Lima Travel Essentials

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"Lima: The foodie palace"

Lima Tourism

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru.With the population of 10 million, Lima is the most popular metropolitian area of Peru. Climate in Lima keep changing from mild to warm. It is neither cold nor very hot. Lima's architecture is characterized by a mix of styles. One can easily find early colonial architecture and neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles though neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles came into existence after Independence.

Lima being the largest city of Peru is also full of culture and history. 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 Perì and Museum of Art of Lima. Lima has developed a tourism industry, characterized by its historic center, archeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals, and traditions. Itês known for its vibrant food scene, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. Lima is home to restaurants and bars where local and international cuisine is served. When it comes to food, The genres of restaurants in Lima include Creole food, Chifas, Cebicherias, and Pollerias. When it comes to sports, football is most popular here.

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Currency in Lima

All the major credit/debit cards are accepted. One must carry PEN currency. No other currency is accepted in Lima other than PEN.

Shopping in Lima

You can shop on traditional fruit and veggie markets or in modern supermarkets. For clothes you have the choice between numerous fancy boutiques, department stores, street markets and everything in between. Calle Alcanflores, which runs through Miraflores, has stores selling everything from hand-carved wooden masks to silver-filigree jewelry. There are stalls set up in the forecourt of the monastery but this is probably not the best place to buy souvenirs. If you do want to shop here, remember to bargain.

Nightlife in Lima

Most dance and clubs, bars, and other party venues in Lima, Peru, operate until very late at night, allowing you to continue partying for many, many hours. Some of them address to very young public, some others to people in their 30s or a bit older; a few ones are known as pick-up point. Tequila rock, Dontown vale Todo and El dragon de Barranco are some of the top restaurants in Lima.

History of Lima

It was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1935. It was established on the valley of Rimac river Lima's history predates the colonial presence in the country. The establishment of the viceroyalty transformed the city into the main political and administrative center of South America. During this period, significant churches, monasteries, mansions and balconies were built. During the second half of the 18th century, Lima was adversely affected by the Bourbon Reforms as it lost its monopoly on overseas trade. This economic decline made the city's elite dependent on royal and ecclesiastical appointment and thus, reluctant to advocate independence. After the war of independence, Lima became the capital of the Republic of Peru but economic stagnation and political turmoil brought its urban development to a halt. This hiatus ended in the 1850s, when increased public and private revenues from guano exports led to a rapid expansion of the city. The arrival of modernity didnêt transform the historic center, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Language of Lima

The most spoken language in Lima is Spanish. Though, English is also spoken by tour guides and hotel staff but it is still advisable to remember some important words in Spanish. Thank you (gracias), hello (Hola). Good morning (Buenos dÍas) and Goodbye (adios).

Lima Customs

In short, there is no formal dress code in Peru. On a day-to-day basis, there are no strict social taboos or religious requirements to consider when it comes to clothing etiquette. Just edge towards formal attire, especially when entering a religious building, pants rather than shorts, shoes rather than sandals. Not essential, perhaps, but itês good to show respect. Peruvians are more formal in social relations than most North Americans and Europeans. Peruvians shake hands frequently and tirelessly, and although kissing on the cheek is a common greeting for acquaintances, it is not practiced among strangers . When entering a shop or home, always use an appropriate oral greeting (good afternoon; buenas noches, or good night). Similarly, upon leaving, it is polite to say goodbye (Adios), even to shop owners with whom you've had minimal contact. Peruvians often shake hands upon leaving as well as greeting. In some heavily touristed areas, such as the Sunday market in Pisac outside of Cusco, locals have learned to offer photo ops for a price at every turn. Some foreigners hand out money and candy indiscriminately, while others grapple with the unseemliness of paying for every photo. Peruvians are customarily a half-hour late to most personal appointments, and it is not considered very bad form to leave someone hanging in a cafe for up to an hour.

Religion of Lima

The main religion in Lima is Roman Catholic but some people in Lima also believe in Christianity. Indigenous Peruvians, however, have blended Catholicism and their traditional beliefs.

Daily Budget for Lima

Depending on your travel style, you can find yourself spending more than you expected during a trip to Peru. To keep your budget in check, consider skipping some of the more touristy options and stay in hospedajes, which are small, family owned hotels. Travel cost for budget travel can vary from PEN 30-40, whereas for luxury travel it can vary from PEN 200-250. Mid range travel budget can vary from PEN 70-80.

