Lima

Located on the coast at the mouth of the Rimac River, Lima was once known as the pearl of the Pacific. Wandering around modern-day Lima provides a snapshot of the complexity of the country, one of marked contrasts, struggling to blend the traditions of rural life with the realities of modern industry.

To feel the true spirit of the city you should stroll through the streets of the old part which resemble a Moorish town, with many wooden balconies adorning the fronts of the traditional manor houses. The central area has many splendid colonial Spanish squares and churches, including the Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martin, the cathedral, and the churches of Santo Domingo and San Francisco.

 

Museums In Lima
Lima is home to some wonderful museums including:

The Archaeological Museum
Located in a grand colonial house, the National Archaeological Museum gives a great insight into the many pre-Inca cultures of Peru, as well as the more well known Incas, with many fascinating exhibits. Exhibits include: textiles, ancient metals and 2 important ancient carved stone monuments.

 

The Larco Herrera Museum
An amazing private collection, this museum offers an excellent overview of 3000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history. Ironically the beautiful colonial house and pleasant walled gardens, hosting the collection are built on the site of an historic 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid. Exhibits include: ancient gold, silver and ceramics.

 

Pachacamac
Located in the Lurin Valley, 31km from Lima lies the site of Pachacamac. The area was a pre-Inca sanctuary, first settled in 200BC and over time became a vast complex of palaces and temple-pyramids, to which pilgrims from different parts of the territory went to pay homage to the god Pachacamac. The area survived Inca and Spanish conquests and through the ages, several civilisations adapted the city for their own use.