Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru, with about 10.4 million people in the wider metropolitan area. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 as the “City of Kings,” it grew into the main political and economic centre of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and remains the country’s dominant cultural, transport and business hub. The city is best known for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pacific coastline, colonial churches, museums and one of Latin America’s most celebrated food scenes. Key sights include Plaza Mayor, Lima Cathedral, the Convent of San Francisco, the Government Palace, the clifftop parks and seafront of Miraflores, Barranco’s bars and old mansions, and the pre-Columbian site Huaca Pucllana. Getting in and around is straightforward via Jorge Chávez International Airport, the Metropolitano bus system, taxis and ride-hailing, though Lima is large and traffic-heavy, so it is usually best explored by district.

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