Bullfighting: This has been a popular pastime among a relatively small, wealthy elite from the Spanish Conquest to the present day. There is a great tradition betamong the leading families of Peru (the same families who breed bulls on their haciendas) to hold fights in Lima during the months of October and November. They invite some of the world's best bullfighters from Spain, Mexico and Venezuela, offering them up to $25,000 for an afternoon's sport at the prestigious Plaza de Acho in Rimac. Tickets can be bought in advance from the ticket office block 2 of Huancavelica, or at the door an hour or so before the fights, which take place most Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the year.

Plaza Mayor (formerly the Plaza de Armas) The main square and urban center of the city of Lima. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, it is surrounded by buildings dating from the colonial period: the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the City Hall. At the center of the complex is a magnificent ornamental bronze fountain designed by Antonio Rivas, dating from 1650, and bearing the coats-of-arms of Lima, Spain, and of the Viceroy Conde de Salvatierra. Recently renovated, the Square has recovered its traditional elegance and remains one of Peru's special tourist attractions.

The Cathedral Tues-Sun 10-6. Admission Charged for tour. The conquistador Francisco Pizarro laid the first stone of the Cathedral on the day of the founding of Lima. The church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Ascension. Subsequently, it had to be rebuilt several times following earthquakes. Pope John Paul II crowned the statue of the Virgin of the Evangelization, a gift sent by King Carlos V of Spain, in a special ceremony during his visit to Peru in 1985. The Cathedral contains a Spanish baroque chapel and an exquisite ivory carving of Christ. Francisco Pizarro is said to be buried in the crypt of the church. The Bishop's Palace adjoins the Cathedral.

Government Palace Private tours only. Changing of the guard daily 11:45 am Visitors' entrance is on Jr. de la Unión. The Government Palace stands on the site of the original palace built by Pizarro. It has served as the headquarters of all government officials since its construction. The Palace contains magnificent formal living rooms displaying works of art.

Municipal Palace Mon-Fri 8-3 Free Admission Located on the site of the first town hall of the colony, its current construction dates back to 1939 and is the work of José Alvarez C., Emilio Harth Terré, and Ricardo de Jara Malachowski. Beautiful colonial style carved wooden balconies and stairways grace the elegant interior. The Municipality houses an important collection of Peruvian paintings and photographs, as well as the historical documents signed at the time of the founding of Lima. It also contains an impressive collection of paintings by the Peruvian artist Ignacio Merino (1817-1876) who left all of his works to the State.

Pancho Fierro Art Gallery The Pancho Fierro art gallery is located in Pasaje Santa Rosa. It is used by the cultural affairs section of the Cty of Lima to display photographs, paintings and costumes of old Lima.

San Francisco Church and Convent Located on the third block of Ancash Street Mon-Sun. 9:30-5:30 Forty-minute guided tours are offered of the monastery and its Catacombs Museum daily 9.30am-5.30pm Admission charged This colonial architectural complex built in the 17th century includes the Convent and Church of San Francisco and the Chapels of La Soledad and El Milagro. San Francisco's vaults and columns are elaborately decorated with mudéjar Moorish-style plaster relief. It's a majestic building which has withstood the passage of time and the devastation of successive earth tremors. The museum is inside the church's vast crypts, which were only discovered in 1951 and contain the skulls and bones of some seventy thousand people. The Convent's cloisters and front doors are decorated with authentic early 17th century Sevilian glazed tiles. The 17th century library contains more than 25,000 leather bound volumes and 6,000 parchments dating from the 15th to the 18th century. The Religious Art Museum, the Zurbaran collection and the library are also housed here. The Religious Art Museum includes paintings from the workshops of Rubens and Zerbaran, and a painting of the Last Supper by a Flemish Jesuit priest which dates back to 1697. The complex rests on top of underground caves or catacombs used as a cemetery during colonial times. The existence of the catacombs has provided additional insulation from earthquakes, which probably explains the fact that the church has survived so many of them without irreparable damage.

San Pedro Church This baroque style church is located at the corner of Azangaro and Ucayali streets. The Church opened in 1638. Its lateral naves are covered with gold leaf altars and priceless paintings. A small chapel is consecrated to the Virgin of the O.

