Located at the edge of the sea, Lima has been called the Pacific Pearl. During Pre – Hispanic times, the valley where Lima now lies, was a green oasis where fishing and agriculture were developed. The Lima culture developed between 100 B.C and the 7th century, around the same time of the Mochica and Nazca cultures. In the 14th century, this region was conquered by Inca Pachacutec and his heir Tupac Yupanqui. The first of the Spanish conquerors who arrived to Lima was Hernando Pizarro, who arrived from Cajamarca with his army in 1533. Two years later, his brother Francisco Pizarro decided to establish the new capital here, and so it was done on 18, January 1535.
In 1542, Lima was the capital of a virreynato in South America. It extended to what today is Colombia to the north and Chile and Argentina to the south. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many colonial houses with astonishing wood-carved balconies were built here. These monuments show how important Lima was in all aspects – economically, politically and strategically. Today, discovering Lima requires an investigation of every corner, as it is a huge and complex city. Peru is a country of contrasts, fighting to fit the old traditions of a farming culture with the modern and industrialized world.
Lima is an overpopulated city, with more than 8 million people, most of who come from the mountain region. Despite its deficiencies and disorder, Lima is also a charming city.
Kind, friendly, and festive, Limeñians invite you to discover their city.