Location Information

Lima, Peru
Language: Spanish, English
Currency: Nuevo Sol (PEN)

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. Peru is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean.

The history of Peru spans several millennia, Peruvian territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. It was conquered by the Spanish Empire in the 16th-century, who established a Viceroyalty with jurisdiction over most of its South American domains. Independence was declared on 1821 but consolidated only after the Battle of Ayacucho, three years later.

The weather varies according to area. On the coast winter lasts from June to September. During this period, the mountainous areas are often sunny during the day but cold at night. Heavy rains in the mountains and jungle last from December to April. It never rains in Lima nor most of the coast, except for Tumbes and Piura, which have tropical climates.

Situated halfway along Peru’s desert coastline, Lima is literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace).

Piura and Tumbes are the most northerly Peruvian coastal regions and is Peru’s most important beach, surfing, sporting and deep-sea fishing centres. There are small resort-type hotels and small fishing villages and beaches.

Known as ‘the City of the Eternal Spring’, Trujillo’s brightly colored colonial mansions – such as the Casa Bracamonte or Casa del Almirante del Risco – are well worth visiting. The area’s archaeological treasures include Chan Chan, the largest pre-Inca mud city (20 sq km/7.7 sq miles) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and the huacas (religious centers) of the Sun and the Moon (the latter has painted mud walls depicting one of the main deities of the Moche culture).

The hot and spicy nature of Peruvian food, created by ají and ajo (hot pepper and garlic), has become celebrated at home and abroad. Peruvians enjoy a wide variety of vegetables.

There are many good bars, pubs, discos and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts. Nightlife in Lima and Cusco has a wide array of choices. Most discos, peñas, pubs and karaokes are open until 0300 or 0400 in the morning.

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. Lima is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, on a coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

During the early 16th century, the location of what is now the city of Lima was inhabited by several amerindian groups under the domination of the Inca Empire. In 1532, a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca ruler and took over his empire. Pizarro initially chose the city of Jauja as his capital but found a better site in the valley of the Rímac River. There he founded his new capital on January 18, 1535 as Ciudad de los Reyes. The city flourished during the 17th century as the center of an extensive trade network which extended as far as Europe and the Philippines. In the 18th century, Lima had to be rebuilt after being almost completely destroyed by an earthquake on October 28, 1746.

Lima's climate is quite mild, despite being located in the Tropics. Lima has a subtropical and desert climate. The temperatures vary from mild to warm. Relative humidity is very high, and produces brief morning fog from June to December and persistent low clouds from May to November.

South of Lima, long white beaches washed by the cold waters of the southern Pacific stretch away in an uninterrupted string, backed by row upon row of huge, brilliant white sand dunes.

Dining out is one of the finest aspects of a visit to Lima. Whether it's the local comida criolla (spiced meats, seafood, or poultry) or international cuisine, Lima's many restaurants serve an excellent repast. Cebicherias--small restaurants specializing in fresh seafood-are especially popular. Nightlife in Lima centers around the penas, bars offering folk music, jazz, and Peruvian Creole--music that combines European musical forms with native Peruvian, Spanish, and African rhythms and instruments.

Medical Precautions:

Compulsory Vaccinations:
Yellow Fever

Reccomended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Malaria Prophylaxis