Lima Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Lima Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Called Ciudad de los Reyes, City of the Kings, by the Spanish conquerors, Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18,1535 in the Rímac Valley. Lima is now the capital of the Republic of Peru, and a great metropolis with nearly 8 million residents.

The Costa region of Peru, in which Lima is located, is a narrow coastal plain consisting of large tracts of desert broken by fertile valleys. Cotton, sugar and rice plantations and most of the country's oil fields are in this area. Beyond Lima, lies the Sacred Valley, the Inca ruins and, high in the Andes, the spectacular ancient city of Machu Picchu.

Bird and marine life is abundant along Peru's desert coast, with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Chilean flamingoes, Peruvian pelicans, and Inca terns all native to the region. This priceless wildlife is protected in a system of national parks and reserves.

Lima's climate can be divided into two seasons: wet and dry . The coast and western Andean slopes are dry most of the year, with summer occurring between December and April. During the rest of the year, the garúa coastal fog moves in, and the sun is rarely seen.

The main religion is Roman Catholicism. The indigenous people, while outwardly Catholic, often infuse Catholicism with their traditional beliefs. Annual festivals and fiestas are a blend of Catholic, Inca, Spanish, and early agricultural ceremonies. They are colorful and lively, always popular with local residents and visitors alike.

Among the indigenous people in Peru, about 70 languages are spoken, but in Lima, Spanish and English predominate.

Lima offers many opportunities to explore buildings dating back to colonial times, and museums cataloging the complete history of Peruvian archeology, art and pre-Inca structures. Yet, it is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with luxury hotels, casinos, resorts, and, a wide variety of attractions.

Laid across a broad, flat alluvial plain, Lima fans out in long, straight streets from its heart, Lima Centro. The old town is focused on the colonial Plaza Mayor and the more modern Plaza San Martin, which are separated by about five blocks of the Jirón de la Unión, Lima Centro's main shopping street. At the river end, the Plaza Mayor is bordered by the cathedral and Government Palace. Money changing facilities, large hotels and airline offices are all based in the bustling center of entrepreneurial activity around Plaza San Martin. These two landmark squares provide the key to locating everything else in the old part of town.

From Lima Centro, the city's main avenues stretch out into the sprawling suburbs. The two principal routes are Avenida Colonial, heading to the harbor area near the suburb of Callao and the airport. Perpendicular to this, the broad, tree-lined Avenida Arequipa leads to the suburb of Miraflores. Miraflores is the modern, commercial heart of Lima, where most of the city's businesses have moved during the last thirty years. This cliff- top mini metropolis has become Lima's business and shopping zone and also a popular meeting place for the wealthier sector of Lima society.

Located between Lima Centro and Miraflores is the upscale suburb of San Isidro, which boasts several excellent golf courses and is surrounded by high rise apartment buildings and ultramodern shopping complexes, as well as many square miles of simple houses in the pre-Incan style.

Farther down Avenida Arequipa to the south, is the old beach resort of Barranco. This oceanside suburb is one of the oldest and most attractive parts of the city, and is located above the steep sandy cliffs of the Costa Verde. It hosts a small but active nightlife.

In recent years, the Mayor of Lima has carried out a vigorous campaign for the restoration of the city center. Numerous buildings have been refurbished inside and out, including restoration of their grand old balconies. There have also been successful campaigns to restore order and cleanliness to the heart of the capital. Today the center of Lima is an area in which to enjoy a city tour either on foot or by bus.

Salsa is an imported form of popular music which originated in Colombia and is now heard throughout the continent. Many enjoyable evenings can be spent dancing vivaciously to this music in one of the crowded salasdromas in Lima. The hour at which night life begins is close to midnight, though most clubs open around 10pm for the "early birds." Jazz clubs, salsadromas, peñas (featuring traditional Andean music), and criollas (offering the music that is a blend of African, traditional and Spanish influences) are all in full swing throughout the weekend nights.

Jazz and rock are also favorites in Lima. The city has several excellent Latin jazz bands of its own. Two of the best known are Enrique Luna and Manonga Mujica.

Additionally, a number of casinos offer gambling and musical entertainment.

Visitors to Lima praise the quality and variety of the Peruvian cuisine that is prepared by the many restaurants throughout the city and surrounding areas. Typical dishes include: lomo saltado: chopped steak fried with onions; cebiche de corvine: white sea bass marinated in lemon, chili and onions, often served cold with a boiled potato or yam; and sopa a la criolla: a lightly spiced noodle soup with beef, egg, milk and vegetables.

For travelers who long for food from back home, the Larco Mar Mall, offers restaurant choices from Hard Rock Café to Subway and even Tony Roma's Ribs.

The museums, the breathtaking beauty of the Andes mountains, the colonial mansions, the beautiful churches, the works of art, the Inca ruins, the unique crafts, the vibrant food and music, the bullfights and festivals, the beaches and snow capped mountains: each by itself is reason enough to spend time in Lima, Peru. Together they comprise the riches that gave Lima its reputation as The Capital of the New World.

Lima Attractions: Lima Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Bullfighting:
This has been a popular pastime among a relatively small, wealthy elite from the Spanish Conquest to the present day. There is a great tradition betamong the leading families of Peru (the same families who breed bulls on their haciendas) to hold fights in Lima during the months of October and November. They invite some of the world's best bullfighters from Spain, Mexico and Venezuela, offering them up to $25,000 for an afternoon's sport at the prestigious Plaza de Acho in Rimac. Tickets can be bought in advance from the ticket office block 2 of Huancavelica, or at the door an hour or so before the fights, which take place most Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the year.

