Main square of Lima

Connie and I got an opportunity Saturday morning to travel to Plaza de Armas, the main square of Lima.  From our apartment, it took 40 minutes to get there by taxi.  This city has a population of more than 10 million people, larger than any city in the U.S.  There are no freeways and the traffic here is a nightmare. I would not drive here.  There are city buses, but no subway, trains or other high-speed transport.  Taxis are everywhere, and fortunately they are inexpensive.  Taking a taxi is the only reasonable way to get around Lima.  

Last week, we had to go to the Peruvian Immigration Office to apply for our long-term visas.  We left our apartment at 6:30AM and it took one hour to arrive.  Returning home, the ride took 1 hour 20 minutes due to more traffic at 9AM.  We have not yet traveled from our apartment to the coast; that travel would take at least 1.5 hours.

Yesterday, we walked around the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets.  The Lima cathedral and the National Palace are located here.  There was a large police presence to maintain security.  I did not obtain any great photos, but here are some images of Lima's main square.

In the center of Plaza de Armas is a statue of Pizzaro, who conquered Peru and murdered huge numbers of Incas and other indigenous peoples.

This is the national palace where the President of Peru lives.  

A ceremonial guard at the presidential palace

Many police were present around the plaza and many were dressed in riot gear.  The area is very safe.