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Lima Travel Guide - Travel S Helper

Lima

travel guide

Lima is Peru’s capital and biggest city. It is situated in the Chillón, Rmac, and Lurn river basins, in the country’s central coastal region, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it constitutes the Lima Metropolitan Area. Lima is Peru’s most populated metropolitan region and the second biggest metropolis in the Americas (as measured by “city proper”), after only So Paulo and ahead of Mexico City.

Lima was established as Ciudad de los Reyes on January 18, 1535, by Spanish adventurer Francisco Pizarro. It was elevated to the status of capital and most populous city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. It became the capital of the Republic of Peru after the Peruvian War of Independence. Around one-third of the country’s population resides in urban areas.

Lima is home to one of the New World’s oldest institutes of higher learning. The National Institution of San Marcos was established on May 12, 1551, during Spain’s colonial reign and is the Americas’ oldest continually operating university.

Lima was selected to host the 2019 Pan American Games in October 2013. It hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2014 and the 1982 Miss Universe competition.

Lima hosted the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund’s 2015 Annual Meetings in October 2015.

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Lima | Introduction

Lima – Info Card

POPULATION : • City 8,852,000
• Metro 9,752,000
FOUNDED :   January 18, 1536
TIME ZONE :   PET (UTC−5)
LANGUAGE :   Spanish
RELIGION :
AREA : • City 2,672.3 km2 (1,031.8 sq mi)
• Urban 800 km2 (300 sq mi)
• Metro 2,819.3 km2 (1,088.5 sq mi)
ELEVATION :   0-1,550 m (0-5,090 ft)
COORDINATES :  12°2′36″S 77°1′42″W
SEX RATIO :  Male: 50.12
 Female: 49.88%
ETHNIC :
AREA CODE :  1
POSTAL CODE :
DIALING CODE :   +51 1
WEBSITE :   www.munlima.gob.pe

Tourism in Lima

Lima’s tourist business is well-developed, owing to the city’s historic center, archaeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals, and customs. Lima has a plethora of restaurants and pubs providing both local and foreign cuisine.

The Historic Centre, which encompasses the districts of Lima and Rmac, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Torre Tagle Palace are all examples of colonial architecture.

A popular circuit is a visit of the city’s churches. A stroll through the center neighborhood will take you past churches from the 16th and 17th centuries, the most notable of which are the Cathedral and Monastery of San Francisco, which are supposed to be linked by underground tunnels. Both houses are decorated with paintings, Sevilian tiling, and carved wood furniture.

Additionally, the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas is noteworthy as the birthplace of the Lord of Miracles, whose October celebrations serve as the city’s most prominent religious event. Certain portions of the Walls have been preserved and are popular with visitors. These medieval Spanish walls were constructed to protect the city against pirates and privateers.

Beaches are popular during the summer months and are situated south of the city along the Pan-American Highway in neighborhoods such as Lurn, Punta Hermosa, Santa Mara del Mar (Peru), San Bartolo, and Asia.

Cieneguilla, Pachacamac, and the city of Chosica are popular tourist destinations for residents. Due to their greater elevation than Lima, they get more sunlight throughout the winter months, something the city usually lacks due to seasonal fog.

Climate of Lima

Lima’s climate is classified as moderate to warm. Despite its tropical and desert setting, Lima’s closeness to the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean results in temperatures that are far lower than those predicted for a tropical desert, and hence qualifies as a mild desert climate (Köppen: BWn). It is neither freezing nor too heated. Temperatures seldom dip below 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) or soar beyond 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). There are two different seasons: summer, which runs from December to April, and winter, which runs from June to October. May and November are often transition months, with a more dramatic change from warm to chilly weather.

Summers are hot, humid, and mostly cloudless. Daily temperatures range between 18 °C (64 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F) for lows and 24 °C (75 °F) to 29 °C (84 °F) for highs. On some mornings, coastal fog may be prevalent, as may high clouds in the afternoons and nights. Summer sunsets are vibrant, earning the moniker “cielo de brujas” (Spanish for “sky of witches”). Around 7 p.m., the sky frequently changes colors of orange, pink, and red. Winter weather is very different from summer weather. The sky are overcast, the breeze is strong, the humidity is high, and the temperatures are cold. Protracted (1-week or more) periods of gloomy overcast sky are not unusual. From June through September, persistent morning rain occurs on occasion, leaving the streets with a thin layer of water that often evaporates by early afternoon. Winter temperatures are rather constant throughout the day and night. They vary from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius (57 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit) for lows and 16 to 19 degrees Celsius (66 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit) for highs, seldom surpassing 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) especially in the easternmost districts.

