Lima is the capital of Peru. It has an area of 2672 square kilometres. Its population is around 9 million. It is the third largest (most populous) city in the Americas (as defined by city proper) behind Sao Paulo and Mexico City. Metropolitan Lima is a huge city without a fixed form. Its shapelessness and varying concentration of population within the city has given it a nickname of El Pulpo, meaning the Octopus.

Lima is the main commercial and industrial centre of Peru. It is a beautiful city having coastline to the extent of 80 kilometres. The name Lima evolved from the Quechua name Rimac, meaning “talker”.

Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro founded this city in 1535. He called Lima “the city of kings”. The city is a modern oasis, surrounded by the Peruvian coastal desert close to the western side of the Andes Mountains. The city has been under the process of industrialisation from the 1930s. Today, there are around 7,000 factories in the city, which manufacture and process textiles, clothing, food, chemicals, fish, leather and oil derivatives.

Lima was the capital of the Spanish viceroyalty of Peru which comprised the countries of Peru, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Guyana and Venezuela in the South America. After independence of Peru, Lima has become capital of Peru. 90 per cent of population speak Spanish.

Due to varied cultures, different types of cuisine are available in Lima. Ceviche, a dish made from fish, Lomo saltado, a dish made from beef etc. are specialities of Lima.

New Year festivities are another speciality in Lima. On the New Year’s Day, people wear yellow coloured dresses. They buy yellow coloured flowers. The people ensure that yellow colour is prominent in the festivities. The people think of yellow colour as a symbol of luck. On 31^st December night, at the stroke of 12 midnight, people eat 12 grapes.

Tourists from all over the world come to Lima. Many museums, exhibitions, art galleries, adventures, beautiful beaches, festivities are special attractions of Lima. The Parque de la Reserva is the world’s biggest fountain complex. It contains many fountains. The fountains come in different shapes. At night, the fountains are colourful, in different colours.

Normally in other countries, pet dogs are dressed up only for an occasion. In Lima, pet dogs are always dressed up with shirt, trouser and goggles.

Tourists often start their Lima tour from Plaza Mayor. This is called the birthplace of the city. Hundreds of shops and restaurants are here.

Lima’s historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site from 1988. The Cathedral and the Monastry of San Francisco, the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas and its beaches are some of the major attractions of the city.

Elevated levels of air pollution from automobiles and buses and by earthquakes threaten Lima’s historic monuments.

Transport: getting there and getting away

Lima's Aero Puerto Internacional Jorge Chávez services most international and domestic flights. The airport is best served by taxi as buses tend to be crowded.

Buses connect Lima with Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador as well as all over Peru. They are slow and can be uncomfortable.

Ocean liners berth at Lima's port of Callao.

Lima is a sprawling congested city and public transport is disorganised. Taxis are plentiful but unregulated. Fares must be negotiated which is difficult if you don't speak Spanish and taxis can be dangerous.

Micro and combi buses are cheap and the destinations are placed in the windshield. This makes things difficult if you're not familiar with the city.

Lima is not pedestrian-friendly owing to congestion and pollution. Walking is only advised within neighbourhoods. Between neighbourhoods a taxi is necessary.