The capital city of Peru, Lima, is an obligatory stop for almost all visitors to the country. Lima has always served as an administrative center, and it is here that important decisions are made. This practice dates back to before the arrival of the Spaniards. At present, the city of Lima is home to more than eight million people. Lima’s status as South America’s most popular tourist destination is unaffected by the city’s rapid growth. Find out some interesting facts about Lima, the location known as the “City of the Kings.”
Lima is the nation’s administrative center and largest metropolis. Located on the country’s central coast, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the valleys of the Chillón, Rmac, and Lurn rivers. Roughly 9 million people are living in Lima as of this July. The area of Lima is 2,672 square kilometers (1,032 square miles). From the coast of the Pacific, the city gently descends into valleys and mountain slopes that reach up to 1,550 meters (5,090 feet) above sea level.
Lima, Peru’s capital, was established by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. City of the Kings was its original name (Spanish: Ciudad de los Reyes). In 1543, it was designated as the Viceroyalty of Peru’s capital and a Real Audiencia was held there. Lima has a long tradition of academic excellence, which is home to one of the New World’s oldest universities. The National University of San Marcos [image below] is the oldest university in the Americas and was established on May 12, 1551, during the Spanish colonial regime.
Despite earthquakes and the threat of pirates, the city thrived in the 17th century as the hub of a vast trade network. Limeos were divided over which side to support during the War of Independence for Peru, which took place between 1821 and 1824. Lima was chosen as the new capital of the independent Peruvian Republic.
Introduction: What is Lima, Peru? And Why Should You Choose This Place to Live there?
Considering its proximity to Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco is one of the most visited places in all of Peru. The Walkers, Lyle and Lili, are very happy with their new home and lifestyle outside of Cusco. Some say that with only $1,500 per month, you could have a comfortable life in this area. There’s a significant benefit to living in this area as well. It won’t cost you a dime to visit museums or historical sites. It’s pretty much the same for everyone, including an expat.
More than a dozen major national insurance providers offer all-inclusive plans at reasonable rates, and the country has a solid infrastructure of private health clinics and hospitals. It’s not uncommon for people in their 70s to be accepted as new members on some sites. Local goods and services, groceries, and rent can be 60% to 80% cheaper in Peru than in the United States. The food in Peru is legendary among tourists.
An abundance of ingredients from the Andes, the coast, and the jungle is used to create what is arguably the world’s most diverse and delicious cuisine. The retirement visa for Peru is one of the most straightforward to obtain and is valid for life. You’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after three years.
You can settle anywhere along the country’s 1,500 miles of coastline, in the Andean foothills, or even in the Amazon rainforest. Every person’s preferences and financial constraints can be accommodated. Thousands of years of history and hundreds of archaeological sites attest to Peru’s fascinating culture. They cover a wide range of significance from minor regional landmarks to major international attractions. Also, it seems like every week a new festival is being held.
Both home prices and monthly rents are typically less than they would be in the United States. The annual property tax is typically under $100. The good climate, pleasant locals, and wealth of tourist attractions make this a fantastic retirement destination. You should consider this country as an option. Read about the most interesting facts about Lima, Peru.
8 Interesting Facts about Lima, Capital of Peru
It was built on top of a desert, and Lima
After Cairo, Egypt, Lima is the largest city built atop a desert. The Rimac River, which flows through the heart of Lima, provides the city with 80 percent of its water. Water canals were first constructed by pre-Columbian civilizations (some 2,000 years ago) and are still in use today. Lima has three major rivers, but only 92% of the population has access to potable water.
The city of Lima has been called “The City of Kings” since the 15th century.
Lima was originally given the name “La Ciudad de Los Reyes” by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro. Pizarro originally chose the name Three Kings Day because Lima was established on that date, which is a significant Catholic holiday.
The ruins were used to construct the presidential palace
Prior to Lima’s rise to prominence as the Spanish empire’s most important viceroyalty, the area was ruled by a lord named Taulichusco, who resided in a mansion constructed on the site of the current presidential palace. Former president Alan Garca revealed the existence of the temple’s ruins, dating back two millennia, in 2011. Across the street from the Presidential Palace is the Palace Tourism Office, where you can purchase tickets in advance for your visit.