The relative humidity level is usually quite high, especially in the mornings. In the early summer, high humidity results in short morning fog and a typically permanent low cloud deck throughout the winter (generally developing in May and persisting into late November or even early December). Due to the prevailing onshore flow, the Lima region is one of the most cloudy on the whole Peruvian coast. Lima receives just 1284 hours of sunlight each year, including 28.6 hours in July and 184 hours in April, which is quite low for the latitude. Winter cloudiness drives residents to seek sunlight in Andean valleys often situated above 500 meters above sea level.

While relative humidity is high, rainfall is very minimal as a result of the great degree of atmospheric stability. The city’s water supply is impacted by the extreme lack of rainfall, which comes from wells and rivers that flow from the Andes. Inland regions get between 1 and 6 cm (2.4 in) of precipitation per year, the most of which falls during the winter months. Coastal areas get just one to three centimeters (1.2 in). Winter precipitation, as previously stated, takes the form of persistent morning drizzle occurrences. Locally, they are referred to as ‘gara’, ‘llovizna’, or ‘camanchacas’. Summer rain, on the other hand, is uncommon and manifests itself as isolated light and short showers. These often occur in the afternoons and nights when remnants of Andean storms make their way east. The absence of significant rainfall is due to strong atmospheric stability, which is generated by a mix of chilly waters from semi-permanent coastal upwelling, the cold Humboldt Current, and warm air aloft associated with the South Pacific anticyclone.

Lima’s climate, like that of the majority of coastal Peru, is significantly impacted by El Nio episodes. Coastal waters typically range between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius (63 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit), but may reach substantially higher temperatures (like in 1998, when the water reached 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit)). Air temperatures increase in lockstep. This was the situation when Lima set a new record high temperature of 34 °C (93 °F). During La Nia years, a cooler climate emerges. The metro area’s all-time record low is 8 °C (46 °F), set in winter 1988.

Geography of Lima

The urban area is around 800 km2 in size (310 sq mi). It is situated in the Peruvian coastal plain, primarily flat terrain, among the valleys of the Chillón, Rmac, and Lurn rivers. The city softly descends from the Pacific Ocean’s coastlines into valleys and mountain slopes reaching up to 1,550 meters (5,090 ft) above sea level. Within the city, there are many isolated hills that are not linked to the neighboring hill chains, including the El Agustino, San Cosme, El Pino, La Milla, Muleria, and Pro hills. San Cristobal Hill, located just north of the city area in the Rmac District, is the local extreme of an Andean hill protrusion.

Metro Lima comprises an area of 2,672.28 km2 (1,031.77 sq mi), of which 825.88 km2 (318.87 sq mi) (31%) is urban and 1,846.40 km2 (712.90 sq mi) (69%) is suburban. The urban area stretches around 60 kilometers (37 miles) north to south and approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) west to east. The city center is situated 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) inland on the banks of the Rmac River, a key resource for the city since it transports what will become drinking water for its residents and feeds the area’s hydroelectric dams. While there is no formal administrative definition of the city, it is often believed to consist of the central 30 of Lima Province’s 43 districts, equating to an urban region centered around the historic Cercado de Lima district. Lima is the hub of the Lima Metro Area, one of the continent’s ten biggest metropolitan regions. Lima is the second biggest desert city in the world, behind Cairo, Egypt.

Economy of Lima

Lima is the industrial and financial capital of the country and one of the most significant financial capitals in Latin America, home to a large number of national firms. It accounts for almost two-thirds of Peru’s industrial output and the majority of the country’s tertiary sector.

With over 7,000 manufacturers, the metropolitan region leads industrial growth, owing to the amount and quality of available labor, as well as transportation and other infrastructure. Textiles, clothes, and food are all examples of products. Manufacturing and/or processing of chemicals, fish, leather, and oil derivatives. The financial sector is located in San Isidro, whereas the majority of industrial activity is west of downtown, all the way to the Callao airport. Lima has South America’s biggest export sector and serves as a regional transportation hub.

Industrialization started in the 1930s, and by 1950, manufacturing accounted for 14% of GNP due to import substitution programs. In the late 1950s, manufacturers in Lima produced up to 70% of consumer products.

The Callao harbor is one of South America’s most important fishing and commerce ports, spanning about 47 hectares (120 acres) and transporting 20.7 million metric tons of cargo in 2007.

Commodities are the primary exports: oil, steel, silver, zinc, cotton, sugar, and coffee.

Lima contributed 53% of GDP in 2003.

