Peru
Location and general information
The Republic of Peru is located in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the west by the Pacific Ocean. It has a surface area of 1.28 million sq km (496,225 sq miles) and a population of about 31.7 million inhabitants.
Peru is an extremely biodiverse country with habitats ranging from the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region in the west to the peaks of the Andes mountains vertically extending from the north to the southeast of the country to the tropical Amazon Basin rainforest in the east.
Peruvian territory was home to several ancient cultures, ranging from the Norte Chico civilization of around 2500 BC, the oldest civilization in the Americas, to the Inca Empire, the largest and most sophisticated state in pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty with its capital in Lima. Peru formally proclaimed independence in 1821.
Peru is one of the region’s most prosperous economies. Its main economic activities include mining, manufacturing, agriculture and fishing; along with other growing sectors such as telecommunications and biotechnology.
Peru is the fourth most populous country in South America and it has a multiethnic population. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua, Aymara or other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.
Lima
A bit of history. As the Spanish Crown had named Pizarro governor of the lands he conquered, he chose the Rímac Valley to found his capital on January 18, 1535, as Ciudad de los Reyes. The establishment of the viceroyalty transformed the city into the main political and administrative center of South America. During this period, significant churches, monasteries, mansions and balconies were built. The arrival of modernity did not transform the historic center, which was recognized as a World Heritage Site by the Unesco.
Lima is located on mostly flat terrain in the central coastal region of the country within the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The urban area covers about 800 km2 (310 sq mi) and has a coastline that extends for 80 km.
With a population of about 9,300,000 inhabitants, it is the seco nd biggest city in South America in terms of population within city limits, after São Paulo. Its population features a complex mix of racial and ethnic groups. Mestizos of mixed Amerindian and European (mostly Spanish and Italians) ancestry are the largest ethnic group. European Peruvians are the second largest group.
Climate
Lima has a very peculiar climate: it is subtropical desert, with a warm season from December to April, and a cool, humid and cloudy season from June to October, with May and November as transition months. October average temperatures are minimum 15 ºC (59 ºF) and maximum 20 ºC (68 ºF). The rains are very scarce, though humidity can be quite high during winter.
Appropriate clothing: It is advisable to pack clothes for layering and a warm coat for night-time. It is also recommended to use sunscreen even in winter.
Electricity
Electricity in Peru operates on a 220-volt current and a 60-Hertz frequency. In order to use a 110-volt appliance, a power adapter is required. Many modern laptops and digital cameras can safely take both 110 and 220 volts. A great number of Peru’s hotels have outlets for 110-volt appliances, specifically for foreign tourists.
There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru. One accepts two-pronged plugs with flat, parallel blades (Type A), while the other takes plugs with two round prongs (Type C). Electrical outputs are often designed to incorporate both plug types.
Currency
The Peruvian currency is the “nuevo sol” (S/.). One American dollar is equivalent to 3.27 “nuevos soles” (June 2018). The US dollar is the most commonly accepted foreign currency. It can be used to pay in most shops, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels, but it is convenient to exchange them for “soles” to make smaller purchases.
Banks, credit cards, ATMs
Banks are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
All well-known international credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Lima. You can pay with your card in hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets. Make sure you have your ID or passport with you.
There are plenty of ATMs in Lima. However, it is advisable to use those ATM’s located inside buildings or banks and to do it at daytime.
Tipping
Most restaurant and bar bills include a 10% gratuity. It is customary to add an extra 10% if the service has been satisfactory. Taxis do not expect tips since fares are negotiated prior to initiating the trip. Hotel porters and bell boys expect a tip of USD 1 per bag.
Entering the country
To enter Peru, it is indispensable to carry a six-month valid passport. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Chile may enter with their valid national identification document.
The entry into Peru for citizens of most American and Western European countries does not require a tourist visa. However, it is recommended to contact the local Peru embassy or consulate prior to travelling to Lima for further information about visa requirements.
Vaccination
If you are entering Peru from infected areas in Africa or the American continent, then a yellow fever vaccination is required. Otherwise there are no obligatory vaccinations.
Airport
The Jorge Chávez International Airport is located in Callao, about 10 km (6 miles) from Lima`s city center. The Airport if one of the most modern ones in Latin America. Thanks to its strategic geographic location, it became a major hub for connecting international flights between the Americas.
The trip from the airport to Miraflores (and vice versa) can take approximately 40 minutes and at least double or even triple that time during rush hours.
