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Guide to Lima, Peru
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LimaWith a population of 8 million people, Lima can seem rather crowded, and the overwhelming pollution doesnt help matters along. But amid the humidity and smog, Lima is a city with admirable architecture all around, a deep sense of cultural awareness, and shockingly friendly people (despite the troubles that afflict many). A great number of locals have traveled from throughout Peru to make their lives better here, and the bustling markets are a sign that many have. Lima is not for the faint of heart youll be tossed around like a knapsack if you dont have your bargaining hat on but if you know what to expect, and are prepared for an adventure like no other, Lima awaits.
When to go:
The best times of the year to visit Lima are late-spring and the start of winter. You may not be able to plan very well, but if you happen to get a flight to the city during either of these times, youll experience the best balance of weather and crowd volume. Lima is, of course, crowded on a consistent basis throughout the year, but tourists tend to visit Lima in the summer therefore youll score a cheap price for a hotel room. The summer does not bring searing heat to Lima, but youre almost guaranteed to run into intense humidity. The short pockets we mentioned earlier offer the least humidity of the year, but you will nevertheless find yourself slightly uncomfortable standing in the streets for extended periods of time. Ironically, annual rainfall is quite low in Lima.
Getting there and around:
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez is Limas connection to the world and fellow Peruvian airports. It is not too far from the city; at a sizeable distance of about 12 kilometers. Buses and taxis are available day and night, and are quite cheap, but remember, if you take a taxi, youre going to have to bargain for a fare (no meters). Buses are ideal if you dont have much luggage to carry.
Taxis and buses are what youll most-likely be utilizing, but if you want, you can opt for a car rental. Traffic is intense, but traffic is intense no matter what mode of transportation youre using. Agencies provide cheap rates, and you can even explore outside the city a bit. If youd like, rent a bike for a breezy, open-air tour of the Limas streets.
Attractions:
One of the most fascinating sites in Lima is the Cathedral. It was first built in the 16^th Century, but was badly damaged by earthquakes in both the 17^th and 18^th centuries. It was rebuilt of course, and the original structure layout was preserved quite well. Today, the Cathedral contains some exquisite woodcarvings throughout the chapels, with expansive mosaics on the walls nearly all commissioned by Pizzaro. Pizarros coffin is in fact laid out in the chapel to the right as you walk in, and further toward the back of the Cathedral youll find the small but much-visited Museo de Arte Religioso.
The Museo de Oro del Peru is a conjoined structure of two separate establishments: the Gold Museum, and the Arms Museum. In the Gold Museum are thousands of gold pieces, mostly trinkets, ranging from clothing decorations to earplugs.
The Arms Museum is home to one of the worlds most comprehensive collection of firearms. Peruvian firearms make up only a small portion of the vast collection found here.
Make sure you visit the Plaza de Armas, where Lima was founded, and after strolling around the bronze fountain, Government Palace, Archbishops Palace, and Cathedral, see San Francisco Church, where, within the beautiful baroque building, lie thousands of antique texts and thousands of human remains in the catacombs.
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