Peru's capital, Lima, is a city that has seen so many things.
Before discovering Lima today, let's jump back, to 1535, when Francisco Pizarro founded this city as the City of Kings (Ciudad de los Reyes).
Over the years the name that prevailed was that resulting from the Aymara language, lima-limaq, which means "yellow flower", Lima today.The city also became the capital of the Peru's Viceroyalty.
Today, there are over 28 universities, which have earned to it the title of Cultural Capital of Peru.
WHAT TO SEE IN LIMA
Being a historic city, there are so many things to see. The historic center of Lima, for example, has been declared a World Heritage Site for its originality.
The monastery of San Francisco
The church and the monastery have seen the end of their construction in 1774, almost a century after the inauguration of the works.
If you think it has survived well two earthquakes, you can get an idea of how it can be its structure. Inside there is a world famous library by the number of volumes that are stored here.
There are also the catacombs to see, discovered only in 1943.
The Cathedral of Lima
Massive and imposing, the Lima's cathedral is the largest building that overlooks Plaza Mayor.
In 1535, the city's founder, Francisco Pizarro, laid the first stone, but then, to see the cathedral done, they had to wait until 1540, just five years later.
Because of the two earthquakes that we talked about before, the cathedral underwent several restorations.
Plaza Mayor
This square, on which overlooks the Cathedral of Lima, is also known as the Plaza de Armas and is the exact place where the city was born.
During the colonial period, the square was dedicated to the market, but was also used as an arena where took place the bullfighting.
Archbishop's Palace of Lima
Here the Archbishop of Lima lives, this palace is not open to visitors, but it deserves to be admired in all its beauty. The building is located near the Cathedral and is built with quality materials, such as Seville tiles and mahogany and cedar wood.
Palacio de Gobierno
It is located on the Rimac Riverbanks, exactly where the last Inca emperor lived. The Palacio de Gobierno was deliberately built here at the behest of Francisco Pizarro, also for the strong religious connotation it had during the Inca period.
Because of earthquakes, it is not much left of the original building, but it still worth to drop by.
Huaca Pucllana
In Miraflores district, you will find this archaeological site, which consists of a clay pyramid, ceremonial and administrative center of the city, dated between 200 and 700 A.D.
WHEN TO GO TO LIMA
The best time to visit Lima, and in general all the Peru, from June to October, but you still have to keep in mind that the climate varies greatly depending on the proximity to the sea or the mountains.
The rains, however, are more frequent during the months between December and March.
WHERE TO STAY IN LIMA SPENDING NOT MUCH
Tampu Machi Backpackers Hostel: With only 7 euro per person, per night, you can sleep here, in this family management hostel, with breakfast and wifi included.
Condor's House: this hostel is located in the Milaflores district, it offers breakfast every morning and there is space to organize barbecues together. The price per night? It starts at around 7.41 euro per person!
Cover Photo By Micah MacAllen
