The capital of Peru was founded in 1535 with the name City of the Kings by the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. It was not the first capital of Peru, but is built over small valleys and at a very low altitude above sea level, it replaced the city of Jauja—located in the Andes at more than 3300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level. It was an agricultural region that the locals knew as Lima, which eventually gave the city its name.
The city is characterized by its charm and history. The many parks, historic monuments and long coastline make this city a place full of nature and history. One can learn from its cultural heritage every day, but above all, from the great diversity of sites within the city.
Centuries of Heritage
Plaza de Armas is the main square, and it’s said that the city was founded in this place. Around it, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima, and the best location for Lima hotels are waiting to be visited. The Government Palace is still known as Casa Pizarro, since the conquistador was also the first viceroy, and the building is still used as the main seat of the executive power. The first stone of the cathedral was also laid by Pizarro himself.
In this way, all the surroundings of this part of downtown Lima are full of history and worth a visit. Two blocks from the Plaza de Armas are the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. In addition to the church, a visit to the monastery is recommended. One of the main artworks is in the dining room. It’s a Peruvian version of the Last Supper by the artist Diego de la Puente—seventeenth century—with local elements and characters, including guinea pig as the main dish.
On the other side of the Plaza de Armas is the Convent of Santo Domingo. With a pink façade, its interior patio is a small oasis of tranquility. In this building are the remains of the local saints, San Martin de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima.
In the district of Miraflores, are the ruins of Huaca Pucllana. This pyramid and ceremonial center in the middle of a residential area is believed to have been used by four civilizations: Yschma, Lima, Wari, and Inca. The guided tour shows the different structures and ceremonial practices—mainly sacrifices and mummies—of each culture. In the plaza there is also a restaurant with a beautiful terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the pyramid. At night, when illuminated, it’s also worth a look.
Parks and Coastline
Another area that features the best area of the city is the coastline. The restaurants or parks along the coast are the best locations to enjoy the best sunsets. Especially north of the Barranco area are the best spots one can enjoy spectacular views.
Among the most recommended parks are the Parque del Amor (Love Park), the Parque Chino (Chinese Park), and the Park of the Reserve where the Magic Water Tour is located. The main attraction of the Parque del Amor is a sculpture of three meters (9.8 feet) high and twelve meters (39 feet) wide called El Beso (The Kiss) by Peruvian sculptor Victor Delfin. The design of this park was inspired by the mosaics and colors of the Park Güell in Barcelona. There are phrases in the mosaics of the benches and walls of diverse Peruvian poets. A little north the coastline, the Chinese Park is inspired by Chinese cultural designs like kiosks, stairways lined with flagstone, bridges, water fountains, gardens, and fierce granite guardian lions. It was built to represent the centuries of Chinese immigration to Peru.
In the Park of the Reserve south of the Plaza de Armas is the Magic Water Tour. This circuit of thirteen fountains enhanced with the latest technology, music, sound, projections, and laser lights mixed with the fountain’s water to create an amazing show. Although a specific tour is recommended, the fountains can be visited in any order and it’s an unforgettable experience, especially at nighttime. At the Fantasy Fountain, there is a show with projections that occurs at specific times, while no one ever knows what to expect at the Tunnel of Surprises Fountain. With some of them like the Dream Maze Fountain and the Children’s Fountain anyone can interact, often having a different show each time they are visited.
