Most people know that the capital of Peru is Lima. However, what they may not know is that the history of the country's capital is long and complicated. In this article, we will take a look at the different stages of Peru's capital, from its early days as an Inca city to its current status as a metropolis.
Lima, traditionally known as “The City of Kings,” is the largest and most populous city in the country. Situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Lima has a population of over nine million people. The city is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, as well as being the economic and financial center of Peru.
The Republic of Peru is located in western South America. It is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north; Brazil to the east; Bolivia to the southeast; Chile to the south; and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The country has incredible biodiversity, from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Peru is the 19th largest country in the world and the third largest country in South America. It is also home to ancient civilizations such as Caral, Mochica, Nazca, Chimú, and the great Inca Empire. Each of these great civilizations had their own capitals or major cities. Today, Peru is a multicultural country with many languages ??and ethnic races.
The most important cities in Peru, historically, are Cusco and Lima.
The ancient capital of Peru, from the 14th to the 16th century, the Inca culture dominated most of South America. It was not just Peru; the Inca Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyo (the 4 provinces of the sun), dominated a vast territory from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and northern Chile. Cusco was the center of this great empire and the most important city in South America. Currently, Cusco holds the title of the historical capital of Peru.
The New Capital of Peru.- The city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro, the Conqueror of the Inca Empire. In 1535 Lima was founded as the City of Kings because its founding date was January 6, the date of the Epiphany. The name was soon abandoned and Lima became the first choice of city.
Lima, the capital of Peru, is located at an elevation of 528 feet (161 meters) in the central-western part of Peru. The city center is located about 8 miles (13 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean in the coastal desert of Peru.
While the “City of Kings” was initially founded on the banks of the Rimac River, today it spans vast desert areas from north to south, including 11 rivers and many valleys. The city of Lima has grown so rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s due to immigration from the countryside and terrorism.
Today Lima is considered the fifth largest city in South America and the Caribbean countries, including Mexico.
Lima, the capital of Peru, is located in the central part of the Pacific coast, flanked by coastal deserts, and extends to the valleys of the Chillón, Rimac, and Lurín rivers. It covers an area of ??2,672 km2 (1,031 sq mi).
Lima is a city at sea level; the average altitude of the historic city center is 528 feet (161 meters).
The dominant religion is Christianity. However, Peru is traditionally associated with religious fusion, originating from Catholicism and the ancient Incan religion after the Spanish conquest. It is also becoming common for Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam due to immigration in recent years.
Although Lima is in the tropics and the desert, it has a temperate climate because it is close to the Pacific Ocean.
During the summer, from December to April, the daily temperature ranges from 18°C ??(64°F) to 22°C (72°F) and from 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F). During this time of year, the days are sunny and warm.
During the winter, from June to October, temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F), with the minimum being 14°C (57°F) and the maximum being 16°C (61°F) to 19°C (66°F). The sky is usually grey during this time, with morning drizzle and high humidity.
May and November are transitional months where we see sudden changes in the weather.
The main currency in Peru is Nuevos Soles; in most local markets and shops, you will use only Soles. However, banks will allow you to make transactions in Soles or USD. Car, house and real estate transactions are always made in USD.
The population of Lima is made up of several ethnic groups. The largest groups are mestizos, Europeans (descendants of Spanish, German, Italian and French), Afro-Peruvians and Asians (China and Japan).
Thanks to this complex mix of racial and ethnic groups, Peru is now one of the best culinary destinations in the world. Chinese and Italian cuisine has helped create unique Peruvian dishes.
By Land: The Pan-American Highway runs through the country from south to north, connecting with all the cities in the coastal area and other countries such as Chile in the south and Ecuador in the north. We also have access to highways in the east that connect us with the cities of the Andes and the jungle of Peru.
By Air: From Peru's Jorge Chavez International Airport, located in the province of Callao, 30 minutes from downtown Lima. You can take flights to any city in Peru or any other country.
The best and fastest way to travel from Lima to Cusco and vice versa is by taking a flight from Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima to Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco. The duration is approximately 1 hour of flight.
For travelers who like to explore the country more, they can take a bus from Lima via Abancay to Cusco with a duration of 20 hours. Also, take a bus from Lima via Arequipa to Juliaca with a bus ride of 24 hours.
The official languages ??of Peru are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara!
