Lima, Peru
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Airport: Lima Jorge Charez International Airport (LIM)
Served by: American Airlines, Iberia, LAN
City Statistics
Location: Lima District, southwest Peru.
Time zone: GMT - 5.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 60Hz; flat two-pin plugs are standard but round two-pin plugs usually work.
Overview
Halfway along Peru's dusty desert coastline, cliff-top Lima lies between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Andes. When it comes to exuding grandeur and confidence, the Peruvian capital – once the heart of Spain’s South American empire – is not what it was. But while large chunks of Lima can appear a bit of a brash, disorganised and charmless jumble, for much of the year cloaked in a palpable grey haze, head to the right spots and find this faded power is far more than a convenient gateway to the Inca Trail and the Amazon. A long history of earthquakes may have done its best to wipe out a considerable amount of Lima’s ancient architecture, but certainly not all – as the city’s beautiful UNESCO World Heritage historic centre attests. One of the key attractions here is the looming Baroque form of the Monasterio de San Francisco, with its dramatic porch and relic-filled library. Lima also has a clutch of elegant and trendy neighbourhoods to rival any of its more outgoing South American contemporaries. The bohemian suburb of Barranco is a particularly characterful affair, with a creative population of artists, photographers, musicians and the like. During the day, pop into a gallery, browse a food market and relax in a pretty café; at night, savour the area’s lively restaurants and popular nightlife, such as party hotspot El Dragon. Handsome Miraflores is another of Lima’s more alluring seaside hubs, with parks and ocean views a plenty. This is the place for luxury hotels and high-end food indulgence – such as the Miraflores Park Hotel, with its innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Mesa 18 – as well as the glossy Larcomar mall, cut into the cliff face and looking out over the ocean. The busy complex is filled with shops, bars, cafés and restaurants. Miraflores is also the location of a historic site that pre-dates even the Incas. Huaca Pucllana’s clay structure first existed between 200 and 700AD, years before the Incas got busy creating the country’s biggest tourist draw, Machu Picchu. The Miraflores site is thought to have once been a ceremonial centre for the coastal indigenous society that once settled here. While some of Lima’s attractions may require a bit of scouting out, eating well is exceptionally easy. Cantinas, cafés and fine dining restaurants across the city serve up exceptional dishes whatever the budget. Peruvians are justifiably proud of their food, and no one has done more to raise the profile of the country’s contemporary dining scene than Lima-born chef Gastón Acurio. His Lima offerings such as Astrid y Gastón, and the more recent Panchita are well worth splashing out for. Active types find Lima surrounded by some great little beach spots. Surfers of all abilities are provided for, and there are plenty of sandy stretches for avid sun loungers. For much of the year, the coast in particular sits in a pronounced haze, but temperatures typically remain mild. And for the very best views of Lima and its coastline, there’s paragliding – breathtaking.
Getting There By Air
Airlines offering flights to Lima from the UK include British Airways, American Airlines, LAN Airlines and Iberia. The more pricy seasons can include June to August, because of European and North American school holidays, and during Lima’s hottest months December to March. There is no particular time to buy cheap flights to Lima but rest of the year can be a little cheaper.
From London - 12 hours; New York - 8 hours; Los Angeles - 12 hours; Toronto - 12 hours; Sydney - 20 hours; Rio de Janeiro – 5 hours.
Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Tel: (01) 517 3100.
Web: www.lap.com.pe
Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport is situated 16km (10 miles) northwest of Lima.
Airport facilities:
There are bureaux de change in the main hall of the international concourse. ATMs are available throughout the airport.
From London - 12 hours; New York - 8 hours; Los Angeles - 12 hours; Toronto - 12 hours; Sydney - 20 hours; Rio de Janeiro – 5 hours.
Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Tel: (01) 517 3100.
Web: www.lap.com.pe
Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport is situated 16km (10 miles) northwest of Lima.
Airport facilities:
There are bureaux de change in the main hall of the international concourse. ATMs are available throughout the airport.
