Health Care in Lima

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers over six months of age arriving from infected areas. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to areas within the Amazon Basin, even if an outbreak has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

Immunisation against typhoid is advised, as the incidence of typhoid is very high. Falciparum malaria exists in all areas below 1500m and in the areas of Jaen, Lambayeque, Loreto, Luciano Castillo, Piura, San Martin, Tumbes and Ucayali. All health centres, which are controlled by the Ministry of Health, will provide free information and medication to anyone entering a high risk area.

Food and drink
Drink only bottled water. Pasteurised milk is widely available. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Avoid street food vendors and the cheaper restaurants. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Always check the expiry date of processed food.

Other risks
Hepatitis A occurs, and hepatitis B and D are a risk in the Amazon Basin. Dengue fever outbreaks are common in the Amazon Basin. In April 2005, there were reported cases of Dengue fever in the northern outskirts of Lima, isolated parts of the jungle provinces of Loreto, San Martin and Ucayali and in the northern coastal area between Tumbes and La Libertad. The incidence of typhoid fever is very high.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Altitude sickness can be a problem if visiting the highlands. Visitors should take time to acclimatise and avoid doing too much strenuous exercise on the day or arrival.

Insect bites may be a problem in the jungle and the highlands. Insect repellent and long layers for the evening are recommended. Malaria is prevalent in northern parts of Peru and in Iquitos (Amazon) particularly, where there is risk of flooding during the Peruvian summer months of November to April.

Healthcare

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Peru. However, autochthonous cases of cholera were reported in 1996. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for more information.

International travellers are strongly advised to take out full health insurance and should be prepared to pay up front for medical services.

Money in Lima

Currency Information

New Sol (PEN) = 100 centimos. New Sol notes are in denominations of PEN200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of PEN5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimos.
Currency Exchange

Only a few bureaux de change in Lima will exchange currencies other than US Dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and shops also readily accept US Dollars (although torn or damaged notes are usually rejected). It is not recommended to exchange money from street vendors. ATMs are now generally regarded as one of the best ways to obtain money in Peru.
Credit / Debit Card Information

All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers Cheque Advice

Banks will exchange traveller’s cheques although it can be a slow process outside Lima. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars. The ability to use traveller’s cheques is also quite limited in some areas so you should check whether or not they will be excepted in the area your visiting prior to travel.
Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of local currency. The import of foreign currency is unrestricted. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Receipts of exchange of foreign currencies into S/. must be presented when exchanging back from S/. into foreign currency.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1300 (may vary during the summer).

Culture of Lima

Peruvian culture goes beyond opera houses and theatres. It is part of everyday life, with frequent local festivals colouring the cultural canvass. Painting, dance and song belong to the people and are the way that different regions distinguish themselves. La Candelaria dance troupes of Puno or the marinera dancers from northern Peru, for example, can be seen at penas (dance shows) all over Lima.

Teleticket is a booking agency that sells tickets for many events. Alternatively, tickets are available from the venue box offices. El Comercio is a daily newspaper with a good listings section. The Que Hacer section of the website has a full list of cultural activities in Lima. The Canal N 24-hour cable news channel (channel eight) has a daily culture show called Sentidos, as well as Agenda, its full listings service. Cultural events and entertainment highlights can also be found online .

Music: Peru is on the international circuit for renowned foreign performers and orchestras, often sponsored by foreign cultural organisations. Since the Municipal Theatre burned down in 2000, the National Symphony Orchestra now performs at the Museo de la Nacion, Avenida Javier Prado . Opera shows are held at Teatro Segura, Jiron Huancavelica 257. Traditional music is everywhere - from musica criolla, with its Spanish and African influences, to the irresistibly bouncy Latin chicha or technocumbia music, blaring out of every bus.

