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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Lima
- Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin
Plaza Mayor and Plaza San Martin
A long pedestrian street crowded with shoppers, vendors and
sightseers connects Lima's two main plazas to each other. The heart
of the old town is centred on the striking Plaza Mayor, or Plaza de
Armas, gracefully colonial with its bronze fountain and old street
lamps. It was once the central marketplace, where bullfights were
held during Spanish rule. Surrounding the square are several
notable buildings, including the grand Spanish Baroque Cathedral,
occupying the site of an ancient Inca temple and housing the Museum
of Religious Art and Treasures; the impressive Government Palace
where the changing of the guard takes place; the Town Hall; and the
Archbishop's Palace sporting a beautiful wooden balcony. The Plaza
San Martin is an impressive square with a hive of activity
surrounding its central fountains; a busy area of shoe-shiners,
soapbox speakers, street artists and the site for political rallies
and rioting workers.
Information & Facts
Address
Jr. Junin and Jr. Carabaya
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Time