Lima General Information
Lima, named as the “city of kings” by the Spanish conquerors long time ago, is the country’s capital as well as the main gateway to Peru, It is indeed a city of contrasts, a sort of micro cosmos of the Peruvian history that begins with the pre-Inca civilizations, going through the founding of the city in 1535 by the Spaniards, right up to our present days.
It is also renowned by its nearby Pre–Inca archaeological sites, as well as by its fabulous museums housing priceless national and private collections. If you have time, be sure not to miss the oracle and temple of Pachacamac.
The administrative center of Porochuco, as well as the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and history of Peru, the Amano collection with more than 45,000 pieces including some interesting pieces of erotic art.
The Nation’s Museum with its different exhibition rooms about Peruvian history and art, is also a must see for all visitors to the city.
Peruvian Food
“Corvina“ sea bass, is always an excellent choice, as is shrimp “Camarones”, Good trout can be found in Lima and in the mountain areas. For a typical chicken entree, order “aji de gallina“, served in a lightly piquant cream sauce.
“Lomo saltado“ is another popular main dish consisting of morsels of beef sautéed with onions and peppers, served with fried potatoes and rice, a real delight, If you’re feeling adventurous, try “cuy” is a mountain delicious specialty when served with peanut sauce.
"Pachamanca” another highland specialty is a feast of various meats and vegetables cooked together over heated stones in pits dug in the ground.
Favorite national sweets are “manjar blanco” and “suspiro de Limeña”, both made from sweetened condensed milk, “Alfajores” filled with honey or manjar blanco are also quite a treat. “Mazamorra Morada “, is also a traditional dessert of the country a rich purple, fruity pudding type dessert dates from colonial days.
Peruvian beers are excellent, try Crystal, Pilsen, Bremen and Cusqueña. Peruvian wine is also recommendable; Ocucaje, Tabernero, Tacama and Vista Alegre are four great wines to looks for. And for course, trip to Peru is complete without a Pisco Sour, a true Peruvian a specialty that you must treat with respect unless you want to end up with a huge hangover.
“Menus” fixed price, daily specials, usually feature typical Peruvian food and are cheaper than ordering buffet.
Churches
The Cathedral
Construction of this churchs began in 1564 and was completed in 1622. After the 1746 earthquake it since, Baroque, and Neoclassic stiles styles have all left their mark. Its principal doorway is a lovely example of the Spanish Plateresque style, while its two svelte towers are Neoclassic, Highlights in its interior are the chapel holding the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the choir stalls by Pedro Noguera, the Baroque chapel of La Inmaculada, carvings in the holy scene of St. John the Baptist a crucifix, a statue of santa Apolina by Spanish sculptor Juan Martinez Montañes ( 1568 -1649), a sixteenth century statue of the Madonna and Christ child by Roque de Balduque, a beautiful seventeenth century carving of the holy Family and a sixteenth century relief of the adoration of the Shepherds attributed to Alonso Gòmez, a museum of religious art exhibits splendid paintings, such as the Zodiac series by the Bassanos (sixteenth and seventeenth centuries), sculptures, chalices and chasubles.
Jesús Maria y José
Simple church built in 1659, home of clarisas Capuchinas sisters, a convent founded in the 18th century. Corner of Camara and Moquegua, Lima T. 427-8199.
Las Nazarenas
Built around the image of the Lord of Miracles, which is paraded through the streets of Lima featuring a month-long religious festival in October. This celebration is one of Peru’s most important and gathers people from the entire country.
Corner of Huancavelica and Av. Tacna, Lima T. 423-5718.
La Merced
Established in 1534, before the founding of Lima itself, Corner of Jr. de la Union and Miro Quesada, Lima T. 427-8199.
San Francisco
The restored jewel of Lima’s ld churches. Guided visits to the catacombs, colonial library and monastery are by groups. T. 426-7377.
Ancash w/n Plazuela de San Francisco Lima.
San Pedro
It is the best-preserved typical colonial church in Lima T. 4258-3017, Corner of Azangaro and Ucayali.
Santa Rosa de Lima Sanctuary
The first saint of the western hemisphere. 1st block de Tacna, Lima T. 425-1279.
Santo Domingo
Tombs of Peruvian saints Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martin de Porras. Corner of Conde Superunda and Camana streets, Lima T. 427-6793.
Museums
The Larco Museum
Located in an extraordinary vice royal mansion of the 18th century, built on top of a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century. This museum has a wonderful gold and silver collection of Ancient Peru and the famous Erotic pottery collection. of 3,000 years of Peruvian pre-history.
Av. Bolivar 1515 Pueblo Libre. T. 461-1835 / Its pieces have been exhibited in the most important museums of the world. Didactic rooms make easy the comprehension 461-1312.
Two of the most important Peruvian museums are joined by a blue line on the “sidewalk blue line”. After a 10 minute stroll, you will find the National Museum.
