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Lima Information

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Lima Basic Facts

History Lima

In Lima the remains of the first Andean inhabitant can be found. They were hunters and harpoon fishermen from approximately 1,000 years ago. These remains were found in Chivateros, Ancón and Lurín.

Many years later, farming, ceramics and weaving became popular here. People lived in the valleys. They built temples and communities around grand ceremonial centers such as the Huacoy on the ChillónRiver; Garagay and La Florida on the RímacRiver, Manchay on the LurínRiver. They constructed finely ornamented temples with figures modeled in clay. The Lima culture began to take shape, especially in the area from Chancay down to Lurín. The painted adobe buildings of the Márquez on the Chillón and Cerro Trinidad on the Chancay are the most well known.

During this time, the Wari conquest occurred. Wari style ceramics and a local style known as Nievería took over. The population grew and the culture changed. Then the decline of the Wari culture happened and new cultures were born. The most notable of all of them is the Chancay. It was during the time of Chancay that immense urban centers, notable textile production, and mass-produced ceramics were developed. In the 15th Century the Incas arrived, occupying important sites such as the Pachacámac Sanctuary.

Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535. Before becoming the capital of Peru, it was a first class religious place of worship. Lima reached its greatest splendor in the 17th century. Beautiful homes and palaces were built for the prosperous nobility and Lima became the richest colony.

During the Independence period, many of Lima's patriots shed their blood in the name of freedom. Among these were Don Pablo de Olavide, José Baquíjano y Carrillo, José Olaya and José Bernardo Alcedo, author of the National Anthem.

Geography Lima

Lima's geography is interesting. It has several large rivers, such as the Huaura, Pativilca, Chillón, Cañete. The Rímac is more than 160 KM long and is formed by its union with the Santa Eulalia near Chosica. Along this department's shores are a great number of islands and reefs. The San LorenzoIsland is the biggest one of the Pacific OceanIslands of Peru.
The city of Lima is overcast almost all year long. The sun appears at the end of spring and in summer. The increase of heat coincides with the swelling of the rivers because of the Andean rains. In winter the intense humidity produces green vegetation called lomas.
There are some beautiful bays in Lima, where the ports of Cerro Azul, Chancay and Huacho are located. Lima also has a great variety of minerals such as: copper, silver, calcium and salt. Mines from Casapalca to San Mateo contain silver and copper. The coal zone of the central basin reaches Oyón, 100 KM from the sea.
The Spaniards named Lima "City of the Kings". Today it is Peru's first financial and industrial center.

Tourism Lima

Lima offers the tourist great attractions and the comfort a traveler seeks. The rich history of the city, its beautiful beaches, great museums, and delicious cuisine are just some of the delights you can find in the "City of the Kings".

The most notable events in Lima take place in August and November. The festivities of Santa Rosa de Lima are held in August. The procession of the Señor de los Milagros occurs in October.

The Magdalena and the GoldMuseum should not be missed. Archeological ruins such as Pachacamac, Cajamarquilla, El Paraíso and Chilca are interesting too. Churches and colonial houses that you should also visit are the San Francisco, La Merced and the Palace of Torre Tagle. Other areas of beauty and interest include: Infiernillo, Chillón, RíoCañeteCanyons, the thermal baths of Churín and numerous beaches within Metropolitan Lima

 

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