The history of Lima does not only begin with the foundation of the colonial city by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. The area, where we today find the Peruvian capital, was already inhabited many thousands of years before that. The time before the Spanish colonization is full of rich and unique cultures, but also reflects a long process where humankind developrd its skills and made the desert stripe between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes a habitable place and a green oasis.

The first inhabitants, who settled in the Lima area already around 10.000 BC, were fishermen and hunters and gatherers who slowly discovered and developed agriculture. From today's Ancón in the north to Pucusana in the south and along the valleys of the three rivers Chillón, Rimac and Lurín, which are still important to this day, small settlements with very simple huts arose between 8000 BC and 6000 BC. Archeological findings of stone instruments along the Chillón River can be associated with the Andean lithic period (approx. 7500 BC) and are so far the oldest proof of human existence in Peru. The first genuine communities were in the Chilca-Pucusana-San Bartholo area located in the south of today's (around 5500 BC to 4500 BC) and in the Ancón area (in the north).

Lima is known for its rich historical and cultural past. Long before the Spaniards arrived several other cultures with highly advanced skills in construction, agriculture and arts settled the area of today's Lima. The Spanish colonist added to this legendary cultural legacy. Based on the model of Spanish cities, the "City of the Kings" arose and soon Lima became the political, economic, cultural and religious center of the Spanish colonies in South America. A completely different culture with European and Moorish influence mixed with the indigenous cultural and religious inheritance.

Everywhere visible in Lima is how these ancient cultures melted with modern factors. Amazing archaeological sites like the "Huacas" (Adobe pyramids) are spread over the city and are worth a visit. A must for every Lima visitor is the Historic City Center with amazing buildings, plazas and churches from Colonial times. Don't miss the numerous museums, displaying a huge variety of Lima's and Peru's culture from antique and traditional to modern and contemporary. Theatres, cinemas and Cultural Centers complete Lima's cultural scene.

For most visitors Lima is just an unavoidable must on their way to other treasures Peru offers. The capital of Peru is notorious for its uncontrolled grown urban extent, air pollution, chaotic traffic with reckless drivers and no real public transportation system, crime and few green spaces. But this view of Lima isn't really fair. Lima dominates the political, economical and cultural life of the country and accommodates Peruvians and foreigners from different social and cultural backgrounds. Therefore Lima has an amazing cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the last few years Lima's authorities and inhabitants stopped the deterioration of the capital and spruced up Lima's image.

Today you find beautiful parks and green areas, some nice places for kids, good companies showing you Lima's past and present, excellent cafes, bars and discotheques, a unique music scene and many other things for all age groups that let you view Lima in a different light. Exploring Lima and discovering its bloom (and ugly) side is an exciting and unforgettable experience you shouldn't miss. Have fun!

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 surrounding region is called Lima. And to make it a bit more complicated, Lima is also the name of the Province, located in the Department of Lima.

Today Lima forms the region 'Lima Metropolitana'. They divide it into 43 districts (distritos). Thirty of these districts belong geographically to the city of Lima, and each 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. The province of Callao counts with 6 districts that officially belong to the Lima Metropolitan area.