Lima Department, Administrative region in central coastal Peru
Lima Department is an administrative unit on the central coast of Peru that covers nine provinces with 171 districts and extends from coastal plains to Andean peaks above 3700 meters. The region connects Pacific beaches with highland valleys along several rivers that flow from the mountains to the sea.
The territory was founded in 1821 as Departamento de la Costa and was based on the colonial Intendencia de Lima that had been established during Spanish rule. After independence it received its current name and became the central administrative unit for the coastal region.
The Chillón River crosses the region and links coastal communities with mountain villages that preserve centuries-old farming traditions. Visitors often see terraces where farmers cultivate potatoes and maize using methods passed down through generations.
Roads connect the coastal provinces with mountain communities, with travel times varying by elevation and season while coastal fog often limits visibility during mornings. Travelers should bring clothing for different climate zones since temperatures vary considerably between beach areas and Andean passes.
The Lachay National Reserve hosts an unusual ecosystem where fog from the Pacific sustains plants and animals in an otherwise dry environment. This natural phenomenon occurs because of the Humboldt Current, which brings cool moisture to the coastal slopes.
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