Strategically located in the middle of South America's Pacific Coast, the country reaches out to the Atlantic through the Amazon River, the largest river in the world by flow.

Peru's strategic position on the west coast of South America allows it to foresee becoming a dynamic trade hub, acting as a bridge to effectively connect markets in South America, Asia and the United States. It is for this reason, as well as because Peru is ranked among the top 10 tourist destinations in the world, that Peru has become an attractive investment target.

Peru's vast territory, comprising 84 of 104 possible "life zones" in our planet, sustains abundant biodiversity.  It is one of the countries that have contributed most to global nutrition, through native products such as potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, quinoa, and many others.

Another attraction is Peru's gastronomy, considered among the world's best because of the quality and diversity of its ingredients.  Peruvian cuisine has gained international recognition and numerous awards.

In May 2008, Lima hosted a meeting of Latin America, Caribbean and European Union (LAC-EU) heads of state, and in November 2008 it was the venue of a summit of leaders and high-level officials from 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum (APEC) 

Lima, formerly known as "city of Kings," was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535. It is one of the oldest and most traditional cities in South America. For almost three centuries Lima was capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, from where it wielded control over other colonial territories in South America. San Marcos University, created during the colonial period in 1551, is the oldest university in the Americas.

At present, Lima is a bustling metropolis of over nine million people, almost one-third of Peru's entire population. Located on Peru's central coast, the city is divided into 43 districts and stretches over a large coastal area of 804 square kilometers.

The city center was declared by UNESCO a Historic Heritage of Mankind in 1988 on account of its well-preserved colonial architecture, museums, churches and convents. Special highlights are the 16th century Cathedral, Municipal Palace and Government Palace in the "Plaza Mayor" (Main Square), the Torre Tagle Palace and the catacombs under the San Francisco Convent. As for museums, the National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum and the Art Museum are some of the most outstanding.

Almost all tourists who visit Peru -- nearly two million each year -- converge in Lima, from where tours are organized to various cities, regions, and major tourist spots around the country.     

Weather
The weather in Lima is mild. Temperatures range from moderately cold to warm (neither too cold nor too hot).  The average temperature in winter varies between 15º C and 19º C (60 a 66º F), usually accompanied by cast skies, fog and humidity.  In summer, the maximum temperature is around 27º C (80º F) and the minimum 22º C (73º F).  Rains are almost non-existent.  In winter there is a fine mist called "garua" as well as high humidity.       

Tourist information
For the best tourist information, we recommend the website www.peru.info/peru.asp

Currency
The official currency in Peru is called the Nuevo Sol, represented by the symbol S/. Currency denominations in use include paper bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Nuevos Soles, and coins of 10, 20, and 50 cents of a sol.

Exchange Rate
You can check the current official exchange rate at www.mef.gob.pe/INDECO/tipo_cambio.php or the exchange rate in the parallel informal market at http://cambiosfinserva.com. It is possible to convert dollars into soles or vice versa at money exchange houses, hotels, or on the streets in central areas through authorized money changers wearing identifying jackets.

Banks
Banks are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, and until noon on Saturdays in Lima. In provinces like Cusco, banks close at noon for three hours and open again in the afternoon. They are open to the public slightly less time during the summer months.

Taxis and Car Rental
Arriving to Lima Airport and after leaving the Immigration and Luggage areas you will find 03 Taxi companies authorized by LAP (Lima Airport Partners). For more information please enter http://www.lap.com.pe/lap_portal/taxis.html
In case you need to rent a car there are also 03 Car Rentals companies located in the same area. For more information please enter http://www.lap.com.pe/lap_portal/alquiler.html

Miraflores is currently considered the commercial and tourist district par excellence; it is also the Lima area where most hotels and hostels are located. As a result, the district boasts a superb culinary array, with multiple restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

The most attractive side of Miraflores faces the Pacific Ocean, offering the privilege of a spectacular seaside view that few other cities in South America can offer. In the summer, its beaches are a must destination for tourists and locals alike. The residential buildings lining the coast along several kilometers are very much in demand on account of their excellent location and magnificent view of Lima's shore, day and night.

Roaming around the streets of Miraflores it is always possible to find lots of in-transit tourists on their way to Cusco, Arequipa or other tourist sites in Peru. Miraflores offers to visitors a wide range of recreational spots, from assorted coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to cultural exhibits, theaters, and so on. One popular place is the Larcomar shopping center, built on the edge of a cliff with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, which holds a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, discotheques, theaters and cinemas.

The affluence of tourists to this district has prompted the opening of handicraft markets that offer our finest traditional alpaca and silver products.

Traditionally, San Isidro has been an elite residential area. Over the last decade it has also become Lima's main financial and commercial district; the headquarters of most banks, corporations, and financial institutions concentrate in this district.

 
The district has abundant green areas, such as the San Isidro Golf and the Olive Orchard, where one can still see hundreds of olive trees brought from Spain and planted here in the 17th century.

In addition, San Isidro has many shops and fine restaurants, intense cultural activity in the form of theaters, art galleries and cultural centers, an active night life, with a wide array of bars, discotheques, pubs, coffee shops and first-rate restaurants, and shopping centers with the best stores.  After Miraflores, San Isidro ranks second in number of hotels.      

Traditionally known as the bohemian district of Lima, Barranco has been the place where many artists and writers established their place of residence. However, the “Malecon Paul Harris” (coastal street bordering the cliff), adjacent to Miraflores district, has become in recent years one of the most exclusive and sought-after areas of the city, with beautiful apartments all with a splendid sea view. Buildings with modern pent houses and apartments are seen in the 15 blocks of this coastal street (malecon).

Barranco is also known for its tourist attractions, mainly for “El Puente de los Suspiros” bridge (1878), the ancient “Bajada de los Baños” slope, the famous museum Pedro de Osma, “La Ermita” church, the Municipal Park, the San Francisco Plaza, etc. Chabuca Granda, the most emblematic Peruvian singer and songwriter of all times, dedicated a beautiful waltz to the ‘‘Puente de los Suspiros” bridge. Mario Vargas Llosa, world known Peruvian writer, has his residence in one of the main “malecones” (coastal streets bordering the cliff) of Barranco, in which he resides during his stays on the capital. 

Barranco has a 50 mts. high cliff with an extensive coastal street that borders the sea alongside for several miles. There, visitors can take a walk and enjoy beautiful sunsets with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

Nice beaches with well known restaurants along the coast plus a varied nightlife that includes theaters, pubs, discotheques and “peñas criollas” (restaurants where Peruvian traditional music is played) rank among the most attractive aspects of Barranco. On weekends, it becomes one of the main spots to visit in Lima.

In the beginning (1900), Barranco was an attractive seaside resort for the Peruvian and foreign high class vacationers, many of which set their residences in this district. We recommend visiting the Saenz Peña avenue, where you will appreciate the Obelisco and the ancient houses with European styles, some of which now have become antiques stores and Peruvian artisan shops.    

A relatively new residential district (1983), adjacent to San Isidro, San Borja is distinguished by its great amount of green areas. Its beautiful parks and gardens had won several contests among other capital districts.

Order and cleanliness are the main features of the district. The current major, Alberto Tejada, has been reelected for his good work as the leading man of San Borja city hall.

Several malls and recreation places are found alongside the district, where “El Museo de la Nacion” national museum located in Javier Prado Avenue, is a district highlight where contemporary arts expos, conferences and several cultural activities are organized. Jockey Plaza, one of the most important and visited malls in the city is also very near the district.