|
The 49 Districts in the Provinces of Lima & Callao
 You currently see a list of 49 districts (Selection = ALL/ Sorting by = EDITORS CHOICE)
Lima is not just the name of the capital of Peru. The district of Lima where the historical city center is located is called Lima. The region around it is called Lima. And to make it a little bit more complicated, Lima is also the name of the Province, located in the Department of Lima. Confused? Lima, the largest city in Peru, is home to roughly one third of Peru’s population and a melting pot of immigrants from Europe, the Peruvian highlands and jungle, China, Japan, Africa to just name a few. All these ethnic groups played a vital role in Lima’s history and development to make Lima to what it is today.
Today Lima forms the region ‘Lima Metropolitana‘. It is divided into 43 districts (distritos). Thirty of these districts belong geographically to the city of Lima and unbelievable but true, each of these neighborhoods has its own flair, charm and character. Thirteen of Lima’s districts are surrounding the core of the urban area and are located outside of Lima in more rural zones. Additionally the province of Callao counts with 6 districts that officially belong to the Lima Metropolitan area.  Lima (Lima City Center)
(Municipalidad de Lima) Lima is not only the name for the capital of Peru and the province around it but also one of the city’s districts called Lima. The district of Lima is characterized by some very different zones. While the industrial zone and residential areas might not be very interesting, the historic city center, actually the colonial capital of Peru that Francisco Pizarro founded in 1535, is an absolute must for every visitor. Lima’s historical center was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1988 and a “Cultural Patrimony of Humanity” in 1996. Downtown Lima shows us the impressing history of the colonial City of Kings. The streets are filled with great examples of Spanish colonial architecture.
Miraflores (Next to San Isidro and Barranco)
(Municipalidad de Miraflores) Miraflores is without a doubt the most popular place for tourists, visitors, foreign expats and locals (who can afford it) to find accommodation, go shopping, have a good meal, relax in a nice café, party in one of the many bars, clubs and discotheques, savor the cultural life and enjoy your time. The district has a lot to offer and therefore we can only highly recommend spending some time here and having fun in one of Lima’s nicest ‘suburbs’. Street crime is closely controlled by police and the municipality on the streets, but still to some level present (as in any metropolitan in the world).
San Isidro (Next to Miraflores and La Victoria)
(Municipalidad de San Isidro) San Isidro is the major financial district of Lima, but also a district with many gardens, parks and a quite exclusive residential area. Next to modern office blocks occupied by the main businesses and financial institutions, you find exclusive shops, excellent restaurants, inviting bars, cafes and of course many hotels. Nevertheless San Isidro managed to combine this modernity and progress with its cultural and traditional past. You still find some unique colonial mansions and beautiful old houses from the beginning of the 20th century which once gave San Isidro its personality. Today San Isidro is a beautiful, modern and at the same time traditional district...
Barranco (South of Miraflores)
(Municipalidad de Barranco) Unfortunately only a few tourists find their way to the beautiful district of Barranco. Once it was Lima’s beach, pleasure and entertainment district for wealthier Limeños (during the colonial and republican times). Barranco was at the beginning of the 20th century home to famous Peruvian writers and artists which gave the district a unique character. Luckily Barranco could save not only big a part of its colonial charm but as well its special character and charisma. The daily life in Barranco is more relaxed and quieter than in the rest of Lima.
Chorrillos (South of Miraflores and Barranco)
(Municipalidad de Chorrillos) The traditional district of Chorrillos is another not so well known district of Lima for tourists. Once being a small fishing village it developed in Colonial and Republican times to the beach resort not only for Lima’s wealthy. During the Pacific War Chorrillos was the scene of heavy fighting and much of it was destroyed. Today Chorrillos still is worth a visit: Take a walk or just relax on the beautiful Malecon and enjoy a stunning view over the whole bay of Lima, enjoy a delicious meal at the numerous restaurants specializing in typical Peruvian coastal food or have a nice day at the beach.
