Destination
Lima, Peru
The ancient city of Lima, capital of Peru, is a bustling metropolis 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 a city of more than eight million inhabitants with an active nightlife, thriving cultural scene and non-stop activities.
Lima was inhabited by civilizations for centuries before it was founded as the City of Kings, as shown by the countless huacas or temples that dotted the valley. These include Huaca Pucllana Temple and the Pachacamac shrine, a major pilgrimage centre during the Inca empire.
The old city is home to ancient churches and mansions brimming with colonial and religious art, including such superb architectural examples as The Casa Aliaga and Palacio Torre Tagle mansions. Colonial Lima also features many fine churches and convents such as Santo Domingo, San Agustín, San Francisco and La Merced.