Seeing Lima, Peru   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2010-12-14)

The city of Lima in Peru is a very interesting sort of place thanks to its characteristic blend of heritage. Lima has a very long heritage, as it was once an important location for the mighty Inca Empire. The conquistadors of Spain then took over, and ever since then, the cultures have mixed, resulting in the culture seen in Lima today. The environment surrounding the city of Lima is naturally beautiful, in part because of the warm tropical climate, and although it is very close to the equator, the Pacific Ocean helps keep the heat down. A passport will be required if you are thinking of traveling to Lima.

Internet passport services make trip preparation so much easier. These sites give you access to online passport application forms, which you can fill out and submit completely from your computer. Because of this, you don't need to drive anywhere in order to get a passport. Just follow the online instructions, and your passport will be on its way.

Much of Lima's attractions are historical in nature, due to the vast amount of history related to the city. The downtown portion of Lima, called the Historic Center of Lima, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its important cultural significance in representing the colonized Lima and the characteristic architecture. The center of this historical area is Plaza de Armas, also called Plaza Mayor. Important buildings, like the Cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno are located in this plaza, and there are also lots of places to shop and eat. This spot is also the exact place where Francisco Pizarro, the conquistador that led the conquering of the Inca, founded Lima on January 18, 1535.

In Spanish culture, food is a big deal. This means that there will be tons of delicious foods to try in Lima, and definitely make some time to try as much as possible. You can expect to encounter some incredibly delicious sea food, as the proximity to the Pacific Ocean has made it a staple in the diets of Peruvians. Called "The Gastronomy Capital of the Americas," Peru is definitely a hub for delicious food from cultures all over the world, not just Spanish and Peruvian. The national dish of Peru is ceviche, and the Peruvians have perfected the craft of making it, resulting in hands down some of the best ceviche in the world.

Just being outside is a great way to experience the beautiful Peruvian weather. Bike rides through town and around the surrounding natural areas is a good way to work off a big lunch, and mountain biking is a good option as well. If you are up for more extreme activities, hangliding is a popular activity in the areas surrounding Lima. The beaches are beautiful, and Peru is a magnet for those who love to surf.

As you can see, Lima is one of those places that has a little bit for everybody. Of course there are lots of monuments, old buildings, museums, and other attractions to experience, but be sure to experience a little of the natural side of Lima as well.

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Just don't forget to fill out your United States passport application forms online in order to get a passport. Remember that emergency passport renewal is available as well.