Santiago de Surco (Next to Miraflores and San Borja)
(Municipalidad de Santiago de Surco) Surco probably isn’t one of the district tourists and visitors immediately will think of when coming to Lima. Only a few find their way to Surco. A fact, that doesn’t do justice to the district. Surco probably has the best-kept green areas and parks (around 400) in Lima. Some of the more exclusive universities of Lima are located in Surco, including the University of Lima and the Universidad Ricardo Palma. In Surco you find also many of Limas largest shopping centres like the ‘Jockey Plaza’, the shopping center at the ‘Caminos del Inca’, Chacarilla’ and ‘El Polo’. In this district it is clearly visible that value is still placed on culture and traditions.
Breña (Next to the city center)
(Municipalidad de Breña) Even being located just around the corner of the historical center of Lima, Breña is one of those districts most visitors will find their way to only by accident. After its official creation in 1949, Breña was designed to be a huge industrial zone with factories and working quarters. But only a decade later the district lost almost half of its area to the district of Cercado de Lima (Lima Center) and never came up to expectations. As many other districts in Lima Breña is improving, but there are still some very dodgy areas left, especially at night.
Ancón (44 km north of city center)
(Municipalidad de Ancón) Ancón is located 44 km north of the historical Center of Lima and still belongs politically to the Province of Metropolitan Lima. During Colonial times Ancón was known as the ‘Pueblo de Pescadores de Lancón (Fishing village of Lancón). In the beginnings of the Peruvian Republic the small fishing village developed quickly during the middle of the 19th and 20th century as the well fashionable spa and beach resort for the aristocracy of Lima. While today Lima’s high society prefers to spend their summers at the beaches south of Lima, Ancón is still a very popular beach resort.
Bellavista (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de Bellavista) Bellavista is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. Located south of Callao downtown the district has an almost perfect rectangular shape. As in the whole of the Lima & Callao area the first inhabitants of what we know today as Bellavista were hunters and gatherers that settled down and soon lived from fishing and agriculture. Long before the arrival of the Incas in the region different highly advanced cultures arose in the Bellavista area that built amazing huacas (Adobe Pyramids), temples and other structures.
Callao (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de Callao) Callao is one of the six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. So to make it confusing for everyone Callao is not only the name for the old downtown area, but as well for the district and the whole region around it. The district of Callao stretches along the coast and is located to the west of Lima’s city center. In prehistoric times the area we know today as Callao was transmigrated by hunters and gatherers. Due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the River Rimac, these people began to fish and soon settled down. Archaeological findings prove that next to fishing, agricultural activities developed quickly and amazing cultures arose in this area.
Carmen de la Legua (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de Carmen de la Legua) Carmen de la Legua is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. It is located west of Callao downtown. In antique times, the area known today as Carmen de la Legua was inhabited by a few farmers living on the shores of the River Rimac. During the colonial period a footpath lined with thick bushes lead through today's district of Carmen de la Legua from the port of Callao to Lima. On this road, called ‘Colonial’ (today's Av. Oscar R. Benavides), a church was built halfway from Callao to Lima about one ‘legua’ from either town. This church was dedicated to the Virgin Carmen, until now the patron of Callao.
La Perla (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de La Perla) La Perla is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. It is located directly at the Pacific Ocean, south of Callao downtown. For many hundred years the population of La Perla lived mainly from fishing and agriculture. With the devastating earthquake and the tidal wave from 1746 La Perla’s indigenous habitants disappeared. The area only got inhabited slowly again. During Republican times great summer residences arose near the Pacific Ocean and La Perla became one of Limas spas visited especially in the summer month by the Limeñan bourgeoisie.
La Punta (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de La Punta) La Punta is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. It is located on a peninsula in the western part of the province and is almost entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, except on its eastern side, where it is bordered by Callao downtown. The first inhabitants of La Punta were fishermen. Today the beautiful district attracts many visitors during the summer months. La Punta’s beaches called ‘Cantolao’, ‘Malecón’ and ‘Arenillas’ are popular with surfers, swimmers and sun lovers. Almost one third of La Punta is occupied by the Peruvian Naval School.