Santo Domingo Church and Convent On Ancash past the post office, at the corner of Jirón Camana and Conde de Superunda Mon-Sat: 9-12:30 and 3-6 Sun: 9-1 Admission charged. Construction of this was started at the time Lima was founded and completed at the end of the 16th century. The three nave church has artistic choirs carved in cedar and an outstandingly beautiful dome. Sevilian glazed tiles in the cloister and baroque carvings in the hall characterize this splendid piece of colonial architecture. This is where San Marcos University, the first in South America, opened its doors in 1551.

La Merced Church and Convent An impressive baroque entrance welcomes the visitor at this 18th century church located on the 6th block of La Union Street. Inside are magnificently carved altars, and a wonderful wooden carved statue of the Immaculate Conception. In the main altar there is an image of the Virgin of Mercedes, Patron of Peru 's armed forces. The sacristy is decorated with 18th century glazed tiles

San Agustin Church Located on the second block of Ica Street. The late 19th century reconstruction preserved the stone styled facade from the 18th century as well as the anteroom to the sacristy with glazed tile, coffered ceiling and an impressive carving of "Death" by Baltazar Gavilan.

Church of Las Nazarenas Located at the corner of Huancavelica Street and Tacna Avenue In this church, the Lord of Miracles, patron of Lima, is venerated. The image, painted on the wall by a black slave from Angola, withstood the 1655 earthquake that destroyed most of the city. The convent arid the church were founded during the second half of the 18th century, after the 1746 earthquake. The image comes out in a procession on October 18, 19 and 28 of every year.

Convent of the Discalced Located in the Rimac district at the end of the Boulevard of the Discalced This convent was founded at the end of the 16th century and contains valuable paintings of the Quito and Cuzco schools by artists such as Medoro, Diego Quispe Tito, and others.

Church of San Marcelo Located on the corner of Rufino Torrico Street and Emancipacion Avenue. A rococo front adorns this magnificent mid 16th century church

Tribunal of the Holy Office 548 Junin Street The Tribunal of the Inquisition was established in 1569, performed until 1813, and was abolished in 1820. Prisoners accused of heresy and other crimes against the Catholic Church were tried and sentenced in the Hall of Audiences.

Huallamarca Huaca Located at the corner of El Rosario Avenue and Nicolas de Rivera Street, San Isidro A pyramid shaped center from the Pre-Inca period, the site contains a museum displaying artifacts unearthed at the temple.

The great majority of churches and convents have undergone restorations and modifications since their original construction, following destruction caused by earthquakes. Historical Sites in and Near Lima

Many pre-Inca towns were once located in the Rímac Valley. Ori an old fishing town was located here, and is associated with a great ceremonial tradition. In a later period, the towns of Maranga and Aramburú were developed, followed by the Collas, Huachos and the Huallas cultures. In the end they were all conquered by the Incas.

The Incas respected the beliefs of the conquered towns and allowed the gods of the conquered people to remain active in their religious life. They never destroyed the others' buildings or religious symbols after a victory. For this reason, many pre-Inca religious centers remained until the arrival of the Spaniards.

All of these towns and cultures left archeological remains, some of which are well preserved; others are in the process of restoration. Outstanding among these, and well worth a visit are:

Pachacamac daily 9am-5pm; $2 The most interesting of the Rimac Valley's ancient sites. The entry fee for the citadel includes admission to the site's museum Allow at least two hours to cover the full extent of the ruins. Buses leave every two hours for Pachacamac from Avenida Abancay and around the Parque Universitario on calles Montevideo and Inambari in Lima Centro. Many of the tour agencies in Lima offer half-day tours to the site.

Pachacámac means (more or less) "the Earth's Creator". The site was occupied by 500 AD and probably for a long time before that. When other huacas were being constructed in the lower Rimac Valley, Pachacamac was already a temple-citadel and center for mass pilgrimages. The god-image of Pachacamac was believed to show anger through tremors and earthquakes, and was an oracle used for important matters affecting the State, the health of the ruler, the outcome of a war, etc. Later it became one of the most famous shrines in the Inca Empire, with Pachacamac himself worshipped along with the sun.

