Tens of thousands of visitors per year, being drawn to the compelling archaeological heritage and natural beauty of Peru, all make a stop at some point to visit Lima. This city is the business and cultural center of the country but it does not run at the hustle and bustle speed of most other major cities. Lima functions at a slower pace with a traditional rhythm and calmer constitution, housing steady, laid back inhabitants. Lima can almost be thought of as a cluster of small towns rolled into one larger one.
A mist settles over Lima from May until October called garua that gives the whole area a “dream like” appeal. The city dwellers spend their spare time at a vast number of bars offering Creole music, shopping at open marketplaces and dining at a large spectrum of celebrated restaurants.
Long, breathtaking white beaches are washed by chilly blue waters from the Southern Pacific, backed up by rows of brilliantly stunning white sand dunes. Even though these beaches draw in a great amount of tourists, the shores in Lima like to keep in simple with small restaurants and an occasional cafe. The beaches, like the city, require a relaxed attitude to enjoy and drink in the sunshine.
Lima is known primarily for its historic center, nightlife, art galleries, festivals, museums and popular traditions. Tourists enjoy a visit to the city's churches that date back to the 16th and 17th century. The city is also home to the largest amount of museums in the country including the Museum of Art of Lima, the Museum of the Nation, the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Italian Art to name a few. If you're looking for some really unique artifacts, the Gold Museum has a private collection and the Museum of the Inquisition display original under ground dungeons and torture chambers.
The largest parks that are in Lima are located downtown including the Park of the Reserve that is home to the biggest fountain complex in the entire world, known as the Magical Circuit of Waters. The site certainly lives up to its name. Looking to see some of Peru's native wildlife like condors, llamas and plenty of birds from the beautiful Amazon area during your visit to Lima? The Parque de las Leyendas zoo is sure to quench your thirst for animal life.
The Plaza de Armas is a perfect place to start exploring Lima. The 17th century bronze fountain will tell you that you are at the heart of the city and at 12:45pm on weekdays you can view the charging of the guards.
Lima offers you beautiful spots of scenery with a vast array of literary experiences. Edgy art spaces and sublime pottery display themselves through the city and religious processions that date back to the 18th century. This city is a culture seekers dream with exceptional eateries and cultural sites over 400 years old.