Getting Around
Public Transport: With no urban train system in Lima, the cheapest and most colourful way to get around is to take a municipal bus, a privately owned microbus or a collective minibus (known as a combi or colectivo). The distances between the historic centre and suburbs, such as Miraflores or Barranco, make walking difficult.
Buses cover every part of the city and most services run between 0600 and 2300 (some until 0100). There is no specific bus service provider, but the Municipality of Lima(tel: (01) 315 1300; www.munlima.gob.pe) is responsible for overseeing transport in Lima. Municipal buses and microbuses charge a flat rate. Tickets are purchased from the driver. The combis (small vans converted for passenger use) are faster and cover the main routes but charge slightly more and have a poor safety record. Line 1 of the Lima Metro opened at the beginning of 2012 after decades of construction. It runs between Villa El Salvador and Miguel Grau. An extension of 10 more stops is planned, as is Line 2.
Buses cover every part of the city and most services run between 0600 and 2300 (some until 0100). There is no specific bus service provider, but the Municipality of Lima(tel: (01) 315 1300; www.munlima.gob.pe) is responsible for overseeing transport in Lima. Municipal buses and microbuses charge a flat rate. Tickets are purchased from the driver. The combis (small vans converted for passenger use) are faster and cover the main routes but charge slightly more and have a poor safety record. Line 1 of the Lima Metro opened at the beginning of 2012 after decades of construction. It runs between Villa El Salvador and Miguel Grau. An extension of 10 more stops is planned, as is Line 2.
Taxis: In Lima, taxis can be hailed from the street. These don't have meters, so the fare should be agreed before the prospective passenger gets in. Street taxis usually have a red and white sticker in the window - some are private cars being used to generate extra income. There are also some 24-hour licensed companies that accept advance reservations, such as Moli Taxi (tel: (01) 479 0030). It is a good idea for passengers to lock their doors when going through rough areas. Licensed taxis are usually yellow and will cost more than unlicensed taxis.
Driving in the City: Driving around Lima is a stressful experience, mainly because traffic moves at terrifying speeds and does not respect the road lanes. Traffic lanes and even traffic lights are routinely ignored, and horns are frequently used. One tip for drivers is to keep a wide berth between cars, as shunts from behind are extremely common and often costly. There is 24-hour parking available in most parts of the city - usually an open-air yard (playa). Parking meters are common in the suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro.
Car Hire: Most car hire companies in Lima have offices at the airport, where everything can be arranged and the car picked up and dropped off. Drivers must be at least 23 to 25 years old. A valid driving licence, identification and a credit card are required. The insurance policy may cover only minor damage and not major accidents, though extra cover is usually available.
The three main companies in Lima are Avis (tel: (01) 444 0450; www.avis.co.uk), Budget (tel: (01) 442 8706; www.budgetperu.com) and Hertz (tel: (01) 512 0020; www.hertz.com). Car hire is expensive, reflecting the high cost of driving and Lima's accident rates.
The three main companies in Lima are Avis (tel: (01) 444 0450; www.avis.co.uk), Budget (tel: (01) 442 8706; www.budgetperu.com) and Hertz (tel: (01) 512 0020; www.hertz.com). Car hire is expensive, reflecting the high cost of driving and Lima's accident rates.
Bicycle Hire: The way the traffic hurls itself through Lima’s road system, it’s no wonder there’s no public bike scheme. Cycling isn’t massively popular although it is possible to find bike hire companies. Guide-led bike tours have become more common.
Business Etiquette
Like most South Americans, Peruvians have a very relaxed approach to time; both business and social meetings regularly start half an hour late. Politeness is very important and greetings in particular should not be rushed. Men shake hands, while women or men meeting other women often greet each other with a kiss. Business cards are usually exchanged before meetings.
Breakfast and brunch business meetings are common but lunch remains an important way to entertain contacts. Latin Americans take care over their clothes and overall appearance and those doing business in Peru are advised to do the same.
