Lima’s Cultural Jewels

If you have ever dreamed about studying Spanish you have probably at least considered going to Peru. The heritage of the country is so rich that it cannot help but fascinate. You may have seen photos of the gold ceremonial Moche masks or the pyramids of the Chimú, but nothing compares to having them in front of you and being able to live the history. In Lima, a combination of private or group Spanish classes at our school, daily cultural activities, and so much to explore in and around the city may leave you needing a vacation from your vacation when you get back home! 

One example of the huge cultural-historical wealth of Lima is the world-renowned Larco Museum, located in the Pueblo Libre District of the city. Walking down the halls of this extravagant museum is like taking a journey through time: the chronological galleries lead visitors through 4,000 years of pre-Colombian Peruvian history and the collection is the largest of its type in the world. It consists of over 45,000 pieces of gold, silver, ceramics, textiles, stone and wood as well as 55,000 ceramic works.

The museum is housed in an 18^th century royal mansion that was built over the ruins of a 7^th century pre-Columbian pyramid. It includes Moche, Nazca, Chimú and Inca artifacts. Of the many permanent exhibits in the museum, two that immediately grab the attention of every visitor are: the Gold and Silver Galley, which showcases the world´s best collection of jewelry used by the rulers of pre-Colombian Peru, and the Erotic Galley, which is one of Peru’s biggest tourist attractions for its huge collection of erotic indigenous ceramic. Other highlights are the Nazca mummies, textiles made from bird feathers, and a stunning Paracas weaving that holds the world record from most threads per linear inch- 398!

Our Spanish school in Lima is located in Miraflores, one of the best and most interesting neighborhoods in the city and only a short bus ride away from cultural gems such as the Larco museum. Miraflores borders the Pacific Ocean: sunbathing, shopping, and even paragliding are also highlights of the area. The school itself is located in a renovated 1930s home, and the professors are so qualified that you might chat in the common room with the foreign embassy officials that frequent the school. Both private and group classes are offered, as well as a huge range of cultural activities… the options are too good not to take this chance to come face to face with the treasures of Peru!

Photos courtesy of www.wikipedia.com.