Historic Centre Walk (Self Guided), Lima

Step back in time with a truly mesmerizing insight into Lima and Peru's history when you tour the capital city's historic center. Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro González in the first half of the 16th century and there are hundreds of years of history in its streets. Such is its importance and architectural beauty that the historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Go to the Plaza de Armas and marvel at its historic buildings, including the baroque-style government palace and City Hall. At the center of the plaza is a beautiful bronze fountain bearing Lima's coat of arms. As you walk around the district, you will notice many ornate and elaborately carved balconies. Their design was brought over from Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries and they are a characteristic feature of the historic center.

Elsewhere, you will find lots of stunningly beautiful churches filled with religious art and treasures, and captivating with their architectural styles. Many of these places of worship date back to colonial times and one of the most popular is the Church and Convent of San Francisco, a gorgeous twin-towered baroque building. A standout feature is its library, which contains approximately 25,000 antique texts. A visit to Lima's historic center is a wonderful opportunity to understand the importance of the country’s history to its people.