subject: Five Exciting Sites You Can Visit In Lima, Peru [print this page] Looking for something beyond the usual sun and surf? How about a place steeped in historical context, with mysterious jungles ruins and a once-glorious empire? Nowhere else can you find it than Lima, Peru. Located in the countrys Pacific coast, this city never fails to enchant travelers with its rich link to the past.
Presenting a unique melting pot of ancient Inca and Spanish conquistador culture, this destination offers a laid-back, mellowed ambiance overlooking the sea, possible only with its unique position high in the mountains of Peru.
Here are some of the hotspots in this ancient city high up in the solid mountainside:
Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor): The heart of the city and the central square of downtown Lima. It was created by the Spanish during their conquest of the empire. Following typical designs of the period, the plaza is surrounded by the citys important departments: the seat of the government, church, businesses, and schools. Surrounding Plaza Mayor, you can visit the Palacio de Gobierno (Presidential Palace), the Municipalidad (Municipal/City Hall), the Archbishops Palace and the large Cathedral, as well as several establishments and museums.
The La Iglesia de San Francisco: The popular tourists stopover is known for the cold underground catacombs that features 25,000 human skeletons crafted since 16th century. An enigmatic, ancient library was also found beneath the prominent edifice that houses oversized books and spiral staircases.
Huaca Pucllana: Carved from small hand-crafted sun-dried bricks, the Huaca Pucllna in Miraflores is a 22-meter high building dating from 200-700 A.D. The site is divided into two areas for two important events: the ceremonial and the administrative. For only five soles ($1.77) admission fee for each adult, you can take a tour around the museums , take snapshots of the native flora and fauna at the small park, and visit the craft area where handmade crafts are placed on sale and display. For those who can afford, a high-end restaurant serves authentic cuisine from renowned Peruvian chefs, while offering a gorgeous overhead view of the site, romantic especially at night.
Museo Larco Herrera: With a priceless collection that chronicles 3,000 years of the countrys history, the Museo Larco Herrera is renowned for its gallery of well-preserved gold and jewelries from the glorious days of the Inca empire, as well as exhibit of erotic potteries from the same era. Based on a royal mansion from the 18th century, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and commands an excellent view of the citys well-maintained pre-Columbian architecture.
Pachacamac: A large archaeological site featuring pre-Inca and Inca era temples, Pachacamac is located 25 km south of Lima. As much as the government of Peru wanted to preserve the historical site, the temple as of now is not well-maintained, so its highly advisable to check out the place before it vanishes from the world map. The temple of the sun is the only accessible temple for tourists; the three other pyramids can only be seen from a road with the help of binoculars. During the period 500 to 1,500 AD, these important sites were once the major spiritual places in South America.
These are just some of the hottest spots that you can visit once you decided to visit Lima. Of course, you do not have to limit yourself in discovering places when you are on a trip. The most important thing is you enjoy your travel while learning the splendid culture and celebrated history of the places you visit wherever you go.