A business trip that spans several days is likely to include an invitation for drinks or dinner at the house of a colleague. As a mark of respect, Peruvian colleagues should be addressed as usted (the polite form of tu) unless they indicate otherwise. Many Peruvian businesspeople speak English but of course any effort to speak Spanish is greatly appreciated.
Normal business hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and the main holiday period is between January and March.
Breakfast and brunch business meetings are common but lunch remains an important way to entertain contacts. Latin Americans take care over their clothes and overall appearance and those doing business in Peru are advised to do the same.
A business trip that spans several days is likely to include an invitation for drinks or dinner at the house of a colleague. As a mark of respect, Peruvian colleagues should be addressed as usted (the polite form of tu) unless they indicate otherwise. Many Peruvian businesspeople speak English but of course any effort to speak Spanish is greatly appreciated.
Normal business hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and the main holiday period is between January and March.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview: Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro the Conquistador who seized the land of the Incas for Spain in 1535. As the centre of a Spanish viceroyalty that spanned Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile, Lima was the most important South American capital until the 19th century. A great deal of Andean silver passed through Lima en route to Spain, and some of it funded the colonial mansions and baroque churches whose altars still gleam with the rich metal.
Many of Lima's buildings are visibly crumbling, but the compact, historic heart is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where many of Lima's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.
Lima walking tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city's main meeting point and market place. Around 400 years ago, bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a 10-minute walk away.
Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), on the site of the original palace built by Lima's founder, Pizarro. Also here is the cathedral, rebuilt in 1758, after an earthquake destroyed the original building. Pizarro's daughter helped pay for the original cathedral, on condition that her father was buried in the crypt.
Nearby, the Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo is home to elegant cafés. The Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies, is one of Lima's most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions.
A few blocks east lies Plaza Bolivar, with the fascinating Museo de la Inquisicion (Spanish Inquisition Museum). Other city centre highlights include the Museo de la Nación (National Museum), for an overview of Peru's archaeological riches, and the Museo de Oro del Perú (Gold Museum of Peru), with its collection of stunning gold artefacts.
Away from the centre lie the fashionable seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, while the suburb of Barranco offers lively, bohemian bars. Miraflores even has its own US-style shopping mall, Larco Mar, with 10-pin bowling, a multiplex cinema, snack bars, restaurants, discos and live music. The mall is situated right on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Many of Lima's buildings are visibly crumbling, but the compact, historic heart is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where many of Lima's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.
Lima walking tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city's main meeting point and market place. Around 400 years ago, bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a 10-minute walk away.
Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), on the site of the original palace built by Lima's founder, Pizarro. Also here is the cathedral, rebuilt in 1758, after an earthquake destroyed the original building. Pizarro's daughter helped pay for the original cathedral, on condition that her father was buried in the crypt.
Nearby, the Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo is home to elegant cafés. The Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies, is one of Lima's most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions.
A few blocks east lies Plaza Bolivar, with the fascinating Museo de la Inquisicion (Spanish Inquisition Museum). Other city centre highlights include the Museo de la Nación (National Museum), for an overview of Peru's archaeological riches, and the Museo de Oro del Perú (Gold Museum of Peru), with its collection of stunning gold artefacts.
Away from the centre lie the fashionable seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, while the suburb of Barranco offers lively, bohemian bars. Miraflores even has its own US-style shopping mall, Larco Mar, with 10-pin bowling, a multiplex cinema, snack bars, restaurants, discos and live music. The mall is situated right on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Tourist Information: Iperú Lima
Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro
Tel: (01) 421 1627.
Website: www.peru.info
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800.
The South American Explorers Club, Calle Piura 135, Miraflores (tel: (01) 445 3306; www.saexplorers.org) provides invaluable trip-planning advice and use of clubhouses to its members.
Jorge Basadre 610, San Isidro
Tel: (01) 421 1627.
Website: www.peru.info
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800.
The South American Explorers Club, Calle Piura 135, Miraflores (tel: (01) 445 3306; www.saexplorers.org) provides invaluable trip-planning advice and use of clubhouses to its members.
Passes: There are no tourist passes currently available in Lima.
Key Attractions
Barranco
Bohemian Barranco attracts the party-loving weekend crowd with its lively milieu of restaurants and nightlife, creative residents and scenic seaside location. On Saturday and Sunday it is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, but during the week a peaceful, family atmosphere returns to the suburb. Many of the impressive colonial houses once built for the city's richest families are still very much in use, but all that remains of Barranco's original tram system is a beautifully restored, solitary tram car. Weekend visitors can take a short ride on the car, which leaves from the small Museo de Electricidad.
Cerro San Cristóbal
Dwarfing houses in the Rímac district is the volcano-shaped hillside of Cerro San Cristobal, in the northeast of the city. On a clear day (admittedly rare amid the hazy desert airs of Lima), it affords far-reaching views of the vast city, all the way to the ocean in one direction and to the Andean foothills in the other. San Cristóbal is topped by a huge illuminated cross where locals leave petitions and candles, and there is also a café and small museum. The walk up has a bit of a reputation for muggings, so a taxi to the summit is recommended.
Rímac
Cerro San Cristóbal
Lima
Peru
El Convento de los Descalzos (The Convent of the Barefooted)
Several hundred colonial and religious Peruvian paintings are the main event at this spiritual sanctuary. The artwork is in the cloisters of Lima’s atmospheric Franciscan monastery, which was founded in 1592 and named after the barefoot Franciscan friars. As well as the paintings, see the kitchen, infirmary and the monks’ cells, and also the Chapel of the Virgin Carmen. Those with basic Spanish who would like more information can pay a little for a guided tour. The monastery is in the rundown Rímac area, at the end of the Alameda de los Descaloz walkway that was designed in the 17th century.
Alameda de los Descalzos
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 481 0441.
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1300 and 1500-1800.
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
MATE
Featuring the largest collection of Mario Testino's photographs, the Asociación Mario Testino (MATE) is dedicated to a permanent exhibition of the work of this prominent Peruvian artist. Best known as one of the world's most famous fashion photographers, MATE was set up by Lima-born Testino to showcase his work. Housed in a 19th century Republican townhouse, MATE has recently undergone a 10 month renovation project to establish itself as a prime cultural attraction within the city.
Barranco
409 Pedro de Osma Avenue
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 51125 17755.
Web: www.mate.pe
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1100-2000, Sun 1100-1800.
Admission Fee: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Miraflores
The seaside suburb of Miraflores offers a comely base from which to visit the rest of Lima. Parque Kennedy, a pretty tree-lined park fringed by pavement cafés, offers a sanctuary from the noise and pollution of the city centre. Miraflores also has a number of excellent shops selling local arts and crafts, as well as the contemporary Larcomar mall. When the sun is sinking into the ocean, head for a sundowner at the Rosa Náutica: a bar and restaurant that juts into the sea on its very own pier. For a stylish night’s stay with ocean views, check into the Miraflores Park Hotel – the rooftop pool is sublime.
Miraflores
Lima
Peru
Monasterio de San Francisco
This grand yellow beauty is one of Lima’s absolute treasures. Its library is a feat in itself, with 25,000 ancient texts, some going back even before colonial times. Take a guided tour for only 7 Soles (this includes entry) and be taken around the maze-like chambers. The catacombs of this Franciscan monastery and church are believed to harbour the remains of up to 70,000 people, as this was the city’s very first burial place. In the refectory, browse 13 paintings of the biblical figures Jacob and his sons, and admire the carved cedar cupola over the staircase by the library.
Tel: (01) 426 7377.
Web: www.museocatacumbas.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1745 .
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO site: Yes
Museo de Oro del Perú (Gold Museum of Peru)
This well-known museum is housed in a Fort Knox-like building, set back from the street and surrounded by trees. Here, the loot that made Peru famous and Spain wealthy is on display. Hundreds of dazzling gold and silver artefacts from pre-Conquest to colonial times include a yellow-feathered Inca poncho and a skull sporting teeth made of pink quartz. Unfortunately, in the early 2000s, the museum was at the centre of a scandal when a large number of its artefacts were found to be fakes. The museum now assures that everything on display is authentic unless stated it is a reproduction.
Monterrico
Alonso de Molina 1100
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 345 1292.
Web: www.museoroperu.com.pe
Opening hours: Daily 1130-1900.
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Museo de la Inquisición (Spanish Inquisition Museum)
The infamous Court of the Inquisition was first held on the site of this small museum in the late 16th century, and in the basement there are chilling examples of the torture instruments used by the Inquisitors. The attractive neoclassical building also features a magnificently carved mahogany ceiling. Explore the building and hear about its dark history on a guided tour. In contrast, behind the museum bubbles Lima's Chinatown: a maze of grubby streets dominated by exotic sights and smells. Enter through a decorative Chinese-style gateway, and sample some of Lima's best and cheapest chifas (Chinese restaurants).
Jirón Junín 548
Plaza Bolivar
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 311 7777.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fee: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Bohemian Barranco attracts the party-loving weekend crowd with its lively milieu of restaurants and nightlife, creative residents and scenic seaside location. On Saturday and Sunday it is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, but during the week a peaceful, family atmosphere returns to the suburb. Many of the impressive colonial houses once built for the city's richest families are still very much in use, but all that remains of Barranco's original tram system is a beautifully restored, solitary tram car. Weekend visitors can take a short ride on the car, which leaves from the small Museo de Electricidad.
Cerro San Cristóbal
Dwarfing houses in the Rímac district is the volcano-shaped hillside of Cerro San Cristobal, in the northeast of the city. On a clear day (admittedly rare amid the hazy desert airs of Lima), it affords far-reaching views of the vast city, all the way to the ocean in one direction and to the Andean foothills in the other. San Cristóbal is topped by a huge illuminated cross where locals leave petitions and candles, and there is also a café and small museum. The walk up has a bit of a reputation for muggings, so a taxi to the summit is recommended.
Rímac
Cerro San Cristóbal
Lima
Peru
El Convento de los Descalzos (The Convent of the Barefooted)
Several hundred colonial and religious Peruvian paintings are the main event at this spiritual sanctuary. The artwork is in the cloisters of Lima’s atmospheric Franciscan monastery, which was founded in 1592 and named after the barefoot Franciscan friars. As well as the paintings, see the kitchen, infirmary and the monks’ cells, and also the Chapel of the Virgin Carmen. Those with basic Spanish who would like more information can pay a little for a guided tour. The monastery is in the rundown Rímac area, at the end of the Alameda de los Descaloz walkway that was designed in the 17th century.
Alameda de los Descalzos
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 481 0441.
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1300 and 1500-1800.
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
MATE
Featuring the largest collection of Mario Testino's photographs, the Asociación Mario Testino (MATE) is dedicated to a permanent exhibition of the work of this prominent Peruvian artist. Best known as one of the world's most famous fashion photographers, MATE was set up by Lima-born Testino to showcase his work. Housed in a 19th century Republican townhouse, MATE has recently undergone a 10 month renovation project to establish itself as a prime cultural attraction within the city.
Barranco
409 Pedro de Osma Avenue
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 51125 17755.
Web: www.mate.pe
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1100-2000, Sun 1100-1800.
Admission Fee: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Miraflores
The seaside suburb of Miraflores offers a comely base from which to visit the rest of Lima. Parque Kennedy, a pretty tree-lined park fringed by pavement cafés, offers a sanctuary from the noise and pollution of the city centre. Miraflores also has a number of excellent shops selling local arts and crafts, as well as the contemporary Larcomar mall. When the sun is sinking into the ocean, head for a sundowner at the Rosa Náutica: a bar and restaurant that juts into the sea on its very own pier. For a stylish night’s stay with ocean views, check into the Miraflores Park Hotel – the rooftop pool is sublime.
