What is the original name of Lima’s main river?
- Rimac
- Chillón
- Lurín
- Pacific Ocean
Correct Answer: Rimac
Correct Answer Explanation: The river that flows through Lima is called the Rímac. This name is a Spanish adaptation of the original Inca name, although the Incas were not the original inhabitants of the valley. The name Rímac comes from the Quechua word meaning “talker” or “speaker.”
What was Lima’s original name, established by Spanish conquistadors, that quickly fell out of use?
- City of Angels
- City of Kings
- New Castile
- Inca City
Correct Answer: City of Kings
Correct Answer Explanation: When Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535, he named it “City of Kings” (Spanish: Ciudad de los Reyes) to honor the Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th. However, the name “Lima” quickly became more commonly used.
What is Lima’s classification by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network?
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
- Delta
Correct Answer: Beta
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima is classified as a “beta” tier city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, indicating its significant role in global economic, political, and cultural affairs.
Which of these major international events has Lima NOT hosted?
- APEC Meetings
- Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group
- Miss Universe
- FIFA World Cup
Correct Answer: FIFA World Cup
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima has hosted the APEC Meetings of 2008 and 2016, the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in October 2015, and the Miss Universe 1982 contest. However, it has not hosted a FIFA World Cup.
In what year was Lima chosen to host the Pan American Games?
- 1982
- 2008
- 2013
- 2019
Correct Answer: 2013
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima was chosen to host the 2019 Pan American Games in October 2013. These games were the largest sporting event ever hosted by Peru.
What is the name of the famous pre-Columbian pilgrimage center located near Lima?
- Machu Picchu
- Cuzco
- Pachacámac
- Nazca Lines
Correct Answer: Pachacámac
Correct Answer Explanation: Pachacámac was one of the most important pre-Columbian centers of pilgrimage on the Peruvian coast. It was built and used by various civilizations, including the Maranga and Lima cultures, before being incorporated into the Inca Empire.
Which pre-Columbian culture is most associated with Lima’s founding?
- Nazca
- Chavín
- Moche
- Lima
Correct Answer: Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: The Lima culture is named after the city itself and flourished in the area where Lima was later founded. This culture was known for its pottery and the construction of ceremonial structures.
During which century did Spanish conquistadors arrive in Peru?
- 14th century
- 15th century
- 16th century
- 17th century
Correct Answer: 16th century
Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish conquest of Peru began in the 16th century, with Francisco Pizarro leading the expedition that ultimately defeated the Inca Empire.
What was the name of the Inca emperor who was captured by the Spanish?
- Atahualpa
- Pachacuti
- Huayna Capac
- Manco Inca
Correct Answer: Atahualpa
Correct Answer Explanation: Atahualpa was the last Inca emperor to rule before the Spanish conquest. He was captured by Francisco Pizarro’s forces in the city of Cajamarca in 1532.
Which of these colonial-era figures played a key role in Lima’s founding?
- Christopher Columbus
- Hernán Cortés
- Francisco Pizarro
- Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Correct Answer: Francisco Pizarro
Correct Answer Explanation: Francisco Pizarro was the Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of Peru and founded the city of Lima in 1535.
In which century did Lima experience significant growth as the center of trade for the Viceroyalty of Peru?
- 16th century
- 17th century
- 18th century
- 19th century
Correct Answer: 17th century
Correct Answer Explanation: During the 17th century, Lima flourished as the center of a vast trade network that connected the Viceroyalty of Peru with other parts of the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
What was one of the major threats that Lima faced during its colonial period?
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Floods
- Droughts
Correct Answer: Earthquakes
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima has been frequently affected by earthquakes throughout its history. Several destructive earthquakes occurred during the colonial era, leading to widespread damage and reconstruction efforts.
Which historical event brought an end to the Viceroyalty of Peru?
- The Spanish Civil War
- The American Revolution
- The French Revolution
- The Peruvian War of Independence
Correct Answer: The Peruvian War of Independence
Correct Answer Explanation: The Peruvian War of Independence (1820-1824) led to the end of Spanish rule in Peru and the establishment of the Republic of Peru.
