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Centuries before it was founded as the City of Kings, the territory
of Lima, capital of Peru and
of the department of Lima, was inhabited by civilizations
that had gauged its wealth and strategic location. Proof of
that can be seen in the countless huacas or temples that dotted
the valley, particularly the Pachacamac shrine, a major pilgrimage
center during the Inca empire. This spurred Spanish Conqueror
Francisco Pizarro in 1535 to choose the Rímac River
Valley to found the capital, as its location by the sea provided
a link with sailing routes.
Lima is the main gateway to Peru, a major city bustling with
living history and movement. It is an ethnic melting pot,
featuring pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. The
metropolis is also surrounded by every aspect of Nature: the
sea, islands, mountains, desert and plantlife. Its various
quarters feature an active nightlife and well-endowed cultural
scene, as well as plentiful public transport and non-stop
activities, a city of more than 8 million souls.
Before exploring Lima, the visitor should map out a route.
The old city center harbors churches and mansions brimming
with colonial and religious art, including such superb architectural
examples as the Casa Aliaga or Palacio de Torre Tagle mansions.
Colonial Lima also features many fine churches and convents
such as Santo Domingo, San Agustín, San Francisco and
La Merced.
Further south lie the Pantanos de Villa, a natural wetlands
area which has been declared a reserved zone and which is
a haven for more than 150 bird species, while the Pachacamac
complex is to be found further south. In the Cañete
highlands, 180 km from Lima, lies the Lunahuaná Valley,
a hotspot for adventure sports.
To the north, 105 km from Lima are the Lomas de Lachay, a
national reserve in the foothills which features a unique
mist-fed eco-system of wild plant and animal species. A little
further north, meanwhile, is Paramonga, which features pre-Hispanic
archaeological sites.
The climate is dryer and sunnier east up the Central Highway,
in the Andean foothills. The road heads up through the province
of Huarochirí, until it reaches the town of San Pedro
de Casta, from where one can see the Marcahuasi plateau. The
area is the site of huge natural formations eroded by the
climate into the shape of animals and people. |
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