Lima, Peru

Lima dates back to Pre-Columbian times, as early as 200 BCE, well before Incan times. The city was officially founded in 1535 by Pizarro as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "City of the Kings." Throughout the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, Peru struggled for economic independence from other nations. Peru was colonized by Spain, and did not get its independence from Spain until July 1821; it was the last mainland South American colony to declare independence from Spain.

Lima began developing into an urban city with the Lima-Callao Railroad, completed in 1851. This linked several Peruvian cities, including Miraflores and Ancon. In the 1920s and 1930s, more urbanization and industrialization occurred, as there were more roads built, and the city's economy was booming due to migrants coming in.

Today, as the capital of Peru, much of the nation's culture is influenced by what goes on in Lima. Much of the city's history and culture can be explored in the Cathedral of Lima, which holds services and gives glimpses into the nation's and city's foundation. Lima is nicknamed "The Octopus" simply because of the metro's expansive network and large population; metro Lima accounts for around one-quarter of Peru's population. Spanish is Peru's official language, and the Peruvian Sol is the nation's currency; 1 Sol equals $0.25 USD.

Location

Job Opportunities

The main industries in Lima include mining, tourism, and manufacturing. Peru is one of the global leaders in exporting gold, zinc, lead, and related products. Working in gold mines is popular, with two notable ones being Yanacocha and Pierina; they are the highest producing and revenue-generating mines in Peru. In the tourism sector, Lima has been heavily investing in improvements including building hotels and upgrading public transportation. Ecotourism, maintaining and improving ecosystems and natural environments, is heavily emphasized throughout Peru. This has attracted more tourists and opened up opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and park maintenance jobs. One other booming industry in Lima is the manufacturing industry. Working in the textile industry allows for manufacturing and exporting products to Europe and North America. From mining industries to working in textile manufacturing, Lima has opportunities in both trading products worldwide and working in quiet nature settings for well-known tourist attractions.

Cost of Living

For apartments around Lima, there are various options to choose in both the city center and the suburbs. For one-bedroom units, apartments start around 1,930 sol ($485 USD) in the city center. For those further away from the city, prices are as low as 1,150 sol ($290 USD). For larger apartments, three-bedroom inner-city units cost around 3,200 sol ($810 USD), while suburban units are around 2,155 sol ($545 USD). Basic utilities, including electric and heating, cost around 250 sol ($62 USD) per month and internet use is around 115 sol ($28 USD) per month. Gas costs around 14.40 sol ($3.64 USD) on average.

Transportation

Lima is best known for its walkability instead of true public transportation. Lima's main train line, instead of travelling toward the Pacific Ocean, traverses the city center. The bus network, known as the Metropolitano, travels more widespread around the town and has defined lanes along major highways. The Lima transit card is a reusable card that can be purchased for 4.50 sol ($1.15 USD); each fare is 2.50 sol ($0.64 USD), and the card is rechargeable.

Recreation

Lima is located on the Pacific Ocean, offering outdoor recreation including surfing, paddleboarding, and beach sand volleyball. There are also biking and walking paths along the waterfront, allowing for short or day-long excursions. Further inland, there are many parks and green spaces. One notable area is the Malecon, a stretch of parks across Lima that attracts runners, bikers, and hikers.

Lima's entertainment and nightlife are well-known by concerts and theater performances. Performers have ranged from various pop artists to ballets to circus performances and theatrical shows. Lima's art and culture display does not stop here, though. There are also exhibits including the Museo Larco, which showcases Inca artifacts; and Callao Monumental, a futuristic exhibit showcasing work of contemporary street artists. There is also a photography museum of work by Mario Testino, located in Barranco. Overall, Lima's arts and culture, in addition parks and recreation, make it an active city.

Climate

Weather patterns in Lima are driven by El Nino, the leading cause of global warming in the Pacific Ocean. Highs top out around 80 degrees (27 degrees Celsius) in the Summer months of January and February, with the year's lowest highs in the mid 60s (18 to 20 degrees Celsius) between June and October. Precipitation is scarce in Lima, averaging an inch of rainfall per month; this holds true year-round, with annual totals potentially reaching a few inches.