Who was the leader of the combined expedition of Argentine and Chilean independence fighters who landed in southern Lima in 1820?
- Simon Bolivar
- José de San Martín
- Bernardo O’Higgins
- Antonio José de Sucre
Correct Answer: José de San Martín
Correct Answer Explanation: José de San Martín was an Argentinian general who played a crucial role in the independence movements of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He led the combined expedition that liberated Lima from Spanish control in 1821.
What caused a period of rapid growth in Lima during the 1850s?
- The discovery of gold
- The export of guano
- The Industrial Revolution
- The construction of the Panama Canal
Correct Answer: The export of guano
Correct Answer Explanation: Guano, a valuable fertilizer, was a major export product from Peru during the mid-19th century. The revenue generated from guano exports fueled Lima’s rapid growth and development.
What was one of the major avenues constructed in Lima at the beginning of the 20th century?
- Avenida 28 de Julio
- Avenida Arequipa
- Avenida Salaverry
- Avenida Brasil
Correct Answer: Avenida Arequipa
Correct Answer Explanation: Avenida Arequipa is one of the main thoroughfares in Lima. It was originally called Avenida Leguia, but was renamed after the Arequipa region in southern Peru.
What significant event occurred in Lima in the 1930s that changed the city’s configuration?
- The implementation of a public transportation system
- The construction of a new airport
- The arrival of large-scale immigration
- The discovery of new mineral resources
Correct Answer: The arrival of large-scale immigration
Correct Answer Explanation: The 1930s and onward saw a significant increase in migration from rural areas to Lima, causing the city’s population to boom and leading to widespread urban expansion.
Which of these districts in Lima is known for its traditional folk music called “música criolla”?
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- San Isidro
- La Molina
Correct Answer: Barranco
Correct Answer Explanation: Barranco is known for its bohemian atmosphere, its Victorian-style architecture, and its “peñas,” which are music venues that feature traditional Peruvian folk music.
What is the name of the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas, located in Lima?
- The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
- The National University of San Marcos
- The University of Lima
- The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Correct Answer: The National University of San Marcos
Correct Answer Explanation: Founded in 1551, the National University of San Marcos is the oldest university in the Americas.
What type of cuisine is Lima most famous for?
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Creole
Correct Answer: Creole
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima’s cuisine is known as “Creole,” which is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian culinary influences.
What is the name of the largest food festival in Latin America, held annually in Lima?
- Mistura
- Festival Gastronómico de Lima
- Sabor Lima
- Festival de la Comida Peruana
Correct Answer: Mistura
Correct Answer Explanation: Mistura is an annual food festival held in Lima that celebrates Peruvian cuisine and brings together restaurants, food producers, chefs, and street vendors.
Which of these restaurants in Lima has been named the Best Restaurant in the World?
- Astrid y Gastón
- Central
- Maido
- La Mar
Correct Answer: Central
Correct Answer Explanation: In 2023, Central was named the Best Restaurant in the World by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant is known for its innovative and experimental approach to Peruvian cuisine, showcasing ingredients from different regions of the country.
Which religious figure is the patron saint of Catholics in Lima?
- Saint Martin de Porres
- Saint Rose of Lima
- Saint Anthony of Padua
- Saint Francis of Assisi
Correct Answer: Saint Rose of Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: Saint Rose of Lima was a 17th-century Peruvian nun who is considered the patron saint of the Americas. She is revered in Lima and throughout Peru for her piety and her work with the poor.
What is the name of the most popular sport in Lima?
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Rugby
- Football
Correct Answer: Football
Correct Answer Explanation: Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Lima, with a large following and a number of professional clubs competing in the Peruvian Primera División.
What is the name of the oldest bullring in the Americas, located in Lima?
- Plaza de Toros de Acho
- Plaza de Toros de Barranco
- Plaza de Toros de San Isidro
- Plaza de Toros de Miraflores
Correct Answer: Plaza de Toros de Acho
Correct Answer Explanation: Plaza de Toros de Acho, located in the Rímac District, is the oldest bullring in the Americas and is considered a national historic monument.
