Lima, Peru things to do...?

In lima peru theres alot of thingns to do like:

Go to the Meza Redoda

Go to Metro

Ride the bus

The capital

Since you request "Absolutely must see" I'll stick to that!

First of all, one morning you can go to The Castle of Real Felipe (Royal Philip) in the port of Callao, built in between 1747-1774, the tour takes about 2 1/2 hours

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Downtown Lima is also a must. First drive around the Rimac district, once was the living place of Viceroys and the aristocracy because the river protected them from any pirate attack, now is among the poorest neighborhoods, but it's ok to go on wheels. Rimac has Plaza de Acho, the oldest Bullfighting Arena in america (we still use it every October) and other interesting buildings from the colony. then you cross over the river into Downtown Lima with as many as 15 churches for all tastes, among which are the Cathedral, San Francisco, La Merced, the archbishop, etc. Then you have the presidential palace, the train station, the post office, Plaza de Armas (main plaza), Plasa San Martin, our own Chinatown where I suggest you should eat.

Finally you should go visit the ruins of Pachacamac, even if it's not as impressive as any ruin in Cuzco, this was a very important city, long before the spaniards and Inkas as well. There is a Inka temple within called Mamacona, it's very well preserved and a smal portion is built with rocks brought from the highlands on the back of Llamas, the rock is pink not seen anywhere in Lima. This was the most important religious temple of the peruvian coast.

Mamacona Temple

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Pachacamac

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There are many things to do in Lima, even though people usually prefer to get immediately out of this big city.

But Lima has to offer some unique experiences that no other place in Peru will do:

Archaeological Lima -

Lima has the best museums in the country. The best is Museo Larco, in Pueblo Libre. It´s a beautiful colonial house surrounded by stunning gardens and holds the best collection of precolumbian art you will see ever. Gold, silver, pottery, textiles, for all the cultures of Peru.

It is all labelled in english and offers really good guided tours for around $5.

After you get the overview for ancient Peru at the museum, go to Huaca pucllana. It´s an archaeological site very well preserved and in the middle of residential miraflores district (probably your hotel will be there).

Colonial Lima

Best examples to understand what happened in Lima during the spanish ruled Peru, is probably to go to Lima Centro.

There you must see the Cathedral and San Francisco church. Next to the Cathedral, in the main plaza is the goverment Palace. At noon, you can see the changing of the guards. Don´t miss it.

Modern Lima

Hang around Miraflores and San Isidro districts, to check out how the city has become huge. Try peruvian cuisine (cebiche, lomo saltado, pisco sour) here, because best restaurants are in Lima.

The best shopping is found in Lima, try to buy here alpaca knitwear, souvenirs and of course pisco to take back home!

Yes, there are a few things that are must see in Lima. Do some research about the following sites I consider to be must go's:

- Plaza de Armas

- Catedral de Lima

- Iglesia de San Francisco

- Miraflores/Parque Kennedy

- Museo de Oro

- Parque de Aguas

- FOOD: is one of the must go in Lima. Good restaurants: Costa Verde, La Mar, Del Carajo, etc.

Lima Peru is a big City with lots of things to do, I will agree with my friend, Visit the historic Downtown (but do not stay in a hotel there better stay in Miraflores), Miraflores is a great commercial neighborhood, You can visit also Barranco, where you can find lots of night life-pub-tavers with live music and it's a very historic and one-of-a-kind neighborhood. San Isidro is really nice too, with a historic park that dates around the 1500's El Olivar where you will see lots of Olive trees over 3 centuries old, you will see between the airport and your hotel lots of interesting places. Make sure you try local restaurants, not the fancy expensive ones, but the ones where eerybody eats, you'll see a sign that reads MENU that is the right place cheap and good. also, try CHIFA it's chinese food (you can try chinatown-CALLE CAPON) chinese food in Peru is the 2nd best in the world (1st is Chinese food in CHINA!!), if you need more info send me an e-mail and I will be more than happy to help you out. johnpaul_fabiani@yahoo.es

Go to www.livinginperu.com and they have a lot of resources, here's the link and it will take you directly to the Travel section of the website and it a plan to visit Lima if your are staying 48 hours...just an idea...hope it helps....http://www.livinginperu.com/blogs/travel/541

Lima, ha ha, go to Gamarra.....