Lima or ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings) is the capital of Peru, as well the largest city with a population of nearly 8.5 million people. Central Lima is located at an elevation level of 512 feet on the south bank of the Rímac River, about 8 miles from the inland Pacific Ocean port Callao.
Lima’s international airport Jorge Chávez is the main entrance for travelers coming to Peru. Most likely the adventurous trip will start here. Lima, like any modern capital city offers all the tourist services, an excellent and modern hotel infrastructure, a good variation of attraction centers, as well cultural and night entertainment including luxurious casinos and outstanding restaurants with tasty Peruvian dishes.
As population problems rise the transportation services are surprisingly well arranged. There wont be any issues finding a taxi to take you from the crumbling pre-Inca pyramids to a ultramodern shopping mall and there after to one of the many historic museums. Before eating fresh seafood by the ocean, go paragliding off the cliffs in Miraflores. To get your night groove on visit the many bars and clubs in bohenmian Barranco’s area.
Travelers to Lima need a valid passport and visa. Citizens from US, Europe, Australia and Canada do not require a tourist visa, as long the stay does not extend 90 days. The best period for visiting are the summer months, which are from December till March with the best temperatures and the least rain.