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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Lima
Lima
Positioned halfway down the dry and dusty desert coastline of
Peru, the city of Lima is hemmed in by the Pacific Ocean on the one
side and the foothills of the Andes mountain range on the other. A
sprawling and chaotic city, the capital of Peru is overcrowded,
polluted and a noisy metropolis. The stark contrast between poverty
and wealth is most visible in the miles of dusty shantytowns that
stretch along the coast on either side of the city, and the glitzy
apartment and office buildings of the affluent seaside suburbs.
During the days of Spanish colonial rule the city was regarded
as the most important and prosperous city in Spanish America and
was the finest in the region, known as 'The City of Kings'. Today
the splendour may have paled, but Lima is still an animated and
bustling city with an exciting mix of nationalities and styles; a
city crammed with culture, a rich heritage and eight million
people.
Lima dominates the country's political and commercial life and
is the major gateway to the rest of the country. The city retains
some of its original charm and has much to offer the visitor. Some
of Peru's best museums, restaurants and nightlife are here, and the
old colonial centre holds a certain elegance with its beautiful
churches and convents, graceful old mansions, central plazas and
classic colonial-style buildings. The outstanding art and
archaeology museums provide an excellent introduction to the
history and culture that visitors will come across in other parts
of the country.
Information & Facts
Climate
Lima has a mild climate, although it is situated in the tropics,
and rain in the city is almost unheard of. The weather in Lima is
influenced by the cold offshore Humboldt Current, which ensures
that summer temperatures hover in the low to mid 60's Fahrenheit
(16-18ºC), and only a few degrees lower in June and July. Humidity
in the city is very high, and as a result fog is often present,
especially between May and November.
Getting Around
Lima is divided into four quarters, which are small enough to
explore on foot. Travelling from one section to another is best
done in a bus or taxi, however. The regular buses serving the city
consist of microbus vans and larger 'school bus' vehicles. These
are plentiful and inexpensive, although uncomfortable and
frequently involved in accidents. These 'micros' and 'combis' can
be flagged down in the street. Destinations are usually not marked
so ask the driver before boarding. Taxicabs are also plentiful and
cheap, of no particular make or model, but recognisable by plastic
signs on the windshield. Taxis are not metered and the fare should
be agreed before departure. Driving in Lima is hazardous: not only
are the roads in generally bad condition, but local drivers are
reckless and aggressive. Car rental is therefore best avoided.
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Shopping
Shopping in Lima is a very rewarding experience, with a vast
selection of both local and international goods on offer; alpaca
wool garments are a prized souvenir from Lima. The most popular
shopping areas are Miraflores and Lima Centro, and most shops are
open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and from 3pm
to 8pm. There is no tourist rebate on the 18 percent sales tax
charged in Peru.
Alpaca sweaters, ponchos, rugs, coats, blankets, and other
popular Peru souvenirs are available from Alpaca III in Miraflores.
Other handicrafts, including woven items and ceramics, can be found
at markets in the main squares of Miraflores and Barranco, in the
shops on Avenida Ricardo Palma, and in Centro Comercial El Suche.
There's a good selection of silver jewellery and antique stores on
Avenida La Paz in Miraflores, while La Casa Azul on Alfonso Ugarte
specializes in colonial furniture and religious art. Those looking
for traditional Peruvian instruments like quenas or charangos will
find good stores on Calle Cantuarias near Astrid y Gastón. Several
will even help you find someone to teach you!
There are a number of markets and malls to browse for bargains
in Lima. The Feria Artesanal (Artisans' Market) has a great
selection of local handicrafts, and Mercado Central and the Río
Rímac flower market are also worth visiting. The Jockey Plaza
Shopping Center in Surco and the Larco Mar mall in Miraflores offer
a vast array of high-end shops, restaurants, cinemas and
entertainment. Good supermarkets in Lima include Metro, in Lima
Centro, and the Vivanda supermarket chain.
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