ÍNDICE
Next we are going to get to know the region of Lima in depth, including the capital of Peru. Let’s look at its demographic data, interesting facts about its weather, flora and fauna, economy and places of interest.
Embarking on a journey to Lima, Peru, is an immersion into a dynamic fusion of history, culture, and gastronomy. As the vibrant capital city, Lima boasts an intriguing blend of ancient archaeological sites and modern urban landscapes.
From the grandeur of the historic Plaza de Armas to the fascinating Larco Museum showcasing pre-Columbian art, Lima offers a rich tapestry of heritage waiting to be explored.
The city’s culinary scene is a world-renowned treasure, with its diverse flavors and innovative gastronomy earning it the title of “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas.” From sampling ceviche by the Pacific coastline to savoring delectable Peruvian cuisine at award-winning restaurants, Lima is a paradise for food enthusiasts.
The city’s neighborhoods each possess a unique charm, whether it’s the bohemian Barranco district or the bustling markets of Miraflores. Lima’s rich history, vibrant present, and gastronomic delights make it an enticing destination that promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Peru
Capital of Lima region
The capital city of the region of Lima has the same name as the department itself: Lima. Lima is a very complete and developed city with nothing to envy from a big city. It has an airport and it is at an excellent technological level that will make you not miss living in a great world city.
In the words of Garcilaso de la Vega, regarding the origin of the name of the capital (Lima):
The place name Lima is a degeneration of the word Rimac, which in Spanish means the one who speaks, in reference to an oracle highly revered by the indigenous people and which, by extension, the entire valley and its river Rimac or speaking river were called that way.
Garcilaso de la Vega
What to visit in the Lima region?
⛪ The area of Lima is full of beautiful buildings that inside have immense libraries, archaeological museums, catacombs, crypts and mummies in perfect condition, ships and majestic chapels representative of the wealth that was exported to Europe on official ships of the Spanish crown.
- Historic Center: Explore colonial architecture and cultural heritage, including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Lima.
- Larco Museum: Admire an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and art, providing insight into ancient civilizations.
- Barranco District: Immerse yourself in bohemian charm, with colorful streets, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
- Miraflores: Stroll along the picturesque Malecón boardwalk, enjoy Pacific Ocean views, and explore bustling markets and parks.
- Huaca Pucllana: Discover an ancient adobe pyramid archaeological site in modern Miraflores.
- Magic Water Circuit: Experience a water, light, and music spectacle in Parque de la Reserva, featuring 13 interactive fountains.
- San Francisco Monastery: Explore catacombs beneath this historic church and convent for a glimpse into Lima’s past.
- Chorrillos Fisherman’s Wharf: Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at this lively coastal area by the ocean.
- Pachacamac Archaeological Complex: Visit ancient Inca and pre-Inca ruins revealing insights into history and spirituality.
- National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History: Explore a diverse collection of artifacts, including those from pre-Inca cultures.
- Pueblo Libre District: Visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum for an extensive collection of pottery and charm.
- Parque Kennedy: Experience Miraflores’ heart with this bustling park often filled with artisans, performers, and friendly cats.
- Mercado Surquillo: Immerse in Lima’s culinary scene by exploring local markets and savoring authentic flavors.
- Playas del Sur: Escape to southern beaches like Punta Hermosa or Punta Negra for surfing, relaxation, and beachside dining.
- Shopping and Gastronomy: Discover Lima’s modern shopping centers and indulge in diverse culinary offerings, from street food to fine dining.
In the historic center of the city of Lima, the beautiful and gigantic buildings worthy of any European metropolis are carefully maintained. Their height and exquisite architecture, such as the Palace of Justice or the Museum of Italian Art, are astonishing, which you cannot fail to see. visit.
It is not just an ancient city, modern Lima will surprise you even more, let’s start with the Green Coast Beach Circuit that borders the coast of the city from North to South, which you can travel from end to end, it has multiple cobblestone paths , parks, squares, sculptures, recreation areas, gardens, skateboard tracks, cycle paths and Paragliding stations, parking lots for driving practices in cars and motorcycles, Golfito tracks, exhibition center.
The beaches of the Costa Verde are not suitable for bathers, with the exception of those of Chorrillos, which are very crowded in summer; But all year round these beaches are suitable for surfing, so you can see an endless number of stations with surfboard rentals.
But Remember that Peru has several recognized beaches and one of them is in Lima. This is Miraflores beach and there is the possibility of taking a bath there
The characteristic weather in the area
☁️ The city of Lima is called “Lima la gris” since much of the year the sky is so cloudy that it does not allow sunlight to pass through completely, however, it is one of the cities with the highest incidence of ultraviolet rays in the world. Sun.
In the area of Lima there are 4 climatic seasons, despite this, you will feel 6 months with cold temperatures (this is influenced by the wind due to being on the shore of the Pacific Ocean), and 6 months of warm temperatures. It is a climate with high humidity and when it is hot it is very stifling for many.
