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The Glossary
Lima Travel Guide
With a population of more than 7.6 million, Lima is among the largest cities in South America. It should come as no surprise to tourists when they find out that the city brims with energy and activity: noisy streets, busy shopping areas, buzzing nightlife, and polluted business districts. About a third of Peru's total populace lives in the capital, generating some 45 percent of the country's annual GDP.
However, while Lima may be prosperous, the wealth is not equally distributed. This is evident in its numerous shantytowns, an obvious contrast to the European-like prosperity of its prominent districts. Going to the city may be a challenge, especially at the sight of its depressed and dangerous areas, but it is very easy to get caught up in its freewheeling lifestyle.
Incans and Spaniards
During the 15th century, the land now called Lima was a non-descript place - a mere constituent of the powerful and legendary Inca Empire. However, its fortunes changed upon the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who brought down the empire and founded the city as the capital of the new Spanish territory. He called it “Cuidad de los Reyes” (City of Kings), and it was not long before it became the most important city in Peru.
Over the course of its eventful history, Lima had definitely picked up its share of cultural heritage. In fact, it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988, owing to its array of archaeological sites and historical monuments. From pre-Colombian pyramids and Inca ruins to Spanish colonial architecture, there is a lot to see and explore in the city.
Modern Metropolis
Lima is far from being ancient, however. Its income from world trade and tourist dollars had transformed its landscape into a maze of glitzy shopping malls, high-end restaurants, excellent museums, vibrant bars, and ultramodern business districts. There are plenty of activities for tourists in the city - dining out, shopping, theme park visits, or indulging in the nightlife.
Of course, Lima is not all metropolises. A trip to the city's outskirts will tell one as much. Nearby Pachacamac is a haven for mountain bikers and trekkers, while Miraflores has some of the best paragliding opportunities in Peru with its steep cliff edges. Nature lovers can delight in a cruise to the nearby Palomino Islands by Lima's coasts, which are home to diverse wildlife.
Lima Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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