Lima: The City of Kings and Cultures

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah vehr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, poor fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Fuera!
  [foo-eh-rah]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. Pizarro named the city 'La Ciudad de los Reyes' (The City of Kings), as it was established during the feast of the Epiphany. The location was chosen strategically near the Rimac River, providing access to the coast and facilitating trade and defense.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Lima became the most important city in Spanish South America. It served as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which encompassed a vast territory including modern-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. The city was a center for administration, commerce, and culture, flourishing with impressive architecture such as the Lima Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco.

On October 28, 1746, Lima experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes in its history. The earthquake, followed by a tsunami, caused widespread destruction, killing thousands and demolishing the majority of the city's buildings. The disaster prompted significant reconstruction efforts, leading to the resilience and architectural development that can still be observed in Lima’s colonial buildings today.

Lima played a crucial role in Peru's fight for independence from Spanish rule. The city was the scene of significant revolutionary activity, culminating in the Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824. This decisive battle, fought in the highlands near Ayacucho, led to the defeat of the Spanish forces and secured Peru's independence. Lima subsequently became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Peru.

Lima was significantly affected by the War of the Pacific (1879-1884), a conflict between Chile and the allied forces of Peru and Bolivia. In January 1881, Chilean troops occupied Lima, leading to a period of hardship and turmoil for the city. The occupation lasted until 1883, leaving a lasting impact on Lima's political and social landscape.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Lima, with rapid urbanization and population growth. The city expanded beyond its colonial core, incorporating diverse neighborhoods and becoming a melting pot of cultures. Major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Central Highway and the Pan-American Highway, facilitated Lima's transformation into a modern metropolis.

In recent decades, Lima has experienced a cultural renaissance, becoming a vibrant hub for arts, music, and literature. The city is also globally renowned for its culinary scene, with Peruvian cuisine gaining international acclaim. Lima hosts several world-famous restaurants and culinary festivals, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its rich and diverse gastronomic heritage.

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is served by Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in Callao, about 10 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus to your accommodation. Taxis are the most convenient but ensure you use registered taxi services for safety.

Lima has a variety of transportation options. Public buses and the Metropolitano bus rapid transit system are affordable ways to get around the city, although they can be crowded. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are widely available and convenient. For short distances, you can use 'combis' or small minibuses, but they can be confusing for newcomers. Renting a car is an option but be aware of heavy traffic and aggressive driving styles.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major stores. However, it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Lima, but be cautious when withdrawing money, especially at night. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices (casas de cambio).

While Lima is generally safe for tourists, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be vigilant in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas like Callao, La Victoria, and certain parts of downtown Lima have higher crime rates, so exercise extra caution. Use registered taxis, especially at night, and avoid flashing valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for the police, 116 for the fire department, and 106 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals, like Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza and Clínica Internacional, offer emergency medical services. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites and more conservatively in general. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. A kiss on the cheek is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. Don't refuse an offer of food or drink, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Lima like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Central and Mercado de Surquillo for fresh produce and traditional foods. Spend an afternoon in the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its vibrant street art and music scene. Try the local pisco sour cocktail and enjoy Peruvian cuisine at local 'cevicherías'. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share their culture. Don't miss the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the coastal path 'Malecón' in Miraflores for stunning ocean views.