Ventanilla (Callao Province)
(Municipalidad de Ventanilla) Ventanilla is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. Located north of the province it is the largest district of Callao. Today the district of Ventanilla is characterized by industrial areas and ‘pueblos jovenes’ (shantytowns). But the district has great potential: Amazing beaches wait to be properly developed, an immense number of (un-) discovered archaeological areas wait to be explored and the ‘Humedales de Ventanilla’, an area consisting of natural lagoons and an amazing flora and fauna, waits for responsible visitors who enjoy the beauty of the area.
Carabayllo (North of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Carabayllo) The district of Carabayllo isn’t the typical tourist destination. Officially created by Don José de San Martin shortly after independence the district is today one of the poorest in Lima. Only around 35% of the district are urbanized, mainly with unpleasant simple housing in shantytowns and slums. Nevertheless even this district is worth a visit. Legacies from a turbulent and interesting pre-Hispanic past can be seen in many parts of Carabayllo. The old town of San Pedro de Carabayllo where most houses are built out of Adobe bricks still maintain their typical old rural town character...
Chaclacayo (27 km east of city center)
(Municipalidad de Chaclacayo) Only around 27 km away from Lima’s hectic city center is the district of Chaclacayo. Chaclacayo is a popular place especially in Lima’s foggy winter months with sun and moderate temperatures all year round. The small town offers beautiful old town houses and great restaurants. With lots of fresh air and an amazing flora and fauna an ideal surrounding to enjoy and relax. The district of Chaclacayo was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Its name derives from the aymara expressions chájlla (Carrizo) and kayo (foot), meaning ‘at the foot of the carrizo’. Carrizo is a plant that grows at the Rimac River limiting the district to the north.
Cieneguilla (25 km east of city center)
(Municipalidad de Cieneguilla) The district of Cieneguilla was formerly a part of the district Pachacamac and officially created as independent district on the 3rd of March 1970. It is located just around 25 km to the east of Lima. Due to its spring like climate and sun throughout the year the small and lovely town of Cieneguilla and the whole district is a popular weekend destination especially in the winter months for people living in foggy Lima. Cieneguilla offers the visitor beautiful wild areas, lots of nature and an attractive countryside. When you need rest and relaxation from hectic Lima, the rural area of Cieneguilla is the right place to go.
Comas (Northern cone of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Comas) Comas is a district situated in the Northern Cone of Lima just around 11 km from the city center. With over 10,000 people living on a square km it is densely populated. The area was already inhabited long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Many small, unfortunately not excavated archeological sites are evidence for these early settlements. Comas as we know it today developed when migrant families from the Peruvian highlands arrived in the mid 1950s and many more in the 1970s and 1980s. Comas was until recently one of Lima’s poorest pueblos jovenes (shanty towns).
El Agustino (East of Lima district)
(Municipalidad de El Agustino) The district of El Agustino is located directly east of the district Lima. Until 1925 the area belonged to José Enrique de la Riva Agüero and housed one of Lima’s many haciendas cultivating fruits, vegetables and flowers. After his death parts of the ground were leased and sold, later the area was divided into zones giving Lima’s growing population space to live on. From the beginning of the mid 1950s until the 1980s El Agustino like whole Lima had to cope with thousands of migrant families from the Peruvian highlands.
Independencia (North of city center)
(Municipalidad de Independencia) The district of Independencia is located north of Lima’s city center. In the last years Independencia developed into the economical center of the Northern Cone of Lima. Commercial Centers like the Mega Plaza Norte and the Plaza Norte offer everything Lima’s new middle-class can dream of: restaurants, cinemas, gyms, department stores, supermarkets, kids entertainment, shops selling cloth, sports ware, perfumes and much more. You find also two universities, other shopping facilities supplying all types of needs, a stadium, a skate park, a good transport connection to other districts and an overall good public infrastructure with police, fire department, hospitals and cultural centers.
