its name seems to indicate otherwise, it is in
fact near Lima: at km 175 of the North Pan-American
Highway. It is an extensive lagoon (7 km long) created
25 years ago by the filtration produced as a result of
the irrigation of San Felipe river. This huge mass of
fresh water is surrounded by rush and reed.
Several cabins have been built in the middle of the
lagoon. Boats, kayaks and catamarans are available for
rental so that visitors interested in getting a closer
look at birds can approach Gilligan's island and,
particularly, Love Island. The number of gray herons
that nest and flutter on the totora reeds is amazing.
Here, reddish patos colombianos (Colombian ducks), coots,
cormorants and lake ducks are at ease and miss no food
because the lagoon is home to five fish species: mullets,
carps, morwongs, ides and mojarras.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF OYON
Located in the northeastern part of the department, its
rough topography results from the narrowness of the main
valley with very few flat areas. Most of the territory
is located at altitudes above 3 000 masl and is occupied
by hillsides and ravines which, in turn, form huge
mountains.
Churín
Located 210 km northeast of Lima, driving through the
North Pan-American Highway and taking the gravel-surfaced
road to the east, Churín is a picturesque inter-Andean
town famous for its hot springs. Hundreds of visitors
come every week-end to enjoy the town's pure air, the
spectacular landscape of the highlands and the medicinal
benefits of its celebrated hot water pools. From Churín,
the highway goes up the Andes to an endless number of
traditional towns, notably Andajes, famous for its
manjarblanco (milk jam), and the archaeological sites of
Ninash, Kukun, Antasway and Kuray. It is worth
mentioning that in Huacho sin Pescado (3 200 masl),
facing the impressive Yarahuayna Mount, the pre-Inca
remains of Antamarca and Chaulín, are in excellent
conservation condition. Sports fishing lovers can visit
the Wayo lagoon (trouts) and mountain climbers can climb
the impressive summits of the Raura Mountain Range (more
than 5 700 masl).
Huancahuasi
Hot springs located 20 km and about 1 h drive from
Churín on a gravel-surfaced road. Here, water reaches a
temperature of 70º C which makes it adequate to fight
diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis and certain
bronchial afflictions.
Huacho sin pescado
Located 150 km northeast of Lima, its actual name is San
Francisco de Huacho. The Ruins of Antamarca and Chauli
are near this community.
Gastronomy
Typical dishes: - Cebiche (fish filet cut in chunks and marinated
in lemon juice, onions and chili). - Escabeche (fish or chicken marinated in vinegar
and pot steamed). - Carapulcra (casserole based on sun-dried
potatoes, pork, chicken, panca and mirasol chili, garlic
and other species).
- Cau-cau (casserole based on small cubes of tripe
and potatoes seasoned with turmeric and mint). - Anticuchos (beef heart marinated in vinegar and
panca chili, cooked on skewers over the grill). - Lomo saltado (sautéed mix of beef, onions,
tomatoes, chili and various herbs, served with fries and
rice). - Ají de gallina (chicken casserole prepared with
milk, cheese, chili and nuts). - Causa rellena (mashed potato paste seasoned
with ground chili and stuffed with tuna) - Choros a la chalaca (steamed mussels with
onions and a dash of chili and seasoned with lemon juice). - Tacu-Tacu (reheated beans mixed with rice
served with a steak covered in breadcrumbs and onion
sauce). - Parihuela (concentrated fish and seafood soup). - Sancochado (soup/stew made with meat, corn,
sweet potatoes, carrots, cabbage, cassava and potatoes). - Pescado a la chorrillana (fried fish served
with a sauce made of onions, tomatoes and white wine). - Pescado a lo macho (fried fish with a sauce
made of seafood and chili).
The typical desserts include: - Mazamorra morada (pudding made with corn starch
and sweet potato with dried and fresh fruits). - Suspiro a la limeña (meringue with caramel
spread and vanilla). - Turrón de Doña Pepa (flour and lard dough baked
and covered with brown sugar syrup). - Picarones (Fried rings made of sweet potato
flour and pumpkin, covered with brown sugar or sugar
cane syrup).
