Lima: the city of kings

In the 16th century, Lima was the most important and powerful metropolis in Latin America thanks to its location, natural diversity, and cultural richness, currently exhibited in its museums, traditional neighborhoods, and artisan galleries. The Baroque and Renaissance architecture amazes travelers for its colonial-style buildings, highlighting the conservation of its churches, convents, and mansions with elegant traditional balconies.

Foundation of Lima, the 'City of Kings'

The year 1532. A contingent of Spanish conquerors, led by Francisco Pizarro, defeated Atahualpa, thus conquering the Inca Empire. As the Spanish Crown granted Pizarro the power to appoint himself governor of any city, town, or space he conquered, the Spanish colonizer began the search for what would be his new capital, since they rejected settling in Cusco.
The first option then was Jauja, in what we now know as Junín. However, the Spanish explorers Ruy Díaz, Juan Tello, and Alonso Martín de Don Benito dismissed this idea due to its distance from the sea, its Andean altitude, and how rough it could be to get to this point when the weather was not favorable. Thus, these same guides, under the command of Francisco Pizarro, gave an account of an ideal place to settle where to build their new city. It would be the Rimac Valley, with its temperate climate, wood everywhere, spacious fields, endless supplies of water, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which made it the perfect area.
Thus, with a foundation date of January 18, 1535, this space in the Rímac Valley (pronounced as Limac by the Yungas of the area) became the 'City of Kings', the new capital of Peru, which withstood invasions, wars, and rebellions. But that, despite how difficult it was to sustain it over time, it has always remained standing, becoming the most important region of Peru to date.

The Modern Lima

Far from the rifles and slingshots of the past, today Lima enjoys stability and attracts many tourists from all over the world. The capital of Peru is rich in culture, history, and gastronomy, and has endless activities to do and attractive destinations to discover.
From visiting its historic center, which still houses buildings from the colonial era, museums, and churches, to taking a route to taste its renowned cuisine.
In addition, it has an extra attraction as it is the only capital in South America with a view of the sea. This is Lima, magical, emblematic, and, above all, beautiful.

 

In addition, it has an extra attraction as it is the only capital in South America with a view of the sea. This is Lima, magical, emblematic, and, above all, beautiful.

 

1. HISTORICAL CENTER OF LIMA

One of the main attractions of the oldest cities throughout the world is the visit to its Historic Center. And the one in the majestic city of Lima could not be the exception: in the streets, churches, and buildings, you can leap and visit the past in the first person. As if it were a time machine to which you go to see the old Lima, the one that keeps its colonial touch until today.
Touring its historic center, declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is living with the past and the present. Its beautiful squares and monuments; its imposing mansions with colonial and republican balconies; its multiple churches that house priceless works of art; and its restaurants and taverns full of flavor and tradition are some of the options that can be explored on foot.
Everyone will agree that the first thing you have to see is the Plaza de Armas and the attractions that surround it: in addition to witnessing one of the most emblematic stalls in the city, adorned with a beautiful pool from the colonial era, you will be able to see the splendor of the Cathedral of Lima. This is one of the countless churches, cloisters, and sanctuaries that are located throughout the center of Lima.

Nearby is the Municipality of Lima, which keeps an elegant and fine finish in each of its corridors. On the other hand, you will be able to witness the Government Palace, from where the highest leader of the country rules and in which you can witness the changing of the guard at noon, considered almost a spectacle by tourists.
From a long walk through the always crowded Jirón de la Unión -the most important street in the Historic Center- until you reach Chinatown, where you can taste the famous chifa restaurants (Peruvian-Oriental fusion food); to visiting the most impressive museums in the capital, such as the Museum of the Holy Inquisition, without stopping to go through the Catacombs of Lima, to have a chilling and acculturated tour at the same time.

HOW TO GET:

The most important urban transport companies in the country surround the main streets of the center, so getting to it will not be complicated. Likewise, you can transport yourself to the center with a taxi or a transfer application, to feel safer and gain some extra time to walk its streets.