Plaza Mayor (formerly the Plaza de Armas)
The main square and urban center of the city of Lima. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, it is surrounded by buildings dating from the colonial period: the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the City Hall. At the center of the complex is a magnificent ornamental bronze fountain designed by Antonio Rivas, dating from 1650, and bearing the coats-of-arms of Lima, Spain, and of the Viceroy Conde de Salvatierra. Recently renovated, the Square has recovered its traditional elegance and remains one of Peru's special tourist attractions.

The Cathedral
Tues-Sun 10-6.
Admission Charged for tour.
The conquistador Francisco Pizarro laid the first stone of the Cathedral on the day of the founding of Lima. The church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Ascension. Subsequently, it had to be rebuilt several times following earthquakes. Pope John Paul II crowned the statue of the Virgin of the Evangelization, a gift sent by King Carlos V of Spain, in a special ceremony during his visit to Peru in 1985. The Cathedral contains a Spanish baroque chapel and an exquisite ivory carving of Christ. Francisco Pizarro is said to be buried in the crypt of the church. The Bishop's Palace adjoins the Cathedral.

Government Palace
Private tours only.
Changing of the guard daily 11:45 am
Visitors' entrance is on Jr. de la Unión.
The Government Palace stands on the site of the original palace built by Pizarro. It has served as the headquarters of all government officials since its construction. The Palace contains magnificent formal living rooms displaying works of art.

Municipal Palace
Mon-Fri 8-3
Free Admission
Located on the site of the first town hall of the colony, its current construction dates back to 1939 and is the work of José Alvarez C., Emilio Harth Terré, and Ricardo de Jara Malachowski. Beautiful colonial style carved wooden balconies and stairways grace the elegant interior. The Municipality houses an important collection of Peruvian paintings and photographs, as well as the historical documents signed at the time of the founding of Lima. It also contains an impressive collection of paintings by the Peruvian artist Ignacio Merino (1817-1876) who left all of his works to the State.

Pancho Fierro Art Gallery
The Pancho Fierro art gallery is located in Pasaje Santa Rosa. It is used by the cultural affairs section of the Cty of Lima to display photographs, paintings and costumes of old Lima.

San Francisco Church and Convent
Located on the third block of Ancash StreetMon-Sun. 9:30-5:30Forty-minute guided tours are offered of the monastery and its Catacombs Museum daily 9.30am-5.30pmAdmission chargedThis colonial architectural complex built in the 17th century includes the Convent and Church of San Francisco and the Chapels of La Soledad and El Milagro. San Francisco's vaults and columns are elaborately decorated with mudéjar Moorish-style plaster relief. It's a majestic building which has withstood the passage of time and the devastation of successive earth tremors. The museum is inside the church's vast crypts, which were only discovered in 1951 and contain the skulls and bones of some seventy thousand people. The Convent's cloisters and front doors are decorated with authentic early 17th century Sevilian glazed tiles. The 17th century library contains more than 25,000 leather bound volumes and 6,000 parchments dating from the 15th to the 18th century. The Religious Art Museum, the Zurbaran collection and the library are also housed here. The Religious Art Museum includes paintings from the workshops of Rubens and Zerbaran, and a painting of the Last Supper by a Flemish Jesuit priest which dates back to 1697. The complex rests on top of underground caves or catacombs used as a cemetery during colonial times. The existence of the catacombs has provided additional insulation from earthquakes, which probably explains the fact that the church has survived so many of them without irreparable damage.

San Pedro Church
This baroque style church is located at the corner of Azangaro and Ucayali streets. The Church opened in 1638. Its lateral naves are covered with gold leaf altars and priceless paintings. A small chapel is consecrated to the Virgin of the O.

Santo Domingo Church and Convent
On Ancash past the post office, at the corner of Jirón Camana and Conde de Superunda
Mon-Sat: 9-12:30 and 3-6 Sun: 9-1
Admission charged.
Construction of this was started at the time Lima was founded and completed at the end of the 16th century. The three nave church has artistic choirs carved in cedar and an outstandingly beautiful dome. Sevilian glazed tiles in the cloister and baroque carvings in the hall characterize this splendid piece of colonial architecture. This is where San Marcos University, the first in South America, opened its doors in 1551.

La Merced Church and Convent
An impressive baroque entrance welcomes the visitor at this 18th century church located on the 6th block of La Union Street. Inside are magnificently carved altars, and a wonderful wooden carved statue of the Immaculate Conception. In the main altar there is an image of the Virgin of Mercedes, Patron of Peru 's armed forces. The sacristy is decorated with 18th century glazed tiles

San Agustin Church
Located on the second block of Ica Street.
The late 19th century reconstruction preserved the stone styled facade from the 18th century as well as the anteroom to the sacristy with glazed tile, coffered ceiling and an impressive carving of "Death" by Baltazar Gavilan.

Church of Las Nazarenas
Located at the corner of Huancavelica Street and Tacna Avenue
In this church, the Lord of Miracles, patron of Lima, is venerated. The image, painted on the wall by a black slave from Angola, withstood the 1655 earthquake that destroyed most of the city. The convent arid the church were founded during the second half of the 18th century, after the 1746 earthquake. The image comes out in a procession on October 18, 19 and 28 of every year.

Convent of the Discalced
Located in the Rimac district at the end of the Boulevard of the Discalced
This convent was founded at the end of the 16th century and contains valuable paintings of the Quito and Cuzco schools by artists such as Medoro, Diego Quispe Tito, and others.

