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The city is "rainless" in a unique way.
Lima, the capital of Peru, is both the country's largest city and a vital cultural, industrial, financial, and transportation center. Situated on the Pacific coast, it is surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. With an area of 804.3 km² and a population accounting for two-thirds of the nation's total population, Lima plays a central role in all aspects of the country's life.
What makes Lima special is its unique climate: it doesn't rain year-round, yet it never experiences drought. Lima's climate is truly remarkable. While many other coastal cities frequently face heavy rain or drought, Lima enjoys a mild climate year-round, with often cloudy skies but little rainfall.
Lima is the capital of the Republic of Peru. The city has a strong Spanish cultural influence in Peru.
The rainfall here is less than one-fifth of the average rainfall in the Sahara Desert – one of the driest regions in the world. This creates a cool, pleasant atmosphere, distinct from other areas of Peru. Throughout the year, Lima experiences no thunderstorms, ice, snow, or violent storms. Remarkably, this has been the case for the past 600 years.
In this "rainless city," visitors won't see drainage ditches on the streets. Houses don't even have roofs. This is due to Lima's climate, which is characterized by year-round drought and a mild climate. Furthermore, umbrellas and raincoats are almost never needed here. Many locals haven't even seen rain in their entire lives.
Data recorded by the meteorological agency shows that the total rainfall in Lima each year is only about 15mm.
According to meteorological experts, for 600 years, this place has not experienced rain due to its geographical location. The city is mainly situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains – the highest mountain range in South America. Here, the air currents sink, and the prevailing wind direction blows parallel to sea level. The coastal air comes into contact with the cold water surface and is blocked by the cold air currents, preventing it from condensing into cumulonimbus clouds. Therefore, it cannot cause rain; water vapor can only form fog. Because of this, Lima is not arid; on the contrary, it is very humid due to the high amount of water vapor.
Over 9 million people live in this rainless city.
According to descriptions, the "rain" in this city is also very unique. It doesn't fall in individual drops or showers, but rather a large amount of fog envelops the city, settling on the damp ground.
Furthermore, its proximity to the sea and the presence of the Mark River provide Lima with abundant groundwater resources. As a result, the city has never faced water shortages. This abundant water supply not only meets the daily needs of its residents but also ensures the smooth operation of other economic and production activities.
City of Emperors
The explorer Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire and founded Lima on January 18, 1535. At that time, it was named Ciudad de los Reyes, meaning "city of emperors," and became the capital of Peru. Lima's wealth was due to the Spanish elite flocking to Peru. All exported gold and silver passed through Lima before reaching Spain.
The city of Lima possesses rich historical and cultural value.
Lima's historic center is a testament to the development of Spanish colonial urban architecture, which held significant economic, political, and cultural importance.
The city boasts a unique blend of bustling, modern neighborhoods with a charming, old-world feel. This combination is evident on every street a visitor walks through. You can see remnants of the pre-Columbian era (before Columbus discovered America) interspersed with office towers, or Spanish colonial-era buildings lining the central square.
Despite being severely damaged by earthquakes, this "City of Kings" remained the capital and played a vital role for Peru until the mid-18th century.
The buildings feature a distinctive architectural style that blends Hispano and Baroque elements.
In this city, the pace of life is somewhat more hectic and modern, with many impressive landscapes and contrasting tourist attractions that appeal to young people. When visiting Lima, you can experience the most beautiful and interesting sights. From the sea to the bustling urban spaces, everywhere you look, you'll find breathtaking scenery in this city.
Furthermore, Lima's cultural beauty is undeniable. The city is the cultural center of Peru, boasting a highly distinctive local way of life. Visitors can find the most unique aspects of Peruvian culture in this city. In addition, its vibrant and impressive culinary scene is something no one wants to miss when visiting Lima.
