General Data
Lima is also an inexhaustible source of culture, demonstrated by the existence of numerous and varied museums like the National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology, and History and the Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological Museum, which guards priceless Incan and pre-Incan treasures. Situated in the heart of the city are great archeological monuments such as the Huallamarca Huaca or the Pucllana Huaca. And, on the outskirts of Lima facing the ocean is Pachacamac, the most important pre-Incan sanctuary on the coast, built in the third century A.D. Some of the other great attractions are the beaches where you can do all types of aquatic sports, enjoy the sun, or simply gaze at the mesmerizing beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
During this trip, you must also remember to sample one of the best cuisines in the world. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants and inviting locales where you will be able to taste delicious dishes, the result of the mixing of European, African, Asian, and Andean cuisines.
The provinces of Lima
Lima is a destination that offers something for everyone. 105 kilometers north of the city, you find the Lomas of Lachay National Reserve where the desert mountains turn green between July and November due to the winds that carry the fog from the ocean to create an abundance of humidity. This natural enclave is home to foxes, deer, and uncountable numbers of birds as well as a large amount of wild flowers.
Farther north, in the middle of the desert, lies the sacred city of Caral that, according to recent research, would be the oldest civilization center in the Americas at 5,000 years of age.
It is said that the Churín hot springs, 207 kilometers northeast of Lima, can cure people with its mineral waters. Located a little higher than 2,000 meters, this lovely inter-Andean valley also contains diverse archeological remains and an excellent climate.
Towards the center, you find the Marcahuasi mesa, a location much visited by mystics, nature lovers, and people connected to the esoteric. The gigantic granite rock formations, naturally created, that are similar to many types of figures give this place an overwhelming aspect.
And to the south, there is the province of Cañete where it is possible to experience rural, archeological, and adventure tourism, mainly in the city of Lunahuaná
Lima Cuisine
The following list contains typical dishes from the city:
Cebiche: raw fish filet cut into pieces and marinated in lime juice, onions, and aji (hot pepper).
Escabeche: pieces of fish or chicken marinated in vinegar and steamed with plenty of onions.
Carapulcra: boiled dehydrated potatoes made into a stew with pork and chicken, aji panca and mirasol (hot peppers), garlic, and other spices.
Cau-cau: cow stomach stew with potatoes, palillo (a spice similar to turmeric), and mint.
Anticuchos: grilled brochettes of beef heart, macerated in vinegar and aji panca (hot pepper).
Lomo saltado: beef tenderloin slices, sautéed with onions, tomatoes, aji (hot peppers), and other spices. It is served with French fries and rice.
Ají de gallina: a chicken stew made with cream, cheese, aji (hot pepper), and peanuts.
Causa rellena: mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with aji (hot pepper) and filled with tuna or chicken.
Choros a la chalaca: mussels covered with diced onions and aji (hot pepper) and seasoned with lemon juice.
Tacu-tacu: Mixture of beans and rice, fried, and topped with breaded and pan-fried steak and an onion salsa.
Parihuela: concentrated soup of fish and shellfish.
Sancochado: boiled beef with corn, sweet potatoe, carrots, cabbage, yucca, and potatoes.
Pescado a la chorrillana: fried fish in a tomato, onion, and white wine salsa.
Pescado a lo macho: fried fish in a shellfish sauce with aji (hot pepper) and garlic.
Traditional desserts:
Mazamorra morada: pudding-like dessert made from purple corn flour and fresh and dried fruits.
Suspiro a la limeña: meringue with manjar blanco and vanilla.
Turrón de Doña Pepa: pan cookie dough with butter, bathed in sugar syrup and hard candies.
Picarones: doughnut-like pastries of sweet potato and squash flour, bathed in sugar or corn syrup.
Traditional drinks:
Chicha morada: alcohol-free drink of purple corn juice.
Pisco sour: unsurpassed typical Peruvian cocktail made with a pisco, lime and egg-white.
