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Department · Central Peru

Lima

The Department of Lima connects the Pacific coast, fertile river valleys, and the High Andes. Beyond the capital metropolis, Huacho, Barranca, Huaral, Cañete, and the mountain provinces shape a diverse region.

Lima at a Glance

This page focuses on the region of the Regional Government of Lima. It comprises nine provinces outside the Province of Lima, which contains the Peruvian capital.

CapitalHuacho
Areaapprox. 32,100 km²
Populationapprox. 1 million
Provinces9
RegionCentral Peru
LandscapeCoast · Valleys · Andes
Capital ElevationHuacho approx. 30 m
Important AxisPanamericana

Lima in Pictures

Coast, archaeology, fog landscapes, and the High Andes showcase the great contrasts of the Department.

Lima is More Than Just the Capital

The region outside the metropolis ranges from the dry Pacific coast over irrigated valleys to the high Andes. Archaeological centers, nature reserves, and traditional mountain towns define its unique profile.

History and Identity

The valleys of the department are among the most historically significant areas of Peru. The coast and highlands were closely connected long before the Inca era.

Caral and Early Centers

In the Supe Valley, Caral emerged as one of the earliest urban centers in the Americas. Monumental buildings and plazas reveal a highly organized society.

Coastal Cultures and Inca

The fertile river valleys were densely populated for centuries. Later, the Inca integrated the coast and highlands into their transport and administrative system.

Independence and Republic

Huaura played an important role in Peru's independence process. Today, historical sites combine with agriculture, fishing, and regional traditions.

History on Site: Caral, Huaura, and the valleys of Supe, Huaura, Huaral, and Cañete make several epochs of Peruvian history visible.

Cities and Places in Lima

Search for a city, coastal town, or destination in the Department of Lima and directly open the corresponding place page.

 

Lomas de Lachay

Landscape and Nature

The coast is predominantly dry and traversed by river valleys. In the wet season, coastal fog temporarily transforms the Lomas de Lachay into a green landscape.

To the east, the terrain rapidly rises into the Andes. Nor Yauyos-Cochas protects rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, high pastures, and traditional cultural landscapes.

Economy in Lima

Agriculture, fishing, mining, energy, trade, and services shape the provinces in different ways.

Agriculture and Valleys

Huaral, Huaura, and Cañete are among the productive agricultural areas of the central coast. Irrigation enables intensive farming.

Fishing and Coast

Ports and coastal towns thrive on fishing, processing, trade, and services. Proximity to the capital creates a large market.

Andes and Raw Materials

In the mountain provinces, mining, livestock farming, energy, and local agriculture play significant roles.

Economy in Transition: Coastal climate, water availability, and Andean topography create very different economic conditions within the department.

Attractions in Lima

Between the Pacific coast, river valleys, and Andean highlands, Lima exhibits great scenic and cultural diversity. Archaeological centers, protected natural areas, and special sites complement the well-known destinations of the region.

 

Events in Lima

Concerts, culture, theater, sports, and special dates guide you through the department's event calendar.

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News from Lima

Latest news on culture, transport, tourism, infrastructure, and developments from Lima.

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FAQ about the Department of Lima

Is the Department of Lima the same as the city of Lima?

No. The Province of Lima, with the Peruvian capital, has a special status and does not belong to the Regional Government of Lima.

Where is the seat of the regional government located?

The seat of the Regional Government of Lima is in Huacho in the Province of Huaura.

Which provinces belong to the Lima region?

The regional government includes Barranca, Cajatambo, Canta, Cañete, Huaral, Huarochirí, Huaura, Oyón, and Yauyos.

Which attractions are particularly important?

Among the best-known destinations are Caral-Supe, the Lachay National Reserve, and the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve.

What landscapes are there in the Department of Lima?

The region ranges from the dry Pacific coast and irrigated valleys to the high Andes with canyons, lagoons, and high pastures.

How do you travel through the Department of Lima?

On the coast, the Panamericana is the most important transport axis. Roads from the coastal valleys and the greater Lima area lead into the mountain provinces.

Sources and Image Credits

  • INEI: Administrative, area, and population data for Peru and the Lima region.
  • Gobierno Regional de Lima: regional administration and information on the nine provinces.
  • Zona Arqueológica Caral and UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Sacred City of Caral-Supe as well as other centers of the Caral civilization.
  • SERNANP: Lachay National Reserve and Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve.
  • Image: Viajando por Perú – Huacho, Huaura.
  • Image: Wikiloc – Lomas de Lachay.
  • Image: NPR – Caral-Supe.
  • Image: Alternative Peru – Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve.
  • Image: TravelPal – Huacho.
  • Image Landscape and Nature: Machu Picchu Terra – Lomas de Lachay.
  • Image News Santa Rosa de Lima: Wikimedia Commons – Escuela Novohispana, México.
  • Image News CPI / Rafael López Aliaga: El Periodista.
  • Image News Hospital del Espíritu Santo: El Comercio.
  • Image News new flight connections: Perú21 / Andina – Jorge Chávez International Airport.

Veranstaltungen in der Region

Alle Veranstaltungen