Guide to Lima

"The City of Kings" - Lima, Peru

Lima known locally as ‘The City of the Kings’ is the capital of Peru, and has a rich a colorful history. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, it was once the most powerful and important trading posts in the continent. The city fell into decline when the Spanish created a rival vice regency in Rio de la Plata (River of the Silver), which later became supremely rich though the mining of Silver.

Nowadays, only the colonial buildings in the centre remain as a reminder to riches of the past. Modern day Lima has become a sprawling metropolis of extreme wealth and poverty. Shanty towns on the outskirts of the city are in extreme contrast to the wealthier inner suburbs of Barranco and Miraflores, where locals drive around in expensive cars and dine in fine restaurants.

With a population of more than 9 million residents, Lima represents one third of the Peruvian population, and is the fourth largest city in the America’s. Here at the only Peru Guide we think that it is an often over-looked travel destination, considered un-interesting and dangerous. However, if you take time to look under the dust, you will find that it offers incredible architecture, some of the best museums in South America and fantastic gastronomy.

We travel throughout this amazing country all the time, and are happy to share our knowledge and information for free. Post something in our Peru travel forum and we will respond as soon as we can.