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Also known as the "City of the Kings" or "Garden City" it is the capital of Peru. A bustling metropolis with over 7 million inhabitants, located on the coast, roughly mid-way between the Ecuadorean border and Chile. It was founded in 1535 in the Rimac valley by the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro. The city is very contrasting: beautiful historical buildings with balconies, convents, churches and plazas from the days of the Spaniards are located in the old city center, whereas modern buildings, parks, numerous restaurants, hotels and shopping centers are located in the residential areas of Miraflores, San Isidro, Monterrico, La Molina and others. Lima has several splendid museums, galleries and monuments reeking with history! The summer beach season (December-April) is ideal for bathing and surfing, right below the cliffs overlooked by Miraflores and San Isidro! Quaint little beach towns with restaurants serving fresh sea food are spread along the coast 120 km. South of the city. Although during the cool season (May-November), the city is mostly overcast, lots of sun and pleasant countryside restaurants are found minutes away, just up the Rimac valley. There are several pre-Inca cities on the outskirts of Lima, such as Cajamarquilla and Pachacamac, well worth visiting. The city is accessible by air from the U.S.A. (several daily nonstops from Miami, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles) and from practically all major European and South American Capitals. Likewise, it is well connected by air with daily flights to/from all major Peruvian cities. It is also linked to them by well paved highways and boasts of the highest railroad in the world, taking passengers and freight eastbound into the Andean mountains. Electricity in Lima - and also in other towns - is 220 volts, 60 cycles.
Click here for a simplified map of Lima and its main districts and attractions.
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