For many travellers, their first glimpse of Peru is the sprawling metropolis of Lima. It is usually a stark contrast to the images presented in travel magazines, of Andean villagers wearing bright colors, farmers herding sheep and llamas, and mountain peaks surrounding green valleys.
Lima is a bustling city on the dry coastal plain, where the dominant colors in the landscape are brown and gray, and locals dress the same as those in cities across North America or Europe.
Despite this image, Lima has it's own attraction, and those willing to take the time to explore will find it is a vibrant city with much to offer. In addition to having some of the countries best museums, restaurants, and nightlife, Lima also features beautiful Spanish architecture, spacious green parks, and quaint ocean side suburbs. Home to 9 million people, almost one third of the country's population, Lima is a large part of what the Peru of today is all about and it should not be overlooked.
History
Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, the city was referred to by the Spanish as the "the King of Cities". Its location on the coast was seen as a strategic advantage for trade and as a result Lima was once the most important and richest city in the Americas. It was home to the first university on the continent and served as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.
In 1746 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city and killed over 4,000 people, sending the city into a rapid state of decline. Lima gradually rebuilt creating much of the layout and architecture that can still be seen today, with spacious plazas throughout the city. In the late 1800s the boundary of the Lima was expanded to include the suburbs and the city began to rebound. Unfortunately in the last half of the 20th Century political and economic problems led to poverty and Peruvians from rural areas flocked to the cities in great numbers. This can be seen in the "pueblos jovenes" on the outskirts of the city, where many people live without electricity, water and proper sanitation.
In recent years the city has been once again rebounding, with more restoration projects in the historic city center and a greater priority placed on education and employment.
Suburbs
The Greater Lima Area is comprised of several suburbs. Central Lima (Lima Centro) is the main historic district with many of the most important tourist attractions. Visitors looking to do a walking tour will usually start in Lima Centro from the Plaza de Armas. Miraflores and Barranco are considered to be the more upscale neighborhoods where many visitors will choose to find accommodation. These areas are also known for their fine dining and hillside parks.
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