Theatre: Lima boasts an active theatre scene, ranging from formal performances of classics to fringe shows in theatre bars. The majority of plays are in Spanish. The most professional theatres are the atmospherically burnt-out Teatro Municipal, block 3 or Jiron Ica, in central Lima, Centro Cultural de La Catolica, Avenida Camino Real 1075, San Isidro, and Teatro Britanico, Calle Bellavista 529, Miraflores. (more…)

Events in Lima

El Aniversario de Lima (Anniversary of Lima), anniversary of the founding of Lima, celebrated with fireworks and shows, 18 Jan, throughout the city

Carnavales, pre-Easter carnival, celebrated with street parties, concerts and the gleeful throwing of water-filled balloons at friends and unsuspecting passers-by, Feb, throughout the city

Semana Santa (Holy Week), celebrations consist of colourful processions through Lima, mid-Apr, throughout the city

Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day), celebrations include music, military and school processions and fireworks in Plaza de Armas the night before, 28-29 Jul, throughout the city

Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima (St Rose of Lima), public holiday celebrated with processions and music, 30 Aug, Lima Centro

Mes del Senor de los Milagros (Month of Our Lord of the Miracles), processions occur on three separate days in honour of the patron saint of Lima, Oct, throughout the city

International Bullfighting Competitions, 1-30 Nov, Plaza de Acho

Sport in Lima

The national drug is football. Limenos are addicted, in their thousands, to the ‘beautiful game’. People paint their faces in the red and white of the flag whenever an international is played at the National Stadium, Avenida Paseo La Republica , in the centre of the city. The local Derby, known as ‘El Clasico’, is between Alianza and Universitario , known simply as ‘La U’. Tickets cost PEN11-89.50/USUSD 3-25.

Universitario are higher up the Peru football league table, and generally hovers between the first and second place, while Alianza Lima settles in at fifth. The football-only daily tabloid newspaper, Libero provides information on the teams and matches.

Lima also boasts an impressive bullring, Plaza de Acho, Jiron Hualgayoc 332, just behind Plaza Mayor. Built in 1766, once the biggest in Latin America, the ring is in use between late October and early December. The bloody contests are usually on Sunday or holidays. Tickets cost PEN54-358.50/USUSD 15-100, depending on whether seats are in the shade or not.
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Sightseeing in Lima

Lima’s sheer size often bewilders visitors but many of the city’s museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located in the historic centre. In the old days, the centre was filthy and overcrowded, however, a recent campaign to clean up the streets has paid dividends. Now the centre has much to delight sightseers.

Tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city’s main meeting point and marketplace. Around four hundred years ago, bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a ten-minute walk away. Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). It stands on the site of the original palace built by Lima’s founder Pizarro. Also on the main square is the Cathedral, rebuilt in 1758, after an earthquake destroyed the original building. Pizarro’s daughter helped pay for the original cathedral, on condition that her father was buried in the crypt.

Nearby, the Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo sports elegant cafes, while the Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies, is one of the city’s most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions. A few blocks east lies Plaza Bolivar, where the fascinating Museo de la Inquisicion (Spanish Inquisition Museum) is located. Other ‘musts’ include the Museo de la Nacion, for an overview of Peru’s archaeological riches and the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), with its collection of stunning gold artefacts.

Away from the centre lie the fashionable seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, while the suburb of Barranco offers lively, bohemian bars. Miraflores even has its own US-style shopping mall, Larco Mar, with ten-pin bowling, a multiplex cinema, snack bars, restaurants, discos and live music. The mall is situated right on the cliffs overlooking the sea and publishes a full list of its attractions online.

Excursions of Lima

For a Half Day

Pachacamac: When visitors have had their fill of Lima’s various attractions, they can head south for about 30km (48 miles), to visit Pachacamac, the ‘Machu Picchu’ of the pre-Colombian coastal civilisations. When the Spanish invaded Peru, the ancient city was the hub of culture and trade for the whole of the coast. It was also a place of pilgrimage. Tribesmen came to pay tribute to the god Pachacamac - a wooden statue of the god can be found in the site’s museum.

Pizarro’s men sacked the city, in search of gold, killing priests and looting the temples. The ruins stand in a circle on the summit of the hill, topped by the Temple of the Sun, a large adobe pyramid. Pachacamac is open daily 0900-1700 and admission costs PEN7/USUSD 2 (including the small museum). Buses marked Pachacamac leave from Paseo Colon (Avenida 9 de Diciembre). Alternatively, tours can be arranged through Lima Tours, Calle Belen 1040.

For a Whole Day

Beach towns: One of Lima’s saving graces is its proximity to mile after mile of sandy beaches. The best beaches lie to the south of the city, beyond the ruins of Pachacamac. In summer, they become the sole destination of almost every Limeno who can get away for the weekend. In the winter, visitors will have the beach to themselves. Equally unbeatable is the fresh seafood or ceviche that can be ordered in one of the many ramshackle but surprisingly good restaurants, which stand near the main beach in Punta Hermosa.