Lima’s Inca Trail
The Incas used a 6,000-kilometer-long path called Qhapaq ‘an (the Beautiful Road) to link their five separate territories. This trail is well-known among hikers because it provides a direct path from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Of course, Qhapaq also made it to Lima. Conquistadors from Spain found a highly urbanized region with roads linking the mountainous interior to the coast. The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru is home to some of the best preserved Qhapaq ‘and artifacts in the world. Camino del Inca, which translates to “The Inca’s Road,” is now one of Lima’s main thoroughfares.
Pirates have a long and storied past in Lima
Callao, in the city’s north, is Peru’s main port. During the Spanish viceroyalty, when it was a bustling commercial district, many pirates tried to enter the city through that entry. One of history’s most infamous pirates, Sir Francis Drake, tried to free his fellow buccaneers from Lima prison in 1579. The viceroys responded to these assaults by constructing the Real Felipe Fortress, one of the most lavish structures ever erected in the Spanish colonies. Legend has it that visitors will hear cries if they venture there.
6.The culinary scene in Peru has been hailed as one of the best in the world.
As a result, Lima offers a wide selection of cuisines. There is some of the world’s best food in Peru. In Lima, you can find an incredible variety of restaurants serving delicious food. Pachacamac’s pre-Inca ruins, the Palomino Islands, Lima’s Historical Center, the Cathedral, other colonial buildings, the beach, the many museums, and the Monastery of San Francisco are just a few of the many attractions in the city. Check out our Lima Tours to learn more about these. Trips to the Palomino Islands and the Peruvian capital of Lima are available daily. If you are waiting in Lima before continuing on to Cusco or another city, you can see these locations for yourself and fill your time productively.
7. Ancient structures from Lima
There is evidence that people were living in Lima thousands of years before the Spanish conquest. Evidence of earlier civilizations that flourished there and built canals to bring water to the city’s residents can be seen there. It was the Yschmas, not the Incas, who built the city of Lima, and their temples and administrative centers, such as Pachacamac and the Huaca Pucllana, are still standing today. Not going to Cusco to see incredible pre-Columbian architecture?
8. Where Chifa Came From
It wasn’t until 1849 that Chinese workers began arriving in Lima to help with the city’s burgeoning agricultural sector. Both their customs and their cuisine were brought over by them. One of their staples, a fried rice dish called “in chi fan,” literally “have you eaten?”, became a household name in the United States. This term evolved into the modern Peruvian name for fried rice, Chaufa, and the Peruvian word for Chinese restaurants, Chifa.
What is Lima’s Weather Like?
Even though Lima’s hotels fill up during the winter, visitors rarely plan to stay for more than a few days. Most visitors, however, only stop by briefly before continuing on to Machu Picchu and other Andean attractions that benefit from the dry winter weather. The high demand, however, means that hotels and upscale restaurants in the city are booking up quickly, and you’ll want to plan ahead if you want to eat there.
In spite of the shorter days and grayer skies, late June is a great time to explore Lima’s museums, free galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the world. With an annual average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), the weather in Lima is bearable for many tourists from other countries, who can still enjoy bike rides and strolls along the malecón (waterfront).
The city begins getting ready in the middle of summer for the annual celebration of Peru’s independence on July 28 and 29. Take advantage of the upbeat mood and the opportunity to learn more about Peruvian culture and history by striking up conversations with market vendors and café regulars.
Discover Lima’s Hidden Gems: The Top Must-Do Experiences
Conclusion
Lima is a fascinating metropolis where one wishes they could remain permanently. It has pleasant weather, delicious food, warm and welcoming locals, a wide variety of exciting things to do, and a prime location by the water. You should visit Lima if you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You can expect to have family stories to tell for years after visiting the city. Don’t forget to snap some photos while you’re there. Inspiring places like this make you wish you could travel the world for much longer.
