Walking tour of downtown Lima

Suzi, the tour co-ordinator from the hostel, escorted us to a meeting point a ten-minute walk away.  There were eight of us from our group taking part in the walk.  At the meeting point, we were introduced to our guide, Ruby.  She led us on another 15-minute walk to the Metropolitan bus stop to catch the transport to the historic centre.  These private buses are allowed to use a dedicated bus lane which means they are often quicker than taxis in getting around the city.  It still took us over an hour to reach our destination, though!

​Lima, also known as the City of Kings, is the capital of the Republic of Peru.  It is located on the central coast of the country, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.  It has an extensive and populated urban area, flanked by coastal desert and stretching over the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers.  It has a population of over 11 million, making it the fourth most populous city in South America after Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, and Rio de Janeiro.

Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, Lima has a long and chequered history.  Today, it is a cosmopolitan and diverse city, boasting numerous museums, theatres, art galleries, and restaurants.  Lima is famous for its combination of beautiful colonial buildings and stunning modern architecture, making it one of the most fascinating cities in South America.

I have to say, however, that we didn't learn a great deal on our city walking tour.  We saw the capital's main squares and buildings, but our guide struggled to give us much information as there was a huge parade going on throughout the historic centre.  Everywhere we went, we encountered troupes of dancers and marching bands.  It made for a colourful, vibrant experience, but it wasn't conducive to being guided!  Ruby said it wasn't a special occasion.  Apparently, it happens every Saturday.  The difference this week was that it had started much earlier than usual.  She is normally able to complete her tour and then allow her guests to watch the parade!  We didn't mind - it was unexpected but very enjoyable.Read more