Lima
Overview
Lima, City of Kings, was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on 6 January, the Feast of the Kings (Epiphany). It was designed to be a purely Spanish city in a conquered territory but it has turned out to be a rather drab and patched-together place�especially after 450 years of earthquakes. It´s as chaotic as you might expect in a city where more people live today than did in the whole country in 1970. You might think the city is choking in smog, and this is certainly true. But when you are at the seaside, most of the time you can see clouds wafting in at real low altitudes, adding to a depressing feel of the city. It does make for a city which is not as hot as one would expect. Traffic is crazy, with buses competing with each other and the millions of taxis for passengers. Respect comes with the size of the vehicle: pedestrians are low on the food chain. People tend to drive as if they were on a mission to wear out their brakes and refill their gas tank as soon as possible.
The city consists of a collection of distinct neighborhoods with their own look, feel and history. Downtown Lima has some of the most impressive colonial architecture, as this used to be the whole city in its early years. Even within the historic center many old houses are being rundown. Don`t miss the market area and Chinatown (have some Chifa!), that is if you don't...more
[Edit]History
When to Go
[Edit]Transport
| » Getting Around |
| » Getting There & Away |
General Health and Safety
While there is not much violent crime against tourists, theft is rampant. Watch out for pickpockets constantly. Don't use gold jewelry. If you carry a purse, a camera, a backpack or just a pair of sunglasses hang on to them at all times, even when eating indoors at a nice cafe, otherwise they might be stolen. If you witness a crime being committed, DO NOT intervene unless you are really sure of what you are doing: many criminals, even pickpockets, carry guns, knifed, etc and may use them if feeling threatened. Avoid the surroundings of Soccer / Football stadiums before and after big matches, since barras bravas (hooligans) can be very violent. Ask for advice if you plan to go there or thereabouts. Some areas of Lima are safer than others: Miraflores and San Isidro have large populations of well-to-do and wealthy Peruvians, not to mention large tourist groups, so they have large police presence to protect the population. Other districts, such as La Victoria, are much much more dangerous. Visitors would be well advised to stay out of these areas unless accompanied by an experienced native or...more
[Edit]Health & Safety
Contribute to Unearth Travel and Help Create
The World's Finest Travel Guide
- Edit Information and Submit Photos
- CreativeCommons means it is Free to Share
Navigate the World and [Edit] the Content