Lima

In 1532 the conquistadores landed near Tumbes in the north of Peru. They came in search of an empire of gold and were not disappointed. However, once victorious, the Spanish needed a port to ship these riches to Panama and then onto Europe. The Incas, being primarily a mountain people, did not have the vast ports characteristic of Western Europe at this time so Pizarro asked the coastal tribes of a suitable place to build one. The Rimac valley was chosen for its access to fresh water, access to the Andes and the natural harbour formed around the river estuary, it is here that the metropolis of nearly 10 million people stands today.

Lima is a sprawling city that is impossible to get to know in a year, let alone a couple of days. There are, contrary to popular myth, many interesting places in and around Lima, however the dull weather from April to November, the time it takes to travel within Lima, and the pollution all make this a ‘quick stop’ city before going down the coast or up to the Andes.

The city is divided into districts. Lima Centro is the old colonial centre of Lima. Here you will find all of the beautiful wooden balconies overlooking the busy streets and the majority of the tourist sights listed below. Miraflores is the new face of Lima. This, the most stylish area of Lima, is full of fashionable bars and shops. Barranco is a lovely colonial area down the coast from Miraflores. It has a village feel to it with a lovely Plaza and its very own Bridge of Sighs.