Iglesia San Francisco

This is the San Franciso Church and Monestary in Lima. (Franciscan I believe). This baroque or Spanish neoclassic church was built in 1673 and has withstood all the major earthquakes. Orginally the catacombs were used to bury the dead but that was stopped after a few cholera epidemics. They estimate between 25 to 70 thousand were buried there. Nowadays one can see the bones under the church but no pictures alowed. Maybe next time with my spy camera. Maybe Uncle Marc can pick me up a spy camera (double naught seven model) at the flea market in Ft Lauderdale.

Presidental Palace

Nice digs in the Plaza de Armas. So much so that Fujimori wanted to move back in and got arrested on the way. His daughter grew up there and she misses it so much she is now running for President. Politics is always such fun.

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor was laid out by the conquistador Pissaro in 1535 after the conquest of Peru. The fountain in the plaza dates from 1651 while most of the building date from after the earthquake of 17. The exception is the cathedral which was built in 1622. Today the buildings are mostly government offices so the police keep a water cannon handy to ward off any unrulely demonstrators.

Archbishop's Palace

The archbishop's palace with outside choir where the pissco sours are enjoyed along with girl watching no doubt. Built in 1922.

Plaza San Martin

The Plaza San Martin was inaugurated in 1921 to commemorate the liberation of Peru by General José de San Martin a century earlier. The general can be seen on his horse in the centre of the plaza. The Plaza is surrounded by hotels, clubs and administrative offices. Supposedly, the world's best pissco sour is served at the hotel opposite the square. Something that needs to be tested during my next visit.

Puchacamac

The first occupation of Puchacamac was about 200 AD when an unknown culture built complex architecture including stone wall covered by adobe structures, Because of the dry climate the adobe structures lasted for centuries. In about 650 AD the site was occupied by the Huari culture. After the Huari cultures' demise a subsequent unknown culture grew the city to extend over 200 acres. Up to 17 pyramids were constructed during this period along with the broad avenues. The Inca's arrived between 1450 and 1530 and adapted the city to suit their style and built the Pyramid of the Sun. Puchacamac was the god who animated the world and thus the city was one of the most important religious centers in the region,

Pyramid of the Sun

Once way back in time Uncle Mike and I climbed a pyramid of the sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico. I don't think Uncle Mike would climb this one unless there was a golf tee on top. Anyway the Incas built this pyramid to the Sun God Inti around the 16th century. The photographs show the pyramid and the some of the painted surfaces.

View from the Top

The views from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

View of the Valley

This is the view of the desert and the green valley around the river.

Puchacamac Avenues

These are the sunken avenues that lead from pyramid to pyramid or temple to temple. First constructed around 800 AD.

The Acllahuasi

The Acllahuasi is the house of the chosen women. Built by the Inca's for the women chosen for various roles such as comfort for the emperor, gifts for the deserving and human sacrifice. The architecture is classic Inca featuring a zigzag entrance with trapezoidal doorways, a foundation of polished granite, and the living quarters for the Virgins of the Sun.

On the Road to the Beach

Forgot your Bathing Suit, Beach Ball, Rubber Tube or Beach Chair: No Problem

Taxi Stand.

Taxis on the Move.

Can see China from Here.

Get your Free Newspaper at the Toll Both.

Last Ride to the Beach.

Flower Shops next to the Cemetary.

Here are some sights on the road south to the beaches of Lima.