Lima

It's big, it's noisy, there are probably less chaotic cities: thus its no surprise Lima holds not the most positive of reputations.

Despite this, scrape beneath the surface just a little, and you'll discover a metropolis bustiling with opportunities and experiences; rich in history, art and gastronomy; and possessing an irresistably diverse cultural character. The truth is that Lima offers a seemingly endless array of experiences for travellers with all different types of interest.

The capital of Peru, a city of great cultural and ethnic diversity, lies on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Present-day Lima has 7'000,000 inhabitants and is the commercial, industrial and cultural centre of the Country, as well as the seat of Government.

Originally named the City of the Kings, it was the capital of the Spanish colonial empire in South America during the XVI and XVII centuries. It was the administrative center for a vast extension of land comprising present-day territories of several modern day South American countries.

The city's past supremacy is revealed in its civil and religious buildings which still stand and are well preserved, such as the Monastery of San Francisco, the Palace of Torre Tagle and the Plaza de Acho, the bull ring.

During this period of splendour local inhabitants conceived a peculiar character for the city, manifested in its mestizo baroque buildings and works of art, as well as in the traditional festivities and celebrations.

The origins of Lima pre dates the Spanish foundation of the city by many centuries. Pre Hispanic sites have been brought to study in the last decades and the city is rediscovering its native roots. Ancient centers of pilgrimage like Pachacamac, or religious and administrative buildings like Huallamarca and Pucllana can be visited nowadays.

Lima is a city transformed in the 20th century by the massive immigration particularly from the high Andes. As a result of this, it has adopted at present a new diverse and multicultural identity in permanent evolution.

Practical Information for Lima

Having been the most important city in the Americas during Spanish Colonial times (16th-18th centuries) , Lima has plenty to visit in the form of Museums, churches, old mansions and specialist art collections. A couple of days in Lima if you visit what there is to see can be very busy, especially if you want to shop and taste the legendary Peruvian cuisine. Sampling some of the City's culinary delights is a must in a visit to Lima. Some of our recommendations are Rafael, Astrid y Gaston, La Rosa Nautica and Los Pescados Capitales. Please click here for more details on Peruvian cuisine.

Lima boasts world -class hotels: below are our most highly recommended options:

Lima is a great metropolis, and as such it can be a crime-ridden place. If you are careful where you go-avoid the City Centre after dark -- and how you get there -licensed cabs and private vehicles- you should be perfectly safe. We do not advise that you walk on your own after dark particularly in the city center. Leave your valuables and passport at the hotel to avoid disruptions to your trip.

In the residential and commercial areas of Miraflores and San isidro where we recommend you stay, you should be ok to walk around but please do nor wear jewelry or carry valuables with you. If you stick to these basic guidelines you will be perfectly ok.