Lima is home to the majority of international enterprises in Peru.

Peru’s GDP increased by 9% in 2007, the highest pace in South America.

Lima Stock Exchange increased by 185.24 percent in 2006 and another 168.3 percent in 2007, making it one of the world’s fastest growing stock exchanges at the time. The Lima Stock Exchange was the most lucrative in the world in 2006.

There were two summits held there in 2008: the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and the Latin America, the Caribbean, and European Union Summit.

Banks such as Banco de Crédito del Per, Scotiabank Per, Interbank, Bank of the Nation, Banco Continental, MiBanco, Banco Interamericano de Finanzas, Banco Finaciero, Banco de Comercio, and CrediScotia have their headquarters in Lima. It serves as Standard Chartered’s regional headquarters. Rimac Seguros, Mapfre Peru, Interseguro, Pacifico, Protecta, and La Positiva are among the insurance companies headquartered in Lima.

How To Travel To Lima

Get In - By plane

  • Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA:LIM),   +51 1 511-6055The airport is located in Callao, a seaport city northwest of Lima, located 11km (7mi) from the central historic core and 17km (11mi) from Miraflores.

The majority of South American cities, as well as certain cities in North America and Europe, are easily accessible from the airport. Flights from Amsterdam, Bogota, Madrid, Medelln, Miami, Quito, Santiago de Chile, and Toronto are among the daily arrival cities. Additionally, flights are offered often from Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Newark. Three flights per week will depart from London Gatwick beginning in May 2016.

LAN Peru, LC Peru, Avianca Peru, Peruvian Airlines, and Star Peru all have flights to Lima, which serves as the hub for numerous internal flights inside Peru.

There is a fee to use the wifi (WIGO) at the airport.

Airlines and destinations

Latam Perú is the only national carrier that flies internationally.

  • LATAM Perú (Arequipa, Bogotá, Brasília, Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, Cajamarca, Cali, Caracas, Cartagena de Indias, Chiclayo, Córdoba (Argentina), Cuzco, Guayaquil, Iquitos, Iquique, Juliaca, La Paz, Los Angeles, Madrid, Medellín, Mexico City, Miami, Piura, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Punta Cana, Quito, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santiago, São Paulo-Guarulhos, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Tumbes.
  • LATAM Airlines (formerly LAN & TAM Airlines) serves Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Santiago, Easter Island, Sao Paulo
  • Avianca Peru (formerly Taca Peru) serves many Latin American cities including Arequipa, Asunción, Bogotá, Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, Cancún, Caracas, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Havana, Juliaca, Guatemala City, Guayaquil, La Paz, Medellín, Miami, Montevideo, Piura, Puerto Maldonado, Quito, Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, San José (Costa Rica), San Salvador, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santiago, São Paulo-Guarulhos, Tarapoto and Trujillo
  • Europe is served by Air Europa, British Airways (from 4th May 2016), Air France, Iberia and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • USA is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines and LATAM
  • Canada is served by Air Canada
  • Other Latin American airlines include Copa Airlines (Panama), Aeroméxico, Interjet (Mexico City), Viva Colombia (Bogota); Avianca Holdings (El Salvador, Colombia and Costa Rica); Gol (Brazil); LATAM (formerly TAM Airlines & LAN Airlines) (Brazil, Chile &USA); Sky Airlines (Santiago de Chile) and Aerolíneas Argentinas (Buenos Aires)

Other Peruvian airline domestic destinations include:

  • LC Perú (Andahuaylas, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cuzco, Huancayo (Jauja), Huánuco, Huaraz, Tingo María, Trujillo)
  • Peruvian Airlines (Arequipa, Cuzco, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Piura, Tacna and Tarapoto. And to La Paz, Boliva internationally)
  • Star Peru (Cuzco, Huanuco, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Tarapoto)

Arrival

It might be hectic to arrive at the airport. The majority of international aircraft land in groups either very early in the morning or extremely late at night, thus clearing immigration and customs can take a long time; the interval between landing at the gate and leaving customs can be anything between 20 and 90 minutes.

It is common for there to be a large gathering of people waiting for incoming travelers in the area just outside of customs. In recent years, a sizable area where passengers can stand freely and scan the crowd to look for people and not be hassled has been cordoned off in front of the customs exit. It is not uncommon for entire families to show up to greet a returning family member, and the crowd is further swelled by pre-booked car and taxi service drivers holding up signs with passengers’ names.