What major event did Lima host in 2019 that attracted international attention?
- The FIFA World Cup
- The Summer Olympics
- The Pan American Games
- The Paralympics
Correct Answer: The Pan American Games
Correct Answer Explanation: Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games, a major multi-sport event for athletes from across the Americas.
Which of these districts in Lima is considered the city’s financial center?
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- San Isidro
- La Molina
Correct Answer: San Isidro
Correct Answer Explanation: San Isidro is a wealthy district in Lima that is home to many financial institutions, as well as politicians and celebrities.
What is the name of the major international airport serving Lima?
- Las Palmas Air Force Base
- Collique Airport
- Jorge Chávez International Airport
- Santa María del Mar Airport
Correct Answer: Jorge Chávez International Airport
Correct Answer Explanation: Jorge Chávez International Airport is the largest airport in Peru and serves as a hub for many domestic and international airlines.
What is the name of the main bus terminal in Lima?
- Terminal Terrestre de Lima
- Terminal de Buses del Centro
- Terminal de Buses del Norte
- Terminal de Buses del Sur
Correct Answer: Terminal Terrestre de Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: Terminal Terrestre de Lima is the main bus terminal in the city, connecting Lima to destinations throughout Peru and other countries.
What is the name of the major port serving the Lima Metropolitan Area?
- Callao
- Lurín
- Chancay
- Pisco
Correct Answer: Callao
Correct Answer Explanation: Callao is the main port for Lima and is one of the largest ports in South America. It handles a significant amount of maritime trade for the region.
What is the name of the integrated public transport system in Lima that uses exclusive bus corridors?
- El Metropolitano
- El Sistema de Transporte Integrado
- El Corredor Azul
- El Corredor Verde
Correct Answer: El Metropolitano
Correct Answer Explanation: El Metropolitano is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that operates in exclusive corridors in Lima, offering a more efficient and reliable way to travel within the city.
What is the name of the subway system in Lima?
- Metro de Lima
- Tren de la Costa
- Ferrocarril Central Andino
- Tranvía de Lima
Correct Answer: Metro de Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: The Lima Metro is a subway system that is currently under development and has two lines operating, with a third under construction.
Which of these environmental concerns is considered the most pressing issue in Lima?
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Noise pollution
- Solid waste management
Correct Answer: Air pollution
Correct Answer Explanation: Air pollution is a major problem in Lima, caused by factors such as vehicle emissions and industrial activity. This pollution poses serious health risks to the city’s residents.
What is the name of the informal settlements that have sprung up on the outskirts of Lima, often lacking proper infrastructure and services?
- Barrios Altos
- Pueblos jóvenes
- Condominios
- Ciudadelas
Correct Answer: Pueblos jóvenes
Correct Answer Explanation: Pueblos jóvenes, also known as “slums” or “shantytowns,” are informal settlements that have emerged on the outskirts of Lima, often due to poverty and the influx of migrants from rural areas.
What is the name of the international organization that aims to promote sustainable urban development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, of which Lima is a member?
- The United Nations Environment Programme
- The World Wildlife Fund
- The Global Covenant of Mayors
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Correct Answer: The Global Covenant of Mayors
Correct Answer Explanation: The Global Covenant of Mayors is an international initiative that unites cities committed to tackling climate change. Lima is one of over 10,000 cities around the world participating in this initiative.
Which of these districts in Lima is known for its luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants, and is a popular destination for tourists?
- San Isidro
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- La Molina
Correct Answer: Miraflores
Correct Answer Explanation: Miraflores is a trendy district in Lima known for its upscale shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
What is the name of the large shopping mall and entertainment center in Miraflores, built on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean?
- Larcomar
- Mall Aventura Santa Anita
- Mall Plaza Norte
- Megaplaza
Correct Answer: Larcomar
Correct Answer Explanation: Larcomar is a popular shopping mall and entertainment complex in Miraflores that features shops, restaurants, cinemas, bars, and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
What is the name of the main plaza in Lima’s historic center, home to the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Municipality?