2. PARQUE EL OLIVAR (EL OLIVAR PARK)

Parque El Olivar is a beautiful forest-type park in the heart of the financial district of San Isidro, populated with more than 1,500 olive trees and 227 trees of other species. This park dates from the colonial period, a time when houses began to be built around the park, so today we can find mansions that over the years and in a modern Lima, still have the architecture of that time.
Due to its antiquity, El Olivar Park has declared a National Monument in 1959.
A green lung of the city, Parque El Olivar of San Isidro is home to a series of olive trees that are unique in Peru for their longevity. The Park also has cultural centers, museums, libraries, a theater, and an art gallery.
This park populated with olive trees is very popular among Limeños who come on weekends to enjoy the calm and greenery of the place, ideal for a picnic. A few blocks away, on Esquilache street, you will find a Vivanda supermarket where you can buy everything you need for a meal in the park.

HOW TO GET

To get there, from Arequipa Avenue you must head east along Pallardeli, where you will reach the center of the park. The most recommended option for comfort and safety is by taxi.

3. LARCO MUSEUM

Peru has a gigantic pre-Columbian history that you should know when you visit Lima. One of the best places to absorb that culture is by visiting the Larco Museum.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, an 18th-century viceregal mansion houses an impressive private collection of more than 40,000 pieces of art from pre-Columbian Peru. dating up to 5 thousand years old. Within the permanent exhibition of the museum, the Gold and Jewelry Room stands out with wonderful pieces made by virtuous goldsmiths of ancient Peru to honor their gods. No less attention is captured by the erotic huacos room, which shows us his interesting vision of sexuality.
Visiting the Larco Museum is connecting and reconnecting with the Andean worldview.

HOW TO GET

We recommend using a tour to visit the museum as it is not a very touristy area. The service of a taxi could also be convenient, anticipate the return at the same time. The journey from Miraflores can take between 15 and 30 minutes. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

4. MAGICAL WATER CIRCUIT

The Magic Water Circuit is a park in Lima where you can enjoy a night show of water fountains and lights. It is located in the Parque la Reserva and is also known as the "Parque de las Aguas", being one of the must-do activities in Lima.
It was inaugurated in 2007 and in 2009 it was awarded the Guinness record for being the tallest fountain complex in the world in a public park.
The Magic Water Circuit is an amazing journey through 13 ornamental fountains that are electronically controlled and together with a set of synchronized lights they offer a visual spectacle. The most impressive are the projections of dancers in motion in a giant cloud of water that forms in the main fountain of the Parque de las Aguas.
People can enter some of the fountains and interact with the water jets. Especially in one of the fountains that form a long pool of water and that can be crossed by visitors.

HOW TO GET

- By metropolitan bus to the Estadio Central station. Another option is using the Integrated Transportation System that runs along Arequipa Avenue, to the Ramón Dagnino station on the entire front of the park.
· We also recommend using a taxi to get to the Parque de la Reserva. It is safer especially if you visit it at night.
· Finally, the best option is to take a tour that includes a tour of the magical water circuit. Opening hours: The Magic Water Circuit is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Even on holidays. However, the water shows start at 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

5. EL MALECÓN DE MIRAFLORES (THE MIRAFLORES BOARDWALK)

The Malecón de Miraflores is a park with paths that runs along the upper edge of the cliff of the Costa Verde that belongs to the district of Miraflores. The view of the Pacific Ocean from the Malecón de Miraflores is beyond dispute, it is beautiful. For this reason, it is one of the things that you cannot stop doing in Lima.
And not only because of its view but also because of its abundant green spaces, this boardwalk is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of Miraflores and also of all of Lima, we guarantee it. There are 5 kilometers in total that make up the route of the Malecón de Miraflores, which is divided into 3 sections.
Along the boardwalk are parks, flower gardens, sports fields, exercise stations, and monuments. Everything so perfectly cared for that makes you want not to leave. In summer, people take the opportunity to have a picnic or lie down on the grass enjoying the sun and the paragliders that abound in the place.
You cannot miss the sunset from any point of the Malecón de la Marina, from where you will have an enviable view of the Costa Verde and especially the Morro Solar de Chorrillos.
Being on the Malecón you cannot miss the famous 'Faro de la Marina', 21 meters high and with a range of 45 kilometers, which was built in 1900. On one side of the road, along the entire length of the boardwalk, there is a bike path that you can use if you want to do the bike tour, which can be rented at Larcomar.
Get your most comfortable clothes and shoes ready and get ready for a unique ride on this beautiful Malecón de Miraflores.

