Lima

Lima, Peru

On the coastline of Peru, fringed by the blue waters of the Pacific lies one of South America’s best kept treasures. The vibrant city of Lima reveals itself to the world through the colors of its colonial facades, the flavors of its exquisite gastronomy, but most of all, through the hospitality and warmth of its people.

Population:

9,751,717

Currency:

1 Nuevo Sol = 30 cents ($)

US Dollars are widely accepted as a form of payment as well.

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 105
Ambulance: 106
Fire Brigade: 116

Opening Hours:

Shops are usually open from 9h30 - 20h (Mon - Sat) and on Sundays from 11h - 18h. Regarding entertainment venues, they usually stay open until 1h on weekdays and until 3h on the weekends, while restaurants tend to remain open until 22h.

Newspapers:

El Comercio
La República
Perú 21
Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times (news in English)

The City

Peru's capital encompasses thousands of years of history. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the "City of Kings" as it is known, was once the political, administrative, and religious heart of South America, although its origins date far further back than the colonial presence in the country, evidenced by the large number of archaeological sites in the area.

Today, Lima is a sprawling metropolis with a hectic lifestyle that knows how to keep a good balance when it comes to embracing the new without letting go of the old.

There are plenty of reasons for you to make Lima your next destination, even if it's just a quick stop on your way to Machu Picchu.

Do & See

Kick off your visit to Lima with a walk around the colorful and bustling city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site--home to many historical buildings and churches.

Delve into the country's rich past in one of the many museums around. Once you’ve soaked up the local history, explore the city's districts: Miraflores on the beachfront is the trendy one, while Barranco is more artsy and bohemian.

Day trips to ancient sites in the surroundings are always fun too.

Dining

Stretching from the Andean Mountains to the Amazonian jungle to the fresh waters of the Pacific, the Peruvian cuisine is a true reflection of the country's incredible biodiversity. Lima, as the center of it all, presents you with a top-notch gastronomic experience.

Known as the “Gastronomy Capital of Latin America," this city is a genuine culinary hot spot. From tiny holes-in-the-wall to three restaurants on the list of the world's best, food here is a serious matter.

At the forefront is the good old ceviche, the country's national dish. Also worth trying is the lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), anticuchos de corazón (skewers of grilled hearts), and the ají de gallina (spicy chicken stew), this apart from the popular fusion cuisines Nikkei and Chifa.

Discover the top restaurants in Lima, Peru:

Cafes

Due to its geographical position, Peru produces some of the best coffee beans in the world. And, like most Latin Americans, Lima residents also enjoy taking their time and chatting over a good cup of coffee.

Here are some of the best cafes in Lima, Peru: