Peru is a country full of diversity, both in its geography and in its culture, history and traditions. Although the capital of the country is Lima , there are other cities that, due to their historical, economic, or cultural relevance, have also been considered capitals, or play a crucial role in the development of Peru.
Lima: The Official Capital of Peru
History and Foundation
Lima is the capital of the Republic of Peru and its largest city. It was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, under the name of City of Kings. Lima soon became the center of political and administrative power of the Viceroyalty of Peru, the most important in South America during the colonial era.
Culture and Economy
Lima is home to some of the country's most important museums, including the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History and the Lima Art Museum (MALI). It is also home to major universities, including the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the oldest in the Americas.
In economic terms, Lima is the country's main financial centre and concentrates around 70% of business activity. Its main port, Callao, is one of the most important in Latin America.
Urban Growth and Current Problems
In recent decades, Lima has experienced explosive population growth. Despite its booming economy, the city faces serious problems of social inequality, traffic, pollution and crime.
Cusco: Historical Capital of Peru
History and Meaning
Cusco, or Qosqo in Quechua, was the capital of the Inca Empire, the largest in pre-Columbian America. Located in the southeastern region of the country, more than 3,300 meters above sea level, Cusco was declared in the Peruvian Constitution as the "Historical Capital of Peru." The Incas considered it the navel of the world and the center of their vast empire, which stretched from southern Colombia to northern Chile.
Cultural Heritage
Today, Cusco is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Among its main attractions are the Plaza de Armas, the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Sacsayhuamán fortress.
Cusco is also the gateway to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, making it one of the tourist capitals of South America.
Economy and Tourism
Cusco's economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Thousands of tourists visit not only Machu Picchu, but also the Sacred Valley and other Inca ruins in the region every year. In addition, the city has experienced a boom in gastronomy and hospitality in recent years, with top-notch establishments complementing its rich cultural offering.
Arequipa: Legal Capital
History and Founder
Arequipa, known as the "White City" due to the color of its buildings made of sillar, a volcanic stone from the region, is the second largest city in Peru. It was founded by the Spanish on August 15, 1540 under the name "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunta".
Legal and Economic Importance
Arequipa has great importance within the Peruvian legal system. In 1835, during the government of Felipe Santiago Salaverry, it was given the title of Legal Capital of Peru for being a center of jurisprudence and law, and for its resistance to certain central governments in the history of the country.
Economically, Arequipa is an important industrial and commercial centre in the south of the country. Its textile industry is renowned, especially for the production of alpaca and vicuña wool. It is also an agricultural and livestock centre, thanks to the fertile valleys surrounding the city.
Tourism and Culture
Arequipa is a major tourist destination, with attractions such as the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and the Misti Volcano. In addition, the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is located just a few hours from the city, attracting adventurers and nature lovers.
Trujillo: Capital of Culture
History and Foundation
Trujillo was founded in 1534 by Diego de Almagro and is one of the oldest cities in Peru. During the colonial period, it was an important agricultural and commercial center, especially due to its proximity to the coast and trade routes.
Pre-Columbian Culture and History
Trujillo is known as the Cultural Capital of Peru. Not only for its colonial architecture, but also for its proximity to some of the most important pre-Columbian ruins in the country, such as Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the Americas and the capital of the ancient Chimú Kingdom, as well as the Huacas del Sol and de la Luna.
Festivities and Modernity
Trujillo is famous for its International Spring Festival and for being the birthplace of the marinera, one of the most representative dances of Peru. In economic terms, the city is an important agricultural, industrial and commercial center in the north of the country, with large sugar cane plantations and agro-export companies.
Iquitos: Capital of the Amazon
Location and History
Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian jungle, is the capital of the Loreto region and the largest river port in the country. Founded in 1864, its economic boom came during the rubber boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city attracted merchants and adventurers from around the world.
Economy and Geographic Isolation
Due to its location in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, Iquitos is one of the few cities in the world that cannot be reached by road, but is only accessible by plane or boat. Its economy depends on river trade, tourism, fishing and the exploitation of natural resources.
The Amazon River, the longest in the world, runs close to the city, making it an important hub for tourist expeditions into the Amazon rainforest.
Tourism and Culture
Tourism in Iquitos focuses on biodiversity and indigenous cultures. Tourists can explore the Amazon rainforest and visit nature reserves such as Pacaya Samiria. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural and artistic life, especially its malocas, traditional buildings where rituals and ceremonies are held.
Pucallpa: Capital of Amazonian Development
History and Development
Pucallpa is the capital of the Ucayali region, and its name in Quechua means "red land." The city was founded in 1840 and, unlike Iquitos, has been connected by road to the rest of the country since the construction of the Federico Basadre Highway in the 1940s.
Economy and Natural Resources
Pucallpa is an important center of economic development in the Peruvian Amazon. Its economy is based on the timber industry, agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources such as oil and gas. It is also an important river port on the Ucayali River, from where products are exported to other regions of Peru.
Culture and Tourism
Although not as touristy as Iquitos, Pucallpa attracts visitors interested in Amazonian culture and biodiversity. In its surroundings there are lakes, waterfalls and indigenous communities, where tourists can learn about the customs and traditions of the Amazonian people.
Huancayo: Capital of Central Peru
Location and History
Huancayo is the capital of the Junín region and is located in the heart of the central Andes, more than 3,200 meters above sea level. It is an important city since pre-Hispanic times, as it was inhabited by the Huancas before being conquered by the Incas and then by the Spanish.
Economy and Culture
Today, Huancayo is an important commercial and agricultural center of Peru, known for its production of potatoes, corn and trout. It is also a growing industrial center, with the presence of textile and food factories.
Culturally, Huancayo is known for its craft market, where typical products such as textiles, ceramics and jewelry are sold. The Festival of the Virgin of Cocharcas is also celebrated annually, one of the most important religious festivals in the region.