Church of San Marcelo
Located on the corner of Rufino Torrico Street and Emancipacion Avenue.
A rococo front adorns this magnificent mid 16th century church

Tribunal of the Holy Office
548 Junin Street
The Tribunal of the Inquisition was established in 1569, performed until 1813, and was abolished in 1820. Prisoners accused of heresy and other crimes against the Catholic Church were tried and sentenced in the Hall of Audiences.

Huallamarca Huaca
Located at the corner of El Rosario Avenue and Nicolas de Rivera Street, San Isidro
A pyramid shaped center from the Pre-Inca period, the site contains a museum displaying artifacts unearthed at the temple.

The great majority of churches and convents have undergone restorations and modifications since their original construction, following destruction caused by earthquakes.

Many pre-Inca towns were once located in the Rímac Valley. Ori an old fishing town was located here, and is associated with a great ceremonial tradition. In a later period, the towns of Maranga and Aramburú were developed, followed by the Collas, Huachos and the Huallas cultures. In the end they were all conquered by the Incas.

The Incas respected the beliefs of the conquered towns and allowed the gods of the conquered people to remain active in their religious life. They never destroyed the others' buildings or religious symbols after a victory. For this reason, many pre-Inca religious centers remained until the arrival of the Spaniards.

All of these towns and cultures left archeological remains, some of which are well preserved; others are in the process of restoration. Outstanding among these, and well worth a visit are:

Pachacamac
daily 9am-5pm; $2
The most interesting of the Rimac Valley's ancient sites. The entry fee for the citadel includes admission to the site's museum
Allow at least two hours to cover the full extent of the ruins.
Buses leave every two hours for Pachacamac from Avenida Abancay and around the Parque Universitario on calles Montevideo and Inambari in Lima Centro.
Many of the tour agencies in Lima offer half-day tours to the site.

Pachacámac means (more or less) "the Earth's Creator". The site was occupied by 500 AD and probably for a long time before that. When other huacas were being constructed in the lower Rimac Valley, Pachacamac was already a temple-citadel and center for mass pilgrimages. The god-image of Pachacamac was believed to show anger through tremors and earthquakes, and was an oracle used for important matters affecting the State, the health of the ruler, the outcome of a war, etc. Later it became one of the most famous shrines in the Inca Empire, with Pachacamac himself worshipped along with the sun.

The Incas built their Sun Temple on the crest of the hill above Pachacamac's own sacred realm. In 1533, Francisco Pizarro sent his brother Hernando to seize Pachacamac's treasure, but was disappointed by the spoils, which consisted of just a wooden idol, now displayed in the museum. This wooden carving of Pachacamac may well have been considered the oracle itself: it was kept hidden inside a labyrinth and behind guarded doors - only the high priests could communicate with it face to face. When Hernando Pizarro and his troops arrived they had to pass through many doors to reach thee main idol site, which was raised up on a "snail-shaped" or spiralling platform, with the wooden carving stuck into the earth inside a dark room, separated from the world by a jewelled curtain.

Entering the ruins today, after passing the restored sections which include the Temple of the Moon and the Convent of the Sun Virgins or mamaconas, the Sun Temple is seen directly ahead. Constructed on the top level of a series of "pyramidical" platforms, it was built tightly onto the hill with plastered adobe bricks, its walls originally painted in bright colors. Below this is the main plaza, once covered with a thatched roof supported on stilts, and thought to have been the area where pilgrims assembled in veneration. The rest of the ruins, visible though barely distinguishable, were dwellings, storehouses and palaces. From the very top of the Sun Temple there's a magnificent view west beyond the Panamerican Highway to the Playa San Pedro Beach and across the sea to a large island. When viewed from the ruins, this island - clearly geologically related to the Pachacamac mound - appears like a huge whale approaching the shore.

Templo Pintado, the colored temple, and Templo Viejo, the old temple, stand out from the surrounding structures. These buildings were designed with small adobes and pyramids accessed by ramps. After the Inca conquest they built next to them the Templo del Inti, Temple of the sun and an "acllahuasi" house prepared for the chosen girls. The Temple of Inti has a flight of stairs made of stones and passages that go along the edge of the main structure, built with adobes. A great terrace provides a view to the sea, and is connected to the islands at the front of this group according to an old legend.

On-Site Museum:
Open daily from 9 - 5, Displays show archeological remains found in the complex: ceramics, textiles, idols, etc.
http://www.wpro.com/pachacamac (Spanish)

Note: A huaca is a burial mound

The Huaca Huallamarca Also called Pan de Azúcar (Sweet Bread)Located in the district of San Isidro, at Nicolás de Rivera 210, Street. Pre-Inca worship site, pyramid shaped huaca built with adobes bricks made with mud, has been restored. Site and museum.

Huaca Pucllana or Juliana Located in the district of Miraflores, located at General Borgoño Street. A ceremonial center dating from earliest stages of the Lima culture. Huaca with a pyramidal shape, pre-Inca adoration site dedicated to the God Pachacámac.

Puruchuco Located 4 1/2 miles to the east of Lima. Inca archeological location, palace in which "caciques" , or the political chiefs of the city, ruled over the valley of Rímac. Beautiful structures, very well preserved.On-Site Museum. 9 - 5 daily, except MondayTelephone: 494-2641

San Juan de Pariache Located 10 miles east of Lima. Inca archeological site of very similar construction to the archeological center of Puruchuco.

Cajamarquilla Located 11 miles east of Lima, is the place known as Huachipa. It is an Inca archeological complex, containing a citadel with a walled square and numerous barns or food storage buildngs.

