Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded on January 18^th, 1535 by Francisco Pizarro under the name of the City of Kings. It was declared as the capital of Peru’s viceroyalty and seat of the Royal Court in 1543. By the 17^th century, despite the frequent earthquakes and pirate threats, Lima experiences a growth due to an extensive commercial network. This boom ends in the 18^th century due to the city’s economic downturn and to the Bourbon Reforms.

After the Independence of Peru, Lima became the country`s capital. It had a short prosperity period in the mid-19^th century until the arrival of the Chileans in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883).

After the war, the city had an accelerated growth in terms of territory and demography due to the immigration from different regions of the country.

Lima is located in the country’s central coast on the shore of the Pacific Ocean and on the banks of the Rimac river (Rimac is a Quechua word that means talkative).  Lima is the only coastal capital in South America.

It shares border with Ancash at the north, with Huanuco, Pasco and Junin at the east, Ica and Huancavelica at the south and with the Pacific Ocean and the Constitutional Province of Callao at the west.

Lima has an area of 35,892.49 km² and has 9,485,405 inhabitants and a population density of 242.4 pop./km².

Lima’s geography is the most Andean of the zone. It has steep slopes between its beaches and the highest peaks. For example, the Pasamayo cliff is almost 1,000 m. a. s. l. and it reaches the ocean almost vertically. Lima has valleys at the north and south of the city.

Lima has all types of activities. In this section we will briefly tell you about the most relevant according to the type of trip you’re looking for:

Archaeological Sites:

• Huaca Pucllana (Miraflores)
• Pachacamac (Lurín)
• Huaca Huallamarca (San Isidro)
• Caral (182 km north of Lima)

The most important museums:

• Museo Larco (Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre)
• Museo de Arte de Lima – MALI (Lima Art Museum)
• Museo de Oro (Gold Museum in Santiago de Surco)
• Museo de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (Archaeology, Anthropology and Peruvian History Museum in Pueblo Libre)
• Museo de la Nación (Museum of the Nation in San Borja)
• Museo de Osma (Osma Museum in Barranco)

Adventure Sports:

• Paragliding in Miraflores
• Rafting in Lunahuaná (two hours from Lima)
• Surfing in the Costa Verde beaches
• Ciclying in Pachacamac
• Swimming with sea lions at Islas Palomino

Family tours

• Walk through Miraflores and Barranco
• Magic Water Circuit-Parque de la Reserva
• El Olivar Park (San Isidro)

Lima is also a great place for birdwatchers, we can find more than 50 bird species here.

The following dates are celebrated in Lima:

• Independence Day (July 28th and 29th). The main ceremony is carried out in the main square

with a military parade and some dances.

• The Lord of the Miracles festivity: The Lord of the Miracles festivity is celebrated throughout October. The main dates are the 18^th and 28^th. The processions receive thousands of devotees that accompany the litter that bears the painting of the Lord of the Miracles through the streets of Lima.

Creole Song Day (Día de la Canción Criolla) October 31^st: It is celebrated in a “peña” or in a restaurant with a music and dance show.

Lima is the gastronomic capital of America. It has three restaurants on the 50 best restaurant list of the Restaurant magazine.

During the last decades, Peruvian food has been among the best of the world, creating a whole experience on a dish. Central (number 4 on the list), Maido (number 14 on the list) and Astrid & Gastón (number 13 on the list) consolidate Peru as a gastronomic destination worldwide.

You will find all kinds of flavors to taste in Lima:

• Creole food: Ají de gallina, lomo saltado, carapulcra, sopa seca, among others.
• Seafood: fish ceviche to start with and then, arroz con mariscos, choritos a la chalaca or a jalea mixta (seafood and fish chicharrón)
• Novo-Andean Cuisine: Recently created, the novo-Andean dishes are prepared with Andean produce such as quinoa, alpaca, potato, or fruits such as aguaymanto, lucuma or custard apple.
• The Chifa: Combination of several Chinese products, this cuisine was created during the Chinese slavery period in Peru.
• The well-known Pollo a la Brasa: Unique in the world, the pollo a la brasa is a dish that you will find even in the innermost town in Peru.
• Japanese Food: Makis and sushi in a fusion with native Peruvian produce.

Italian food (pasta) with a Peruvian touch.