Taxis

The taxi drivers at the airport should be avoided if you require transportation out of the airport since they may approach you. As an alternative, you should either hire one within the customs reception area (at slightly inflated rates, as these businesses, presently Green Taxi, CMV, and Mitsui, pay a premium to position their desk there), or reserve one in advance online with a reliable provider. To be on the safe side, it is essential to choose a licensed ground transportation provider. Having said that, once you leave the airport’s premises, things go very inexpensive very quickly, and a ride to Miraflores shouldn’t cost you more than 25 soles. However, it is obviously less safe and secure there.

Express airport bus

Ask at the airport information desk about the speedy bus that departs from outside the arrivals area for Centro and Miraflores.

Car rentals

Although Hertz, Budget, and National provide car rentals at the airport, it is not advisable to drive on your own in Lima unless you have extensive experience doing so.

Get In - By bus

In La Victoria, which isn’t the most attractive area of Lima, the majority of businesses have their terminals lined up along Paseo de la Republica (north & south). However. Better stations may be found along Paseo de la Republica and on the outskirts of La Victoria (Av. Javier Prado). Some of the most respectable businesses are represented there, including Cruz del Sur, Tepsa, Ormeo, CIAL, Linea, ITTSA, Movil Tours, Flores, and Civa. Several of the same firms offer service to/from the “Gran Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte” in Tpac Amaru, in the northern part of the city, and in/around Acotongo, in the southern part of the city, as well as from several terminals in La Victoria.

The “Gran Station Terrestre Plaza Norte” is a cutting-edge bus terminal that is quite handy whether you are staying in North Lima or close to the airport. You may take a cab or a combi to get there from the airport via Avenida Tomás Valle in about 10 minutes (there are no buses along the whole length of this avenue).

Regular buses run up and down the roads Panamericana Sur/Norte (the local name for the Panamerican Highway), Carretera CentralInteroceánica SurInteroceánica Norte, amongst others:

  • South: Pisco, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Tacna, Cuzco, Puerto Maldonado, Juliaca, Puno,Moquegua, Ilo.
  • North: Huaraz, Chimbote, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Cajamarca & Tumbes.
  • East: Huancayo, Cerro de Pasco, Huánuco and Pucallpa.

Companies and terminals

Several of the biggest bus companies, along with where their terminals are:

  • CialAv. Republica de Panamá 2469-2485, La Victoria,  +51 1 207-6900
  • Civa/ExclucivaPaseo de la República 575, La Victoria (Corner of Paseo de la República & Av 28 de Julio),  +51 1 481-1111They also have another terminal for their ‘Excluciva’ brand at Javier Prado Este #1155
  • Cruz del SurAv Javier Prado Este 1109, La Victoria (Javier Prado Este & Nicolás Arriola in La Victoria),   +51 1 311-5050, 431-5125, toll-free: 72-0444 or 0801-1111.Serves Arequipa, Ica, Cuzco, Puno, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Pisco, Arequipa, Tacna, Cuzco,La Paz, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Cali, Nazca, Guayaquil, Quito, Bogotá and Máncora.
  • Transportes FloresPaseo de La Republica 627 & 688, La Victoria (Paseo de La Republica & Av 28 de Julio),  +51 1 332-1212, 424-0888They also have another station at 28 de Julio No 1246.
  • ITTSAAv. Paseo de la República 809,  +51 956 487-989Goes from Lima only to Chimbote, Chiclayo, Piura, Sullana, Talara and Trujillo in the northern regions of the country
  • Movil ToursPaseo de la Republica 749, La Victoria (Frente al Estadio Nacional. Front of the National Stadium), +51 1 716-8000They also have another station nearby at Javier Prado Este 1093, La Victoria in front of the Clinica Ricardo Palma & next to a KIA car dealership.
  • OltursaAv. Aramburú 1160, San Isidro (SE of the intersection Av Republica de Panama next to the Derco Center car dealership.),  +51 1 708-5000
  • OrmeñoAv. Javier Prado Oeste Nº 1057, La Victoria – Lima 13+51 1 472-5000, 472-1710
  • TEPSAAv Javier Prado Este 1091, La Victoria (west of the interesection of Javier Prado Este & Paseo de la Republica.),  +51 1 617-9000, 990 690-534

How To Get Around In Lima

Get Around - By Taxi

Assuming you travel farther, if you know Spanish well enough, a cab journey between neighboring neighborhoods will run you around 7–10 soles (US$2–3). A lengthier trip may cost between 24 and 34 soles, or $7 to $10. Taxis between the airport and Miraflores should cost no more than 65 soles (about $25), however they could be more expensive within the airport. Taxis typically do not have meters, thus the fare should be agreed upon before getting in or, if ordering over the phone, at the time of booking. Avoid being tricked into getting into the cab before a fee has been agreed upon while hailing a trip on the street. Choose your taxi with great care, and try to stay away from flagging down unattended cabs whenever feasible.