Historical Sites several hours travel from Lima

A trip to Peru would not be complete without a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca Trail and stunning ruins at Machu Picchu. There are several choices of ways to travel to the sites. The more adventurous traveler may wish to take a train from the Sacred Valley and then hike with a guide for 3-5 days along the amazing trail to Machu Picchu. Others may opt for taking the train all the way, but as part of an organized tour originating at Lima. Either way, it is a high energy endeavor, but one which is unforgettable and amazing in every detail.

The guided tour from Lima usually begins with a day of sightseeing in Lima and its suburbs. The next day is spent traveling by air to Arequipa. A couple days are then spent resting and becoming gradually acclimated to the higher altitude of the mountains through excursions to some of the interesting highlights of the area. Arequipa is a prosperous city with some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the country. It also has breathtaking mountain vistas; a hot springs formed by an inactive volcano; a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, and a chance to see what is known as the Crossing of the Condor, as the majestic birds soar high in the mountains.

The next leg of the journey involves air travel to Cuzco and a tour of the ruins there. Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Touring the Sacred Valley sites, markets, and ruins will occupy the next two days.

The final part of the tour is a spectacular ride on the train to Machu Picchu during which the valley gives way to snow capped mountains. At Aguas Calientes a bus will meet the train for the ride to the ancient city. On the way, the guide will explain the history and importance of the ruins. After exploring the ruins, there is the return to Cuzco, and a night of rest to prepare travelers for the next day's flight back to Lima. The tour is the experience of a lifetime, and it is wise to plan in advance to allow enough time in Peru to include it!

Museums of Lima

Museum of the Wiese Bank
At 245 Cuzco Street
The museum holds a large collection of coins from the Colonial period to the present.

Fortress of Real Felipe Museum
On the fortress on Saenz Pena Avenue, in the port of Callao, Spanish General Jose Ramon Rodil signed the agreement that gave Peru its independence from almost three centuries of Spanish rule.

Museo de Oro del Perú Museum of Peruvian Gold
Alonso de Molina Street No. 1100, Monterrico
daily 11:30 - 7
435-2917
Admission charged.
A private collection belonging to Mr. Miguel Mujica Gallo, the exhibit includes gold pieces of the Pre-Inca cultures, especially Mochica, Chimu and Nazca. It also has an interesting Arms Museum, with pieces dating back to the 16th century. Distributed throughout four big rooms, is the exhibition of one of the biggest collections of gold, silver, semi precious stones, ceramic and textiles of the Mochica, Chimú and Vicus. cultures. The collection includes beautiful necklaces, scepters, idols, funeral masks, etc. This collection is an example of the extraordinarily advanced arts of jewelry making and metallurgy of old Peru.
Parts of these collections are taken periodically to other museums around the world in a rotating display.

Museo Nacional de Antropología y Arqueología
Plaza Bolívar, Pueblo Libre
01/463-5070.
Entry fee.
This museum houses the nation's most extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, labeled and arranged around two colonial-style courtyards. Beginning with 8,000-year-old stone tools, Peru's pre-colonial history comes to life through such highlights as the granite obelisks of the Chavín culture, the weavings of Paracas, and the ceramics of civilizations such as the Nazca, Moche, Chimú, and Inca.

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological museum Rafael Larco Herrera
Bolívar 1515. Pueblo Libre. Lima 21
51 1 - 461 1312/461 1835
Fax: 51 1 - 461 5640
Bolivar Avenue No. 1515, Pueblo Libre
Mon - Sat 9 - 6, Sun 9 - 1
61-1312 and 461-1835
Admission charged.
http://www.tsi.com.pe/museolarco
A splendid private collection of ceramics, particularly from the Mochica culture. In the Treasure Room visitors can admire gold and silver pieces including the only complete gold pectoral of a Chimu chief. Founded in 1926, in an old mansion built in 1707, this museum houses the biggest private collection of pre-columbine art that exists in the world. Exhibitions include archeological treasures of ceramic, gold, stone, wood and textiles of pre-Hispanic cultures, especially the Peruvian northern cultures. Outstanding "Sala de Arte Textil" (Textile Art room), the "Gran Sala de la Cultura" (Great Room of the Culture), and the "Bóveda Sala de Oro" (Gold Room).

Museo de la Nación (Museum of the Nation)
Javier Prado Este Avenue No. 2465, San Borja.
Tues - Sun from 9 - 6
476-9875 and 476-9882
Admission charged.
Opened in 1990, exhibition in big rooms distributed in four levels, with a sample that recreates all the pre-Hispanic manifestations among 14,000 BC. and 1532 AD. Ceramic exhibition, replicas of the main archeological places of Peru. Dioramas, paintings and diverse collections that represent the different aspects of the development of the old Peru. Restoration shops, historical file, libraries, galleries and auditorium.

Museo Amano
Retiro Street No. 160, Miraflores
Previous phone appointment.
441-299
A private, select collection of ceramics and textiles from all Pre-Hispanic cultures, especially of the Chancay culture. Arrangements for visits are to be made by telephone beforehand. The museum was founded in 1964, and displays an exhibition of pre-Hispanic textiles, quipus and ceramics. Outstanding collection of the Chancay culture.

