10 Interesting Facts about Lima

Why Is Lima So Interesting?

Lima is often seen as the gateway to Peru, but there is much more to the city than its role as a travel hub. From ancient archaeological sites and colonial landmarks to unique traditions and culinary influences from around the world, Lima offers a fascinating mix of history and culture. These interesting facts reveal some of the stories that have shaped Peru's capital over the centuries.

1.    Lima was built over a desert

Lima is the second largest city built in a desert after Cairo in Egypt. It gets 80 percent of its water from the Rimac River, which runs through downtown Lima. Civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish built water canals over 2,000 years ago, many of which are still being used today.

 

2.    Lima’s pre-Columbian buildings

Lima’s history dates thousands of years before the Spanish conquest. In fact, you can see the remains of older civilizations that inhabited the desert and made it possible for water to reach the entire city through the canals they built. Before the Incas, the dominant culture in Lima was the Yschmas, who left remnants of their temples and administrative centers like Pachacamac and Huaca Pucllana, which can still be visited today. Why wait until Cusco to see amazing pre-Hispanic buildings?

 

Huaca Pucllana

3.    Peru's presidential palace rests on top of pre-Columbian ruins

Before Lima became the most important viceroyal city of the Spanish Empire, it was controlled by a man named Taulichusco, a lord who oversaw the area from his home built exactly where the current Presidential Palace stands. In 2011, the remains of a 2,000-year-old temple beneath the Presidential Palace were made public by then-president Alan García. To visit the Presidential Palace, you must book tickets in advance.

 

4.    The City of the kings

Lima was founded on January 18, 1535, by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Legend says that Lima was given the title “City of the Kings” because its foundation date was close to Epiphany, the Christian festival. Historian María Rostworowski later clarified that the title was actually a tribute to Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor.

 

Historical Lima

5.    Is the world’s smallest church in Lima?

Some say the world's smallest chapel is Cross Island Chapel in Oneida, New York. However, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in Lima’s Rímac district continues to be regarded by many Peruvian faithful as the smallest church in the world. It has a main altar, vault, towers, images, and a pulpit.

Built in 1550, it measures just 16 feet wide, 39 feet long, and 32 feet tall. Located on the second block of Avenida Trujillo, the chapel is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. On Sundays, it is open from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

 

6.    Black vultures

If you’re in Lima, look up at the sky. You may spot black vultures circling above the city. Despite popular belief, these birds, known locally as gallinazos, play an important role in helping clean the urban environment. They have also inspired short stories, academic essays, and artistic works that celebrate their status as guardians of the city.

Their connection to Lima runs even deeper. Two black vultures appear on the city's coat of arms, a detail many visitors overlook. While often misunderstood, these birds have long been part of Lima’s identity and remain one of the capital’s most recognizable urban wildlife species.

 

Black Vulture

7.    There is an Inca trail in Lima

The Inca trail network known as Qhapaq Ñan stretches for more than 6,000 kilometers and connects the countries that once formed the Inca Empire. Most travelers associate it with the famous trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, but the network also extended into Lima.

When the Spanish arrived, they found an organized and connected region with roads linking the Andes to the coast. Some of the best-preserved sections of the Qhapaq Ñan in Lima can be found near the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.

 

8.    The origins of Chifa

The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Lima in 1849 to work on plantations. They brought their customs, traditions, and cuisine with them. One of their most popular dishes, based largely on fried rice, became associated with the phrase "in chi fan," meaning "Have you eaten?"

Over time, the term evolved into chaufa, the name Peruvians use for fried rice, and chifa, the word commonly used to describe Chinese-Peruvian restaurants. Today, Chifa cuisine remains one of Lima’s most iconic culinary traditions.

 

China Town, Lima

9.    The Inquisition Museum

The Museum of the Spanish Inquisition Museum offers a glimpse into one of the most complex periods of Peru’s colonial history. Visitors can explore historic chambers, exhibits, and artifacts that illustrate how the institution operated during the Viceroyalty. Although the Inquisition was abolished in 1834, the museum remains one of Lima’s most intriguing historical attractions.

 

10.    Lima and pirates

Located north of Lima, Callao is Peru’s principal seaport. During the colonial era, it became an important commercial center and a frequent target for pirate attacks. Even Sir Francis Drake, one of history’s most famous privateers, attempted to rescue imprisoned buccaneers in Lima in 1579.

In response to these threats, colonial authorities built the Real Felipe Fortress, which now operates as a military museum. Local legends say the fortress is haunted and that mysterious cries can still be heard during some visits.

 

San Felipe Fortress, Callao

 

Discover Lima Beyond the Surface

These interesting facts about Lima reveal a city with much deeper roots than many travelers expect. Ancient civilizations, colonial history, unique traditions, and cultural influences from around the world have shaped the Peruvian capital into one of South America's most fascinating destinations.

If you're planning a trip to Peru and want to experience the history, culture, and hidden stories behind Lima’s most remarkable landmarks, Valencia Travel can help you design an itinerary that goes beyond the typical tourist route. Whether you're interested in exploring Pachacamac, discovering Lima's culinary scene, or joining a guided city tour through its historic neighborhoods, Lima is often the perfect introduction to the unforgettable adventures that await throughout Peru.