Taxis in Lima should be used with caution. Although shared cabs are not allowed in Lima, there are some illegal colectivos, so it doesn’t hurt to check to see if somebody is hidden on the back seat or in the trunk before getting in.

First-time visitors to Peru require steely nerves due to the traffic. The world’s craziest drivers reside in Lima, and cab drivers are among the worst.

In Peru, any mechanical device, including taxis, is only maintained after it has already stopped working. Many vehicles are in extremely bad, even dangerous, shape. Cars and taxis with body sections or windows missing are a typical sight.

It’s a good idea to take public transportation if you don’t know a reliable cab driver.

Get Around - Public transport

The city of Lima has one metro line, as well as contemporary buses, coasters, and combis (which are called “micros” by the locals). For visitors from other countries, the system might be complex.

For instance, you may take the large blue “Las Flores 18” bus from the airport to Magdalena, Miraflores, or Surco (IM-18). It costs two soles (Miraflores) or two soles fifty (Surco).

The names of the main streets that each bus or van goes on are displayed on their sides. Usually, bus drivers shout the destinations while leaning out the door. Ask the conductor if this isn’t clear. Also, watch out for pickpockets here.

Modern rapid transit bus system Metropolitano is run by articulated (or “bendy”) buses that are completely accessible to wheelchair users. On expressways, express routes have their own designated lanes. With a 5 solitary minimum purchase requirement, rechargeable cards are utilized as tickets.

Corredores Complementarios are a component of a comprehensive transportation network. There are two corredores: Javier Prado – La Marina and Tacna – Garcilaso – Arequipa (corredor azul, blue) (corredor rojo – red).

33 stations are now served by Lima Metro Line 1 across 11 districts. Line 2 is now being built, and more are anticipated soon.

Prices in Lima

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

Milk 1 liter $1.15
Tomatoes 1 kg $1.00
Cheese 0.5 kg $4.00
Apples 1 kg $2.30
Oranges 1 kg $1.10
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $1.30
Bottle of Wine 1 bottle $7.60
Coca-Cola 2 liters $1.82
Bread 1 piece $0.70
Water 1.5 l $0.75

RESTAURANTS

Dinner (Low-range) for 2 $20.00
Dinner (Mid-range) for 2 $40.00
Dinner (High-range) for 2 $
Mac Meal or similar 1 meal $4.50
Water 0.33 l $0.45
Cappuccino 1 cup $2.30
Beer (Imported) 0.33 l $2.15
Beer (domestic) 0.5 l $1.55
Coca-Cola 0.33 l $0.70
Coctail drink 1 drink $6.00

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema 2 tickets $12.00
Gym 1 month $70.00
Men’s Haircut 1 haircut $5.50
Theatar 2 tickets $60.00
Mobile (prepaid) 1 min. $0.13
Pack of Marlboro 1 pack $2.60

PERSONAL CARE

Antibiotics 1 pack $7.00
Tampons 32 pieces $8.00
Deodorant 50 ml. $4.20
Shampoo 400 ml. $5.70
Toilet paper 4 rolls $1.70
Toothpaste 1 tube $1.60

CLOTHES / SHOES

Jeans (Levis 501 or similar) 1 $47.00
Dress summer (Zara, H&M) 1 $42.00
Sport shoes (Nike, Adidas) 1 $85.00
Leather shoes 1 $75.00

TRANSPORTATION

Gasoline 1 liter $1.04
Taxi Start $1.80
Taxi 1 km $1.50
Local Transport 1 ticket $0.50

Sights & Landmarks in Lima

  • The historic downtown, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Tour), a fountain and light display in the Parque de la Reserva and Parque Fermín Tangüis.
  • The Parque del Amor (Lovers’ Park) in Miraflores.
  • The Costa Verde, Lima’s impressive green coast stretches between San Miguel and Chorrillos.
  • The tourist-friendly districts of BarrancoMiraflores and Santiago de Surco.
  • The historical sites of Pueblo Libre, including the Cruz del Viajero, a monumental Christian cross dating from the era of the Conquistadores.
  • Lima’s best shopping malls: Plaza Norte, Jockey Plaza, Larcomar, Mall Aventura Plaza, Real Plaza Salaverry.
  • Historical churches: Lima´s Cathedral, Santo Domingo (San Martín de Porres), Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa de Lima), Nazarenas (Señor de los Milagros), San Francisco.
  • MuseumsMuseo nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia (Pueblo Libre), Museo de Arte (Paseo Colón), Museo Pedro de Osma (Barranco), Museo Rafael Larco (Pueblo Libre).
  • Parque Kennedy in the center of Miraflores. This park is right in the entertainment district and is famous for the huge amount of cats that live there.

