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Why?  A holiday in Lima may not sound a desirable prospect if one considers it is a city of almost 8-million, most of them living in poverty and pollution. The metropolis was, however, once the pride of the Spanish colonialists and retains enough history and character to tantalise and charm tourists, and there are some fascinating archaeological sites and museums to explore in and around the city. The vibrant nightlife is yet another good reason to travel to Lima.

When?  Lima tends to be hot and humid for most of the year, with little or no rain. The ideal months to travel to Lima are the least humid months, between March and April. From April through to December fog is common and blocks the sun.

Who for?  Anyone who is interested in the history of Andean civilisations and cultures can indulge their curiosity on a holiday in Lima. The jazzy neighbourhood of Miraflores is also a drawcard for night owls with its clubs and bars.

More Info : Full information, updated frequently, about what to do and see on a holiday in Lima is available on our Lima travel guide, which also contains a 'Basics' section listing essentials such as entry requirements, safety and security tips and foreign exchange information.

Overview

Positioned halfway down the dry and dusty desert coastline of Peru, the city of Lima is hemmed in by the Pacific Ocean on the one side and the foothills of the Andes mountain range on the other. A sprawling and chaotic city, the capital of Peru is overcrowded, polluted and a noisy metropolis. The stark contrast between poverty and wealth is most visible in the miles of dusty shantytowns that stretch along the coast on either side of the city, and the glitzy apartment and office buildings of the affluent seaside suburbs.

During the days of Spanish colonial rule the city was regarded as the most important and prosperous city in Spanish America and was the finest in the region, known as 'The City of Kings'. Today the splendour may have paled, but Lima is still an animated and bustling city with an exciting mix of nationalities and styles; a city crammed with culture, a rich heritage and eight million people.

Lima dominates the country's political and commercial life and is the major gateway to the rest of the country. The city retains some of its original charm and has much to offer the visitor. Some of Peru's best museums, restaurants and nightlife are here, and the old colonial centre holds a certain elegance with its beautiful churches and convents, graceful old mansions, central plazas and classic colonial-style buildings. The outstanding art and archaeology museums provide an excellent introduction to the history and culture that visitors will come across in other parts of the country.