Historic Centre of Lima
Location: Lima, Peru
Year of Inscription: 1988, updated 1991
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Historic Centre of Lima, also known as "El Centro Histórico," is the oldest part of the city. It is a vibrant and bustling district that reflects the rich history, colonial architecture, and cultural heritage of Peru.
Prominent Features:
History: The Historic Centre of Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It served as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and became an important center of political, economic, and cultural activity. The area bears witness to the colonial era, with its architecture influenced by Spanish, Moorish, and indigenous styles.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Fun Fact: The Historic Centre of Lima is often referred to as "The City of Kings" due to its founding on January 6th, which is the feast of the Epiphany, also known as the "Day of the Three Kings."
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific attractions within the Historic Centre of Lima. Here are some examples of entry fees for popular sites:
How to Reach It: The Historic Centre of Lima is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, taxis, and the Lima Metro. The district is located in the central part of the city, and various transportation options are available to reach it from different parts of Lima.
Here are some transport options for reaching Lima:
For Cusco and Arequipa from Lima:
To Cusco:
Where to Stay: The Historic Centre of Lima offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly hostels. Some popular areas to stay within or near the Historic Centre include Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
Next Stop: Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa 400km down the coast
To reach the Nazca Lines from Lima, here are your transport options:
Year of Inscription: 1988, updated 1991
Criteria: (iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Historic Centre of Lima, also known as "El Centro Histórico," is the oldest part of the city. It is a vibrant and bustling district that reflects the rich history, colonial architecture, and cultural heritage of Peru.
Prominent Features:
- Plaza Mayor (Main Square): The heart of the Historic Centre, Plaza Mayor is surrounded by important buildings like the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, and Archbishop's Palace. It's a lively square with historical significance and serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists.
- Lima Cathedral: A magnificent religious landmark, the Lima Cathedral is one of the most important churches in Peru. It boasts stunning architecture and houses valuable religious artifacts and artwork.
- San Francisco Church and Convent: This iconic religious complex features a beautiful church, a convent, and catacombs. The church is renowned for its stunning architecture, Baroque altarpieces, and a library containing ancient manuscripts.
- Casa de la Literatura Peruana: Housed in the former train station, this cultural center promotes Peruvian literature and hosts literary events, exhibitions, and workshops. It provides insight into the country's literary heritage.
- Balconies of Lima: The Historic Centre is famous for its intricate and well-preserved colonial balconies. These balconies showcase the architectural style of the period and add charm to the streetscape.
- Museums and Art Galleries: The district is home to numerous museums and art galleries, including the Museum of Art of Lima, the Museum of Italian Art, and the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art. These institutions offer a glimpse into Peru's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
History: The Historic Centre of Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It served as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and became an important center of political, economic, and cultural activity. The area bears witness to the colonial era, with its architecture influenced by Spanish, Moorish, and indigenous styles.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Magic Water Circuit: Located in the nearby Parque de la Reserva, this interactive water park offers a dazzling display of illuminated water fountains. Kids can enjoy the water jets, interactive fountains, and light shows.
- Parque de la Muralla: This park features archaeological remains of Lima's colonial wall and offers open spaces for picnics, playgrounds for children, and panoramic views of the city.
Fun Fact: The Historic Centre of Lima is often referred to as "The City of Kings" due to its founding on January 6th, which is the feast of the Epiphany, also known as the "Day of the Three Kings."
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the specific attractions within the Historic Centre of Lima. Here are some examples of entry fees for popular sites:
- San Francisco Church and Convent: The entrance fee includes a guided tour of the church, convent, and catacombs. The fee for adults is around 15 Peruvian Soles (PEN), while children and students receive discounted rates.
- Lima Cathedral: The entrance fee for the Lima Cathedral is usually around 10 PEN for adults, and discounts may be available for children, students, and seniors. Please note that access to certain areas within the cathedral, such as the choir and museum, may require additional fees.
- Casa de la Literatura Peruana: Admission to Casa de la Literatura Peruana is typically free, allowing visitors to explore the exhibitions, library, and cultural activities without any charge. However, some temporary exhibitions or special events might have separate fees.
- Museums and Art Galleries: Museums and art galleries within the Historic Centre of Lima may have varying entry fees. The Museum of Art of Lima and the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art, for instance, typically charge a moderate admission fee, while the Museum of Italian Art may have free entry or a nominal fee.
How to Reach It: The Historic Centre of Lima is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, taxis, and the Lima Metro. The district is located in the central part of the city, and various transportation options are available to reach it from different parts of Lima.
Here are some transport options for reaching Lima:
- By Air: Lima has an international airport, Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), which is well-connected to major cities around the world. Many airlines offer direct flights to Lima, making it a convenient option for international travelers. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to your accommodation in Lima.
- By Bus: Lima is connected to various cities in Peru and neighboring countries through an extensive bus network. There are several bus companies that operate long-distance routes to Lima. The duration of the journey will depend on the distance traveled, and the comfort and amenities provided on the bus. It's advisable to choose reputable bus companies that prioritize safety and comfort.
- By Train: Currently, there are no international train services that directly connect to Lima. However, within Peru, there are domestic train services that operate to and from Lima. For example, the Ferrocarril Central Andino offers a scenic train journey from Lima to the city of Huancayo in the Central Highlands. It's worth checking the availability and schedules of domestic train services if you're planning to explore other parts of Peru.
For Cusco and Arequipa from Lima:
To Cusco:
- By Air: The quickest and most convenient way to reach Cusco from Lima is by air. There are several domestic airlines that operate frequent flights between Lima and Cusco, including LATAM, Avianca, and Peruvian Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, you can take a taxi or arrange for a transfer to your accommodation.
- By Bus: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option or want to enjoy the scenic journey, you can take a bus from Lima to Cusco. The bus journey takes around 20 hours and there are several bus companies that operate this route. Some popular bus companies include Cruz del Sur, Ormeño, and Civa. It's recommended to choose a reputable bus company that offers comfortable seats and reliable service.
- By Air: Similarly, you can also reach Arequipa from Lima by air. There are domestic flights available from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Arequipa, you can take a taxi or arrange for a transfer to your destination.
- By Bus: Another option to travel to Arequipa from Lima is by bus. The bus journey takes around 15-16 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Cruz del Sur, Ormeño, and Civa. It's advisable to choose a bus with reclining seats and onboard amenities to ensure a comfortable journey.
Where to Stay: The Historic Centre of Lima offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly hostels. Some popular areas to stay within or near the Historic Centre include Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
Next Stop: Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa 400km down the coast
To reach the Nazca Lines from Lima, here are your transport options:
- By Air: The quickest and most convenient way to see the Nazca Lines is by taking a flight from Lima to Nazca. There are several small airlines that offer sightseeing flights over the Nazca Lines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive at the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport in Nazca, you can join a guided tour to explore the Nazca Lines from the ground.
- By Bus: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option or want to enjoy the scenic coastal route, you can take a bus from Lima to Nazca. The bus journey takes approximately 7-8 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Soyuz. It's recommended to choose a reputable bus company that offers comfortable seats and reliable service.