The experience of paragliding in Lima

Exactly in the Antonio Raimondi Park, you will see take off and land the paragliders that fly over the entire Miraflores boardwalk. For its cost, it is an activity that you will not want to miss, plus you will have the opportunity to see Lima from a unique angle. Paragliding tours in Lima last 10 minutes and start every day at 10 am as long as there are the necessary wind and visibility conditions.

HOW TO GET

Using the Integrated Transportation System that runs along Larco Avenue to the stop in front of 'Larcomar'.
The most recommended option is by taxi. You will have to tell the driver which level of the boardwalk you want to go to.

6. EL PARQUE DEL AMOR (THE PARK OF LOVE)

Parque del Amor is one of the parks in Lima with the most visits from tourists and locals, due to its history and the spectacular view of the sea. Inaugurated in honor of Valentine's Day, the Parque del Amor is known as a product of the custom of lovers to enjoy the sunset from there.
The parks of Lima are characterized by their greenery, especially in Miraflores, this park is one of the essential places in your visit to the city. Enjoy the spectacular view that Parque del Amor offers towards the Pacific Ocean, sitting on some benches with ceramic mosaics of various colors with various messages. The park welcomes you with a flower garden in the shape of hearts. Although the park is not very large, it has places to sit and enjoy the sea views.
In the center of the park, there is a sculpture called "the kiss" made by the artist Víctor Delfín, in it two people kissing, being the main icon of the place. Many photographs associate the boardwalks of Miraflores with the Parque del Amor, and a place is truly a photo place, so prepare your camera to have your memories there.
Miraflores is one of the safest districts in Lima and is preferred by tourists, so you can safely enjoy your visit to the park.
It is recommended to visit it on tour because you will not spend much time there and you can take advantage of the time to see more places in the city.

HOW TO GET

Located in a section of the Malecón de Miraflores. The safest and recommended thing is to access a taxi or visit it on a tourist tour.

7. HUACA PUCLLANA

Following in line with the pre-Columbian past of Peru, one of the most recommended tourist places in Lima is the Huaca Pucllana. Belonging to the Lima culture, it dates from the period of regional developments (200 – 700 AD). The archaeological complex has an installation of LED lights that make your visit at night even more spectacular.
The Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site located in the district of Miraflores.
These vestiges belonging between the years 400 and 1400 of the Lima, Wari, and Ychsma pre-Inca cultures, were abandoned and not valued for a long time until 1967 when this mythical site was recovered. In 1984 the Huaca Pucllana is officially inaugurated and in 1987 it was declared an intangible archaeological zone by the Peruvian state. One of the visits that we recommend doing during your trip to Lima.
The guided tours begin by exploring the lower parts of the pyramid where vessels and vestiges of ancient squares of the ancient settlers of Lima can be seen.
In some parts of the tour, a model shows, beyond the limits of the current archaeological site, a representation of spaces and the way how the Lima culture worked.
Part of the tour shows us the typical flora and fauna of the pre-Hispanic era, where you can see the friendly llamas. The main attraction is the 7-level truncated pyramid, which was built with adobes, rectangular mud bricks dried in the sun. At the top of the pyramid, it is interesting to see the contrast of the ruins with the modern buildings and houses in the streets surrounding the archaeological site.

Huaca Pucllana Restaurant

Within the archaeological site is the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant with its chef Marilú Madueño and her proposal of Peruvian food with a modern style. It is without a doubt a different experience to try these modern versions of typical Peruvian cuisine while admiring the ruins of the ancient inhabitants of Lima.
The Huaca Pucllana Restaurant is open every day from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. where we recommend you taste some of its specialties such as:
· "Arequipeña-style stuffed rocoto pepper" · Dessert perhaps the “lucuma mousse, crispy red quinoa, and double chocolate”.

HOW TO GET

· By metropolitan bus to Angamos station. When leaving the station, it is necessary to walk 7 blocks along Angamos Avenue heading west until you reach General Borgoño Street where you must cross to the right. You will immediately see the truncated pyramid.
· In the same way, it is recommended to arrive through a taxi service bound for this place.
Opening hours: Daytime visit: Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 5 pm. Night visit: From Wednesday to Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (During the night visit you will not be able to reach the highest level of the pyramid for security reasons).

