LIMA: COLONIAL CITY
Lima was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535. It was Pizarro who chose Lima as the capital of the country due to its strategic location and the proximity to its port Callao, which is considered a hub for Peru and the Americas. It was during the colonial times that the city of Lima was considered the most important metropolis in Latin America. Nowadays, Lima is the economic, politic and cultural center of the country and houses almost 30 per cent of the total population. Its pre-Columbian constructions, together with magnificent colonial temples so as the remaining Spanish houses make of Lima a city of extreme beauty and fascinating architecture.
PUNO: THE FOLK CAPITAL OF AMERICA
Puno is the most important city on the edge of the Titicaca Lake, the most navigable and highest lake of the world. The city of Puno is considered to be the Folk Capital of America because of its 300 typical dances. The Sikuri and the Diablada are typical dances performed during festivities such as that of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the city’s patron. This festivity is held in February and gathers thousands of people. Puno is located on these cold high plains at 4000 m.a.s.l. The city also known as the land of camelidae, was the home of the Tiahuanaco culture many thousands of years ago. This culture has some of the most beautiful legacies such as the Puerta del Sol (The Sun Gateway), a temple sculpted in stone.