Jesús María (Southwest of city center)
(Municipalidad de Jesús María) Jesús María is south west of Lima’s city center. Today it’s a lower-middle to upper-middle class, high density district with top rankings in the Human Development Index. Unfortunately like in Miraflores and San Isidro many of the beautiful colonial mansions are being replaced by high-rise apartment buildings. The main avenues in Jesús María are Av. Salaverry, Av. Mariategui and Av. San Felipe. You find the Ministry of Labour, Health and Agriculture, embassies and consulates, the Apostolic Nunciature, other public institutions, schools and universities in Jesús María.
La Molina (East of city center)
(Municipalidad de La Molina) La Molina is east of Lima’s city center. It’s a mid to upper class residential district with numerous Peruvian celebrities and politicians living there. Catering perfectly for its wealthy citizens La Molina offers more tranquility and peace than most other districts, more sunny days throughout the year, lots of green areas, classy houses, fancy shopping facilities and exclusive Clubs. Due to the higher standard of La Molina there are various first class international schools and well-recognized universities. The only two small disadvantage of living in La Molina are high burglary numbers and a quite bad transportation connection to other districts with the two main avenues being congested especially during rush hours.
La Victoria (Merged with Lima district)
(Municipalidad de La Victoria) La Victoria and the district of Lima merge into another. La Victoria developed when at the end of the 19th century the hacienda “La Victoria” with its huge properties was divided into lots and urbanized. La Victoria became a working and lower middle class district. Today in spite its bad reputation of being a dangerous district, La Victoria has enormous economical potential. In the heart of La Victoria you find “Gamarra”, the garment district, with thousands of small and middle sized shops and shopping centers spread out over 20 blocks selling local and imported fabrics and clothes. It’s also a good place to find all kinds of sewing and handicraft accessories.
Lince (Between Lima and San Isidro)
(Municipalidad de Lince) Lince is a small district of Lima sandwiched between the district of Lima and San Isidro. Most of us will only drive through Lince on Av. Arequipa on our way from Miraflores to the city center. Lince can’t be regarded as a popular tourism district or a historical valuable zone. Although not commonly known it possesses a great concentration of Art Deco architecture. Many of these Art Deco buildings in Lince including residences, schools and businesses are well maintained and have endured little modifications from their original design in the late 1930s.
Los Olivos (Northern cone of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Los Olivos) Los Olivos is in the northern Cone of Lima and unofficially named the capital of “Cono Norte”. It’s one of Lima’s most prosperous districts with a steady economical and social upwards trend. You find nice middle class residential areas, beautiful maintained green areas, all sorts of shopping facilities and universities. Regardless of the fast growing economy and infrastructure and the visible progress, the district has made in the last years, Los Olivos still is home to thousands of people living in very poor conditions.
Lurigancho - Chosica (East of city center)
(Municipalidad de Lurigancho - Chosica) The district Lurigancho – Chosica is east of the city center in the valley of the River Rimac and is the second largest district of Lima. It’s “capital” is Chosica. Since the Trans-Andean railroad was built in the 19th century Chosica was a fashionable place for resting and partaking in leisure activities. At that time, many aristocratic families from Lima made the place their holiday home. And still today Chosica is a popular get away for Limeños in the winter months. Contrary to Lima the climate is dryer and warm with sunny days throughout the year.
Lurín (6 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Lurín) The ecological District of Lurín is around 36 km south of the Historic Centre of Lima between km 24 and 42 of the Panamericana Sur (Pan American Highway) and extends to the east along the Lurín Valley. The Valle de Lurín is a small basin, which has been able to resist immense urbanization and over-industrialization - at least so far. Lurín itself is a gentle town. Lurín’s main tourist attraction might be the archaeological complex of Pachacamac, one of the most important religious centers of indigenous people at the coast in Pre-Hispanic times. But there is much more to see and do.
Magdalena del Mar (West of city center)
(Municipalidad de Magdalena del Mar) Magdalena del Mar is a seaside district west of Lima’s city center. In the early 20th century the area was suppose to develop as a popular spa and resort like neighbouring Miraflores or Chorrillos. Today Magdalena del Mar, founded as Marbella and known among Limeños just as Magdalena, is largely a residential area with well preserved ancient streets and a great market with an abundant supply. Worth a visit are the church “Inmaculado Corazón de María” at the end of Av. Brasil and the statue of Tupac Amaru II, the leader of an indigenous uprising against the Spanish in Peru in 1780, at the main plaza. Don’t miss the nicely maintained “malecon” with the stunning view over the Pacific Ocean and beautiful green areas.
