Introduction/Overview
Lima, the capital city of Peru. A sprawling metropolis filled with history, Spanish architecture, and Chicha Morada. While the city itself still boasts some impressive Spanish Colonial architecture, it is modern and is one of the largest financial centers in all of Latin America.
Population
~9,000,000 in the city itself with a metro population of 11,000,000-12,000,000. A person from Lima is called a Limeño (Male) or Limeña (Female).
Geography
Lima was built in a dry arid region. The surrounding topography is mountainous while the city itself sits on a plateau by the seaside cliffs.
Climate
The average temperature in summer (November-February) can be 68-92F while the temperatures in winter (May-September) range from 62-68F on average. The air is very dry here overall, but winter days can have a mist that sprays from the sky during the early morning hours. Winter days are generally cloudy while summer days are way too sunny.
Transportation
You have a variety of options here. There are many forms of public buses throughout the city and taxis are readily available as well. Uber operates here. I would recommend calling a taxi from your hotel or using Uber during your stay in this city. As always, be sure to note who you are going with and let friends and family know who is taking you and where you are going.
Safety
Mira Flores is pretty safe, Barranco can be too. San Isidro as well. You will be most likely to find English speakers in Mira Flores. Foreigners are concentrated in these areas as well. Unless you speak Spanish like I do, I would recommend you stay in these areas, especially if you travel alone like me.
Cost of Living
Compared to the US, it is relatively cheap. A nice apartment in a safe area can run as low as $600-750/mo. I prefer to rent places that are $1,200/mo here, but that is just me. Food is extremely cheap if you eat like a local here too. Fruits, vegetables, rice, bread, chicken, these things are all very cheap here compared to the US, Canada, or Europe.
Food
Amazing. The food here is some of the best I have ever had. If you come to Lima, you must try the local food. Limeños know how to eat. You may read more about food in Lima here.
Places of Interest
Larcomar is a shopping center near the coast of the city. It is built on the cliffside. Parque Kennedy is the place to go if you like to pet cats, just be careful not to step in cat poop or vomit. Parque El Olivar is a park in San Isidro where you can see olive trees. It is in a neighborhood with pretty architecture too. The Real Felipe Fortress is an interesting visit, just try to go there on the highway street and don’t let the GPS take you through the crappy neighborhoods nearby. Go during the day too. Downtown Lima is worth a visit if you like colonial architecture. If you want to visit the catacombs, be aware that they don’t allow photos. You can sneak some in if you’re creative enough though; those bastards.
Useful Links
Conclusion
Overall, I believe Lima to be a city you can be safe in as long as you use common sense and don’t walk around trying to look rich. Keep your money and electronics hidden when walking around the streets and be alert of your surroundings.
As long as you follow this advice, you should be fine. I hope this article will prove to be helpful to those of you whom are planning to visit Lima, Peru. Thank you for reading my travel blog!