Lima, the gateway, capital and largest city of Peru, is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, on a coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its large number of historical buildings dating from the Spanish colonial era. Lima or the “The City of the Kings” as it is known, has a history and culture that is well exposed throughout its museums, famous for their gold collections and the nearby archaeological ruins left by the Incas.

See:

• Archaeological Areas - See Huana Huallamarca o Pan de Azucar, a rebuilt pyramid representing the Lima Culture or Huaca Pucllana, an area completely built with small handmade mud bricks.
• Corrida de Toros (Bull fighting) - During the Lord of the Miracles' Fair (Oct – Dec) travellers have the opportunity to admire famous art of bullfighting' that has taken place in the Plaza de Acho (Acho Taurine Museum).
• Pelea de Gallos (Cock fighting) – Cock fighting is a tradition in Peru and it is carried out from May to December in different coliseums throughout Lima.
• Plaza de Armas – This is the city’s most significant site for religious and political institutions.
• Plaza San Martín - A busy pedestrian street, Jirón de la Unión, connects the Plaza de Armas to the Plaza San Martín approximately six blocks to the south. This site is surrounded by colonial-style buildings and represents the traditional commercial centre of the city.

Experience:

• Churches – In Lima, you will find many churches including the famous La Catedral which was initially built in 1555 but was considered too small and had to be rebuilt. After two earthquakes, this magnificent colonial church still stands today and presents interesting woodcarvings, original mosaics and a fine collection of allegorical and historic paintings.
• Museums – The best museums in all of Peru can be found in Lima. With over 20 to choose from, the most notable is the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum. This fascinating 18th century mansion was built on the site of pre-Colombian pyramid houses and holds one of the largest ceramic collections in the world.
• Parks – There is an extensive range of parks in Lima. From the Parque del Amor (Park of Love) to the Parque el Faro (Lighthouse Park) there is park for everyone to enjoy great scenery and tranquillity.