Pachacamac (30 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Pachacamac) The district of Pachacamac is around 30 km south of Lima’s city center. The Archaeological Complex of Pachacamac isn’t located in the district of Pachacamac, but in neighbouring Lurín. Anyhow there are quite a lot of attractions in Pachacamac. The town itself is nice and calm with a typical colonial Plaza de Armas. Worth a visit is the “First Pisco Museum”. The district of Pachacamac is well known for its “agricultural” eco tourism. Great places to visit are the “Casa Blanca” or the “Fundo Agricola Marengo”, where you are guided through the farms learning all about ecological agriculture in Peru.
Pucusana (60 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Pucusana) Pucusana is a pretty, traditional fishing village and even though it’s around 60 km south of Lima it still belongs to the Lima / Callao Metropolitan area (since 1950). The population lives mainly from fishing and tourism. The small port is the center of life in Pucusana. During the fishing high season hundreds of wooden boats land their catch on the small pier awaited by a huge crowd of local fish workers that prepare the fish for the waiting refrigerating trucks providing Lima with fresh fish. During the Peruvian summer the beaches of Pucusana are crowded with local tourists ‘fleeing’ Lima.
Pueblo Libre (4 km from city center)
(Municipalidad de Pueblo Libre) Just 4 km from Lima’s city center is the district of Pueblo Libre, founded already in 1557 as Magdalena de Vieja. In Colonial and early Republican times an area to rest and leisure of the Limeñan nobility Pueblo Libre today is a low to middle class residential community with numerous parks and some beautiful restored Colonial and Republican mansions. One of Pueblo Libre’s oldest attractions is “La Cruz del Viajero” (The cross of the traveler). It was placed by Franciscan monks in 1672. Travelers would stop at the Cruz del Viejero to ask for protection on their journeys either across Peru or via ship to Central America or Spain, where the cross was made.
Puente Piedra (Northern cone of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Puente Piedra) Puente Piedra (not the Puente de Piedra that connects the Historical City Center with Rimac) is a district of Lima in the Northern Cone. Like the neighbouring districts Comas, Los Olivos and Independencia, Puente Piedra has achieved in the last years a slow but steady economical and social growth. The municipality, the community and aid agencies are trying hard to further develop the district. The fast growing economy, developing infrastructure and the visible progress, the district made in the last years, will not change the fact that Puente Piedra still is home to thousands of people living in unbelievably poor conditions.
Punta Hermosa (42 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Punta Hermosa) Punta Hermosa is located 42 km south of Lima’s City center along the Panamericana Sur (Pan American Highway). It is well known for its beaches and attracts many beachgoers every summer. As a lot of them rent apartments there during this time, the beachfront is getting plastered with apartment blocks. Anyhow so far Punta Hermosa still can preserve its traditional sea resort character. Along the main promenade you find hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, which are very busy during the summer month. Punta Hermosa is also a famous surfing spot with great waves.
Punta Negra (47 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Punta Negra) Punta Negra is around 47 km south of Lima’s city center along the Panamericana Sur (Pan American Highway). It is well known for its beaches and attracts many beachgoers every summer. Its northern beaches are popular with surfing enthusiast for their great waves. Main social clubs in the area are the famous Country Club El Bosque, which has a beach site and the Club Social y Deportes Punta Negra.
Rimac (North of city center)
(Municipalidad de Rimac) Located directly to the north of downtown Lima, the district of Rimac is separated from Lima’s historical city center just by the River Rimac. Rimac never was considered to be a very wealthy district, but full of Peruvian culture and probably the most vibrant part of the city in colonial and republican times. Some of the best peñas and creole restaurants are located in Rimac. But please be careful when visiting at night. Despite efforts to improve Rimac’s reputation it still has some run down areas and dodgy spots.