Nation’s Museum
Chronologically ordered, setting cover history from the first inhabitants of Ancient Peru of to the Inca Empire also knows as Tawantisuyo Empire. Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja. T. 476-9878.
Los Descalzos Museum
Right in the walkway, features colonial architecture and house colonial paintings. Alameda de los Descalzos w/n Rimac.
Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú
Plaza Bolívar s/n Pueblo Libre T. 463-5070 anexo 221.“Statues Workshop exhibition“.
An exhibition of statues of archangels and other angels, made by students of the workshop of statues that can be visited until January 6 at the hall of temporary exhibitions.
Real Felipe Museum
In the Real Felipe Fortress from the 18th century, you can appreciate the museum exhibition of the Peruvian Army. Guided tours take you to the House of the answer, the house in honor to the woman, that tell our Republican history.
Environs of Lima
Barranco
Once Lima’s largest beach resort, this bohemian suburb is now the home of Peru’s most prestigious artists and writers.
El Puente de los Suspiros (the bridge of sighs) is a romantic lookout over the Ocean in the loveliest part of Barranco.
Callao
Peru’s largest and most important seaport. The only seaport in South America authorized to trade with Spain during the 16th &17th centuries. Visit the beach and neighborhood of La Punta, the Spanish fortress of Real Felipe and the Palomino Island where great views and a large variety of marine species can be seen.
Chaclacayo & Chosica
Escape from the bustle o Lima and spend a sunny weekend in the foothills of the Andes.
Lomas de Lanchay
105 Km. From Lima. Incredible vegetation, a micro climate in the middle of the desert because of the intense fog. Suitable for camping. The best time to visit this place is September and October although it’s beautiful all years round.
Suggested Walk
Visit the Major Square and the beautiful and historical Cathedral of Lima. As you leave turning to the right you will find the Desamparados Train Station, and the block away from there is the Convent of san Francisco, an amazing monument from the XVII century.
Turning to the left and half a block away you will find Pilatos House, with its very well preserved Colonial balconies.
Four blocks down Jr. Azangaro, at the corner with Jr, Ucayali you will also find San Pedro’s Church, considered one of the nicest in Lima.
Art Galleries
CC. De España
Natalio Sánchez 181 -185 Santa Beatriz Lima.open Mon – Sun =9.00-21.00.
“Benjaminiana, 7 visual artists from the view of Walter Benjamin”
A research of the theoretical legacy of Benjamin, a Jew–German Philosopher, with some principles about the impact of visual technology that seem to remain alive. Until January 19. Curator; Rodrigo Quijano, Participation of seven visual artists.
Praxis
Av. San Martin 689 Barranco T. 477-2822 “Jorge Delfin Vigil: Painting and drawing “
A top Peruvian artist with 10 individual exhibitions in Peru, France, United Estates of American and Indonesia. The exhibition will show a collection of oil paintings on canvas with mixed technique and drawing on paper. until January 7. “Praxis arte 2003”.
Collective exhibition of painting, sculpture, drawing and carving since Tuesday 14. This exhibition will show a collection of works from 2,002 by distinguished national and foreign artists.
La Galeria
Conde de Monclova 255 San isidro T. “Reflections of the memory”, Pilar Aguirre. Exhibition of oil painting and aluminum carving. until January 11.
Larco Mar
Segundo nivel. “Live exhibition of artisans” Yachaywasi, an institute of conservation of ancient Andean technologies that are extinguishing, also the cultural promotion of these techniques and the trade of the products made by artisans from different communities of Peru such as Cajamarquilla, Shipibos, Chicheros, among others who will demonstrate their techniques on dying and textiles, also they will sell some products during the exhibition.
“Señor de Sipan”. An exhibition that will show 10 replicas of garment and jewelry, and some photography’s of the archaeological discovery and garment of the Señor de Sipan, from Chiclayo.
Café de las Artes
Centro Cultural PUCP. “Small format Long Visions” is a collective exhibition of painting with the participation of Luz Becerra, Noriaki Namizato, Teresa Sheroth, Rosa Tomatis, Belinda Tami, Tuko Zegarra, Wiri Beale de Villanueva Meyer, Lina Buzo and Juan Chavez, until January 06.
Pucllana Pre Columbian Tomb
Pre-Inca temple right in the heart of Miraflores, some sections have been recently excavated with very interesting results. Small site museum. Archaeologists are usually around and willing to answer questions.
Hullamarca Pre – Columbian Tomb
A restored pre-Inca pyramid right in the middle of the city, with a small site museum displaying objects found on the site.
Puruchuco
The word Puruchuco stand for feathered hat or feathered helmet. The site dates from the 15th and 16th century, and was used as an administrative center. On site, there is a restored Pre-Inca labyrinth of approximately 1500 m2 and also a site museum that features objects found in the area.
Huaycan de Pariachi
Archaeological remains dating from 1100-1200 a. C. Where ancient Peruvians would store grains. the Huaycan de Pariachi site covers 2000 m2 of land as is located at the km. 17.5 of the central highway on the left bank of the Rimac River.
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