About Lima
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. With a population of almost 10 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru, and the third largest city in the Americas (as defined by “city proper”).
Getting to Lima
By Air
Lima is served by the Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Callao (LIM). It is the largest airport of the country with the largest amount of domestic and international air traffic. It also serves as a major hub in the Latin American air network.
Getting around Lima
By Taxi
Taxis in the city are mostly informal; they are cheap. There are no meters, so drivers are told the desired destination, and the fare is agreed upon before the passenger enters the taxi. Taxis vary in sizes from small four-door compacts to large vans. They are everywhere, accounting for a large part of the car stock. In many cases they are just a private car with a taxi sticker on the windshield. Additionally, there are several companies that provide taxi service on-call.
Climate
Lima’s climate is in transition between mild and warm, despite being located in the tropics and in a desert. Lima’s proximity to the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean leads to temperatures much cooler than those expected for a tropical desert.
Temperature in September range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 19 °C (63 °F).
Peruvian gastronomy
Lima is the gastronomic capital, not only of Peru but also of South America. Peruvian gastronomy is unique for three factors: its history, the contribution of other cultures, and the environmental conditions for the germination of local ingredients. Therefore, culinary tradition in this country goes beyond the tasting of its delicacies and becomes a travel experience that is an adventure by itself. In Peru, culinary culture is a popular heritage that represents the identity of the different cultures that compose it.
Architecture
Lima’s rich history is concentrated in the historical centre of the city, known by the Limeños as Cercado de Lima. Lima’s architecture is characterized by a mix of styles. Examples of early colonial architecture include the Monastery of San Francisco, the Cathedral of Lima and the Torre Tagle Palace. These constructions are generally influenced by the Spanish Baroque, Spanish Neoclassicism, and Spanish Colonial styles. After independence, there was a gradual shift toward the neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. Many of these constructions were greatly influenced by French architectural styles. Many government buildings as well as major cultural institutions were contracted in this period. During the 1960s, constructions using the brutalist style began appearing in Lima due to the military government of Juan Velasco Alvarado. Examples of this architecture include the Museum of the Nation and the Ministry of Defense. The 21st century has seen the appearance of glass skyscrapers, particularly around the city’s financial district.
Museums
Lima is home to the highest concentration of museums of the country, the most notable of which are the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, Museum of Art of Lima, the Museo Pedro de Osma, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Nation, The Sala Museo Oro del Perú Larcomar, the Museum of Italian Art, and the Museum of Gold, and the Larco Museum.
Touring
Use the opportunity either before or after the congress to visit some of Lima’s vibrant districts such as:
Barranco
Barranco is a city in the southern portion of the Lima–Callao metropolitan area of Peru. It lies along the Pacific coast at an elevation of 213 feet (65 m) above sea level. Founded as a village beach resort in 1874, it became a town in 1893 and a city in 1901. The district is considered one of the most artistic and cultural districts, with numerous art galleries, quirky coffee shops and live music venues. It’s also home to beautiful parks, beaches and picturesque cliffs that offer stunning views of the ocean
Miraflores
Miraflores, a residential and upscale shopping district south of downtown Lima, is one of the wealthiest districts that make up the city of Lima.
As its name suggests, it invites you to view many beautiful flowers as well as explore the beautiful Costa Verde (Green Coast), with its cold seas that are perfect for surfing. There are lovely parks, sculptures and art embellishing the city along the seafront promenade. In the center of Miraflores you’ll find the archaeological complex La Huaca Pucllana. Other tourist attractions include Parque Kennedy, the Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa (church of the Miraculous Virgin), Parque del Amor (Lover’s Park), the Larcomar Mall, and Calle de las Pizzas (Pizza Street).