Lima is the capital of Peru. It is located on the central coast of the country and hosts the headquarters of the State’s principal government entities. It is the administrative and financial centre of the country.

Lima is located in the midst of the desert coast of Peru. The city faces the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range is behind it.

Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” and the “Triple Crown Village”, Lima is a constantly growing metropolis. A mixture of modernity and tradition, at present, the capital of Peru is culturally rich and reflects the idiosyncrasies of citizens from different regions of Peru, as well as those of foreigners that settled in the country.

The Peruvian capital is home to over seven and a half million inhabitants, according to 2009 data of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics of Peru (INEI), and concentrates almost two-thirds of the economic and industrial activity of the country.

Also called “The City of the Kings”, Lima is filled with magic and colours. Thanks to its historic legacy it was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO and at present is it rapidly turning into a modern and cosmopolitan city.

Lima was also declared “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas” during the Fourth International Summit of Gastronomy Madrid Fusión, the world’s most important culinary gastronomic forum, which was held in the capital of Spain in 2006.

Language: The official language is Spanish. Most of the tours made in the city of Lima are offered in two languages: Spanish and English.

Population (Peru): 29.5 million inhabitants.

Surface: Peru: 1,285,216 Km². Department of Lima: 334,796,86 Km²

Provinces: Ten (10): Barranca, Cajatambo, Canta, Cañete, Huaral, Huarochirí, Huaura, Lima, Oyón, Yauyos.

Districts: 47 in Greater Lima and 124 in the other nine provinces.

Time: GMT/UT minus five (5) hours.

Electricity: 220V, 60 Hz. Flat European and U.S. plugs need adaptors.

Weights and Measures: Kilograms and Decimal Metric System.

Currency and Exchange Rate: The official currency in Peru is the “Nuevo Sol” and its symbol is S/. Bill denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Nuevos Soles, coins are worth 1, 2 and 5 Nuevos Soles, and 10, 20 and 50 cents. The current exchange rate stands at approximately S/ 2.67 for US$ 1. It is recommended to carry out exchange operations in banks or money exchange houses.

When to take a trip: The best months for visiting Lima are in summer; i.e. January to March. Nevertheless, throughout the year the climate is always pleasant.