Lima (Peru): sights of the capital

Spanish conquistadors in 1535 on the Pacific coast laid an outpost, which was given the name Lima (Peru). According to historians, the construction was led by Adelantado Francisco Pizarro, whose name is associated with the conquest of the Inca Empire. Subsequently, the outpost became the administrative center of the Latin American country of Peru.

Why the "city of kings"?

The ships that went into the port, moving further up the fairway of the river Rimak, flowing into the Pacific Ocean, swam into the interior of the country, in its mountainous part of the Andes. The outpost served as a kind of bridgehead that allowed the Spaniards to carry out invasive campaigns, spreading their colonial possessions. The city of Lima (Peru) developed gradually.

Not surprisingly, this circumstance explained the choice of a place for the construction of a port town. Over the next two centuries, he was destined to survive the heyday, having justified his name - "City of Kings". Lima gradually expanded. Like mushrooms after the rain, there appeared new chic houses of the Spanish nobility, decorated in the then fashionable Baroque style. Everyone wanted to build closer to the main city square.

Development of the city

The successful location of Lima contributed to the prosperity of trade. In parallel, there was a development of culture and enlightenment. The foundation of the University of San Marcos in 1551 is proof of this. This is the very first educational institution of this level in Latin America. In the middle of the 18th century, in this part of the Pacific coast a powerful destructive earthquake occurred, which resulted in the death of a tenth of the urban population. A terrible natural phenomenon destroyed many buildings, the former magnificence of which no one can ever admire.

Today Lima (the capital of Peru) is a metropolis with more than 8 million inhabitants. Its inhabitants have the opportunity to use exclusively ground transportation. Not surprisingly, a large concentration of buses and cars (among them a lot of outdated models), hurrying to work or for other things pedestrians cause traffic congestion in the streets. Rare vehicles, the technical state of which is far from ideal, saturates the city with exhaust fumes, thereby worsening the ecological situation.

On the territory of the capital and abroad, the services of holidaymakers are beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, lovers of bathing are disappointed - the water here is not warm all year round. But lovers of surfing with great pleasure conquer the Pacific waves. In Peru (Lima), the weather is changeable, the winds form large waves, which attract tourists who prefer active recreation.

Safety rules in Lima

The Peruvian capital belongs to the category of those cities in the world where small theft flourishes. Being in a crowd or public transport, one must be very alert. You should have as few expensive things and jewelry as you can - leaving everything valuable at home or in a hotel room so as not to attract the attention of local thieves.

Lima (Peru) is a special place for rest, but every tourist needs to be vigilant. Only then you will not become a victim of petty crooks and scammers.

The most visited and popular historical sites

The main square of Lima is called Plaza Mayor. It is located, as it were, in the center of architectural attractions, which attract many tourists. Among such objects are the buildings of the colonial era of the 16th century, which conquer with their extraordinary beauty:

• The Palace of Government (or the Palace of Pissarro).
• Cathedral.
• Archbishop's Palace.
• The Municipal Palace.

Anyone will like the unforgettable Lima (Peru). Attractions are made to admire and reflect on how the ancestors of these lands lived.

Pyramid in Lima

Acquaintance with the history of the city can begin with the pyramid, which is located in the area where the streets intersect the prestigious areas. Although the height of the pyramid is much smaller than that of the Egyptian cousin, it is still real. Once upon a time, Indians in this place in a game form sacrificed their deities. To independently familiarize yourself with the pyramid, you have to pay $ 5, and accompanied by a guide - from $ 20.

It is famous for the ancient buildings of Lima (Peru). On many historical sites guides work, they will tell many interesting stories.

The Larko Museum

It contains exhibits - pottery made from ceramics, jewelry made of precious metals, various types of weapons of Indians, clothing - that represent the history of the region lasting 3 thousand years. Much was collected by businessman Larko, in honor of which the museum was named. The institution occupies the premises of the colonial palace, built in the 18th century. The museum is known for its erotic ceramic gallery. Visiting the museum "Larko" will cost 10 dollars.

This exposition is known around the world for the city of Lima (Peru). Photo institutions were printed in many magazines and newspaper publications.

Complex St. Francisca

Planning a sightseeing tour, you can not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the complex of St. Francis. Its highlight is the painting "Last Supper". On it, unlike the famous canvas by Leonardo da Vinci "The Last Supper", Christ with his apostles is depicted in an unfamiliar foreshortening - they are larded with guinea pig and washed down with chicha. Complex St. Francisca is several objects: a monastery, a church, a chapel, a catacomb. Here is a different and attractive for tourists Lima (Peru). The sights of the city are amazing with its beauty and antiquity.

