Lima, Peru

#100waysoftravel #lima #peru Lima extends far beyond its original site in Spain at the point where it can be bridged by the Rímac River. Flowing swiftly from the high Andes, the Rímac River has carved out a flat-topped alluvial cone, where early Spanish conquistadors established their settlements. Because nearly all of the coastal plain in central Peru is composed of unconsolidated fluvioglacial deposits, erosion of cliffs and earthquakes are constant threats. In expanding from its original location, the city has incorporated numerous hills and valleys into its structure that are also susceptible to earthquakes and flash floods. One of Lima's most striking characteristics is the barren, unvegetated desert that surrounds it on all sides; the grayish-yellow sands support little plant or animal life, except where water has been artificially supplied. Although Lima is located in a tropical latitude, the cold Peru (also called Humboldt) Current offshore helps produce a temperate climate year-round. Average temperatures range from 60–64 °F (16–18 °C) in the winter months from May to November and 70–80 °F (21–27 °C) in the summer months from December to April. Cooling coastal air masses produce thick cloud cover throughout the winter, and garúa (dense sea fog) often rolls in and blankets the city area. Precipitation, which rarely exceeds 2 inches (50 mm) per year, is mostly due to condensation of garúa. Lima is perhaps best described as a city that is cold and humid in the winter and hot and humid in the summer.