The Incas built their Sun Temple on the crest of the hill above Pachacamac's own sacred realm. In 1533, Francisco Pizarro sent his brother Hernando to seize Pachacamac's treasure, but was disappointed by the spoils, which consisted of just a wooden idol, now displayed in the museum. This wooden carving of Pachacamac may well have been considered the oracle itself: it was kept hidden inside a labyrinth and behind guarded doors - only the high priests could communicate with it face to face. When Hernando Pizarro and his troops arrived they had to pass through many doors to reach thee main idol site, which was raised up on a "snail-shaped" or spiralling platform, with the wooden carving stuck into the earth inside a dark room, separated from the world by a jewelled curtain.

Entering the ruins today, after passing the restored sections which include the Temple of the Moon and the Convent of the Sun Virgins or mamaconas, the Sun Temple is seen directly ahead. Constructed on the top level of a series of "pyramidical" platforms, it was built tightly onto the hill with plastered adobe bricks, its walls originally painted in bright colors. Below this is the main plaza, once covered with a thatched roof supported on stilts, and thought to have been the area where pilgrims assembled in veneration. The rest of the ruins, visible though barely distinguishable, were dwellings, storehouses and palaces. From the very top of the Sun Temple there's a magnificent view west beyond the Panamerican Highway to the Playa San Pedro Beach and across the sea to a large island. When viewed from the ruins, this island - clearly geologically related to the Pachacamac mound - appears like a huge whale approaching the shore.

Templo Pintado, the colored temple, and Templo Viejo, the old temple, stand out from the surrounding structures. These buildings were designed with small adobes and pyramids accessed by ramps. After the Inca conquest they built next to them the Templo del Inti, Temple of the sun and an "acllahuasi" house prepared for the chosen girls. The Temple of Inti has a flight of stairs made of stones and passages that go along the edge of the main structure, built with adobes. A great terrace provides a view to the sea, and is connected to the islands at the front of this group according to an old legend.

On-Site Museum: Open daily from 9 - 5, Displays show archeological remains found in the complex: ceramics, textiles, idols, etc. http://www.wpro.com/pachacamac (Spanish)

Note: A huaca is a burial mound

The Huaca Huallamarca Also called Pan de Azúcar (Sweet Bread) Located in the district of San Isidro, at Nicolás de Rivera 210, Street. Pre-Inca worship site, pyramid shaped huaca built with adobes bricks made with mud, has been restored. Site and museum.

Huaca Pucllana or Juliana Located in the district of Miraflores, located at General Borgoño Street. A ceremonial center dating from earliest stages of the Lima culture. Huaca with a pyramidal shape, pre-Inca adoration site dedicated to the God Pachacámac.

Puruchuco Located 4 1/2 miles to the east of Lima. Inca archeological location, palace in which "caciques" , or the political chiefs of the city, ruled over the valley of Rímac. Beautiful structures, very well preserved. On-Site Museum. 9 - 5 daily, except Monday Telephone: 494-2641

San Juan de Pariache Located 10 miles east of Lima. Inca archeological site of very similar construction to the archeological center of Puruchuco.

Cajamarquilla Located 11 miles east of Lima, is the place known as Huachipa. It is an Inca archeological complex, containing a citadel with a walled square and numerous barns or food storage buildngs.

Historical Sites several hours travel from Lima

A trip to Peru would not be complete without a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Inca Trail and stunning ruins at Machu Picchu. There are several choices of ways to travel to the sites. The more adventurous traveler may wish to take a train from the Sacred Valley and then hike with a guide for 3-5 days along the amazing trail to Machu Picchu. Others may opt for taking the train all the way, but as part of an organized tour originating at Lima. Either way, it is a high energy endeavor, but one which is unforgettable and amazing in every detail.

The guided tour from Lima usually begins with a day of sightseeing in Lima and its suburbs. The next day is spent traveling by air to Arequipa. A couple days are then spent resting and becoming gradually acclimated to the higher altitude of the mountains through excursions to some of the interesting highlights of the area. Arequipa is a prosperous city with some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the country. It also has breathtaking mountain vistas; a hot springs formed by an inactive volcano; a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, and a chance to see what is known as the Crossing of the Condor, as the majestic birds soar high in the mountains.

