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| *Location,
Altitude, Area and Population
*Brief Historical Outline
*Tourist Attractions
*Climate, Weather and Seasonal Information
*Routes and Means of Access
*Typical and Local Cuisine
*Calendar of Festivities and Tourist Events |
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| LOCATION,
ALTITUDE, AREA AND POPULATION |
The
Department of Lima is located in the central western part of Peru.
Its shores are washed by the Pacific Ocean and in its eastern flank
lies the Cordillera of the Andes. More specifically, it is bounded
on the north by the Department of Ancash, on the northeast by the
Department of Huanuco, on the east by the Departments of Pasco and
Junin, on the southeast by the department of Huancavelica, on the
south by the Department of Ica and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
It has an area of 33,894 km2 and a population of over 7,000,000
inhabitants – about 30% of the total population of Peru. The
Departmental capital is the city of Lima, one of the larger cities
of South America and declared a cultural Patrimony of Mankind. Up
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| HISTORICAL
OUTLINE |
| The
city of Lima –originally known as “La Ciudad de los Reyes”
(The City of the Kings) was founded on the 18th of January of the
year 1535, on the banks of the Rimac River by the Spanish Conquistador
Francisco Pizarro. The location was chosen due to its ideal strategic
and geographical conditions. The term “Lima” derives from
“Rimac”, a word in Quechua, the official language of the
Inca Empire, which signifies “Speaker”. During the period
of the Viceroyalty corresponding to the XVI and XVII centuries, it
became the most important and powerful city in this part of the western
hemisphere. On July 28th of 1821, after a prolonged period of decadence
on the part of the Viceroyal government and a long series of revolts,
General José de San Martín proclaimed the Independence
of Peru and the beginning of the Republican Era. The Spanish were
to briefly reoccupy Lima in 1823, only to abandon it on the following
year before the advent of Simon Bolivar and their final defeat in
Ayacucho in 1824. In the early 1880’s, Lima was stormed, captured
and plundered by the invading army of Chile, during the “War
of the Pacific”. After peace was declared, Lima soon recovered
its fundamental position as one of the principal metropolis of South
America.
In present times, Lima is a modern city, offering a great variety
of interesting features to the foreign visitor. These, linked to its
rich past, are represented within a harmonious synthesis in its many
museums, traditional neighborhoods, restaurants, craft markets and
galleries, and cosmopolitan nightlife. Up |
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| TOURÍST
ATTRACTIONS |
| IN-TOWN
ATTRACTIONS |
Plaza
de Armas, As urban center of the city, it contains three
of the most important buildings of the colonial era: the Cathedral,
the Palace of the Viceroys –present day Presidential Palace-
known as the house of Pizarro, and the Municipality. It possesses
in its center a bronze fountain dating from the XVIII century.
La Catedral-The Cathedral Situated on the main plaza, it is built
on the same site as the original Cathedral was in 1555. The present
reconstruction took place under the direction of the Jesuit architect
father Juan Rehr, following the earthquake of 1746. Its façade
and interior are austere; the seating of the choir, its altars and
the tomb of Francisco Pizarro are notable features.
Iglesias
y Conventos de San Francisco- The Church and Convent of
San Francisco One of the best preserved examples of a colonial architectural
ensemble, composed of by the small plaza (“plazuela”),
convent and church of
San
Francisco. It possesses cloisters with glazed tiles, an
interesting museum of Viceroyal art containing a valuable collection
of works the greatest attraction among which are the series of oil
paintings of the Apostles. Underlying the entire structure there
are catacombs over 300 years old.
Centro
Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo, The construction of
this temple was begun with the founding of Lima and was finished
at the end of the XVI century. The church possesses three naves,
a very interesting seating for the choir carved in cedar wood, the
same as its cupola or interior dome. The convent is adorned with
glazed tiles from Seville, Spain and the chapter room with baroque
carvings. It is the site of the original establishment of the Universidad
de San Marcos
Iglesia
de San Pedro, Baroque temple inaugurated in 1638 with the
name of San Pablo. In 1772, shortly after the expulsion of the Jesuits,
it assumed the name of San Pedro. It possesses lateral naves with
magnificently crafted golden altars and paintings of great value.
