Lima - An Heir To Ancient Cultures And Rich Colonial Tradition

Ranked #37,174 in Travel & Places, #903,762 overall

Lima, Peru is one of the most fascinating places on Earth, with its unique mix of cultural heritage. As the seat of the ancient Inca Empire, this area has been populated for centuries. With the conquering of the Inca by the Spanish conquistadors, the two cultures have mixed into something very unique, something you can experience when you visit Lima. Much of Lima and the surrounding are is natural, thanks to it's location near the Pacific Ocean, and the ocean also helps to keep temperatures down, despite it's proximity to the equator. If you are thinking of traveling to Lima, Peru, you will need to get a passport. Your US passport renewal can be completed online.

The Sites To See

Because Lima is such a historical place, many of its attractions focus on this history. Be sure to stop by the Historic Center of Lima, located in the downtown portion of Lima. This particular site was declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site for its special significance culturally, as it is an example of colonized Lima under Spanish rule. In the heart of the historical area is the Plaza de Armas, also referred to as Plaza Mayor. Located in this plaza are important historical buildings, like the Cathedral, and the Palacio de Gobierno as well. Additionally, there are plenty of places to eat and shop. This plaza is also the location where Francisco Pizarro established Lima on January 18, 1535.

Food is central part of Spanish culture, and the food of Lima is famous for its bright flavors, as well as the sheer variety of things there are to try. For example, ceviche is the national dish, and Lima is the capital of ceviche dishes, meaning you won't have issues finding a variety of different kinds to try. Considered the "Gastronomy Capital of the Americas," Lima features all different sorts of Spanish and South American food, with plenty of other international foods thrown in as well. Thanks to its location on the coast, Lima is also famous for its delicious sea food.

Just being outside is a great way to experience the beautiful Peruvian weather. Bike rides through town and around the surrounding natural areas is a good way to work off a big lunch, and mountain biking is a good option as well. If you are up for more extreme activities, hangliding is a popular activity in the areas surrounding Lima. The beaches are beautiful, and Peru is a magnet for those who love to surf.

Lima and the areas surrounding it are great vacation spots because there are a whole variety of activities to choose from. Apart from those mentioned, there are also monuments, old buildings, museums, and countless natural places to explore. Remember that you can't go to Peru unless you have international travel documents. But with USA passport services conveniently online, it won't be a hassle.

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