Museums & Galleries in Lima

Most notably, the Museo Nacional de Arqueologa, Antropologa e Historia del Per, Museum of Art, Museo Pedro de Osma, Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Nation, The Sala Museo Oro del Per Larcomar, Museum of Italian Art, Museum of Gold, and Larco Museum are all located in Lima, which has the highest concentration of museums in the nation. The pre-Columbian cultures, natural history, science, and religion are the main subjects of these museums. European art is on display at the Museum of Italian Art.

Things to do in Lima

  • Bike Tours of LimaCalle Bolivar 150, Miraflores+51 1 445-3172M–F 9:30AM–6PM; Sa, Su 9:30AM–2PMA variety of ‘public’ and private bicycle, walking and food tours of Lima by English-speaking guides. Prior booking is required. Currently number 1 activity in Lima on Tripadvisor. Biking tours US$35–US$90, other prices vary, pay in U.S. Dollars.
  • The Lima Gourmet CompanyMiraflores, Lima, Peru,  +51 1 446-682924A combined city and culinary tour of Lima. Travelers will visit a local market, have a hands-on cooking class and try different Peruvian dishes while they tour the city’s main districts and historical points of interest. Great if you don’t have much time in Lima.
  • Folkloric dance showsHeroes de Tarapacá 168 (First left off Av. Brasil from Plaza Francisco Bolognesi),  +51 1 7156960, e-mail: Almuerzo: Fr, Sa 1:00PM–5:30PM; Noches de Foclore: Tu, W 9PM–12:15AM; Th 9:45PM–1:35AM; F, Sa 10PM–2AMLive shows of local dance with dinner or lunch included. Choose between Almuerzo (lunchtime) Shows, Noches de Folclore (folklore evenings) and periodic special shows. Range from 39.50–68 soles per person.
  • Mirabus bus and road train toursTourist information booth in Parque Kenedy, Miraflores,  +51 1 242-6699Information booth open every day 9AM–7PMVarious themed day and night bus tours of Lima and the surrounding region, including excursions to Caral and Pachacamac. They also operate a road train around the main sights of Centro. Most bus tours: adults 70 soles, children (4–10 years) 50 soles, under 4s free. City centre road train: adults 5 soles, children (4–10 years) 3 soles, under 4s free. Other prices vary from 10–220 soles per person.
  • Surfing the waves of the Pacific Ocean in Miraflores Beach
  • Paragliding over the reefs of Miraflores Beach
  • Visit Pachacamac in Lurin (1/2 hour from Miraflores), a sacred pre-Inca citadel.
  • Go to Mamacona (Lurin, behind Pachacamac) and live the emotion of a live show with Caballo Peruano de paso and the beautiful dance Marinera. Tickets in Mirabus, central park of Miraflores.

Food & Restaurants in Lima

Since the time of the Spanish vice monarchy, gastronomy has played a significant role in Lima’s culture. Due in part to the International Summit of Gastronomy (Madrid Fusión) in 2006, which named Lima the “Gastronomy Capital of the Americas,” the city’s eating reputation has significantly improved over the past few years. Nowadays, there are more options available in Lima, including a wide variety of regional and foreign cuisines.

Despite the variety of options available at Lima’s various restaurants, ceviche is unquestionably at the top of the list of foods you must try, not only because it is the national cuisine of Peru but also because of its incomparably mouthwatering flavor. Ceviche is increasingly appearing on menus all around the world as interest in Peruvian cuisine grows. But while you’re here at the Mecca of ceviche, don’t miss it if you want to experience the real deal. Every neighborhood has at least one cevichera. Additionally, ceviche is a common menu item at criollo restaurants; in fact, it is so well-liked that even upmarket nouvelle-cuisine establishments also serve it.

Peruvian cuisine has a tendency to be heavy and spicy in some locations. Ask whether a meal is picante (spicy), which typically indicates that it will be really spicy! Even if it is absolutely wonderful and made with fresh ingredients, a full dinner can still be somewhat hefty.

