LIMA
TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Duration: Half day. Daily except Monday.
Visit this impressive museum featuring the different areas of the Peruvian culture. Visit the Archaeological and Anthropological area, founded by Julio C. Tello, presenting the history and development of Peruvian pre-Hispanic cultures through an abundant collection of ceramics, metals, textiles, organic material and physical anthropology.
The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru is the oldest state museum in our country and constitutes the administrative center of the National System of State Museums. Its importance is rooted in the vast, varied cultural patrimony housed in its exhibition rooms and storerooms.
Ceramics, textiles, metals, organic materials and lithics related to invaluable human remains preserved with techniques that still surprise specialists, make up the legacy of our prehispanic past. Objects of historic-artistic value and documentary, photographic and bibliographic collections given to the library tell of the Colonial and Republican Periods. All of them make this space a meeting place with the history of Peru.
Visit this impressive museum featuring the different areas of the Peruvian culture. Visit the Archaeological and Anthropological area, founded by Julio C. Tello, presenting the history and development of Peruvian pre-Hispanic cultures through an abundant collection of ceramics, metals, textiles, organic material and physical anthropology.
The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru is the oldest state museum in our country and constitutes the administrative center of the National System of State Museums. Its importance is rooted in the vast, varied cultural patrimony housed in its exhibition rooms and storerooms.
Ceramics, textiles, metals, organic materials and lithics related to invaluable human remains preserved with techniques that still surprise specialists, make up the legacy of our prehispanic past. Objects of historic-artistic value and documentary, photographic and bibliographic collections given to the library tell of the Colonial and Republican Periods. All of them make this space a meeting place with the history of Peru.
LARCO HERRERA MUSEUM
The Larco Herrera Museum, 18th century colonial-style museum houses the largest and most impressive ceramic collection in the world, with about 55,000 pre-Colombian clay pots on display. The collection concentrates on the refined ceramics of the Moche Dynasty, the people who lived along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. The Moche culture is recognized as accomplishing one of the greatest imaginative languages of ancient Peru through the use of creative pottery, providing clues to all aspects of their civilization without the use of the written word. One can learn about their religion, agriculture, transport, dance and music through their ceramic designs and shapes. The Moche are also renowned for their fascinating erotic pottery and the famous collection is on display in the separate ‘Erotic Hall’, depicting sexual practices of several Peruvian cultures in a lifelike, explicit and often humorous way.
LIMA HORSE TOUR ITINERARY
The tour begins at 9am with the pickup from your hotel and private transfer from/to the stable located on near of the valley of Lurin and Pachacamac where you will meet the Peruvian Paso Horses and the horseman as known Chalan. The Chalan will introduce you the horses and also he will give you safe talking about the riding tour through the valley and along the Pacific Ocean.
The tour begins with nice ride along the valley seeing the local cultivation, the local people and daily activities. The horse are very friendly animals, they will be ready to listen your order to gallop along next to the sea. The Peruvian Paso Horse is so domesticated animals and makes easy ride because they will were naturally trained to carry the people without uncomfortable feeling. The tour will take around 4 or 5 hours and at end of riding we invite you to taste the local dishes included in this amazing horse tour. Around 4 or 5pm you will dropped to the hotel by the private transportation and end of the service in the lobby of your hotel.
Tour includes:
- English-speaking tour guide
- Private transfert from your hotel in Lima to the ranch
- Horses and saddles
- Horseman (Chalan) ot help you with the horses
- Three or four hours of horse riding through the valley and the beach
- Peruvian dishes will be served for lunch in a nice courtyard of the stable
TEMPLE OF PACHACAMAC, Half-day tour
Join a half-day tour to the famous Pachacamac Temple, located only a short distance from Lima. Built by different leaders throughout the centuries and between the years 200 and 1450 AD, this religious compound is made entirely out of clay and houses the giant pyramids of the sun and moon. This comprehensive sightseeing tour will give you an insight on the culture, history and architecture of both the Inca and pre-Inca people.