After the earthquake in 1672 the destroyed building had to be rebuilt. According to experts, this complex should be classified as the most significant architectural samples, which are made in the Baroque style.

Fountain complex

It is unlikely that anywhere else in the world there is such a complex of fountains, which in comparison to the occupied area will be compared with the Park la Reserva, which served as an excuse to include it in the Guinness Book of Records. A special impression is made by the show in the evening, when the noise of the fountains is accompanied by national Peruvian and classical music.

After the organization of such a monument, hundreds of tourists from all over the world went to Peru (Lima). Hotels can be found in many areas of the city. Prices are very affordable, range from 25 to 1000 dollars per day.

Temples of the Preink civilizations

Before the appearance of the Spaniards in Peru, there was already civilization. This can be judged by the presence of dilapidated churches. They are located next to residential areas. Archaeological value is represented by the complex of Uaka Puklyana, who played the role of a religious and at the same time an administrative center. The wall built in the middle of it divided it into two separate parts. The researchers suggest that the complex was built in the sixth century. These constructions are famous for Lima (Peru).

Since the last century until our days, the first scientific research and impressions of travelers have come. Only in the fifties of the last century archeologists began to excavate. It was possible to extract artifacts in large numbers, among which:

• Household items (ceramics and textiles);
• Stone tools;
• The remains of fruits, vegetables and animals.

The latter, probably, were presented to the deities, so that they were more supportive. Six years ago, researchers reported that they managed to find four mummies related to pre-Vic culture of Wari. All that could be found in the excavations area of Wakie Pukljana, is now located as museum exhibits. Nearby is the restaurant Huaca Pucllana, where visitors can, while sitting at tables and savoring drinks, periodically turn their heads towards the architectural complex.

"Sugar Loaf" and other buildings of the Indians

In the area of San Isidro there is an archaeological monument called Uaka Ualyamarca (or Pan de Asukar, translated from the Spanish language "Sugar Loaf") - a reconstructed pyramid made of clay. The approximate time of its creation falls on the period between the 3rd and 6th centuries. In the museum near the pyramid are exposed all the artifacts discovered.

If you go beyond Lima from the southeast and continue to move in the same direction, then after about 40 km you will be lucky enough to discover an archaeological complex called Pachakamak. In ancient temples of the pyramidal form, one can hardly see the traces of frescoes. Also nearby are residential buildings and other objects of archaeological value. The Pachacamac complex is known as a religious center, therefore for a long time it invariably attracts pilgrims from all the coastal territory of Peru.

The civilization of the Indians, which preceded the Inca Empire many centuries ago, the deity Pachamak (translated "He who gives life") was worshiped as the creator of the universe. He is subject to the most significant elements - earthquakes and fire. According to researchers, in the area where the complex Pachacamac, the first Indian settlements began to appear at the beginning of the third century from the birth of Christ. Approximately for the indicated period, construction of the first religious buildings is necessary. The peak of Pachamak's power falls on the 7th century (the times of the Wari culture). And he was so great that neighboring lands fell into the sphere of his influence. Beautiful and majestic Lima (Peru). Photos of ancient monuments can be found in this article.

El Paraiso Complex

Those who are planning a trip to the Pachamak complex, I would like to advise you to make an ascent to the Temple of the Sun. Tourists enjoy an indescribable view of the Pacific Ocean, which can be seen only from the top of the mountain. From this perspective, a completely different Lima (Peru) will appear.

Just two kilometers from the Peruvian capital, in the northern direction, is the huge archaeological complex of El Paraiso, which occupies more than 50 hectares of land. It's hard not to notice. The buildings found on the territory of the complex belong to the extreme antiquity - over two millennia before the birth of Christ. At that time, the population could be at least 3 thousand people. And now here and there you can find what's left of the living quarters and religious buildings.

Despite the fact that the existence of the El Paraiso complex was known many years ago, none of the archaeologists have seriously digged. December 2012 marked the beginning of the implementation of a grandiose project. It took only three months to excavate was a major success. The scientific world has learned about the discovery of an underground religious center near the most important cult structure. Four of its levels belong to different historical segments and are arranged in chronological order. Concerning the time of construction, a hypothesis was put forward that it falls on the third millennium BC.

Flight over Lima by paraglider

Nothing can compare with the impressions that remain after the contemplation of Lima from a bird's eye view. This kind of excursion becomes possible thanks to a paraglider. Next to the pilot, a certified instructor is always present during the flight, so you do not have to worry about safety. So the lack of any skills and experience can not be an obstacle to the enjoyment and enjoyment of adrenaline.

The city of Lima (the capital of Peru) is in great demand among tourists. There are health facilities in this area. By the way, in 2004 there was a large-scale strike of medical personnel of the city.