Asian food, including Chinese and Japanese dishes, which naturally have a significant Peruvian influence, comes in at number two. Chifas, or Chinese restaurants, are a common sight and number in the hundreds or even thousands. They are often modest neighborhood diners serving meals laden with chicken and shrimp. Japanese eateries, on the other hand, are less common, more upmarket, and more costly. Of course, a year-round supply of the freshest and widest variety of seafood is their specialty.

Travelers who want for a mouthwatering falafel or shwarma sandwich will be happy to find that Parque Kennedy is home to a fantastic café that offers these types of Middle Eastern cuisine at competitive costs.

Fast food restaurants including KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Papa John’s, and the regional business Bembos are widely spread around the city. Although few, restaurants like Burger King, Chili’s, and TGI Friday’s may be found close to Miraflores. Also, if you want to give your standard fast food a regional touch, don’t miss the Peruvian-style hamburgers at Bembos and the classic sandwiches at.

Shopping in Lima

Exchange money

For whatever reason, Lima makes it incredibly difficult to exchange currencies other than euros and dollars. Even typical banks and money exchanges are unable to convert currencies from nearby nations. Airport exchange offices could be more accommodating, but they sometimes have exorbitant service fees and exchange rates.

It is safe to exchange money with cambistas on the street in Miraflores, but you must adhere to a few straightforward guidelines to stop being taken advantage of. Make that the cambista is initially wearing the vest-uniform designating that he or she is a legitimate, licensed cambista. Request the exchange rate at all times (“tipo de cambio”). Comparing prices with multiple cambistas is worthwhile, especially if you are changing a sizable sum of money.

The easiest method to determine how much you should be earning is to carry your own calculator or use the one in your phone because some con artists perform tricks with their calculators right in front of you and you won’t notice. Last but not least, ensure sure the bills the cambista gives you have his or her seal (“sello”) stamped on them so that you may return and protest if, by chance, one of them turns out to be fake. Although it is uncommon to receive fake currency from a cambista, requesting the seal keeps the motivation for honesty alive and serves as protection for you.

Withdraw money

Your best option is often to just withdraw cash from an ATM, as you would anyplace. All across Lima, banks may be found, some of which feature ATMs that are secured. It is better value to acquire as much as you can when making a withdrawal because it’s likely that your bank will charge you a lot each time. Cajeros at BCP and Scotiabank often permit withdrawals up to 700 soles. Interbank has a reputation for charging absurd fees (around $18 for a transaction of $50).

When using an ATM, use caution at all times since you could be watched and the target of a robbery.

Shop

Musical instruments

There are several shops on Ca. Cantuarias that offer charangos, quenas, antaras, and other traditional musical instruments from Peru. Many of these shops may assist you in finding a tutor to teach you how to play your purchase if you have the time.


Handicrafts

The Av. Petit Thouars in Miraflores, which is brimming with shops selling handicrafts, is your best chance. Alternately, head to Pueblo Libre’s Av. La Marina.


Supermarkets

Supermarkets like Wong, Metro, Plaza Vea, Vivanda, and Tottus are the major ones. These are all over the place.

Nightlife in Lima

  • Pisco Sour – The national beverage of Peru is the Pisco Sour, which is created with Pisco, a brandy derived from grapes. All tourists to Peru are encouraged to at least once taste this beverage. It may delight visitors to hear that Chileans don’t actually claim the Pisco Sour as their own. Several pubs in the area offer a few different variants. Just be careful since the flavor is so sweet and fresh that it’s simple to consume too much of it and become inebriated.
  • Inca Kola – One of the few drinks that Coca Cola couldn’t topple is Inca Kola, the most popular soft drink in Peru (until they bought the company). It’s a yellow-fruit flavored beverage with a hierba luisa flavor.
  • Jugos – Great fresh fruit drinks are available all across Lima. Fresh orange juice in the market costs 0.50 soles, ranging up to some more costly ones. Surtidos, which comprise a variety of fruits, are quite delectable.
  • Chicha Morada – Healthy, purple, non-alcoholic beverage with plenty of antioxidants. Purple maize, pineapple, cinnamon, clove, and sugar are all boiled together to make it.
  • Starbucks Coffee is predictably widespread if you really need your daily caffeine fix.

Stay Safe & Healthy in Lima

If you witness a crime being committed, do not intervene unless you are really sure of what you are doing: many criminals, even pickpockets, carry guns, knives, etc. and may use them if feeling threatened.

In general, a tried and true technique for staying safe in Lima is to simply maintain a low profile. Leave your fancy watch at home, don’t wear a fine suit and don’t carry a laptop when hailing taxis on the street, and keep a relaxed, friendly, smiling attitude. If you do need to go out dressed like a gringo, call a taxi rather than hire one in the moment – the few moments you wait and the few extra soles you pay will be worth it.


