South America
Welcome Kit
Peru
Lima
Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, is renowned for its rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. With a blend of ancient heritage and modern influences, it stands as a cultural hub in South America.
Highlights
Lima, the lively capital of Peru, harmoniously blends history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Boasting a prosperous legacy dating from prehistoric civilizations and a flourishing modern arts scene, Lima provides a varied and stimulating adventure for tourists. Savour delightful culinary creations, discover stunning colonial architecture, and bask in the genial hospitality that typifies this vibrant metropolis. From the historic marvels of the Plaza Mayor and the iconic San Francisco Monastery to the scenic shoreline of Miraflores and the busy markets of Barranco, Lima creates a distinctive fusion of customs and current lifestyles, thus ensuring that it is an essential and recommended location for all explorers.
General Facts
Lima is located in the coastal desert of Peru, at the foot of the western slope of the central Andes of Peru.
Lima honours its past and achieves a perfect harmony between tradition and contemporary architecture. Walking through its streets means admiring its churches, archaeological sites, and houses with balconies coexisting with modern buildings. In 1991, its Historic Center was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity: its artistic monuments had to be protected.
Lima is also the only South American capital with a coastline. Its beaches are perfect for surfers, and its boardwalks offer a refreshing sea breeze for bike rides and walks. You can even go paragliding over the Pacific Ocean.
In this city with a rich history, founded in 1535, the abundance of natural products, the fusion of techniques and cultures, shaped a cuisine with a mestizo identity over centuries. Thanks to the excellent quality and passion of Peruvian chefs, Lima has been named the Gastronomic Capital of Latin America.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport. Insurance information.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
It is essential to have a valid passport to enter Peru. Regarding visas, the list of countries that are required should be checked, with a large part of America and Western Europe being exempt.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Lima is from October to April, which are the sunniest months with pleasant temperatures and clearer days, allowing you to enjoy the city’s beaches and green areas.
Clothing
In Summer: When you’re exploring Lima during the summer, it’s recommended to have a light jacket (windbreaker or jacket) for windy evenings. Remember that Lima faces the Pacific Ocean, and the sea breeze can be chilly at night. Although sandals are the preferred footwear for summer, it’s not recommended for city walks because of the intense sun that can burn your feet. Opt for sneakers or closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen with over 30 SPF is essential, especially during the Peruvian summer. Don’t leave home without it and insect repellent.
In Winter: A hooded sweatshirt or hoodie might be sufficient. However, you should also pack thicker pants and sweaters, closed-toe shoes, and a hat for your head. As this clothing can take up a lot of space in your bag, consider thermal wear options with builtin winter warmers. This way, you won’t get cold in any circumstances.
Healthcare
Packing
Peru flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Nuevos Soles.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
220 V – 60 Hz
A twin flat blade (as used in North America) and twin round pin plugs (as used in continental Europe) are both standard.
There are three plug types used in Peru:
Type A: Also known as the American plug, commonly used in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It has two flat parallel pins.
Type B: Also used in American and Asian countries, it features three pins with two parallel flat pins and a rounded one at the bottom.
Type C: Known as the European plug, although not very common in Peru, it can be found in older structures and small hotels. This plug consists of two round pins. If your home country uses 110-volt voltage, and you plan to bring electronic products that only
support this voltage, consider buying an adapter. Otherwise, it’s best to leave your 110- volt devices at home.
Local Taxes
Foodie
Without a doubt, Lima’s cuisine has rightfully earned an excellent reputation as one of the world’s top culinary capitals. It hosts the most important gastronomy fair in Latin America, and its variety delights the palates of locals and visitors alike. Lima’s gastronomy results from
various influences, including African, indigenous, and Chinese.
Some typical dishes include:
Ceviche: Peru’s most iconic dish, made from fish and, depending on preference, seafood, marinated with citrus seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Lomo saltado: stir-fried beef with vinegar and spices, served with French fries and rice.
Ají de gallina: a creamy dish made with shredded chicken and served with boiled potatoes or white rice.
Causa limeña: made from yellow potatoes (one of over 3,000 types of potatoes in Peru), and its presentation in layers is visually striking.
Pachamanca: the name comes from the Quechua words Pacha (meaning “earth”) and manka (meaning “pot”), signifying “Pot of Earth”. It aptly describes the cooking method, where food is cooked by direct contact with hot stones in a hole dug in the ground.
Tallarines a la huancaína: pasta coated with huancaína sauce, made from fresh cheese and yellow chili pepper. It’s often served with meat to enhance its flavor.
Aguadito: a thick chicken soup with rice and other vegetables. Its green color comes from the use of a significant amount of cilantro in the soup, making it a traditional winter
dish.
Tacu tacu: a criollo dish made from cooked rice, legumes, and stir-fried with yellow chili pepper, resulting in a thick mixture heated in a pan.
Chicken rice: developed as an alternative to the duck rice. It’s usually served with huancaína sauce or criolla sauce.
Foodie Advice >>
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Activities
As the main gateway to the country, Lima has developed a significant tourism industry, including its historic center, archaeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals, and popular traditions. Currently, Lima leads the list of the most visited cities in Latin America and is in the global top 20.
Historic Center of Lima: covering parts of Lima and Rímac districts, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its significance during the Viceroyalty of Peru, leaving a legacy of architectural landmarks. Notable sites include the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, the Main Square, the Cathedral of Lima, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Palacio de Torre Tagle, among others.
National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology: houses the best collection of pre-Hispanic Peruvian artifacts.
Larco Museum: surrounded by beautiful gardens, this viceregal mansion holds over 40,000 pieces of art dating back up to 5,000 years.
Punta Negra Beach: features beautiful beaches and spectacular waves, making it an excellent destination for surfers. The large, dark rocks on the beach offer a particularly beautiful landscape at sunset.
Miraflores Boardwalk: where the city meets the sea, you can stroll alongside giant cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Don’t forget to visit Barranco, located further south, as it’s one of Lima’s most picturesque and interesting neighborhoods.
Caral: this city was the cradle of the Caral civilization, which developed simultaneously with Egypt, India, China, and Mesopotamia. In the archaeological complex, you’ll find pyramids dating back around 5,000 years.
Huaca Pucllana: belonging to the Lima culture, it dates from the Regional Development period (200-700 AD). The archaeological site features an LED lighting installation that makes the visit even more spectacular at night.
El Olivar Park: a green lung of the city, home to a variety of unique olive trees in Peru due to their longevity. Currently, there are approximately 1,670 olive trees and 227 trees of other species. The park also has cultural centers, museums, libraries, a theater, and an art gallery.