It also has a small Chapel of the Virgen de la O.
Palacio Torre Tagle, The Torre Tagle Palace: Among the architectural
monuments in Lima left from the Colonial era, one of the highlights
–due to its beauty and proportions- is the Palacio Torre Tagle,
present site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Built during the
early XVIII century, it represents one of the greatest monuments
of Colonial Lima architecture. It presents an asymmetrical facade
with a carved stone portal and two beautiful balconies in Morisco
style, carved in wood, in the second floor.
Museo
Nacional de Antropología y Arqueología- The
National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology: Exhibits an important
collection of ceramics, woven textiles and metalwork –didactically
displayed- belonging to the Chavín, Mochica, Chimu, Tiahuanaco,
Pucará, Paracas, Nazca and Inca cultures.
Museo
de Oro- The Gold Museum Personal collection of original
pieces and replicas, property of Señor Miguel Mujica Gallo.
Among the exhibits are numerous objects of Gold, Silver, and Jewelry
belonging to pre-Inca cultures, particularly of the Mochica, Chimu
and Nazca cultures. It also counts with an interesting Museum of
Weaponry and Armour, with pieces dating to the XVI century.
Museo
Larco Herrera- The Larco Herrera Museum: A splendid privately
owned collection of ceramic pieces in their great majority of Mochica
Cultural origin. It possesses a treasure room in which are kept
works in precious metals of outstanding value such as the only complete
Chimu chief pectoral apparel known to exist.
Museo
Amano- The Amano Museum A very select private collection
of textiles and ceramics from all the pre-Hispanic cultures, with
emphasis on the Chancay culture. Visits only by appointment.
Museo
de Arte- The Art Museum: On the site of the old Palacio
de la Exposición (1869), the Art Museum possesses a rich
collection of pre-Hispanic ceramics, textiles and metalwork, plus
painting, silverware and other works of art from the Colonial and
Republican periods, thus resuming 3,000 years of Peruvian history.
Huaca
Huallamarca, Large ceremonial center of pyramidal form,
dating to pre-Inca times. It possesses a site museum which displays
artifacts found in the site.
Huaca
Pucllana o Juliana, pre-Inca Temple of pyramidal shape,
built of small hand made adobe bricks. It has a small site museum.
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| TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE OF TOWN |
Reserva
Nacional de Lachay, Located on km.105 of the Panamerican
Highway north of Lima (Panamericana Norte). From here, take a right-hand
turnoff of 4 kilometers. The Lomas forma a series of ondulations
and natural depressions in the desert that has a remarkable microclimate.
They are, in effect, a type of oasis with abundant vegetation and
wildlife, as well as some archaeological remains.
Fortaleza
de Paramonga- The Fortress of Paramonga Located in km.
209 of the Panamerican Highway north of Lima (Panamericana Norte).
It consists of a great adobe construction dating to pre-Inca times
and belonging to the Chimu culture. It is built atop a natural elevation
and holds a commanding position over a large extent of surrounding
terrain.
Ruinas de Puruchuco- The Ruins of Puruchuco This
archaeological site lies only 10 minutes’ drive away from
Lima. It consists of the partially reconstructed remains of the
residence of members of the noble caste of the Huacho regional culture,
dating from pre-Inca times. It possesses a site museum that –among
others- displays an important collection of khipus (Andean knotted-string
records).
Marcahuasi,
Lying 3 km. east of the town of San Pedro de Casta in the Sierra
of Lima. This is an extensive and impressive array of large boulders
and stones, eroded over time by the winds and rain eventually acquiring
curious and whimsical shapes resembling human heads, bodies, and
diverse animals. Some of the resemblance is remarkably exact. It
is considered by the initiated and the researchers of the presence
extra terrestrial being in this planet as a prime landing site for
UFO’s. It is located 4,000 meters above sea level and to reach
the site requires several hours and a long hike.
Pachacámac,
31 km. from Lima on the Southern Panamerican highway. This is a
massive temple complex of pre-Inca origin but also shows a period
of later Inca occupation. Built mostly of adobe, with various levels,
passageways and labyrinths. It has a modern site museum where archaeological
pieces found during excavations are exhibited. The Sun Temple and
Acllahuasi (house of the chosen women) are among the outstanding
constructions of the Inca period.