8. REAL FELIPE FORTRESS (FORTALEZA DEL REAL SAN FELIPE)

The Real Felipe Fortress is one of the best tourist attractions in Callao, which is also known as the Army Museum. The construction of this military building culminated in 1775 and was carried out at the request of Viceroy José Antonio Manso de Velasco to avoid pirate attacks, taking advantage of the visit of the Frenchman Luis Godin and other Spanish experts. Today it is one of the most visited tourist places near Lima.
It was built in stone and calicanto (a mixture of sand, lime, and guano bird egg white), occupying an area of approximately 7 hectares. Its shape is pentagonal, and at each point of the pentagon, there is a bastion.
The guided visits last approximately 120 minutes and they explain all the points of interest located in each of the 5 bastions of the Real Felipe Fortress.
The first stop is at the artillery park. A courtyard with a sample of cannons that the army used on different occasions. There is also the armored car park with an exhibition of war tanks.
The second attraction is the Casa del Gobernador, a museum with exhibits of pieces and military uniforms from different eras. Formerly it was the place of residence of the military chief of the fortress.
The tour continues with a look at the partial replica of the House of Response (house of historical relevance located in Arica), accompanied by the monument to the unknown soldier, which honors the fallen military.
Follow the Torreón de la Reina, which cannot be accessed and you have to admire it from the outside. This place served as an ammunition depot and also as dungeons for prisoners.
And finally, you reach the Torreón del Rey, which has 3 levels, which can be accessed. The interior of this tower served as a bunker with narrow corridors that give the impression of being a labyrinth.
In the upper part, there are 2 levels where there are platforms with ancient cannons. The views of the coast are very beautiful.

 

HOW TO GET

It is not easy to get from Lima to this military museum. So we recommend taking a tour that includes this attraction. The most recognized tour companies are located in Kennedy Park where you can buy your ticket. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

9. PALOMINO ISLANDS

One of the most popular tourist places in Lima for those who want a direct experience with the marine fauna of the capital. The Palomino Islands, also called Islotes Palominos, are a group of small islands that are home to a large population of sea lions and seabirds.
This group of islands is full of stories, such as San Lorenzo Island, which is known as the mysterious island because it is believed that there were pirates and their treasures.
There is also Frontón Island, which in the colony was a political prison for which it earned the name Dead Island.
A few minutes from Lima, Palominos Island becomes a highly recommended option as a tourist place near the city, especially for nature lovers.
· Palominos Island is home to sea lions, which inhabit the coasts of South America, very characteristic for their reddish mane and for having a life of up to 50 years.
· Live the experience of swimming with these animals from Palominos Island.
Also, enjoy the landscape that this island offers since it is worthy of very good photographs
· The neighboring island is called Cavinzas, where old sea lions take refuge, but it is also home to a variety of guano birds such as pelicans.

 

HOW TO GET

To get to the Palomino Islands, it is enough to set sail from the Punta in Callao, and in approximately 45 minutes you are already next to the sea lions, the walk there is usually 4 hours.
Walk that is recommended to do in the summer of Lima, since the temperature of the sea is not so low for many tourists, although tour operators usually supply specialized suits to swim without a problem.

10. PUNTA NEGRA (BLACK TIP)

Located south of Lima, Punta Negra is a resort that has a series of beautiful beaches. A spectacular destination if you are interested in surfing since its waves are among the best in the district.
If you are looking for a nature retreat, Punta Negra beach has huge, dark rocks that offer a particularly beautiful landscape at sunset.
Located exactly between San Bartolo and Punta Hermosa, this district is mainly known for Punta Rocas where it is usual to practice national and international surfing and bodyboarding championships.
These sports competitions are regularly held here and it has an excellent hotel and commercial infrastructure specialized in these practices.
The Pocitas is also famous for being suitable for children. These are formations made of stones that simulate small pools.

 

HOW TO GET

From Lima travel along the old Panamericana Sur until kilometer 47. There is a public transport service with a route to the south of Lima, the journey time is 1 hour or saves time in a private vehicle, whose trip is approximately 45 minutes.