The next leg of the journey involves air travel to Cuzco and a tour of the ruins there. Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Touring the Sacred Valley sites, markets, and ruins will occupy the next two days.

The final part of the tour is a spectacular ride on the train to Machu Picchu during which the valley gives way to snow capped mountains. At Aguas Calientes a bus will meet the train for the ride to the ancient city. On the way, the guide will explain the history and importance of the ruins. After exploring the ruins, there is the return to Cuzco, and a night of rest to prepare travelers for the next day's flight back to Lima. The tour is the experience of a lifetime, and it is wise to plan in advance to allow enough time in Peru to include it!

Museums of Lima

Museum of the Wiese Bank At 245 Cuzco Street The museum holds a large collection of coins from the Colonial period to the present.

Fortress of Real Felipe Museum On the fortress on Saenz Pena Avenue, in the port of Callao, Spanish General Jose Ramon Rodil signed the agreement that gave Peru its independence from almost three centuries of Spanish rule.

Museo de Oro del Perú Museum of Peruvian Gold Alonso de Molina Street No. 1100, Monterrico daily 11:30 - 7 435-2917 Admission charged. A private collection belonging to Mr. Miguel Mujica Gallo, the exhibit includes gold pieces of the Pre-Inca cultures, especially Mochica, Chimu and Nazca. It also has an interesting Arms Museum, with pieces dating back to the 16th century. Distributed throughout four big rooms, is the exhibition of one of the biggest collections of gold, silver, semi precious stones, ceramic and textiles of the Mochica, Chimú and Vicus. cultures. The collection includes beautiful necklaces, scepters, idols, funeral masks, etc. This collection is an example of the extraordinarily advanced arts of jewelry making and metallurgy of old Peru. Parts of these collections are taken periodically to other museums around the world in a rotating display.

Museo Nacional de Antropología y Arqueología Plaza Bolívar, Pueblo Libre 01/463-5070. Entry fee. This museum houses the nation's most extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, labeled and arranged around two colonial-style courtyards. Beginning with 8,000-year-old stone tools, Peru's pre-colonial history comes to life through such highlights as the granite obelisks of the Chavín culture, the weavings of Paracas, and the ceramics of civilizations such as the Nazca, Moche, Chimú, and Inca.

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological museum Rafael Larco Herrera Bolívar 1515. Pueblo Libre. Lima 21 51 1 - 461 1312/461 1835 Fax: 51 1 - 461 5640 Bolivar Avenue No. 1515, Pueblo Libre Mon - Sat 9 - 6, Sun 9 - 1 61-1312 and 461-1835 Admission charged. http://www.tsi.com.pe/museolarco A splendid private collection of ceramics, particularly from the Mochica culture. In the Treasure Room visitors can admire gold and silver pieces including the only complete gold pectoral of a Chimu chief. Founded in 1926, in an old mansion built in 1707, this museum houses the biggest private collection of pre-columbine art that exists in the world. Exhibitions include archeological treasures of ceramic, gold, stone, wood and textiles of pre-Hispanic cultures, especially the Peruvian northern cultures. Outstanding "Sala de Arte Textil" (Textile Art room), the "Gran Sala de la Cultura" (Great Room of the Culture), and the "Bóveda Sala de Oro" (Gold Room).

Museo de la Nación (Museum of the Nation) Javier Prado Este Avenue No. 2465, San Borja. Tues - Sun from 9 - 6 476-9875 and 476-9882 Admission charged. Opened in 1990, exhibition in big rooms distributed in four levels, with a sample that recreates all the pre-Hispanic manifestations among 14,000 BC. and 1532 AD. Ceramic exhibition, replicas of the main archeological places of Peru. Dioramas, paintings and diverse collections that represent the different aspects of the development of the old Peru. Restoration shops, historical file, libraries, galleries and auditorium.