Museo de Arte Museum of Art
Paseo Colon Street No. 125, Lima.
Tues to Sun from 10-1 and 2 -5
423-4732
Wed free: other days: admission charged
http:/www.tsi.com.pe/artelima/
Located on the Palacio de la Exposición Palace of the Exhibition since 1961, it was built in 1872 with plans drawn by Gustave Eiffel. Formed by donated pieces and legacies. It exhibits collections that show the art of Peru from the prehistory and the first human discoveries until the contemporary art. Ceramic and fabric pre-Hispanic cultures collections. Silver jewels, furniture and colonial dresses. Paintings of the "Escuela Cusqueña" and of the periods republican and contemporary, outstanding collections of Ignacio Merino, Pancho Fierro and Carlos Baca Flor.

Museo del Banco Central de Reserva Museum of the Central Reserve Bank Corner of Lampa and Ucayali Streets
427-6250 ext. 2657
Tues - Fri from 10 -4:30, Sat, Sun 10 - 1
Free
This museum is divided in three sections: archeology, displays of coins and contemporary Peruvian painting. It features an excellent collection of pottery from the pre-Inca Vicus culture (500-600). 19th and 20th century painters are well represented

Museo de San Francisco de Jesus
Ancash Street 3rd block, Lima.
Daily 10 - 5:45
Exhibition of liturgical articles of the viceroyalty, carved artifacts and paintings of Francisco of Zurbarán.

Museo del Congreso y Antiguo Tribunal de la Inquisición( Museum of the Congress and Old Tribunal of Inquisition )
Junin Street No. 548, Bolívar Plaza, Lima.
Mon - Fri 9- 1 and 2 - 6, Sat and Sun 9 -1
Free
http://www.congreso.gob.pe/museo/index.htm
The building consists of a Chapel named "Capilla del Santo Oficio", which is a jewel of colonial architecture whose decorated roof is considered to be one of the most valuable works of colonial art. There is also a concealed camera, torture rooms, and underground prisons. After the Inquisition was halted, it was the location at various times of the University of San Marcos, the Senate of the Republic and at present, the headquarters of the Museum.
In a secret room is the place where the priests had installed a system of ropes with which they moved the famous full sized figure of the head of Christ up and down so that it nodded its approval of the Tribunal's decisions.

Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana National Museum of the Peruvian Culture
Alfonso Ugarte Avenue No. 650, Lima.
Tues to Sat 10 - 2:30
423-5892
Free admission and Spanish guide pamphlet
Founded in 1946, building's front was inspired by the Tiahuanaco culture. Exhibition of popular Peruvian arts, Amazon fabrics, ceramis, musical instruments, saddlery and woven cloth.

Museo de Arte Italiano Museum of Italian Art
Paseo de la Republica 1st block
Mon - Fri 9- 2:30
423-9932
Small admission charge
Opened in 1921, and designed by the Milan Architect Gaetano Moretti, the building's architecture is Florentine Renaissance. Funds for its construction were donated by the Italian colony in Peru on the occasion of the centennial of the Independence of Peru. Sculptures, drawings, furniture and works of Italian art are displayed.

Museo de Arte Religioso de la Catedral Museum of Religious Art of the Cathedral
Main Plaza
Mon - Fri 10 - 12:45 and 2 - 4:45
427-5980
Exhibition of liturgical objects, ornaments, carved articles, paintings, and furniture of the viceroyalty period.

Museo de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Museum of the National University of San Marcos.)
Parque Universitario
Mon - Sat 9 - 2
428-0052 and 427-4870

Museo de Arte e Historia Museum of Art and History
Colonial paintings, books, documents, furniture and popular art of Peru.

M
useo de Historia Natural Javier Prado Museum of Natural History Javier Prado
Arenales Avenue N 1256
Mon to Sat : 9 to-12 and Sun from 9 to 1
471-0117
Admission charged
Founded in 1918, the museum exhibits examples of the flora, fauna, minerals and shells of Peru.

Museum Pedro of Osma
Pedro of Osma No. 421, Barranco.
Daily from 10 to 18:00
467-937
Admission charged
Located in the house of the De Osma family, which was built in 1906, the Foundation Pedro and Angelica De Osma opened in 1986.
Private collection, exhibition of art works of the Viceroyalty from the 16th to the 18th centuries, paintings on canvases and metal, sculptures of Peruvian stone. Displays of furniture, altarpieces, silver accessories and ornaments are tastefully arranged .

Philatelic Museum
Central Post Office off the Plaza Mayor
427-5060 ext. 553
Stamps sold: Mon-Fri. 8-12 and 2-5
Museum open : 9:15-12:45 Mon-Fri
Stamp exchange outside Sat. and Sun. 9-1
Displays many but not all of the Peruvian stamps and also gives an explanation of the Inca postal system. There is a stamp exchange for collectors and others every Saturday and Sunday.

Puente de Piedra Bridge of Stone
This bridge was built in 1608 by the architect Juan del Corral to join Lima with Rímac. It was the only link between the two banks of the Rimac River until the time of President José Balta's government in 1868. Arches and buttresses support the bridge. Stone masonry mortar mixed with the whites of sea birds' eggs (to strengthen it) is believed to have been used in the construction.

Alameda de Los Descalzos ( Monastery of the Barefoot Friars)
This jewel of colonial architecture was built in 1611 by the architect Juan del Corral. In 1856 President Ramón Castilla gave it a new look, surrounding it with a wrought iron fence. The gate featured ornamental posts of English iron and 12 statues of Italian marble that represent the months of the year. Inside the iron fence are located the church buildings: "Patrocinio" 1734, "Santa Liberata" 18th century, and the Convent of "Los Descalzos" 15th century.