Leaving Lima behind, you’ll enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the Pan-American Highway. Only 19 miles (30km) south of Lima lies this impressive and well preserved religious compound. The massive Temples of the Sun and the Moon are known to be the compound’s most striking features. Built entirely of clay, an estimated 50 million sun-dried bricks were used in the construction of the Temple of the Sun alone. Excavations in the area continue to reveal further insights into the Moche and Huari cultures that spanned the period from 200 to 800 AD.
MUJICA GALLO GOLD MUSEUM
Duration: Half day. Daily in the afternoon
This private collection contains a staggering display of pre-Hispanic gold, Paracas textiles, and ceramics; some replicas be found within exhibits. There’s also an excellent bookshop, and large display of military objects connected with important people from world history. The Gold of Peru and Arms of the World Museums were founded by Miguel Mujica Gallo in 1968. Between both museums, 25,000 objects are on exhibition.The Gold of Peru Museum holds the most important pieces in gold, silver and gilded copper from a number of Peru’s different pre-Columbian cultures, including Lambayeque,Chimú, Mochica, Nazca, Frias, Huari, Vicus and Inca Culture.
The Arms of the World Museum exhibits 20,000 pieces, including weapons from all over the world, equestrian equipment and implements, uniforms, etc.
CRUISE TO PALOMINO ISLANDS
Duration: Half day
Leave Callao Port through Chucuito and La Punta beaches towards the Navy’s School, and then continue to the Banco del Camotal (Peruvian Atlantis), Base Naval de San Lorenzo, El Fronton (ancient prison), Cabinzas Islands (former installations of the Guano Company dating back to 19 th century) ending at the Palomino Islands, where you will observe sea lions, birds and other marine species. Return to Callao Port and transfer to your hotel.
Leave Callao Port through Chucuito and La Punta beaches towards the Navy’s School, and then continue to the Banco del Camotal (Peruvian Atlantis), Base Naval de San Lorenzo, El Fronton (ancient prison), Cabinzas Islands (former installations of the Guano Company dating back to 19 th century) ending at the Palomino Islands, where you will observe sea lions, birds and other marine species. Return to Callao Port and transfer to your hotel.
LAND TOUR TO PARACAS AND THE NASCA LINES AND FIGURES
Duration: Full day
Early pick up from hotel for a 4-hour drive to Paracas, south of Lima. 2-hour cruise to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see sea lions, penguins, and more than 60 species of sea birds.
You will also see the huge “Candelabrum” drawn in a sand slope. Continue to Ica for a visit to the Regional Museum of Ica, housing a great collection of fossils, mummies, Paracas mantles, Nasca ceramics, and Colonial and Republican art pieces. Transfer to the aerodrome to fly over the famed Nasca Lines.
It is an area of approximately 500-Km./310 ml of Pampa, where the mysterious lines were discovered in 1927.
The real dimension of these lines can be fully appreciated by air. They represent diverse animal figures, as a spider, a monkey, a dog, a lizard, a humming bird, and a condor.
The dimensions of these figures vary from 15 to 300 m (50 to 1,000 ft.) high each. Return to Lima ending at hotel. Lunch not included.
Early pick up from hotel for a 4-hour drive to Paracas, south of Lima. 2-hour cruise to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see sea lions, penguins, and more than 60 species of sea birds.
You will also see the huge “Candelabrum” drawn in a sand slope. Continue to Ica for a visit to the Regional Museum of Ica, housing a great collection of fossils, mummies, Paracas mantles, Nasca ceramics, and Colonial and Republican art pieces. Transfer to the aerodrome to fly over the famed Nasca Lines.
It is an area of approximately 500-Km./310 ml of Pampa, where the mysterious lines were discovered in 1927.
The real dimension of these lines can be fully appreciated by air. They represent diverse animal figures, as a spider, a monkey, a dog, a lizard, a humming bird, and a condor.