Santa Anita (East of city center)
(Municipalidad de Santa Anita) Santa Anita is located east of Lima’s city center. It’s a low to middle class residential area. Located within the district are the Mercado Mayorista, a huge wholesale market, and the Universidad Particular San Martín de Porres. Between the streets Los Nogales and Alcanfores you find the Huaca Perales (Pyramid made from adobe bricks) dating to the Huancho Culture.
Santa Maria del Mar (53 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de Santa Maria del Mar) Santa Maria del Mar is a small district of Lima south to the City Center directly at the Pacific Ocean. It is well known for its beaches and attracts many beachgoers every summer. As a lot of them rent apartments during this time, the population of “enormous” 161 citizens (Census 2007) increases considerably. During the summer months the beaches Playa Grande, Playa Chica and Playa Embajadores have a quite good infrastructure with Snack Bars, toilets, paramedics and additional police presence. Enjoy your time!
Santa Rosa (Northern coast of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Santa Rosa) Santa Rosa is located at the northern coast of Lima. It’s a quite rural area which has agriculture as the main income source. In the district you find the beach site of the famous Club de la Union, the Karting Club of Peru and the Santa Rosa golf club.
San Bartolo (52 km south of city center)
(Municipalidad de San Bartolo) San Bartolo is a beautiful seaside resorts south of Lima. Located at around km 52 of the Pan Americana directly on the Pacific Ocean San Bartolo is known for its clean waters, small bays with nice beaches and perfect waves that are ideal for surfers. San Bartolo has a dry and healthy climate with sunshine nearly 8 months a year and clean air throughout the year. San Bartolo offers its visitors all kinds of amenities typical for a seaside resort. You find nice hotels and hostels with pools, sporting facilities and conference rooms, inviting restaurants offering characteristic food of the Peruvian coastal region, discotheques, an amazing landscape and of course great places for surfers.
San Borja (East of city center)
(Municipalidad de San Borja) San Borja is a small district east of Lima’s city center. Originally a part of the district Surquillo, it was established as a separate district in June 1983. San Borja is one of the few districts of Lima which was planned from the beginning and developed in an orderly fashion. It is mostly a middle to upper class residential area with lots of beautiful parks and gardens. Located in the district of San Borja is one of Lima’s major two museums for Peruvian history, the Museo de la Nacion. The Museum of the Nation houses thousands of authentic artifacts spanning the entire span of human occupation in Peru.
San Juan de Lurigancho (Northeast of city center)
(Municipalidad de San Juan de Lurigancho) San Juan de Lurigancho (SJL) is located northeast of Lima’s city center. It’s the most populated district in Peru. More than 10% of Lima’s population lives here. Although it has areas of economic activity and acceptable living conditions, it is also home to numerous slums and extensive urban poverty. Many NGOs and aid agencies are trying to improve the situation in San Juan de Lurigancho, but there is still so much more left to do.
San Juan de Miraflores (Southern cone of Lima)
(Municipalidad de San Juan de Miraflores) San Juan de Miraflores (SJM) is located in the Cono Sur of Lima (Southern cone). The district is one of Lima’s pueblo jovenes (young towns), and arose from the desert-like lands when people from other districts of Lima moved in the middle of the 1950s. Later, especially during times of terrorism in Peru, massive numbers of Peruvians from the highlands and jungle flocked to Lima and settled in San Juan de Miraflores. Most residents live in houses made of all sorts of materials, some have access to electricity, but many lack running water or plumbing. This is a district where a lot has to be done.
San Luis (Close to Lima's city center)
(Municipalidad de San Luis) San Luis is a small district close to Lima’s city center. It’s mostly a middle class residential area, but home to a growing number of smaller companies. In San Luis you find the Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA), a huge area which is dedicated to sports. It houses the Peruvian Institute of Sports, the head office of the Peruvian Olympic Committee and the Peruvian Federation of Soccer and a wide variety of facilities for a great number of different sports like athletics, cycling, volleyball, swimming, softball, baseball and football. If you are the type of person who likes shopping on a market, the fruits market in San Luis is a must. Here dozens of merchants offer one of the best selections of fresh fruits and veggies in Lima. When visiting this area, please take the usual safety precautions!