Museum of the Convento de los Descalzos
Location: Alameda de los Descalzos No. 202, Rímac.
Attention: Daily, except Tues, from 9:30 to 1, and from 15:00 to 18:00
Telephone: 481-0441
Exhibition of valuable paintings and colonial religious articles. The Church and Convent
"de los Descalzos" date from the end of the 15th century.

Plaza de Acho
Taurine bullring built in 1766 by order of the Viceroy Amat y Junyet with Hipólito Landáburu's support. It is the third oldest plaza in the world and considered the most beautiful and best known. Every year it is the site of the traditional bullfight Fair of "Señor de los Milagros" October - November, in which bullfights are presented with the best bullfighters in the world. The main trophy is known as "El Escapulario de Oro" (The Scapular of Gold).

Quinta de Presa - Museo del Virreynato
Colonial mansion, of Rococo style, built in 1760, was designed by the Viceroy Amat y Junyet. It is the only one in this type that has been preserved. It has been declared a National Historical building.
In 1920, it became the "Museo del Virreinato" (Viceroyalty Museum) , where collections of paintings, clothing, furniture, and treasures of the days of the Spanish viceroyalty in Peru are exhibited.

Colonial Mansions of Lima

During the colonial period a unique architectural style was developed.. Early in this period there was a strong Spanish and Moorish influence which produced houses with large porches, balconies and ornately decorated windows. Viceroy Amat brought with him a French style of architecture during the 18th century in which bright colors predominated: especially, indigo, yellow, green and pink.

Palacio Torre Tagle
Ucayali Street - block 3
This mansion was built at the end of the 17th century by José B. Tagle and exemplifies the Baroque style and Mudejar influence. Its front is of stone and it has two charming balconies carved in wood, the most beautiful in Lima. The interior has a magnificent sevilian Churrigueresque style patio. On the second floor, the Sala de los Tratados or Treaty Room, is extraordinary. The main hall is furnished with 18th century pieces. The mansion is now owned by the government, and is the headquarters of the Ministry of External Relationships.

Casa Goyoneche
Ucayali Street - block 3
Also know as casa de Rada, this mansion stands opposite the Palacio Torre Tagle. Dating from the 18th century, its construction shows French influence, clearly distinguishing it from the Casa de Osambela, built in the Spanish baroque style of Andalucía.

Casa de Pilatos
Ancash 390, Street
Built in the 16th century, it has a simple front, but its entrance is beautifully crafted in

Lima Events: Lima Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Anniversary of Lima
mid - January
The city of Lima was founded January 18, 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. On this date the anniversary is celebrated with civic, cultural and artistic activities including the "pasacalle", a popular parade with dancers representing diverse regional folkloric dances; concerts and folkloric shows.

National Competition of the Peruvian Caballo de Paso
Early April
Carried out in an enclosure very near the archeological location of Pachacámac. The main Peruvian breeders of the famous horse attend to this contest, with their best horses, to participate in the competition that has different categories. Besides the competition a festival of folkloric show, marinera Peruvian dance dance and creole Peruvian food is presented.

Anniversary of Perú
Late July
It is a celebration in the whole national environment. Outstanding in Lima the celebrations of the government's official acts, the school parades and the Great Military Parade 29 July In this week that coincides with the mid-term school vacations, they are given in Lima big artistic, sport shows, theatre plays, classic and folkloric music concerts, circuses, commercial fairs, etc. During this week a great flow of internal tourism takes place in Perú.

Festivity of Santa Rosa de Lima
Late August
Religious feast that commemorates Santa Rosa de Lima; pilgrimages to the town Santa Rosa de Quives, near the city of Lima, place in which the saint lived during her childhood; a great pilgrimage of thousands of devote to the church and sanctuary of Santa Rosa.

Festivity of Señor de los Milagros
Mid October
It is the most important feast with tradition and devotion of the whole Perú. Hundred of thousands of devote to the Señor de los Milagros carry out processions the days 18, 19 and 28. Their faithful devotes use to wear a purple habit during the whole month of October, for what is denominated the "purple month" to October. In this feast it is traditional to try the delicious "Turrón de Doña Pepa", exquisite sweet from Lima. The traditional journey of these processions is carried out by the streets of the Historical Center of Lima, beginning and finishing in the Church of the Nazarenas. When the procession reaches the Main Square, generally receives the greeting of the Mayor of Lima, the Archbishop of Lima and of the President of the Republic.

Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros
October-November
Is carried out every Sun in the Plaza de Acho, bullfights, here the best Spanish, Peruvian, Mexican and bullfighters of other countries participate with livestock confinements of the best farms. In the international taurine enviroment, this fair occupies an important place. During the fair, it is disputed like maximum prize to the best one the "El Escapulario de Oro del Señor de los Milagros"

Day of the Creole Song
Late October
Big public shows with the best Creole music interpreters and groups of Perú.

Festivity of San Martin of Porres
Early November

Lima Facts: Lima Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Area:
27 sq mi

Elevation:
512 feet

Population:
6,886,308 (almost 8,000,000 including population of suburbs) The population is largely indigenous people and Mestizos with a noticeable influence from European (mainly Spanish), and Asian and African settlers.

Language:
Spanish and Quecha are the official languages. Many other dialects exist in the jungle regions. English is spoken in major tourist areas of the city and surrounding area.

Religion:
90% Roman Catholic

Time:
Greenwich Mean Time minus 5 hours: the equivalent of Eastern Standard time.

