PORTS OF CALL - South America
Lima, (Callao) Peru
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Lima - Peru's capital - is the country's cultural hotspot. A bustling, rapidly growing city with a richly layered past, Lima is home to fascinating museums, an enticing array of restaurants and attractive shopping districts. Founded in 1535 as the "City of the Kings," parts of this modern city still retain a colonial charm. Stop by a museum to immerse yourself in the country's fascinating past, stroll through the living history of colonial buildings that are still in use, have an elegant meal and then discover a unique cultural memento to take home.
Don't Miss
Plaza Mayor, restored in 1997, is the place to go to explore the beautiful, intriguing monuments of Lima's colonial history. Overlooking the plaza is the city's original cathedral (which was rebuilt in 1746, based on plans from 1555) and at the plaza's center is an impressive bronze fountain erected in 1650. Inside the cathedral you can visit the tomb of famous conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who was Lima's founder. Also surrounding the plaza are the exquisite Palacio Arzobispal and the Palacio de Gobierno. When you've soaked in the plaza's attractions, head a block north and finish your tour with the baroque Monasterio de San Francisco.
Sporting Adventures
Peru's favorite national sport is soccer (or "fútbol") and the games are thrilling contests; the most important games are played at the Estadio Nacional. There's nothing quite like the roar of a stadium full of "limeños" when a goal is scored. And if you yearn for the thunder of hooves, the Monterrico Hippodrome hosts regular horse races. Lima also offers Spanish-style bullfighting.
Shopping for Bargains
The neighborhood of Miraflores (which translates to "look at the pretty flowers") is Lima's most attractive and popular shopping district. Antique shops, boutiques, fashion - it's all here. Miraflores also offers the opportunity to explore the world of Peru's indigenous crafts, at the Handicraft Market. You'll find handmade wool sweaters, ceramics, traditional clothes, crafted jewelry - plenty of choices to bring home the personality of this richly layered culture.
Local Flavours
Lima has a cosmopolitan array of dining choices which reflect its energy as a growing city, but make sure you don't miss some of the local favorites. There's ceviche, raw fish "cooked" in the acid of fresh lemon juice and seasoned with cilantro, chili pepper, onions and other spices. Watch out for the hot pepper! (You can always ask to have it without.) A favorite main dish is "carapulcra of Lima," made with dried potato, pork, chicken, olives, toasted peanuts, various spices and sweet wine. No wonder it's so popular. And for dessert, there's "mazzamorra morada," a pudding made with purple sweet corn and sweet spices.
Currency
Peru's currency is the nuevo sol (plural: nuevos soles) which is divided into 100 centimos. Make sure you change at a bank or exchange house as there are many counterfeit bills on the streets.