San Martin de Porres (Northern cone of Lima)
(Municipalidad de San Martin de Porres) San Martín de Porres (SMP) is located in the Cono Norte of Lima (Northern cone). It lies on the north bank of the Rímac River. San Martín de Porres was named after and in honour of the famous Dominic friar San Martín de Porras. The district is among the oldest and best developed of Lima’s pueblos jóvenes (young towns). Today it’s mainly a working-class residential area. It contains numerous retail and service establishments and some light industry. The well known and recognized Peruvian University of San Martín de Porres is located in the district.
San Miguel (Between city center and Callao)
(Municipalidad de San Miguel) San Miguel is half way between Lima’s city center and Callao, directly at the Pacific Ocean. In pre-Hispanic times the area was populated by different ingenious civilizations. From the 1920s to the 1960s it was a beach, pleasure and entertainment district similar to Miraflores, Barranco and Chorrillos attracting visitors with its amazing scenery, beautiful gardens, picturesque ambience and calmness. Today it’s a middle class residential area. Important economic centers are Av. La Marina, where you find the Plaza San Miguel, Av. Elmer Faucett, the way to Lima’s International Airport and Av. Universitaria, where the famous Pontifical Catholic University of Peru is located.
Surquillo (South of city center)
(Municipalidad de Surquillo) Surquillo is south of the city center, surrounded by upper class districts like Miraflores, San Borja and San Isidro. Anyhow founded as a “barrio” (suburb) for the indios (Indian population) in colonial times and being a working class area in colonial times, Surquillo today is mostly a lower-middle class district. The district is full of small businesses, especially hardware shops, building material supplies and a lot of car parts sellers. Many markets can be found in Surquillo. Worth a visit is the big Surquillo Market, at the border to Miraflores, where you can buy fresh fruits and veggies, meat, fish and everything needed for a good meal.
Villa El Salvador (Southern outskirts of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Villa El Salvador) Villa El Salvador (VES) is a low income residential district on the southern outskirts of Lima. The district is the result of a massive land invasion by immigrant families who had left the Peruvian highlands in 1971 and were relocated by the military government to a desolate empty desert area around 32 km from the city center. Villa El Salvador began as one of Lima’s numerous pueblos jóvenes (shanty or young towns). The poor district evolved over the years into a huge urban zone, famous for its “self-management” by the population.
Villa Maria del Triunfo (Southern outskirts of Lima)
(Municipalidad de Villa Maria del Triunfo) Villa Maria del Triunfo (VMT) is a low income residential district on the southern outskirts of Lima. Most of the district’s residents are migrants from other Peruvian provinces who invaded the desert area. Over half of the population is poor, and a significant number does not have a regular income. The lack of water and electricity, malnutrition and general health problems are common occurrences. Urban agriculture is promoted to fight poverty and develop the local economy.
Ate-Vitarte (14 km east of city center)
(Municipalidad de Ate-Vitarte) Ate-Vitarte is located in the central eastern part of the Metropolitan of Lima on the south banks of the Rio Rimac. The district was created shortly after the declaration of independence by General José de San Martin. The old town of Ate is located around 14 km east of the Historic Centre of Lima. From the middle of the 19th century onwards Ate-Vitarte was the industrial zone of Lima where mainly textile factories where established. Around the factories working-class townships developed quickly.
Sitelinks:
Home • Lima Info • Lima Districts • Peru Info • Cultural Experience • Peruvian Money • Emergencies & Help
Please contact us if you have additional information or updates!
Earthquakes • Interactive Maps • Shopping • Have Fun in Lima • Business • Social Projects • Sitemap
General Copyright on all Contents, Composition & Design by LimaEasy SAC, Lima - Perú
© 2006 - 2010
|
 Lima, Peru
Exchange Rates
03-07-2010
The Ultimate
Peru List
Most useful guide for people who live or are planning to move to Peru.
External Link
  |
More Detailed Info
Population: 299493 citizens
District Size: 21.98 km²