The town is the haunt of young Peruvian surfers. For families, the nearby beach in the El Silencio bay is a better bet and boasts several seafood restaurants. Another 20km (12 miles) south is the old fishing village of Pucusana. People come to swim and to watch the local fishermen bringing in the day’s catch.

Buses that go along the South Pan-American Highway go to both Punta Hermosa and then Pucusana, as they are on the same road. These can be caught from Jiron Montevideo and Jiron Ayacucho in central Lima, or on the Pan-American Highway - where it crosses Avenida Angamos Este - or on the Avenida Javier Prado Este - where it crosses the Pan-American Highway.

Getting around in Lima

Public Transport
With no urban train system in Lima, the cheapest and most colourful way to get around is to take a municipal bus, a privately owned microbus or a collective minibus (known as a combi or colectivo). The distances between the historic centre and suburbs, such as Miraflores or Barranco, make walking difficult.

Buses cover every part of the city and most services run between 0600 and 2300. There is no specific bus service provider, however, the Municipality of Lima ( is responsible for overseeing transport in the city. Municipal buses and microbuses charge a flat rate. Tickets are purchased from the driver. The combis - small vans converted for passenger use - are faster and cover the main routes but charge slightly more and have a poor safety record.

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed from the street. These don’t have meters, so the fare should be agreed before the prospective passenger gets in. Street taxis usually have a red and white sticker in the window - some are private cars being used to generate extra income. There are also some 24-hour licensed companies that accept advance reservations, such as Moli Taxi . It is a good idea for passengers to lock their doors when going through rough areas. If travelling as a single woman at night, an officially registered taxi probably is the safest option. Licensed taxis are usually yellow and will cost more than unlicensed taxis.

A trip to the city centre from Miraflores costs about PEN7-11/USUSD 2-3 and to the Gold Museum about PEN14.50/USUSD 4. Licensed taxis charge approximately PEN36-43.50/USUSD 10-12 to the airport. Tips are not expected. (more…)

Tourist Attractions in Lima

Sightseeing

Lima’s sheer size often bewilders visitors but many of the city’s museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located in the historic center. In the old days, the center was filthy and overcrowded, however, a recent campaign to clean up the streets has paid dividends. Now the center has much to delight sightseers.

Tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city’s main meeting point and marketplace. Around four hundred years ago, bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a ten-minute walk away. Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). It stands on the site of the original palace built by Lima’s founder Pizarro.

Also on the main square is the Cathedral, rebuilt in 1758, after an earthquake destroyed the original building. Pizarro’s daughter helped pay for the original cathedral, on condition that her father was buried in the crypt. Nearby, the Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo sports elegant cafes, while the Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies, is one of the city’s most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions.

A few blocks east lies Plaza Bolivar, where the fascinating Museo de la Inquisicion (Spanish Inquisition Museum) is located. Other ‘musts’ include the Museo de la Nacion, for an overview of Peru’s archaeological riches and the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), with its collection of stunning gold artifacts.

Away from the center lie the fashionable seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, while the suburb of Barranco offers lively, bohemian bars. Miraflores even has its own US-style shopping mall, Larco Mar, with ten-pin bowling, a multiplex cinema, snack bars, restaurants, discos and live music. The mall is situated right on the cliffs overlooking the sea and publishes a full list of its attractions online (website: www.larcomar.com).

Tourist Information
PromPeru
Edificio Mitinci, Calle Uno, 13th and 14th floors, San Isidro
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Also very helpful are The South American Explorers Club, Avenida Republica de Portugal 146, Brena (website: www.saexplorers.org), and Fertur Peru, Jiron Junin 211, Plaza de Armas.

Passes
There are no tourist passes currently available in Lima.

Key Attractions:

Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor (Main Square)
The very center of the capital and the home of government, the impressive Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor is the logical starting point for any visit to the historic center. With its gardens, old street lamps and bronze fountain, the square is a picture of colonial elegance and testimony to the money lavished upon its restoration over the last five years.

