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A city with an ancient heart

Lima’s rich history is concentrated in the historical centre of the city, known by the Limeños as Cercado de Lima. The architecture consists of an interesting collection of 16th-century basilicas, convents, houses and squares. This unique cultural heritage on the shores of the Rimac River has been awarded a prestigious UNESCO World heritage designation.

Arts & Culture

The San Francisco monastery

Architectural open-air museum

Part of Lima’s historic centre is also referred to as ‘Damero de Pizarro’ (‘Pizarro’s checkerboard’). It earned this description because the streets have been laid out in a straight, regular grid pattern. The area is very compact and from the Plaza Mayor, the former Plaza de Armas, most monuments are within walking distance. Keep an eye out for the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial house in the city and perhaps in all of South America, and also for the Palacio Torre Tagle, the current seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of the most impressive attractions is the San Francisco monastery complex, which consists of 3 churches, 5 monasteries, a library and several crypts. A guide can take you on a 45-minute tour of the impressive buildings and the classic interior, decorated with frescoes, paintings, wood carvings, thousands of old, leather-bound books and a respectable art collection. The crypts, which until the beginning of the 19th century served as Lima's cemetery, are the highlight of the tour. More than 15,000 people have found their final resting place here.

The balconies of the Archbishop’s palace

The famous balcony

As you stroll around the monuments of historic Lima, it is hard to miss the beautiful wooden balconies. Some famous examples include those on the façade of the Archbishop’s Palace, and the balconies of the Casa de Pilatos, Casa del Oidor and Casa Negreiros. As the balconies are a characteristic part of colonial architecture, the city has encouraged its residents to adopt one. This will ensure that the balconies are properly maintained and preserved as a cultural and historic monument.

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Nature

Culinary

Arts & Culture

Nature

Lima is a large and busy metropolis, but there are still some wonderful places where you can get away from it all and relax. The city boasts a number of beautiful city parks and lovely squares. Although these are the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic, these locations have more than just peace and greenery. Lima’s parks also offer lots of entertainment, romance, art, culture and exceptional biodiversity.

Culinary

Lima has developed quite a reputation as a culinary destination and not just for its food. The national cocktail has also conquered the world and virtually any self-respecting bar will serve a variation of the pisco sour.

Arts & Culture

Centuries-old pyramids and temples in the heart of the city: there is no need to travel to the Andes mountains to learn about Peru’s old civilisations. Lima itself is home to a large number of ruins, or 'huacas', remnants of civilisations that preceded the Incas. These ruins are spread over the city –Huaca Pucllana lies in the very heart of the modern Miraflores district.

Nature

High in the Andes mountains lies Lake Titicaca, one of the largest lakes in South America. Since before the time of the Incas, the lake has played an important spiritual role in the lives of the local population. Visit the lake and enjoy spectacular views, a fascinating natural environment and encounters with ancient indigenous cultures.

Arts & Culture

Baroque churches, elegant palaces and ancient catacombs – the historic city centre of Lima offers visitors a glimpse of many centuries of history. Until the middle of the 18th century, the 'City of Kings' as Lima is also called, was the centre of the Spanish New World. The ornate historic buildings testify to this wealthy period in Peruvian history. One of the most beautiful colonial structures is the San Francisco monastery, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Lima.

Nature

There are several islands in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Lima. The prettiest are the Palomino and Cabinzas islands which are known for their unspoiled natural beauty and the large diversity of animals that inhabit them, such as pelicans, Humboldt penguins and sea lions.

Culinary

Lima embodies the amazing variety of the Peruvian kitchen, known as one of the most diverse culinary traditions in the world. Whether you visit a lively street market, a small cevicheria or an award-winning restaurant, the huge selection of outstanding eateries makes Lima a culinary paradise.

Culinary

Eating out is a feast in Lima. Foodies have acclaimed Lima as the gourmet capital of South America. The ingredients for some of Peru’s exciting dishes come from all around the country: the mountains, the Amazon rainforest and of course the coast. The fresh fish and sea life of the Pacific Ocean offers Lima’s chefs beautiful ingredients to transform into delicious dishes, such as ceviche.

Arts & Culture

Hidden between the tops of the Andes mountains are the majestic ruins of the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The palaces, squares and temples of Machu Picchu are situated at an altitude of 2,430 metres and were built around 1440. A visit to this ‘new’ wonder of the world, one of South America’s most popular attractions, is essential when you travel to Peru.

Arts & Culture

The Plaza de Armas, also called the Plaza Mayor, is the cradle of Lima. This is where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535, making it the oldest square in the city. The historic grandeur is reflected in the buildings around the square, such as the Palacio de Gobierno, the Palacio Arzobispal and the Cathedral.

Arts & Culture

Some 400 kilometres from Lima you will discover a centuries-old mystery, spread out over the red sands of the pampas. The Nazca Lines comprise around 300 sand drawings of animals, insects and mythical creatures. The prehistoric creations, many kilometres in size, are still easily recognisable after 2,000 years. The Nazca Lines were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.