Currency:
Peru's national currency is the nuevo sol S/, (or new sun), divided into 100 céntimos. Bills are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 soles. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos and 1, 2, and 5 soles. Be careful not to confuse the 1-sol coin with the older and now worthless 1-inti coin. The recently introduced 2- and 5-sol coins are also confusingly similar.

Business Hours:
Most banks are open from 9:30am to 4:00pm Mon - Fri. Some banks are open on Sat from 9:30am - 12:30 pm. Most museums are open Monday-Saturday 9-6. Some close at lunch, usually between 1 and 3 or 4 pm. Church hours are more irregular. Some are open to visitors only in the early morning, while others have hours similar to those of museums, except that they are also open on Sunday.

Entry requirements:
A valid passport and a return ticket. Visas are not required for US citizens. There is a departure tax of approximately US $18 on international flights. It is important to set this aside even before arrival. The money should bein exact change; in cash. It is wise to place it with your travel documents in advance so that it won't be overlooked in the rush to pack and leave the country at the end of your stay.

Electricity:
200 volts AC, 60 Hz. Appliance plugs are compatible with both US and European type.

Climate:
It seldom rains in the coastal desert area in and around Lima, but a dank, heavy fog called the garua coats Lima from June through December. Beyond Lima, coastal weather is clearer and warm.

Packing:
If you're doing business in Lima, you will need the same business attire you would wear in U.S. and European cities: for men, suits and ties, and for women, suits for day wear and cocktail dresses or other suitable dinner clothes. For sightseeing and leisure, casual clothing and good walking shoes are both desirable and appropriate. Very formal clothes are not required, even for evenings. Peruvians dress quite informally when they dine out, and often a sport jacket is sufficient for men even at very expensive restaurants. A smart pair of slacks or a skirt is always appropriate for women. Shorts are frowned upon everywhere except at the beach, and T-shirts should be worn only in very modest restaurants.

Travelers Checks:
All major banks in Lima will cash travelers checks. So will American Express at the Lima Tours Office in Lima at Belén 1040. Cashing traveler checks outside of Lima is a more difficult and slower process.

International Direct Dialing:
Country code: 51
City codes: Lima: 01
Outgoing international code: 00

International Calls:
To dial direct, dial 00, then 1 for the United States and Canada,
To make an operator-assisted international call, dial 108.
For information inside Peru, dial 103. To reach an AT&T operator, dial 191.
For MCI, dial 190. For Sprint, dial 176.

Fax:
Telefonica del Peru offers a fax service throughout the country. Main hotels also have facilities and in the country, small public booths and services are found in commercial areas.

Mail:
Postal facilities are limited outside of Lima. airmail to Western Europe takes up to one week. First-class airmail from Europe or North America and addressed to PO boxes in Peru usually takes four days or longer. The main post office Correo Central de Lima is near the Plaza de Armas and is open Mon through Sat from 8:00am to 8:00pm and Sundays 9am to 2:00pm.

Newspapers and other Publications:
The daily newspaper El Comercio carries the most complete listing of activities in Lima. An English-language monthly, the Lima Times, is available at kiosks and at the publication's office Pasaje Los Pinos 156, Office B-6, Miraflores, 01/445-3761 or 01/446-9120, fax 01/446-7888; open weekdays 9-5, which also sells a selection of English-language books on Peru. The Peru Guide, an advertising monthly with tourist information, is available free at most major hotels.

Tipping:
If a 13% service charge has been included, only a nominal tip is expected 2%-5% of the pretax bill; otherwise 5%-10% is sufficient in most restaurants. Porters in hotels and airports expect 50 cents-$1 per bag. There is no need to tip taxi drivers.

TV-Cable:
There are nine TV channels in Lima which broadcast in Spanish. Major hotels also have international cable TV.

Public Holidays:
Jan 1: New Year's Day.
March or April: Holy Week.
May 1: Labor Day.
June 29: St. Peter and Paul.
July 28 - 29: Independence Day.
Aug. 30: St. Rosa of Lima.
Oct. 8: Battle of Angamos.
Nov. 1: All Saint's Day.
Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day

Health:
Before coming to Peru, all travelers should receive a typhoid vaccination, which consists of two injections given four weeks apart. The injections can be painful and cause a fever, so don't leave them until the last minute. Also make sure that as an adult you have had a polio booster, and that you have had a tetanus-diphtheria booster within the past 10 years. Hepatitis A is common in Peru; a vaccination either Havrix or Vaqta is now available. Drinking bottled water is recommended. Public water is chlorinated and relatively safe but may cause mild stomach upset. Be sure that meats and fish are well cooked, preferably served hot. Avoid pork, raw salads and mayonnaise as well as uncooked vegetables and unpeeled fruit. Avoid the food served by street vendors..

Safety:
For accurate updates about Peru's political situation, contact the Peruvian Consulate 215 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016, 212/481-7410 or the Peruvian Embassy 1700 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, DC 20036, 202/833-9860. Also be sure to read the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet on Peru.

The Tourist Bureau of Complaints 24 hour hot line:
224-7888

Getting Around:
Lima is divided into neighborhoods: Lima, also known as Centro, Miraflores, and Barranco. Walking is the best mode of travel within a neighborhood, but a taxi or bus is required to go the distance between neighborhoods. Regular buses, the school-bus-size micros, and the van-size combis offer frequent service, are inexpensive and stop at almost every corner. You must flag them down, but it is often difficult to know where they are going. If you're not sure, ask before you board. Combi drivers are notorious for their lack of driving skills, and their vehicles are usually uncomfortable and accident-prone.