Thieves

While there is not much violent crime against tourists, opportunistic theft is rampant. Watch out for pickpockets constantly. If you carry a purse, a camera, a backpack or just a pair of sunglasses hang on to them at all times. In crowded areas, put your back pack on your front and hold shopping close to you. Just keep your eyes open and be aware of people around you. In any case, if someone extremely friendly approaches (even wanting to stretch your hand), just try not to talk that much, and they’ll go away. It’s normal to find polite people around trying to help tourists, but stay away from the extremely friendly ones.


Football violence

Avoid the surroundings of football (soccer) stadiums before and after big matches, since “barras bravas” (hooligans) can be very violent. Ask for advice if you plan to go there or thereabouts. Very infrequently, but occasionally even in nicer tourist areas, gangs of young supporters of rival football clubs, or strikers involved in a labor dispute may brawl. If you find yourself caught in the middle of such a confrontation, just try to move out of the way, preferably behind a closed door. These youths generally do not carry lethal weapons, and the worst that is likely to happen is that someone will get hit with a rock before the police arrive to break it up.


Districts of note

Some areas of Lima are safer than others: Miraflores and San Isidro have large populations of well-to-do and wealthy Peruvians, not to mention large tourist groups, so they have a large police presence to protect the population. Other districts, such as La Victoria, are much more dangerous. Visitors would be well advised to stay out of these areas unless accompanied by an experienced native or visiting busy areas during daylight hours. Downtown Lima is normally well patrolled but be careful anyway. Callao (the port, technically a different city) is rather rough: ask for advice before going there if you plan to. The area around the airport is generally safe and well guarded but use common sense while carrying your luggage outside the airport.


Sex

Staying safe for adults can also require an understanding of the sexual climate of Peru. In general Peru is a relatively conservative country in the sense of male and female roles, but at the same time Peruvians are extremely open to friendships with foreigners. Thus, some males can find themselves suddenly the object of flirtation by attractive young Peruvian women, but then be suddenly rejected for having violated some unwritten line of conduct in, say, discussion topics. Women can find themselves the object of unwanted looks and stares, but at the same time the risk of violence and rape is probably not as high as in many other countries.

A problem that can arise is the Peruvian concept of the pepera, found at certain night clubs or pubs. Peperas are usually attractive women aged 16–25 that deliberately entice foreign tourists and then spike their drinks with sleeping pills and rob them once they’re unconscious. Usually peperas work in groups of two, although smaller and larger groups exist as well. Male “peperos” also spike the drinks of women but robbery is often accompanied by rape. Peperas in general are found in dense tourist areas, such as Parque Kennedy in Miraflores as well as the Plaza de Armas in central Lima. One locale in particular that is notorious for dangerous peperas is the Tequila Rock discoteca in Miraflores and its sister in Pueblo Libre (La Marina). As of July 2013 cases of drink spiking, working with bar staff, occurred in Albazos restaurant y pisco bar (Berlin 172 in Miraflores).

Another cultural concept worth learning is the “brichera” (or “brichero”). There are two types of bricheras: the first type are women that are genuinely looking to meet foreign men in the hopes of dating or marriage or even a quick fling. The second type are women that search for foreign men with the implicit purpose of exchanging sex for small gifts or money. This second type of brichera is risky, especially for foreigners lacking local sensibilities, since it involves prostitution. These bricheras do not use contraception reliably, and therefore pose a higher risk for transmitting STDs (Sexual Transmitted Diseases). If you decide to have a fling, make sure to use a condom.


Taxis

Another important point to be taken into consideration is that you should not pick up just any taxi, especially when you are leaving the airport. It is not unusual to hear news of taxi drivers cheating tourists by charging them 100 or even 200 soles for normal rides, which is well in excess of the maximum fare limit of 50 soles. Even though Peruvian taxi drivers normally increase their fares for gringos, it is not usually such a massive difference. It is most advisable to use one of the official taxi companies inside the airport with set fares to ensure your safety.

Taxi drivers have also been known to participate in robberies, express kidnappings or serve as get away vehicles. While the overwhelming majority of Lima’s taxistas are honest hard working people trying to make a living, you should be alert if you are going to hail a taxi on the street, especially if you appear to be wealthy and / or a foreigner. Your safest bet is to have your hotel call a taxi for you or keep the numbers of official taxi companies (“radio taxis”, which are marked with registered numbers) handy. Lima’s tourist information centers will be willing to call one for you as well.

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