The city of Lima, Peru, is one of the most remarkable capitals in the world. Like the majority of Spanish South America's cities, it was founded by missionaries and conquistadores - a far outpost of Spanish culture on the Pacific Coast of the continent.
Strangers to Lima are very often taken aback by the nature of the city's climate. There is virtually no rain except in El Nino years, and although the city is plentifully supplied with water from its three rivers, which flow from the Peruvian mountains, it retains the record, year-on-year, of being the national capital with the lowest annual rainfall in the world.
For all its dryness, Lima is in no way a desert city - in fact, in places, it is surprisingly green. This is especially true of the Miraflores district of central Lima. Although this Lima shares much of the poverty of other of its South American counterparts, this is largely confined to the slums, which lie outside of the city center. Miraflores is well watered, calm and attractive. It is also an area that has many interesting things for visitors to see and do. As well as being a center for the city's student population, it also features several major venues for art and entertainment.
The best place from which to begin an exploration of Miraflores is the central piazza known as Parque Kennedy, in honor of the late president of the United States. From here it is just a short walk to any number of excellent cafes, boutiques, restaurants, shopping malls and theaters. the major mall in the Miraflores district is Larcomar, which features a large number of shopping outlets and other leisure facilities. A little way away you'll find Calle de las Pizzas - a street who's name literally translates as "Pizza Lane". This is a really popular area of the city with young people, and at peak periods can become very busy. The atmosphere, however, is usually excellent.
Lima is one of those cities which is too often overlooked. Many visitors to Peru find themselves passing through its airport on the way to more famous destinations such as Machu Picchu. That's a shame: although it is not South America's most beautiful or spectacular city, it is a place with a great deal to offer.
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