Search results
Lima was named by natives in the agricultural region known by native Peruvians as Limaq. It became the capital and most important city in the Viceroyalty of Peru. Following the Peruvian War of Independence, it became the capital of the Republic of Peru (República del Perú).
- 1
- Peru
- 0–1,550 m (0–5,090 ft)
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- 1 to 2 hours. TIME TO SPEND. Known as the birthplace of Lima, the Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor) functioned as the heart of the Spanish colony dating back to 1535.
- Address: Av. Simón Bolivar 1515, Pueblo Libre 15084. Museums. TYPE. 2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND. Named after the collector and father of Peruvian archaeology, Rafael Larco Hoyle, the Museo Larco boasts the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art.
- Address: Calle General Borgoño cuadra 8 S/n, Distrito de Lima. Sightseeing. TYPE. 2 hours to Half Day. TIME TO SPEND.
- Address: Malecon de la Reserva Distrito de Lima 15074. Free, Neighborhood/Area. TYPE. 1 to 2 hours. TIME TO SPEND.
- Overview
- The character of the city
Lima, city, capital of Peru. It is the country’s commercial and industrial centre. Central Lima is located at an elevation of 512 feet (156 metres) on the south bank of the Rímac River, about 8 miles (13 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean port of Callao, and has an area of 27 square miles (70 square km). Its name is a corruption of the Quechua name ...
Perhaps the best clue to the significance of Lima to the country of Peru can be found in its most popular nickname: El Pulpo (“The Octopus”). Metropolitan Lima’s huge size—it accounts for about one-fourth of the total population of Peru—has both resulted from and stimulated the concentration of people, capital, political influence, and social innovations. Lima’s unique status is but one of the more important consequences of a highly centralized, unitary state that from its inception in the early 19th century solved interregional conflicts by focusing power and prestige on the city. With its port of Callao and its location at the centre of Peru’s Pacific coast, Lima was long the only point of contact between the country and the outside world.
As with many sprawling and rapidly growing metropolitan centres, Lima has its detractors as well as its promoters. Those who remember the more tranquil, traditional days, before the arrival of millions of migrants and before the many buses and automobiles brought pollution and congestion, are prone to use another nickname for the capital: Lima la Horrible. This is the noisy, dirty, gloomy, damp, and depressing Lima, perceptions shared by both short-term visitors and longtime residents. Even though sunshine does break through the dense coastal fog in the summer, Lima then becomes unbearably hot as well as humid, and the sunshine seems to emphasize even more clearly the grimy buildings and lack of greenery in the central city.
People also ask
Why should you visit Lima?
What is central Lima known for?
Why is Lima called Limaq?
Is Lima a young city?
Discover Lima, Peru's capital and largest city, with its rich history, culture and cuisine. Explore attractions, museums, restaurants, parks and more with Lonely Planet's expert tips and recommendations.
Aug 20, 2021 · Learn how to plan your trip to Lima, the capital city of Peru, with tips on the best time to visit, weather, airport, getting around, things to do, and more. Discover the city's culture, cuisine, history, and attractions with this comprehensive guide.
- Agnes Rivera
Aug 21, 2020 · Discover the best attractions and activities in Lima, the "City of Kings" with its colonial and cultural heritage, world-class gastronomy and pre-Columbian art. From the historic Plaza de Armas to the erotic Museo Larco, from the ancient Huaca Pucllana to the modern MATE Museo Mario Testino, you'll find a variety of experiences to suit your interests and budget.
Nov 9, 2023 · Discover the best of Lima, Peru's coastal capital, with this insider guide. Enjoy world-class gastronomy, ancient ruins, natural landscapes, paragliding, surfing, street food and more.