Typical food in this area
This subject is one of the most extensive in the case of Peru, here there is a lot to tell and it has to do with the megadiversity of food, preparations and dishes existing in the territory. Peruvian gastronomy is since 2011 Cultural Heritage of the Americas for the World by the Organization of American States.
In this region of Peru the main dishes are those that I name below
- Ceviche de Pescado.
- Cau Cau.
- Ají de Gallina.
- Lomo Saltado.
- Causa Limeña.
Ceviche de Pescado
And there is nothing more Peruvian than a ceviche and in the department of Lima it is one of the best known and consumed dishes by locals and tourists. You will be pleasantly surprised with each dish you try. Lima ceviche is a preparation based on fresh fish marinated in lemon or lime juice, mixed with chili, onion, cilantro and other ingredients that give it its characteristic flavor and freshness.
The fish is cut into small cubes and marinated and the resulting mixture of lemon juice with the fish juices and other ingredients is known as “tiger’s milk.”
Cau Cau
In Lima, as in other parts of Peru, cau cau is highly prized and can be found in many restaurants and traditional food stalls. It is a very curious dish made from beef tripe cooked and cut into small pieces, accompanied by potato or potatoes, yellow pepper and spices that give it its characteristic flavor.
Ají de Gallina
Ají de Gallina owes its name to the sauce that gives it its characteristic flavor, yellow chili. This chili is a variety of Peruvian chili that has a slightly spicy flavor and an intense yellow color.
In addition to ají and gallina, Ají de Gallina also includes other ingredients such as bread soaked in milk (or crackers), ground walnuts or almonds, onion, garlic, fresh cheese, and sometimes a small amount of evaporated milk or cream. It is traditionally served with white rice and boiled potatoes. It is presented with shredded chicken and chili sauce over rice and potatoes, and is garnished with an olive and a slice of boiled egg.
Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is prepared with pieces of beef (cow) loin, cut into thin strips and sautéed in a hot wok or skillet. In addition to the beef tenderloin, the main ingredients include onion, tomato and yellow chili, which gives it a touch of spiciness. Traditionally served with crispy French fries and white rice
Causa Limeña
It is a cold dish, similar to a potato pie, which is based on the potato or Peruvian yellow potato and is filled with a mixture of tuna, chicken, shrimp or other ingredients, depending on the variant that is prepared.
Most important festival in the Region
Every year, on the first Sunday of October, the feast of the Lord of Miracles is celebrated. This event paralyzes many regions of the country and is the greatest devotion of Peruvians. This same month there are several processions and many celebrations around the event. This is a very important date for the citizens of the region of Lima.
It is one of the most important and popular religious festivities in Lima, the capital of Peru, and it is also considered the largest religious procession in Latin America. The main feature of the festival are the processions, in which thousands of faithful participate carrying a replica of the Cristo Moreno, as the Lord of Miracles is also known. People wear purple robes and carry candles and flowers as they walk the streets of Lima in an act of faith and devotion.
Geographic, Political and Economic Data of the Department of Lima
The area of Lima is the headquarters of the capital city of the country that bears the same name and is where all government entities, Ministries, Courts and Legislature are located. It is located in the central-coastal area of Peru. The Department of Lima is divided into 10 provinces and 43 districts.
The 10 provinces of the Department of Lima will be the following.
- Lima
- Cajatambo
- Canta
- Cañete
- Oyón
- Yauyos
- Huaral
- Barranca
- Huarochirí
- Huaura
To these provinces we should add a Constitutional Province, Callao..
This region occupies around 35,000 square kilometers of Peruvian territory. To the west it limits with the Constitutional Province of Callao, to the south with the region of Ica and the region of Huancavelica, to the east with the region of Junín and the region of Pasco and to the north with the region of Ancash and the region of Huánuco.
Regarding the economy of the region of Lima, due to the fact that it occupies a large territory and is next to the coast of the Mar de Grau, which is part of the Pacific Ocean, fish production is very important in this sector, although you will always listen to the Peruvians complain that the best production is absorbed by private companies that export seafood and that for the Peruvian people it only gets worse.
Agricultural, livestock, forestry, trade and services, mining and tourism production are also an important economic engine in the region of Lima and should be mentioned.
If we want to comment on a relevant historical fact, it is important to note that this region of Peruvian territory was one of the first to free itself from the Spanish yoke.
Map of the Lima region
The following map is a map that indicates all the provinces of the region of Lima.
In the following map you can see the location of the Lima area with respect to the rest of the country, Peru.
The following is a map of the metropolitan area of the city of Lima.
Number of inhabitants in the Region
➡️ A couple of years ago the national census showed a figure of 9,674,755 inhabitants, this was practically 30 percent of the population of all of Peru. However, more recently and on the occasion of the 487th anniversary of the founding of the city of Lima, the National Institute of Statistics and Information published new figures, counting more than 10 million inhabitants in the department.