Dominating the north side of the square is the opulent Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), which stands on the site of the original palace built by the Conquistadors. During the days when Peru was a Spanish colony, the Palacio de Gobierno was the official residency of the king’s representative. These days, the president of the republic occupies it. The building was completely rebuilt in 1938. The main attraction is the changing of the guard, which takes place at 1145 and 1745, when palace guards, dressed in scarlet and blue uniforms, goosestep round the main courtyard.

The Cathedral, an example of Spanish Baroque, stands on the site of two previous churches. The first was built in 1550, although was replaced nearly a hundred years later, when a larger church was required. A massive earthquake then destroyed this building in 1746. The present cathedral, built a few years later, is a perfect copy of its predecessor. The interior is distinguished by its high nave, three aisles and carved wooden stalls. The walls bear the coats of arms of Lima and Pizarro. The Museo de Arte Religioso (Religious Art Museum) in the Cathedral contains icons and woodcarvings. Guided tours in English are available.

To the left side of the Cathedral stands the beautiful modern replica of the Archbishop’s Palace, with its Moorish wooden balcony. Also on the square is the impressive Municipalidad de Lima (Town Hall), which houses a selection of Peruvian paintings. (more…)

Activities in Lima

Peruvian culture goes beyond opera houses and theaters. It is part of everyday life, with frequent local festivals coloring the cultural canvass. Painting, dance and song belong to the people and are the way that different regions distinguish themselves. La Candelaria dance troupes of Puno or the marinera dancers from northern Peru, for example, can be seen at penas (dance shows) all over Lima.

Teleticket is a booking agency that sells tickets for many events. Alternatively, tickets are available from the venue box offices. El Comercio is a daily newspaper with a good listings section. The Que Hacer section of the website has a full list of cultural activities in Lima. The Canal N 24-hour cable news channel (channel eight) has a daily culture show called Sentidos, as well as Agenda, its full listings service. Cultural events and entertainment highlights can also be found online .

Music: Peru is on the international circuit for renowned foreign performers and orchestras, often sponsored by foreign cultural organizations. Since the Municipal Theater burned down in 2000, the National Symphony Orchestra now performs at the Museo de la Nacion, Avenida Javier Prado . Opera shows are held at Teatro Segura, Jiron Huancavelica 257 . Traditional music is everywhere - from musica criolla, with its Spanish and African influences, to the irresistibly bouncy Latin chicha or technocumbia music, blaring out of every bus.

Theater: Lima boasts an active theater scene, ranging from formal performances of classics to fringe shows in theater bars. The majority of plays are in Spanish. The most professional theaters are the atmospherically burnt-out Teatro Municipal, block 3 or Jiron Ica, in central Lima, Centro Cultural de La Catolica, Avenida Camino Real 1075, San Isidro, and Teatro Britanico, Calle Bellavista 529, Miraflores.

Dance: The National Ballet Company shares the Museo de la, Avenida Javier Prado (tel: (01) 476 9875 or 9897), with the National Symphony Orchestra. However, for the real dance experience, visitors should go to a pena (traditional dance show) in one of the small venues in Barranco, such as Manos Morenas, Las Guitarres, Los Balcones, La Estacion de Barranco, Las Brisas del Titicaca and Pericho’s - all within walking distance of Plaza Mayor.

Film: Peru’s film industry is still developing, hampered by a lack of finance but not by a lack of talent. Young filmmakers abound. Ciudad de M (2000), directed by Felipe Degregori, is a strong example of Peruvian Realism and was shot entirely in Lima. Another is Tinta (2001), directed by Francisco Lombardi, which won the Concha the Plata best actor award at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain.

Many cinemas show American or British films in their original version with subtitles. Filmoteca de Lima, Museo de Arte, Paseo Colon 125, Avenida 9 de Diciembre , has monthly festivals of foreign films including avant-garde cinema. An excellent multiplex cinema is Cineplanet Alcazar, Ovalo Guiterrez, Miraflores.

Cultural events: The Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles), from 18-28 October, is probably Lima’s biggest cultural event of the year. Solemn processions through the center of the capital dominate the religious festival. Traditionally, Lima women wear purple - considered a sacred color - for the whole month. Bullfights, concerts, fairs and firework displays also mark the feast. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an Easter celebration, characterized by colorful processions and fireworks throughout the city. A smaller religious festival occurs during Santa Rosa de Lima, on 30 August. (more…)