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Located directly to the north of downtown Lima, the district of Rimac is separated from Lima's historical city center just by the River Rimac. Rimac never was considered to be a very wealthy district, but full of Peruvian culture and probably the most vibrant part of the city in colonial and republican times. Some of the best peñas and creole restaurants are located in Rimac.
But please be careful when visiting at night. Despite efforts to improve Rimac's reputation it still has some run down areas and dodgy spots.
Rimac's main attraction certainly is the Plaza de Acho. The Plaza de Acho as we know it today was inaugurated in 1766 near the Rimac river and is not only considered to be the oldest bullfight ring in America and the third oldest after the "Real Maestranza de Seville" and the "Coso de la Misercordia de Zaragoza" in the world but also the most beautiful and famous. At the entrance you find the "Museo Taurino de la Plaza de Acho" (Bullfight Museum), a must for fans of bullfights. In Lima's Plaza de Acho even until today bullfights are presented. A highlight of the bullfight season is the annually bullfighting event called "Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros" taking place in October and November.
Other attractions include the Alameda de los Descalzos, a beautiful tree-lined promenade that leads to the Church and Convent of the Descalzos. The convents museum shows about 300 precious paintings of the "Lima, Cusco and Quito School". Fascinating are the numerous old books and volumes. Take a guided tour (Spanish & English) and you will be led through the convent. Interesting to see are the cells of the monks, the dining room, the small infirmary, the pharmacy and two old chapels.
If you feel unsafe to wander around on your own, a good and safe way to get to know Rimac is an one-hour guided tour through the district and up to Cerro San Cristobal departing Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00am to 08.00pm outside the Santo Domingo monastery.
Places to visit & attractions in Rimac
Plaza de Acho
The Plaza de Acho we know today was inaugurated in 1766 near the Rio Rimac (Rimac river) and is not only considered to be the oldest bullfight ring in America and the third oldest after the "Real Maestranza de Seville" and the "Coso de la Misercordia de Zaragoza" in the world but as well the most beautiful and famous. Originally built in an octagonal shape the Plaza de Acho was modified and enlarged in 1865, 1944 and 1961. Today it has a circular shape. At the entrance you find the "Museo Taurino de la Plaza de Acho" (Bullfight Museum), a must for fans of bullfights.
Convent of the Descalzos
The convents museum shows about 300 precious paintings of the "Lima, Cusco and Quito School". Fascinating are the numerous old books and volumes. Take a guided tour (Spanish & English) and you will be led through the convent. Interesting to see are the cells of the monks, the dining room, the small infirmary, the pharmacy and two old chapels.
Cerro San Cristobal
Just behind the convent rises one of Lima's most recognizable landmarks, the Cerro San Cristobal. The hill is more than 400m high. At its peak the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro erected a wooden cross after defeating the indigenous population in the 16th century. From the top of the hill you have a breathtaking view over the whole city. A small onsite museum and a restaurant are located here as well. Minibuses to the Cerro San Cristobal are leaving from Plaza de Armas and Plaza del Gobierno.
