Lima is full of surprises within its layers upon layers of rich history. Situated on the coast of the Pacific and being one of the largest desert towns in the world, the contrasts of the city are striking. Near the shantytowns that resemble a third world country are modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, beautifully restored colonial mansions dating back to the 17th century, and pre-Inca pyramids that survived the Spanish conquest and modern civilization.
The city has a lot to offer the visitor, who usually only stays a short time en route to other excursions in Peru. Either way, Lima, the longtime capital of empires of long ago, has its own identity that can be felt on every stone and building constructed.
Just a quick stroll through the Plaza de Armas, the central plaza, and you’ll see a few important sights: the Palacio de Gobierno, which is the president’s residence, and the elaborate balconies of what used to be the Archbishop’s Palace. Lima also has some gorgeous cathedrals, such as the Catedral de Lima, which holds the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who defeated the Incas and founded Lima for Spain.
Just an hour’s drive from Lima are several sights worth checking out, including the ruins of Pachacamac of the Wari and Incas, the lovely southern beaches as an escape from the bustling city, and the 2000 recently discovered mummies at the Puruchuco site. Also just outside the city are the ruins of Cajamarquilla, which is one of the largest archeological monuments in Peru