The traditional drink is chicha morada.
Festivities
Lunahuaná Adventure Sports Festival (February)
Water rafting, paragliding, trekking, hang-gliding,
mountain cycling, and bait and fishnet fishing take
place during the festival.
Month of the Lord of Miracles (October)
This procession gathers the largest number of devotees
in South America that pay homage to the "Purple Christ",
with chants and praises while the image is taken out
throughout the city.
In commemoration of the Lord of Miracles, the Bullfight
season is held every year in the Plaza de Acho, drawing
many top bullfighters from Spain and other American
countries.
Services
Airports
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez.
Av. Faucett s/n, Callao.
Phone: (511) 574-5529 / 575-1712 (information about
domestic and international flights)
24 hour service
Transport By land
There are land carriers with branches disseminated in
several districts of the department, however the
following are some of the spots where various companies
are gathered:
Routes to the northern regions of Peru.
Fiori Land Terminal.
Av. Alfredo Mendiola, blocks 15-17, San Martín de Porres.
Routes to the southern regions of the country: buses can
be found at Av. Carlos Zavala (district of Lima).
Routes to the center regions of the country: buses may
be found at Jr. Montevideo, Lima; and Av. Nicolas Ayllon,
blocks 10-15, Ate Vitarte.
Health Centers
Lima. Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza.
Av. Alfonso Ugarte s/n.
Phone: (511) 424-6050 / 424-5276.
24 hour service
Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo. Parque de la Medicina s/n, Lima.
Phone: (511) 328-1420 / 328-1414 / 328-0028.
24 hour service
Hospital de Emergencia José Casimiro Ulloa. Av. República de Panamá 6355, Miraflores.
Phone: (511) 447-2642 / 446-2321 / 241-2789.
24 hour service
Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia. Av. Honorio Delgado s/n.
Phone: (511) 482-1410 / 482-0402 / 482-1080.
24 hour service
Huaura. Hospital de Huacho.
Calle Amay s/n, Huacho.
Phone: (511) 232-2351 / 232-2634.
24 hour service
Cañete. Hospital de Apoyo Rezola.
Av. Dos de Mayo s/n, San Vicente de Cañete.
Phone: (511) 581-2010 / 581-1108.
24 hour service
Police Stations
Policía de Turismo.
Jr. Moore 268, Magdalena del Mar.
Phone: (511) 460-1060 / 460-0965 / 460-0921.
24 hour service
Handicrafts Markets
Handicrafts markets are concentrated in various spots in
the city, such as the markets located at:
Av. La Marina blocks 6-8, Jesus María.
Av Du Petit Thouars blocks 48-52, Miraflores.
Post Office
Lima.
Pasaje Piura s/n Post Office Central, distrito de Lima.
Phone: (511) 533-2005 / 533-5152.
Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00-20:45, Sunday 9:00-16:00.
Av. Petit Thouars 5201, distrito de Miraflores.
Phone: (511) 445-0697 / 445-5378.
Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00-20:45, D 8:45-14:00.
Huaura. Av. Grau 531, Huacho.
Phone: (511) 232-1391.
Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00-20:00.
Barranca
Calle Alfonso Ugarte 114, Barranca.
Phone: (511) 235-4530.
Open: Monday to Saturday 8:00-19:00.
tourist information and assistance
Peru features a tourist information and assistance
service called iPerú where visitors can ask about
official tourist information on Peru, as well as
assistance if the tourist feels the service paid for was
not provided as advertised.
E-mail:
iperu@promperu.gob.pe
Lima Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez
Arrival lounge / main hall
Phone/fax: (01) 574-8000 / 574-6900
24-hour service
E-mail:
sptijch@indecopi.gob.pe
San Isidro
Jorge Basadre 610, Lima 27.
Phone: (01) 421-1583 / 421-1227 / 421-1627 / 421-1546.
Open: Monday to Sunday 9:00-18:00
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
If
you need more information go to:
