Suzi Travels

Callao (Lima), Peru

Lima, founded in 1535 by Fransico Pizarro, as the Ciudad de los Reyes (locally Spanish for “City of Kings”), is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín Rivers, in the desert zone of the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The city is considered the political, cultural, financial and commercial center of Peru. Due to its geostrategic importance, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network has categorized it as a “beta” tier city. Jurisdictionally, the metropolis extends mainly within the province of Lima and in a smaller portion, to the west, within the Constitutional Province of Callao, where the seaport is located. Callao is where we have been docked for two and a half days. Not a safe area, so don’t go wondering here.

Thank you, Isabel Fiore, for arranging our guide in Lima. Oscar Frreti was great. Callao is a huge working port — no pedestrians allowed !! We needed to board a shuttle bus and take it (about 10 minutes) to outside terminal 3. Oscar met us there and we were off. He had made a booklet of where he was planning on taking us. Today we went to Larco Museum, a privately owned museum founded in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, and had a guided tour. I did not take any pictures inside, I just totally immersed in the experience. It showcases an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, gold and silver pieces. It now houses over 45,000 artifacts. I learned so much about Peruvian history. Without a guide, you just look at objects. Now I understand the history & culture much better. Then off to lunch, sightseeing along the way. An impromptu stop at the USA Embassy. We tried to get in, but no luck. The Marine in charge was not available. More sightseeing and back to the ship.

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