Lima (Callao) Cruise Guide

Peru's capital, Lima, is a vibrant city whose grandeur may be faded but still lives on. Once the heart of Spain's South American empire, modern Lima is a huge metropolis crammed with culture, and a history that pre-dates the Incas.

Halfway along Peru's desert coastline, Lima lies between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Andes. The historic centre, with its Spanish colonial mansions graced by latticed wooden balconies, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lima has beautiful churches, museums, pretty seaside suburbs and a few remaining Inca ruins. It is also a gateway to the marvels of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon jungle.

Sightseeing

Lima is sprawling and polluted, and without the immediate appeal of most capital cities. Many of its buildings are visibly crumbling, but the compact, historic heart is a UNESCO site. This is where many of the city's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.

Walking tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city's main meeting point and marketplace. Around 400 years ago, bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a 10-minute walk away.

Highlights
• UNESCO-protected old colonial city
• Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)
• Cathedral
• Plaza de Toros de Acho (bullring)
• Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological Museum
• Huallamarca Huaca & Pucllana Huaca (ancient monuments)
• Pachacamac (pre-Incan settlement)
• La Herradura (beach resort)

Tourist Information

PromPerú
Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro, Lima, Peru
Tel: +51 1421 1627.
Website: www.peru.info/perueng.asp

Shopping

There are many attractive Peruvian handicrafts such as alpaca wool sweaters, alpaca and llama rugs, Indian masks, colourful weaving and jewellery. Galleries and handicraft shops and markets abound in the Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and downtown districts. Lima has a wealthy middle class and new shopping malls cater for their taste for designer clothes, hip furniture and consumer electronics.

Eating Out

International tastes are well catered for in Lima. Peruvian food itself tends to be hot and spicy, thanks to ají and ajo (hot pepper and garlic). Typical dishes in the capital include Cebiche and Ají de Gallina.

When To Go

Lima is a year-round destination. It is usually warm and dry and hardly ever rains. The winter months are from June to September but temperatures rarely stoop too low. El Niño years tend to be slightly warmer.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Lima.

Transfer Distance

10km (6.2 miles) by boat.

Transfer Time

20 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Peru

Time Zone

GMT - 5.

Currency

Nuevo Sol (S/.) = 100 céntimos.

Language

Spanish.

Location

Coastal Peru, Northwest South America.

Population

8 million.






Government

Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1824, having declared it in 1821.

Religion

Predominately Roman Catholic, although other ethnic denominations exist.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should follow normal social courtesies and the atmosphere is generally informal. A small gift from a company or home country is sufficient. Dress is usually informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions men wear a jacket and tie.

Tipping:
Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants.
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