Miraflores
Lima
Peru
Monasterio de San Francisco
This grand yellow beauty is one of Lima’s absolute treasures. Its library is a feat in itself, with 25,000 ancient texts, some going back even before colonial times. Take a guided tour for only 7 Soles (this includes entry) and be taken around the maze-like chambers. The catacombs of this Franciscan monastery and church are believed to harbour the remains of up to 70,000 people, as this was the city’s very first burial place. In the refectory, browse 13 paintings of the biblical figures Jacob and his sons, and admire the carved cedar cupola over the staircase by the library.
Tel: (01) 426 7377.
Web: www.museocatacumbas.com
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1745 .
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO site: Yes
Museo de Oro del Perú (Gold Museum of Peru)
This well-known museum is housed in a Fort Knox-like building, set back from the street and surrounded by trees. Here, the loot that made Peru famous and Spain wealthy is on display. Hundreds of dazzling gold and silver artefacts from pre-Conquest to colonial times include a yellow-feathered Inca poncho and a skull sporting teeth made of pink quartz. Unfortunately, in the early 2000s, the museum was at the centre of a scandal when a large number of its artefacts were found to be fakes. The museum now assures that everything on display is authentic unless stated it is a reproduction.
Monterrico
Alonso de Molina 1100
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 345 1292.
Web: www.museoroperu.com.pe
Opening hours: Daily 1130-1900.
Admission Fee: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Museo de la Inquisición (Spanish Inquisition Museum)
The infamous Court of the Inquisition was first held on the site of this small museum in the late 16th century, and in the basement there are chilling examples of the torture instruments used by the Inquisitors. The attractive neoclassical building also features a magnificently carved mahogany ceiling. Explore the building and hear about its dark history on a guided tour. In contrast, behind the museum bubbles Lima's Chinatown: a maze of grubby streets dominated by exotic sights and smells. Enter through a decorative Chinese-style gateway, and sample some of Lima's best and cheapest chifas (Chinese restaurants).
Jirón Junín 548
Plaza Bolivar
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 311 7777.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission Fee: No.
Disabled Access: Yes
Culture
If you're interested in sampling culture within the city, there is a wealth of things on offer.Classical Music
Museo de la Nación
Peru is on the international circuit for renowned foreign performers and orchestras, often sponsored by foreign cultural organisations. Since the Municipal Theatre burned down in 2000, the National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Museo de la Nación when it is in Lima. The chunky concrete building, which is one of the city’s top museums, is also the performance space for the National Ballet Company and the National Choir.San Borja
Avenida Javier Prado Este 2465
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 476 9878.
Theatre
Teatro Segura
This attractive, butter-coloured theatre in Lima’s historic centre was founded right back in colonial times, and its current structure built in the 18th century. It is said to be one of the oldest cultural centres on the continent. The Teatro Segura’s pair of auditoriums – Segura and Alzedo – host opera, plays, ballet and other dance festivals, with the programme running from May to February. Segura is the larger, seating around 800, while Alzedo seats 300.Jirón Huancavelica 265
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 426 7189.
Museo de la Nación
Peru is on the international circuit for renowned foreign performers and orchestras, often sponsored by foreign cultural organisations. Since the Municipal Theatre burned down in 2000, the National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Museo de la Nación when it is in Lima. The chunky concrete building, which is one of the city’s top museums, is also the performance space for the National Ballet Company and the National Choir.San Borja
Avenida Javier Prado Este 2465
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 476 9878.
Theatre
Teatro Segura
This attractive, butter-coloured theatre in Lima’s historic centre was founded right back in colonial times, and its current structure built in the 18th century. It is said to be one of the oldest cultural centres on the continent. The Teatro Segura’s pair of auditoriums – Segura and Alzedo – host opera, plays, ballet and other dance festivals, with the programme running from May to February. Segura is the larger, seating around 800, while Alzedo seats 300.Jirón Huancavelica 265
Lima
Peru
Tel: (01) 426 7189.
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