Lima, also known as Lima Provincias, is a region located in the central coast of Peru. It is bordered by the Ancash Region on the north, the Huánuco, Pasco and Junín on the east, the Huancavelica Region on the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The Lima Province, although located in the western part of the region, is not politically part of it.

Geography

The region has a coastal and an Andean zone, and has a great diversity of "natural regions": the Costa or Chala (0 to 500 meters above sea level) up to the Janca or Cordillera (over 4800 meters). The predominating regions are the Yunga (500 to 2300 meters above sea level) and Quechua (2300 to 3500 meters).

Points of Interest

Lomas de Lachay

The Lomas de Lachay, a unique mist-fed eco-system of wild plant and animal species, is a natural reserve located in the region.

Lunahuaná

Lunahuaná is a district of the Cañete province, and is located 38 km away from the city of San Vicente de Cañete. The Incahuasi Archeological complex is located there. Lunahuaná has a dry climate and the sun shines during most of the year. Lately, Lunahuaná has become a adventure sports paradise, such as: Canotaje (Whitewater Rafting), Parapente & Ala Delta. Whitewater rafting is possible due to the Cañete river, which has rapids up to level 4.

Political Division

The region is divided into 9 provinces. The provinces, with their capitals in parenthesis, are:

• Barranca (Barranca )
• Cajatambo (Cajatambo )
• Cañete (San Vicente de Cañete)
• Canta (Canta)
• Huaral (Huaral )
• Huarochirí (Matucana)
• Huaura (Huacho)
• Oyon (Oyon )
• Yauyos (Yauyos )

History

The remains of the first Andean inhabitants, hunters and harpoon fishermen from about 1000 years ago, are to be found in the Lima region. These remains were found in Chivateros, near the Chillón River , and in various other places. These persons incorporated nets, hooks, farming, ceramics and weaving to their everyday objects. The inhabitants of the coast lived in the lomas and the valleys forming temples and dwelling complexes, that gave origin to huge ceremonial centers such as the Huacoy on the Chillón river; Garagay and La Florida on the Rímac river, Manchay on the Lurín river ; and Chancay, Supe and many other valleys to the north and south. There are finely ornamented temples with figures modeled in clay. The Lima culture saw its origins in this area, specially on the central valleys from Chancay to Lurín, with painted adobe buildings.

During this time, the Huari conquest took place, thus giving rise to Huari style ceramics, together with a local style known as Nievería. The population grew and their culture changed. With the decline of Huari, whose most important center was Cajamarquilla, were born new local cultures, Chancay being the most known of them. They developed enormous urban centers and a considerable textile production as well as mass-produced ceramics. At this stage, the Incas arrived, in the fifteenth century, occupying important sites such as the Pachacamac Sanctuary.