Rental cars
There are several car rental companies: Avis, Budget Car Rental Peru, Hertz, Alamo and Dollar Rent a Car. They all offer similar deals.
Note: It is not advisable to rent a car and drive it in Lima when one is not familiar with the chaotic traffic in the city and its own rules.
Taxis
Finding a taxi in Lima is easy. As taxis do not have meters, the driver will give a price based on distance and traffic. Most taxis are unofficial and unregulated. It is advisable to take only registered taxis. The safer option is calling a registered taxi company or let your hotel call a cab for you.
Places to visit in Lima
“Plaza de Armas”
Also called “Plaza Mayor”, this broad site is the historical center of Lima. Most of the buildings from the original site were lost in the earthquake of 1746; the only original structure standing in Lima’s “Plaza de Armas” is the bronze fountain in the center, built in 1651. Today the square is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Along with the Cathedral, the square is surrounded by the Archbishop’s Palace, the “Casa del Oidor”, and the “Palacio de Gobierno”, official residence of the president.
Leading from “Plaza de Armas” to “Plaza San Martín”, pedestrian only “Jirón de la Unión” is today a mix of old and new buildings housing restaurants and shops. Here the visitor will find La Merced church and “Casa de Aliaga”, one of the oldest and best preserved colonial mansions in South America.
The Cathedral
Lima’s Cathedral dominates the east side of the “Plaza de Armas”. Construction began on the original cathedral in 1535, and it was enlarged in 1564, based on the design of the cathedral in Seville, Spain. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1687 and almost destroyed by the big quake of 1746 but was quickly rebuilt to its present appearance.
Convent of San Francisco
San Francisco church and its monastery are part of the historic center and most famous for their catacombs. The world-renowned library, on the upper level, has thousands of antique books, and the monastery has an impressive collection of religious art.
Church and Monastery of Santo Domingo
Built in 1540 on land given to the Dominican friar Vicente Valverde by Francisco Pizarro, here one will find the relics of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Juan Macías, and San Martin de Porres, the first black saint in the Americas.
Miraflores
On cliffs above the ocean, just south of central Lima, Miraflores is a neighborhood of modern glass-and-steel commercial buildings mixed with some fine old colonial homes and lots of green space. Visitors can find here smart shops and restaurants serving the “New Peruvian” cuisine that is drawing worldwide attention in culinary circles.
Huaca Pucllana
Located in the stylish district of Miraflores, this clay and adobe pyramid served as an important ceremonial center for the Lima culture, who lived in Peru’s coastal region between the years 200 and 700 AD.
Museums
Archaeology, Anthropology, and History Museum
It explores the history of Peru from prehistoric times to the colonial era. The variety of pieces displayed is impressive, with priceless examples of ceramics, figural stone carvings, obelisks, mummies, jewelry, tapestries, and gold and metal work.
Larco Museum
This museum contains a huge collection of more than 40,000 pieces of Peruvian ceramics, a large portion of which is from the Moche and Chimú cultures.
Art Museum – MALI
This museum has a large selection of pre-Columbian textiles and ceramics, pictures and furniture from Colonial and Republican times and an important collection of paintings and photographic works.
Other attractions
Other places worth visiting in Lima are “Iglesia de las Nazarenas”, Magic Water tour (a complex of 13 separate fountains), la “Cruz del Viajero” (a cross set by Franciscan monks in the seventeenth century), the Bridge of Sighs in the Barranco quarter and the district of Pueblo Libre.
Gastronomy
Lima has earned an excellent and well-deserved position as one of the top gastronomic capitals of the world and its culinary variety delights locals and visitors alike.
With its iconic dishes, “ceviche” and “tiradito”, its gastronomy is the result of diverse influences: African, indigenous and Chinese, which all coalesce in delicious dishes.
Restaurants in Lima
Nanka
Diverse culinary trends combined with local organic ingredients. Peruvian, Latin and Mediterranean cuisine. Both in La Molina and San Isidro (Lima).
Maido
Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, seafood.
Central Restaurante
Peruvian contemporaneous cuisine, incorporating uncommon indigenous ingredients.
http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/
Osaka Pardo and Aliaga
Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, seafood.
https://www.osaka.com.pe/pardo-aliaga/#
Shopping in Lima
Peru’s capital city has the best and largest malls of the country. Some of them are:
Larcomar Shopping Center
Malecón de la Reserva 610
Miraflores district
Jockey Plaza Shopping Center
Av. Javier Prado Este 4200
Santiago de Surco district
Real Plaza Centro Cívico Shopping Center
Av. Garcilaso de la Vega 1337
City center