Avoid driving in Lima if you can. Roads are poorly maintained and drivers follow few rules of the road. Parking lots charging about a dollar an hour are common and provide the best security. If you park on the street, get someone to guard your car. Usually, a child will approach offering "cuidar su carro" to look after your car. Pay him S/0.50-S/1 when you return and find your car intact. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Speed limits are 25-35 kph (15-20 mph) in residential areas, 85-100 kph (50-60) mph on highways. You can drive in Peru with a foreign license for up to six months, after which time you will need an international driver's license. The Touring and Automobile Club of Peru emergency 01/440-3270 or 01/422-5957 will provide emergency road service for members of AAA and affiliates on presentation of their membership cards.

Cabs are plentiful and cheap. To recognize them, look for a plastic taxi sign on the windshield. Taxi fares need to be "negotiated " through bargaining with the driver in advance of the ride. There are no metered cabs. Ask the fare before you get in, and offer 10%-25% less. By road - The Pan American highway runs through the city linking it with all major coastal cities and bordering countries from Ecuador in the North, to Chile in the South.

By air Lima's international airport, Jorge Chavez, is the main hub for flights to the Andean countries from North America and Europe, and has connections to neighboring countries. It is located only 8 Km. 5 miles from downtown. The airport is a 30-minute ride from downtown Lima or the residential and hotel district of Miraflores. Cab fare to either area should be approximately $15, although hard bargaining can bring it down to $10. Sharing a taxi is common and will lower the fare. There are no meters, so make sure you fix the price before you get in. Transhotel Ricardo Palma 280, 01/446-9872 operates a shuttle to and from the airport, charging $10 for the first passenger and $2 for each additional passenger. The shuttle's hours of operation vary; it is most dependable as a means of transportation from town to the airport. Call for information..

By train - After climbing a steep cliff that is the world's highest, the Central Railway links Lima with cities in the Central Highlands Lima's main railway station, located downtown at 231 Ancosh Street, is the departure point of all local train services. The recently privatized PeruRail has timetables and ticket costs at: www.perurail.com

Typical Food and Drink in Lima, Peru

Aji de Galina - Shredded chicken in a spicy cheese sauce.

Antichuchos - Beef heart brochettes marinated in a spicy sauce.

Carapulcra Limena - A chicken and pork stew in a dry potato and ground peanut sauce.

Cau-Cau - Tripe stewed with cardamom.

Cebiche - Fish marinated in lemon juice, and served with corn-on-the-cob, sweet potato and finely sliced onions.

Conchitas a la Parmesana - Baked shellfish with Parmesan cheese and butter.

Coctel de Camarones - A shrimp and avocado entree.

Escabeche - Fried fish and pickled onions served with corn-on-the-cob, olives and hard-boiled eggs.

lomo Saltado - Beef sautee with onions and french fries. Served with rice.

Pachamanca - Meats and vegetables, baked over heated stone inside a hole in the ground.

Papa a la Huancaina - Boiled potatoes with a hot chili, cheese and milk dressing.

Seco de Ternera - Veal stew with fresh coriander.

Tropical Fruits - Mango, coconut, papaya, banana, pineapple, "chirimoya" custard apple, orange, apple, passion fruit, and guanabana.

Mazamorra Morada - A fruit custard dessert made with purple corn starch.

Picarones - Flour fritter served with molasses.

Suspiro de Limena - A sweet milk and eggs custard typical of Lima.

Turron de Dona Pepa - Cake-like dessert sweetened with honey, traditionally prepared during October.

Pisco Sour - Cocktail prepared with "pisco", a pure grape brandy-like Peruvian liquor, lemon and egg.

Drink chica de Jora - drink made from white corn.

Chicha Morada - Beverage prepared with purple corn.

Lima Kids Activities: Lima Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Lima Travel & Tourism, Free Lima Travel Guide Online

Parque de las Leyendas and the Zoo
Go west from the Larco Herrera museum to the end of Avenida Bolivar, then around to the southwest of the Catholic University campus in the suburb of San Miguel, and you'll come to the Zoo
daily 9am-5pm;
Small admission charge
Yellow bus #48 goes directly there from the Plaza Mayor or you can take almost any of the colectivos along Avenida La Marina or west along Avenida Javier Prado; a taxi, though easier, will cost around $3-5.

Located in a relatively deserted spot on the sacred site of the ancient Maranga culture, the park is laid out according to the three regions of Peru - costa, sierra and selva (coastal desert, mountains and forest), the thought is excellent, but the end product falls a little short of the goal, as the animals are confined to cages. There are many varieties of animals: condors and pumas, penguins, elephants, and other non-native exotic species. The park is a fine place for a picnic, and there are very interesting market stalls just outside selling crafts as well as collectible insects.

Paracas National Reserve
Getting there: Travel by bus along the Pan Americana highway from Lima to Pisco (Paracas 250km, 4 hours) (Tour bus is best)
Daily flights in small planes from Lima to Nazca or Ica, flights from the city of Nazca, Ica and Lima. Tours in motorized launch to the Ballestas islands from Paracas. There is no public transportation to the Paracas Reserve, so the tour boat is the best means of transport.

In addition to the beauty of the desert and the geological formations of the coast, Paracas is a paradise for animal and bird watchers. Bird species abound: penguins, piranhas, piqueros, zarcillos and even Andean condors. The diverse mammals include sea lions, (lobos marinos), otters, dolphins and whales. Excursions by boat, launch and glider are also available from Paracas to the Ballestas islands for a close view of all these species. The Paracas Reserve has beautiful beaches, plains and cliffs for swimming and relaxation.

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