Museo Amano Retiro Street No. 160, Miraflores Previous phone appointment. 441-299 A private, select collection of ceramics and textiles from all Pre-Hispanic cultures, especially of the Chancay culture. Arrangements for visits are to be made by telephone beforehand. The museum was founded in 1964, and displays an exhibition of pre-Hispanic textiles, quipus and ceramics. Outstanding collection of the Chancay culture.

Museo de Arte Museum of Art Paseo Colon Street No. 125, Lima. Tues to Sun from 10-1 and 2 -5 423-4732 Wed free: other days: admission charged http:/www.tsi.com.pe/artelima/ Located on the Palacio de la Exposición Palace of the Exhibition since 1961, it was built in 1872 with plans drawn by Gustave Eiffel. Formed by donated pieces and legacies. It exhibits collections that show the art of Peru from the prehistory and the first human discoveries until the contemporary art. Ceramic and fabric pre-Hispanic cultures collections. Silver jewels, furniture and colonial dresses. Paintings of the "Escuela Cusqueña" and of the periods republican and contemporary, outstanding collections of Ignacio Merino, Pancho Fierro and Carlos Baca Flor.

Museo del Banco Central de Reserva Museum of the Central Reserve Bank Corner of Lampa and Ucayali Streets 427-6250 ext. 2657 Tues - Fri from 10 -4:30, Sat, Sun 10 - 1 Free This museum is divided in three sections: archeology, displays of coins and contemporary Peruvian painting. It features an excellent collection of pottery from the pre-Inca Vicus culture (500-600). 19th and 20th century painters are well represented

Museo de San Francisco de Jesus Ancash Street 3rd block, Lima. Daily 10 - 5:45 Exhibition of liturgical articles of the viceroyalty, carved artifacts and paintings of Francisco of Zurbarán.

Museo del Congreso y Antiguo Tribunal de la Inquisición( Museum of the Congress and Old Tribunal of Inquisition ) Junin Street No. 548, Bolívar Plaza, Lima. Mon - Fri 9- 1 and 2 - 6, Sat and Sun 9 -1 Free http://www.congreso.gob.pe/museo/index.htm The building consists of a Chapel named "Capilla del Santo Oficio", which is a jewel of colonial architecture whose decorated roof is considered to be one of the most valuable works of colonial art. There is also a concealed camera, torture rooms, and underground prisons. After the Inquisition was halted, it was the location at various times of the University of San Marcos, the Senate of the Republic and at present, the headquarters of the Museum. In a secret room is the place where the priests had installed a system of ropes with which they moved the famous full sized figure of the head of Christ up and down so that it nodded its approval of the Tribunal's decisions.

Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana National Museum of the Peruvian Culture Alfonso Ugarte Avenue No. 650, Lima. Tues to Sat 10 - 2:30 423-5892 Free admission and Spanish guide pamphlet Founded in 1946, building's front was inspired by the Tiahuanaco culture. Exhibition of popular Peruvian arts, Amazon fabrics, ceramis, musical instruments, saddlery and woven cloth.

Museo de Arte Italiano Museum of Italian Art Paseo de la Republica 1st block Mon - Fri 9- 2:30 423-9932 Small admission charge Opened in 1921, and designed by the Milan Architect Gaetano Moretti, the building's architecture is Florentine Renaissance. Funds for its construction were donated by the Italian colony in Peru on the occasion of the centennial of the Independence of Peru. Sculptures, drawings, furniture and works of Italian art are displayed.

Museo de Arte Religioso de la Catedral Museum of Religious Art of the Cathedral Main Plaza Mon - Fri 10 - 12:45 and 2 - 4:45 427-5980 Exhibition of liturgical objects, ornaments, carved articles, paintings, and furniture of the viceroyalty period.

Museo de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Museum of the National University of San Marcos.) Parque Universitario Mon - Sat 9 - 2 428-0052 and 427-4870

Museo de Arte e Historia Museum of Art and History Colonial paintings, books, documents, furniture and popular art of Peru.

Museo de Historia Natural Javier Prado Museum of Natural History Javier Prado Arenales Avenue N 1256 Mon to Sat : 9 to-12 and Sun from 9 to 1 471-0117 Admission charged Founded in 1918, the museum exhibits examples of the flora, fauna, minerals and shells of Peru.

