Lima Central, Peru
A place seemingly untouched by time proudly displaying the beauty and majesty of the Spanish-colonial era buildings that capture the eye and the imagination as you wander through streets of the Central Lima district.
Your excursion begins in the beautiful Exposition Park with its elegant fountains and buildings. Our stroll takes us to the the charming Plaza San Martin, a terrific green space that takes one back to colonial Peru.
Our journey winds us through the Peru streets, with their shopping and restaurants to the sprawling and majestic Plaza Mayor. Make sure you visit the cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Spanish conqueror, Fransisco Pizarro and a trip down into the catacombs is a must. Cross the plaza to marvel at the incredibly ornate façade of the Archbishop’s Palace, and stand on the neoclassical steps of the Palace of Justice. The stunning, French-Baroque architecture of the Government Palace is framed by a wrought iron gate
The old Desamparados train station is today used to hold exhibits beneath its beautiful, Art-Nouveau skylight. Pasaje Jose Olaya and Jiron Carabaya opposite the Palace of Justice provide a great spot to pass away the lunch hour, be sure to try the Alpaca steaks and Guinea Pig, local Peruvian delicacies.
Following you visit to the Plaza Mayor, a visit to the Central Market is a must, offering everything from fresh fish to blue jeans, you can buy almost anything at this crowded market close to the Barrio Chino.
Our stroll then takes through some more of the shopping distict before winding back to the Estacio Central.
The Journey
The stroll through central Lima starts and ends at Estacion Central, on the central metro line that runs north to south through the heart of Lima. Catching the metro into central Lima will help you to avoid the hassles of finding a car park.
From Estacion Central walk south on Av Paseo de la República towards Paseo Colon, cross Paseo Colon and enter the Park of the Exposition. Leave the park and walk north west along Avenue Wilson for approximately 300 meters to Avenue Bolivia. Cross Avenue Bolivia and turn right and walk for about 200 meters and then turn left onto Jiron de la Unión and walk about 500 meters. At Plaza St Martin head diagonally across the square, cross Jiron Ocona and head along Jirón Carabaya.
Turn left onto Jirón Cuzco and then right onto Jiron de la Union after about 65 meters. Follow Jiron de la Union for about 200 meters until you reach the Main Square of Lima (Plaza de Armas). We recommend you explore the sides streets, shops and markets in this area.
When leaving the Main Square of Lima (Plaza de Armas) head south east alongside the cathedral along Jirón Huallaga for 5 city blocks turning right onto Jirón Andahuaylas. This is the area of the central market.
On leaving the central market area follow Jirón Andahuaylas about 200 meters past the Galeria Commercial and turn right onto Jirón Cuzco. Cross Av. Abancay turn left onto Av. Abancay for about 400 meters. Turn right onto Inambari for about 120 meters and then left onto and Walk south-west on Jirón Cotabambas for about 350 meters. Turn right onto Jirón Miguel Aljovin and then about 270 meters, then left onto Av Paseo de la República and you have returned to Estacio Central.