Exchanging Money in Lima

There are two currency exchange booths at airport just after the immigration area. You can exchange US dollars or Euros at almost any place, banks, money changing offices, hotels, restaurants and with street money changers. Beware of false notes. Many ATMs are available for all major credit cards.

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How to Reach Lima

How to Reach Overview

Getting to Lima is easy. The capital of Peru is well connected to the world and can be reached by air, road and sea, while a flight might be the most convenient way to get there. Lima is also the starting point to all other destinations within Peru.

How to reach Lima by flight

If one is flying to Lima, Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao is the airport where the flight will land at which is located in Lima. One can easily hire a cab from the desks just outside the customs section to their hotels.

How to reach Lima by road

Lima is a difficult and confusing city to drive in, but most rental agencies also offer the services of a driver. In addition to offices downtown, Avis, Budget, and Hertz have branches at Jorge Chˆvez International Airport that are open 24 hours.

How to reach Lima by train

Peru has several train services of interest to visitors, including the famous train to Machu Picchu. Also, there is a train route from Lima to Huancayo. The journey is quite scenic and ticket can be booked through FCCA website.

How to reach Lima by bus

There are a lot of buses on the streets of Lima though, catch your belongings, as pickpockets and bag-slashers are sometimes a problem. A quicker way to travel between Barranco, Miraflores, and El Centro is El Metropolitano, a modern bus that runs down the middle of the Paseo de la Republica to the underground Estaci„n Central. Fares are cheap, usually S/1_S/2 for a ride, but don't expect a lot of comfort. The modern bus runs from 6:00 - 22:00.

How to reach Lima by waterways

Lima's international port is located in Callao, some 13km away from the city center. Vessels from all over the world bring cargo and sometimes travelers to the capital of Peru. Nowadays even some international cruises find their way to Lima via the port of Callao. Major cruises include Princess Cruises, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Seabourn.

Local transport in Lima

Cab is the best way to roam out in Lima. Driving is absolutely a hassle and the bus/micro/colectivo is a little bit too crowded. If you plan to go between 7:30 and 9:00 be prepared to spend an hour in traffic when going towards downtown.

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FAQs on Lima

What is the local food in Lima?

Ceviche (Sushi-grade fish, citrus juice, fresh herbs, and chili peppers are the basic ingredients) to Peruvian fusion, Limaês dining scene is all the rage and offers some of the best bites on the continent. Pisco Sour is a perfect cocktail. Pisco, fresh lime juice, sugar, egg white and Angostura bitters, shaken hard, make for a refreshing, tart and dry sipper. Rafael restaurant, Ceviche bar and Central restaurant are some of the best with amazing ambience and great food.
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What are the places near Lima?

The top places near to Lima are London which is 10173 km from Lima, Dubai which is located 14815 km from Lima, Amsterdam which is located 10530 km from Lima, New york city which is located 5876 km from Lima, Bali which is located 17386 km from Lima

What are the things to do in Lima?

The top things to do in Lima are Museo Larco, Parque De la reserva, Miraflores, Plaza de armas, Centro historico de lima, Huaca pucllana . You can see all the places to visit in Lima here

What are the top hotels in Lima?

There are 1838 in Lima which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Lima are Berlin Miraflores New Apartment, Apartamentos Temporales en Miraflores, Apartment in Miraflores Grau, Departamento El Olivar San Isidro, Departamento Bernardo O ́Higgins, Attalea Hotel. You can see all the hotels in Lima here

What is the best way to reach Lima?

Getting to Lima is easy. The capital of Peru is well connected to the world and can be reached by air, road and sea, while a flight might be the most convenient way to get there. Lima is also the starting point to all other destinations within Peru.
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What is the best time to visit Lima?

¾December to May, is largely sunny, with temperatures regularly rising above 26çC, whereas the nights and mornings are cool. From June to November it is mostly cloudy and cool, sometimes dipping below 15çC, though there are occasional sunny days. The coastal region gets little precipitation, so you'll rarely find your plans ruined by rain, but there are winter days when youêll have to endure a miserable foggy drizzle.
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