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Lima is both the largest city and capital of Peru. At nearly 9 million residents, Lima is also one of the largest cities in both North and South America (3rd largest) and is the second largest city in South America.
The city was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Lima was made the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru in 1543, which was one of two Spanish viceroyalties in "the new world". In fact, Lima became the most important export city in all of the Americas, exporting minerals, products, and various foods. Its status began to decline after earthquake in 1687 destroyed much of the city. A second severe earthquake in 1746 finished the job, destroying almost all of the buildings in Lima and its seaport in Callao. Only the large historic Cathedral Basilica of Lima was left standing, mainly because much of its structure was built from wood, which rolled with the earthquake shocks. Pizzaro is entombed in this same church. The entire coastline of Peru is aligned along two tectonic plates, the Nazca plate ( in the pacific ocean) and the South American plate. The South American plate is moving towards the Pacific Ocean over the top of the Nazca plate at a rate of approximately 2 inches per year. This movement over time causes the accumulation of pressure on the plates, which is released periodically through earthquakes and volcanoes. |
Vicky and I went to visit her family during Christmas of 2010. The water park in Lima had just opened that month, so we took a tour bus through the city that ended its route at the water park.
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While in Lima (2012), we visited the cultural museum. The entire middle floor, at the time, was dedicated to the history of an attempted communist takeover of Peru. The insurgents called themselves the Sendero Luminosos (the Shining Path). Lasting between 1980 to the early 1990's, this was a particularly unstable and violent time in Peru. The Shining Path had the goal of overthrowing the Peruvian government by violence, and were loosely linked the the Sandanistas. They used extreme violence, including the murder of entire villages that did not support their cause. News reporters that went to Peru to cover their cause were also murdered by Shining Path members and then buried in shallow graves. It is estimated that the Shining Path is responsible for over 31,000 murders between 1980 and 2000.
The Peruvian government became ruthless in response, also accused of destroying and liquidating entire villages of people suspected of aligning with the Shining Path. In fact, an investigation held in the early 21st century indicates that the Peruvian government "disappeared" just as many or more people as the Shining Path murdered. Disenchantment with the Peruvian government's ability to deal with the communists, Alberto Fujimori was a surprise winner of the 1990 Peruvian presidential election. Still hampered by obstructionists in the legislature, in 1992 he declared a "self-coup", suspended the constitution, and took drastic actions against the Shining Path. Within months after the Tarata bombing, the leader of the Shining Path was captured, along with much of the leadership.
The Shining Path influence has diminished since the capture of their leader, Abimael Guzman, in 1992, along with dozens of cohorts. Guzman and his wife are still serving life sentences in prison. It still exists today, although a much smaller radical organization.
The Peruvian government became ruthless in response, also accused of destroying and liquidating entire villages of people suspected of aligning with the Shining Path. In fact, an investigation held in the early 21st century indicates that the Peruvian government "disappeared" just as many or more people as the Shining Path murdered. Disenchantment with the Peruvian government's ability to deal with the communists, Alberto Fujimori was a surprise winner of the 1990 Peruvian presidential election. Still hampered by obstructionists in the legislature, in 1992 he declared a "self-coup", suspended the constitution, and took drastic actions against the Shining Path. Within months after the Tarata bombing, the leader of the Shining Path was captured, along with much of the leadership.
The Shining Path influence has diminished since the capture of their leader, Abimael Guzman, in 1992, along with dozens of cohorts. Guzman and his wife are still serving life sentences in prison. It still exists today, although a much smaller radical organization.
An attraction not to miss during your visit to Lima is Brisas del Titicaca (Titicaca breezes), which is a cultural dance show that lasts from about 8:00 pm until about 3:00 am in the morning. You need to book tickets ahead of time, but we have had success booking as late as the same day. Dancers perform traditional dances from all over Peru in traditional costumes. Also, drinks are served and you can order a meal if you like. I recommend that you reserve a table next to the dance floor, preferably in front.
Some short videos of a few of the dances.
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