|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Take a look at where Bill has been and get inside recommendations on where to find
and book a Moment of Luxury of your own.
|
|
|
|
Lima, Peru |
|
Numbers to Know
|
|
Hotels |
|
Restaurants
|
|
Attractions
|
|
Parks & Gardens |
|
City Guide
|
|
|
 |
|
Paris, France |
|
|
|
Houston, Texas |
|
|
|
Chesham, England |
|
|
|
San Miguel, Mexico |
|
|
|
Dania Beach, Florida |
|
|
|
New York City |
|
|
|
Blenheim, England |
|
|
|
Newport, Rl |
|
|
|
Seattle, Washington |
|
|
|
Palm Beach, Florida |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Lima, Peru
|
Built on the banks of the Rio Rimac, Lima is Peru’s largest city and its capital.
Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, Lima was used as the headquarters of the Spanish
conquistadors, ideally located because of the surrounding fertile planes irrigated
by the Rimac and its close proximity to the natural port at Callao. Lima soon became
the commercial and administrative centre of the Spanish empire in South America,
bringing a period of prosperity to the city until an earthquake in 1746 destroyed
all but 20 houses. Following this devastation the opportunity was taken to elaborately
rebuild the city. Today’s wide streets, huge plazas and old houses with ornately
carved balconies are a legacy of this period.
The city now has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and districts such as Miraflores and
Barranco have become cultural centres filled with excellent bars and restaurants,
and fashionable shops, making it not just a gateway into Peru but a destination
in itself, if only for a couple of days.
|
Numbers To Know
|
|
Airlines with flights from the US and Canada
Air Canada www.aircanada.com
American Airlines www.aa.com
Continental Airlines www.continental.com
Delta Airlines www.delta.com
Lan Peru www.lanperu.com
United Airlines www.ual.com
Lima Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez
Located about 30 minutes by taxi from the city centre or from Miraflores. Allow
an hour for this trip, though, as heavy traffic can sometimes be a problem.
If departing internationally, check-in 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights
check in 2 hours before departure. This may seem excessively early but airlines
have the habit of overbooking the flights so if you really have to be on the plane
get there before the rush.
After checking-in you need to go and pay your departure taxes. For international
flights the tax is $29. Domestic departure tax is S/16 (twelve nuevos soles) or
US$5. The main domestic airliner is Lan www.lan.com
(previously known as Lan Peru). This is by far the safest and most professional
airline. AeroCondor www.aerocondor.com.pe
started by flying between Lima and Ica / Nasca but now offers regular flights to
and from Cusco.
Lima Bus Station
There is no central bus station in Lima, each company has its own arrival and departure
depot. Be particularly careful with your valuables at any of the bus stations since
there are always thieves and bag snatchers looking out for an opportunity. The biggest
and best companies with countrywide destinations are Ormeño
www.grupo-ormeno.com
Lima Bus Station
Av Calle Carlos Zavala 177, Lima centre Tel 427 5679
They also have an office at Avenida Javier Prado Este 1059 Tel 472 1710
Cruz del Sur www.cruzdelsur.com.pe
Buses to the Arequipa, Ica, Cusco, Puno, Chiclayo, Trujillo and Pisco depart from
their bus station located at Jr Quilca 531, Lima centre Tel 424 6158. Buses to Tumbes,
Piura, Chiclayo, Tujillo, Huaraz, Arequipa, Tacna, Cusco and La Paz depart from
their bus station located at Av Javier Prado Este 1109, San Isidro Tel 225 6163
Public transport in Lima Bses,
micros, taxicabs, and the so-called mototaxis. Micros are the most common means
of public transportation in Lima and many other cities in Peru. The word micro is
used in common-day Peruvian Spanish as an abbreviation for microbus (minibus). While
the bigger vehicles are known as micros, the smaller ones are known as either combis
or micros. These privately-owned vehicles are not only known for being very cheap
and convenient but also for being rather risky.
|
|
|
|
|