Museum Pedro of Osma Pedro of Osma No. 421, Barranco. Daily from 10 to 18:00 467-937 Admission charged Located in the house of the De Osma family, which was built in 1906, the Foundation Pedro and Angelica De Osma opened in 1986. Private collection, exhibition of art works of the Viceroyalty from the 16th to the 18th centuries, paintings on canvases and metal, sculptures of Peruvian stone. Displays of furniture, altarpieces, silver accessories and ornaments are tastefully arranged .

Philatelic Museum Central Post Office off the Plaza Mayor 427-5060 ext. 553 Stamps sold: Mon-Fri. 8-12 and 2-5 Museum open : 9:15-12:45 Mon-Fri Stamp exchange outside Sat. and Sun. 9-1 Displays many but not all of the Peruvian stamps and also gives an explanation of the Inca postal system. There is a stamp exchange for collectors and others every Saturday and Sunday.

Puente de Piedra Bridge of Stone This bridge was built in 1608 by the architect Juan del Corral to join Lima with Rímac. It was the only link between the two banks of the Rimac River until the time of President José Balta's government in 1868. Arches and buttresses support the bridge. Stone masonry mortar mixed with the whites of sea birds' eggs (to strengthen it) is believed to have been used in the construction.

Alameda de Los Descalzos ( Monastery of the Barefoot Friars) This jewel of colonial architecture was built in 1611 by the architect Juan del Corral. In 1856 President Ramón Castilla gave it a new look, surrounding it with a wrought iron fence. The gate featured ornamental posts of English iron and 12 statues of Italian marble that represent the months of the year. Inside the iron fence are located the church buildings: "Patrocinio" 1734, "Santa Liberata" 18th century, and the Convent of "Los Descalzos" 15th century.

Museum of the Convento de los Descalzos Location: Alameda de los Descalzos No. 202, Rímac. Attention: Daily, except Tues, from 9:30 to 1, and from 15:00 to 18:00 Telephone: 481-0441 Exhibition of valuable paintings and colonial religious articles. The Church and Convent "de los Descalzos" date from the end of the 15th century.

Plaza de Acho Taurine bullring built in 1766 by order of the Viceroy Amat y Junyet with Hipólito Landáburu's support. It is the third oldest plaza in the world and considered the most beautiful and best known. Every year it is the site of the traditional bullfight Fair of "Señor de los Milagros" October - November, in which bullfights are presented with the best bullfighters in the world. The main trophy is known as "El Escapulario de Oro" (The Scapular of Gold).

Quinta de Presa - Museo del Virreynato Colonial mansion, of Rococo style, built in 1760, was designed by the Viceroy Amat y Junyet. It is the only one in this type that has been preserved. It has been declared a National Historical building. In 1920, it became the "Museo del Virreinato" (Viceroyalty Museum) , where collections of paintings, clothing, furniture, and treasures of the days of the Spanish viceroyalty in Peru are exhibited.

Colonial Mansions of Lima

During the colonial period a unique architectural style was developed.. Early in this period there was a strong Spanish and Moorish influence which produced houses with large porches, balconies and ornately decorated windows. Viceroy Amat brought with him a French style of architecture during the 18th century in which bright colors predominated: especially, indigo, yellow, green and pink.

Palacio Torre Tagle Ucayali Street - block 3 This mansion was built at the end of the 17th century by José B. Tagle and exemplifies the Baroque style and Mudejar influence. Its front is of stone and it has two charming balconies carved in wood, the most beautiful in Lima. The interior has a magnificent sevilian Churrigueresque style patio. On the second floor, the Sala de los Tratados or Treaty Room, is extraordinary. The main hall is furnished with 18th century pieces. The mansion is now owned by the government, and is the headquarters of the Ministry of External Relationships.

Casa Goyoneche Ucayali Street - block 3 Also know as casa de Rada, this mansion stands opposite the Palacio Torre Tagle. Dating from the 18th century, its construction shows French influence, clearly distinguishing it from the Casa de Osambela, built in the Spanish baroque style of Andalucía.