The dimensions of these figures vary from 15 to 300 m (50 to 1,000 ft.) high each. Return to Lima ending at hotel. Lunch not included.
CHURCH OF SAN PEDRO
The church of the Company of Jesus, begun in the middle of the 17th Century, it is one of the jewels of Peruvian baroque architecture. The richness of its altars decorated in gold leaf and intricate carving make it an obligatory visit for any lover of art. Oils by Italian painter Bernardo Bitti can be seen in the sacristy.
THE ALIAGA MANSION
This home belonged to Captain Jeronimo de Aliaga, a companion of Francisco Pizarro and building began in 1535, the year of Lima’s foundation. From that date to this the house has remained intact and not only is it the finest example of secular colonial architecture, showing the different architectural styles that have been employed in Lima from the 16th Century to modern times, but it is still inhabited by the direct descendents of the conquistador Aliaga.
PANTANOS DE VILLA PROTECTED AREA
20 minutes south of Lima is an area of 396 hectares of wetlands which constitute one of the main areas of refuge for more than 150 species of birds, including 30 migratory species from all over the continent. A visit to Pantanos de Villa would delight any birdwatcher.
PORT OF CALLAO
A separate province, Callao has numerous attractions such as the imposing Real Felipe fortress where the last of the Spanish took refuge after the 19th Century battles for the independence of Peru. It is an important example of 18th Century military engineering. The picturesque historic centre of Callao also contains important
examples of 18th Century architecture.
MARKAHUASI
Markahuasi is located in the province of Huarochiri (Lima) at 4000 m.a.s.l. This plateau of 4 km2 is considered one of the most enigmatic and mystical places anywhere in Peru, it contains gigantic granite rocks that have been weathered into fantastic shapes, some of which resemble animals and human figures.
VILLAGE OF LUNAHUANA
180 km south of Lima (approximately 3 hours by car), at km 140 on the Southern Pan American Highway there is a turn off to the left which leads to this village in the province of Cañete. It is an attractive place for adventure sports enthusiasts and suitable for canoeing, fishing, hang gliding and mountain biking. Lunahuana also has a colonial church that dates from 1690. Excursions can be made from the village to the pre-Hispanic ruins at Ungara and Catapalla, and there are many relaxing walks around it.
CANTA
A few hours from Lima, in the valley of the river Chillon, Canta is surrounded by fields and green countryside ideal for camping.
Near Canta, between Yanacocha creek and the village of Huaros are two copses of Raimondi pine. This is a native plant also known as “Titanka” which is in danger of extinction and only grows in cold high places higher than 3000 m.a.s.l. The Raimondi pine is the largest flowering plant in the world and often reaches 10 metres in height after 100 years of growth, after which it begins to die slowly.
Near Canta, between Yanacocha creek and the village of Huaros are two copses of Raimondi pine. This is a native plant also known as “Titanka” which is in danger of extinction and only grows in cold high places higher than 3000 m.a.s.l. The Raimondi pine is the largest flowering plant in the world and often reaches 10 metres in height after 100 years of growth, after which it begins to die slowly.
CARAL
Is one of 18 settlements identified in the valley. Covering an area of around 65 hectares, the city features a series of complexes such as the Great Pyramid, the Amphitheater Pyramid and the Residential Quarters of the Elite.
The wind gusts powerfully over the sands Caral, the oldest city in the Americas.
A living force that the ancient inhabitants allegedly tried to reproduce in their flutes.
Crafted from condor and pelican bones, the first 32 flutes found at the archaeological site represented one of the biggest surprises produced at Caral.
In 2001, researchers held the Archaeo-Musicological Research Workshop for the Flutes of Caral, in a bid to reproduce the sound of each one of them, just as the ancient dwellers might have heard them in 3000 BC.