Lunahuaná,
180 km south of Lima on the Panamerican highway bring one to a left-hand
turnoff which follows the course of the Cañete River. Tall
mountains and pre-Columbian remains are in evidence. The vegetation
is exuberant. The colonial church of the Village of Lunahuaná
is another outstanding landmark. This area is ideally suited for
outdoor adventure sports and many people come here from Lima to
practice rafting, fishing, kayaking, hangliding and mountain biking.
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| CLIMATE,
WEATHER AND SEASONAL INFORMATION |
Lima
has an average mean temperature of 19° (High of 25°, Low of
13°). The season of highest humidity is in the southern winter
between June and September. Up |
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| ROUTES
AND MEANS OS ACCESS |
OVERLAND:
LIMA:
The main route is via Lima-Arequipa-Juliaca-Puno (1,335 Km.) with
a duration of 24 hours.
AIR TRAVEL:
there are daily flights between Lima and Juliaca (One hour and 45
minutes) and Lima- Arequipa (45 minutes). Up
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| TYPICAL
AND LOCAL CUISINE |
Due
to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the principal representative
specialties of the Lima cuisine are based on fish and seafood in general.
Among thee stands out –first and foremost- the famed Cebiche
(fish marinated in lemon juice and strongly spiced, garnished with
onions); Scallops Shells (Conchitas) á la Parmesana; and Shrimp
Cocktail. Other well-known local dishes include. Cau-Cau (a purée
of beans or lentils); Anticuchos (beef heart shishkebabs) and the
Ají de Gallina (Spiced shredded chicken in sauce). Typical
deserts include Mazamorra Morada (a gelatin made from purple corn
flour), Suspiro a la Limeña, Aroz con leche (Rice Pudding)
and a hard candy, Turrón de Doña Pepa. Among the refreshing
drinks are Chicha Morada (from Purple Maize) and among the aperitifs
are the world famed Pisco Sour. Up |
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| CALENDAR
OS FESTIVITIES AND TOURIST EVENTS |
January
12th to 19th Lima Jubilee Week, commemorating the founding
of the city on January 18th, 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. Celebrations
and events include cultural and artistic activities, block parties
and various outdoor spectacles and performances.
Fourth Week of March. Wine harvest celebrations
in Surco. Beauty pageants and related activities.
Semana
Santa-Holy Week During this time, Lima shows a great spirit
of observance and commemoration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Numerous processions and religious acts are held in diverse parts
of the city.
Third
Week of May National Peruvian Paso Horse Contest. This
is held in the Pachacamac Tourist Center. Exhibit and display of
this fine Arabian breed that in Peru reached a point of excellence
and style, coming to be known by their peculiar canter and gait
(Paso).
July
28th and 29th Commemoration of the proclamation of the
Independence of Peru by Gen. José de San Martín in
1821. Military parades, Tedium in the cathedral with the presence
of the head of State and officials. Important derby held in the
racecourse of Monterrico. Concurrently, the Home keeping fair and
the fair of La Molina are held with the concourse of national and
foreign performing artists and display of diverse products.
August
20th to August 30th The Jubilee Week of Cañete,
commemorating the establishment of that Province. Folkloric and
Cultural events, adventure sports competitions and activities.
August
30th Santa Rosa de Lima. Pilgrimage to Quives in the Province
of Canta where the Saint from Lima lived. In Lima, the monastery
she inhabited is visited and the devotees write a wish and pitch
it into a well.
October.
Month of the Señor de los Milagros, (Lord of the Miracles)
Patron of the city. On the 18th, 19th and28th
of October take place the most multitudinous processions. Religious
fervor reaches a high point before the sacred Revered image painted
in the year 1650 and remaining intact in spite of the passage of
years, earthquakes and other cataclysms. Other processions of the
image are held, where it is transported on a motorized vehicle to
various outlying communities.
End
of October through First Fortnight of November Festivity
(Feria) of The Señor de los Milagros,. Bullfighting season
begins, held in the 200 year old arena of the Plaza de Acho, built
by a viceroy as a gift to his mistress. Concurrence of the best
matadors in the world and Peru. Up
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