LIMA

Location
 Lima is the Capital of the Peru and is situated on the central coast of the Pacific in Latin America. The population is approximately 8 million inhabitants and its area is about 33,000 square km. where you will arrive entering Peru. By cruiser in the harbor of Callao or by airplane in the international airport Jorge Chavez (he was a Peruvian aviation pioneer). The airport is located in Lima at approximately 45 minutes from the colonial center or the commercial districts as Miraflores, San Isidro, etc. The Peruvian capital "Lima" was established by the Spanish "conquistadores" in 1535

History
The oldest remains found in Lima are the settlements of fishermen in the valley of the Rimac River. In a later period the Proto-Lima culture is established with two mayor movements: the Aramburu and the Maranga. In the valley of Lima appeared the collas, originally from Canta and Huarochiri. In the last stage the Incas introduced their gods in this area but let the people continue practicing their own religion. Pachacamac was a temple dedicated to the god of the Sun.

The conqueror Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on the 18th of January 1535. They made Peru the most important region of Latin America and a viceroy living in Lima represented the King of Spain.

Jose de San Martin liberated Peru from the Spanish colonization and declared Peru independent the 28th of July 1821. Slavery disappeared and Lima was considered as the best developed city of Latin America.

Main Attractions
Lima of tranquility
Lima is a must on the agenda for al travelers who want to admire the beauty of colonial and modern Lima, for it preserves the interest and charm of cities steeped in history and crowded with historic monuments. Lima is immense and holds tourist attractions in its 43 districts, but undeniably one of the most evocative places for the traveler is what is known as the Historic Center of Lima The new commercial center of Larco Mar in Miraflores, the most elegant restaurants of the country with a view over the Pacific Ocean, its five star hotels. Also the Camino Real with its great shopping malls in San Isidro. The districts of artists, paintings, poets, writers, music like in Barranco, with its bars and peņas (places where there is folklorical and also afro music as in the Andes or other regions of the country).

Colonial Lima
"The Checkerboard of Pizarro", founded by this conqueror in 1535. The city was organized until the beginning of this century as the center of life and economy. It was the Peruvian capital where the conquerors and the viceroy lived with people like "Perricholi". It was the City of the Kings. Witness of thousands of tales, The Historic Center occupies the oldest part of the city and is a cultural legacy of Peru. It covers the original Spanish layout - known as Pizarro´s Checkerboard, the old gardens and haciendas by the Rimac river and the Barrios Altos section. Its buildings reflect the wealth of Lima architecture through the centuries, combined with modern buildings and shopping areas. Walking its streets and observing her churches, mansions, fountains, monuments, walks, boulevards and homes, the visitor notes different styles existing side by side, and feels as though he has traveled briefly through time, each different from the other.

The balconies that Lima displays, singly or in long rows, are unique in Latin America and constitute one of the most picturesque aspects of the streets of old Lima. The architecture of French influence (18th century) enhanced the charm of houses and churches with the freshness given to them by the mestizo builders who gracefully used materials like clay and plaster.

The most important squares and parks got a face-lift and look attractive these days. The mayor of Lima "Andrade" recently has been reelected and will continue the good work. He and his staff designed an action plan to turn Lima in the tourist capital of Latin America.

Modern Lima
New residential areas, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco, have grown up on the shore, sheltered by Lima´s old spas. Through these streets with long and noisy strides there is commercial activity, banks, shows, art galleries. Surfing is practiced on its beaches. A new city is developing and growing among the gay bougainvillea of Miraflores, and the patriarchal olive trees of San Isidro. The city overlooks the sea, and a long rosary of beaches at Costa Verde, Chorrillos and La Herradura.

Lima of archaeological places and magnificent museums
Peru has lot's of excellent archaeological material of any kind (ceramics, cloths, gold and silver objects money, etc.) which belong to numerous prestigious cultures: Chavin, Huari, Chimu, Mochica, Nazca, Paracas, Moxeque, Vicus, Inca, etc. Everybody can admire these fine objects of highly developed cultures in several museums in and around Lima, where these treasures are exposed.

Lima and its people
 Lima was founded by the conqueror Francisco Pizarro on the 18th of January 1533. From there on, this city was considered the new capital of Peru. The wealth imported by the Spanish nobility immigrated to Peru, made Lima originally the City of Kings. All the gold was exported via this city to Spain. Many of the original colonial houses still exist.

Lima stayed a small city for almost 400 years. In the twenties the city population tripled. Since the Second World War, Lima´s population grew about 10 times. Today almost 8 million people live in the metropolis, almost a third from the total population of Peru (23 million). The population density has contrasts in Peru. For example: the tropical rainforest covers over 60% of the country's territory and only 5% of the population lives in this unmeasurable forest. Most of the immigrants come from the Andes. Looking for a better life they move to Lima with little possessions and encounter themselves even in a worse situation and poverty. Some are lucky and have a good life now and can afford to send their children to university, etc.

In recent years and influenced by the stable political situation, foreign companies invest in Peru and create new jobs. The financial climate seems to improve, but as in most Latin American countries, money is in the hands of a few. Many of the poor people start a small business as street vendors and make their living by selling cigarettes and chewing gum but earn just enough for their food.

Since the new political climate in Peru a lot of investment has been made in hospitals, schools and universities. Almost everybody that can afford university do their best to turn them into professionals. This is one of the only ways to secure future in Lima and earn good money.

The government is working on social security, especially for retired. The tax system is really working well (SUNAT). SUNAT is closing many businesses for not paying taxes. Often small businesses as shops are closed with well-known big red stickers. Don't be surprised when you ask for a beer at the bar and they give you a receipt. To give you an idea how young the economy is in Peru, the stock market of this country exists since the late 80s and stock values rose 10 times in 8 years. For the moment the market is quit stable and inflation is controlled.

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