Today, Dr. Ruth Shady, the head archaeologist in charge of the project, travels each weekend to Caral to continue with excavation work. Dr. Shady leaves the city and her office at the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology at the Cultural Center in Lima’s San Marcos University to continue with her investigation into the past.
The wind gusts powerfully over the sands Caral, the oldest city in the Americas.
A living force that the ancient inhabitants allegedly tried to reproduce in their flutes.
Crafted from condor and pelican bones, the first 32 flutes found at the archaeological site represented one of the biggest surprises produced at Caral.
In 2001, researchers held the Archaeo-Musicological Research Workshop for the Flutes of Caral, in a bid to reproduce the sound of each one of them, just as the ancient dwellers might have heard them in 3000 BC.
Today, Dr. Ruth Shady, the head archaeologist in charge of the project, travels each weekend to Caral to continue with excavation work. Dr. Shady leaves the city and her office at the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology at the Cultural Center in Lima’s San Marcos University to continue with her investigation into the past.
HUACA HUALLAMARCA
Pan de Azucar, Huaca Huallamarca, Wak’a Wallamarka or Sugarloaf is a pre-Hispanic structure located in a residential area of Lima in the district of San Isidro. Three distinct eras have been identified when the structure was put to different uses. It was built by the Huaca people as a sacred burial temple in 200BC. Handmade adobe mud bricks were used in its construction and the walls enclose patios, corridors and chambers all painted ochre yellow. Side ramps were used to access the different levels. Due to the structure and size of the temple it is believed to have belonged to someone of high rank. Although originally used as a temple it was later turned into a cemetery in approximately the 4th century AD where people were buried in the traditional way wrapped in cotton cloth. The Huaua people chose to bury their dead here instead of wasting valuable farmland. During the Inca era in the 15th century AD the pyramid-like structure was used for a different function. The Incas created terraces on the lower eastern side of the pyramid and built a village with living quarter, store rooms, kitchen areas and patios.
The site consists of a cemetery and temple. The structure forms a truncated pyramid with three overlapping platforms and a 9 meter wide ramp leading up the front of the structure. The structure measures 85 meters long, 67 meters wide and 20 meters high and some parts of the structure can be credited to restoration in the 1950. The present shape dates back to the 1950s remodeling but it would have originally had a conical shape and formed a stepped pyramid. Ceramics, metal objects, personal items, metalwork, tools, toys and clothing were found in the graves.
HUACA PUCLLANA
Huaca Pucllana (Wal’a Pukllana or Huaca Juliana) is named after the word for protection god and a sacred place. The site is a massive adobe pyramid built of seven levels situated 2km from the cliffs of the Costa Verde in Miraflores. The site was an ceremonial and administrative center for Lima culture between 200AD and 700AD. The pyramid was constructed for the religious leaders who also controlled the valleys to show their power and control over the valley’s water sources.
The pyramid is surrounded by an open area and a wall divides it into two sections. In addition to touring the actual site there is a museum display of related objects. 76 authentic objects highlight the use of the pyramid in ancient times as well as hundreds of other minor objects. Visitors can learn about the construction of the pyramid, the way of life at that time, rituals and the beliefs of the ancient cultures. There is a model of the architecture and natural surroundings of Lima. A guided tour is included in the ticket price and is given in English and Spanish. The tour takes you to the showroom and archaeological site and lasts 45-75 minutes.
CULINARY AND HISTORICAL TOUR OF LIMA
This eight-hour tour packs a number of must-see attractions and eateries into one day, giving you a great introduction to Lima’s history, culture, as well as its culinary landscape. First, head to a local market and Chinatown to sample different morsels and fresh produce. After these light bites, you will get to tour historic downtown Lima and learn how to make ceviche, first hand, from an expert local chef.
This tour also includes some shopping at the bohemian district of Barranco. To top it all off, your guide will bring you to try the traditional dessert picarones, a deep fried circular treat made of squash and sweet potatoes. After this exciting day you, you will be dropped off safely at your hotel, with absolutely no hassle at all.
