Vacation in Lima

Lima, the Peruvian capital, is considered to be the City of Kings. Lima vacations beckon travellers looking for a taste of history and culture in its many museums and cathedrals. Lima is a crowded and polluted city but the abundant architecture and nearby locales differentiates it from the third world countries. The best time to be here is during summer between December and April when the temperatures average 25 degrees C. Cuisine here includes famous Peruvian dishes and Chinese, Japanese and Spanish food items.

Travel to/within Lima

Lima’s International Airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport is connected with most cities in the US and South America making Lima vacations a possibility. There are a few flights to Europe and Canada. Getting around in a taxi is safe if it belongs to a taxi Company like Taxi Amigo or Taxi Movil. Otherwise, you may get into a cab with a driver who knows less about the city than you do. The bus system is effective and inexpensive. You may choose to walk the city but the crowds and pollution are discouraging.

Places to visit

Plaza de Armas

This is at the heart of the city and that of a Lima vacation. The founder of this capital city decided this would be the place for the Government Place, the Cathedral and Town Hall. There is a large, carved bronze fountain at the centre of the square. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption has carved seats of wood for the choir and there is a Christ carved out of ivory. The remains of the founder of Lima lie in the chapel. The Cathedral also has an art museum inside.

The Government Palace, where Francisco Pizarro resided has huge halls on which splendid paintings are on display. This palace is now the residence of the Peruvian President. It is nice to get a view of the change of guard that takes place here, everyday at 11:45 a.m. There are daily guided tours to Plaza de Aramas that last about half a day. Go towards the east for a view of the Torre Tagle Palace with its baroque entrance.

Visit the ruins

This mystical part of Lima vacation travel takes you to the Pachacamac ruins that lie about 30 km from Lima. The ruins contain Pre-Inca and Incan constructions. This was the pre-Incan religious centre where rituals for the god Pachacamac were carried out. You will see the pre-Incan colour temple (Temple Pintado) and the temple (Temple Viejo) with their pyramids. Re-visit the conquest by the Incas with a visit to of the Temple of the Sun. walk up to the terrace to capture a view of the sea and nearby islands.

Museums and Mansions

The Larco Herrera Museum tour that forms part of the Lima vacation is a huge construction with an unparalleled ceramic collection of the Moche era. The pottery has provided clues about the religion, life, culture , transport of the people of that time. The Erotic Hall displays realistic and explicit pottery that hints towards the practices of those times. Visit the House of Aliaga, a well-maintained mansion that is as old as the city.

Things to do in Lima (other than playing tennis)

Lima vacations are incomplete without a trip to the Magical Water Circuit for its choreographed dancing fountains. There are several popular beaches in the areas of Punta Hermosa, Santa María del Mar, San Bartolo, Punta Negra and Pucusana. You can swim in the clear seas or para-glide off the cliffs. The best way to learn about the city is to rent a cycle and tour the place. Lima streets are always alive with music, food and dance.