- Plaza de Armas
- Plaza San Martín
- Plaza Bolognesi
- Plaza Dos de Mayo
Correct Answer: Plaza de Armas
Correct Answer Explanation: Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the main plaza in Lima’s historic center. It’s a vibrant space surrounded by important colonial buildings and serves as a hub for tourism and local life.
Which of these districts in Lima is considered the most residential neighborhood in the northern part of the city?
- Los Olivos
- Comas
- San Martin de Porres
- Puente Piedra
Correct Answer: Los Olivos
Correct Answer Explanation: Los Olivos is a densely populated district in northern Lima and is known for its residential areas and its proximity to commercial centers like Megaplaza and Royal Plaza.
What is the name of the park in San Isidro that is home to olive trees imported from Spain during the 17th century?
- Parque de la Reserva
- Parque El Olivar
- Parque Kennedy
- Parque de la Muralla
Correct Answer: Parque El Olivar
Correct Answer Explanation: Parque El Olivar is a tranquil park in San Isidro, known for its ancient olive trees that were brought from Spain during the colonial era. The park offers a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.
What is the name of the exclusive club in Santiago de Surco that is known for its equestrian activities?
- Club Polo Lima
- Club Regatas Lima
- Club Universitario de Deportes
- Club Sporting Cristal
Correct Answer: Club Polo Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: Club Polo Lima is an exclusive club located in Santiago de Surco, known for its polo matches and equestrian activities.
What is the name of the district in Lima that is considered the city’s bohemian district, known for its Victorian-style chalets and its traditional “música criolla” venues?
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- San Isidro
- La Molina
Correct Answer: Barranco
Correct Answer Explanation: Barranco is a vibrant district in Lima, known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere, its Victorian architecture, and its peñas, which are music venues showcasing traditional Peruvian folk music.
Which of these buildings in Lima is considered the seat of the Supreme Court of Peru?
- The Government Palace
- The Legislative Palace
- The Palace of Justice
- The Metropolitan Municipality
Correct Answer: The Palace of Justice
Correct Answer Explanation: The Palace of Justice is the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Peru, the highest judicial court in the country. It’s a grand building in Lima that symbolizes the nation’s legal system.
Which of these highways connects Lima to cities in central Peru, extending to Pucallpa near Brazil?
- The Northern Panamerican Highway
- The Central Highway
- The Southern Panamerican Highway
- The Coastal Highway
Correct Answer: The Central Highway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Central Highway, also known as Carretera Central, is a major highway that connects Lima to the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest. It’s a vital transportation route for goods and people travelling to and from the interior of Peru.
What is the name of the city located next to Lima that serves as the metropolitan area’s major port?
- Callao
- Lurín
- Chancay
- Pisco
Correct Answer: Callao
Correct Answer Explanation: Callao is a port city located adjacent to Lima and serves as the major maritime hub for the Lima Metropolitan Area. It’s crucial for international trade and transportation in the region.
Which of these districts in Lima is known for its high concentration of sedimentary dust, making it one of the most polluted areas in the city?
- Miraflores
- San Isidro
- El Agustino
- San Borja
Correct Answer: El Agustino
Correct Answer Explanation: El Agustino is a district in Lima that suffers from high levels of air pollution, primarily due to industrial activity and vehicle emissions. It’s one of the areas with the highest concentration of sedimentary dust, posing health risks to residents.
What is the name of the community policing structure that operates in each district of Lima, providing security and support to local residents?
- Serenazgo
- Policia Nacional del Perú
- Guardia Civil
- Fuerza Aérea del Perú
Correct Answer: Serenazgo
Correct Answer Explanation: Serenazgo is a community policing structure that operates in each district of Lima. Serenazgo officials are responsible for providing security, responding to emergencies, and assisting residents with local issues.
Which of these districts in Lima has the lowest perception of insecurity, according to a 2012 survey?
- San Isidro
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- La Molina
Correct Answer: San Isidro
Correct Answer Explanation: San Isidro is a wealthy district in Lima with a low crime rate, leading to a high level of security and a perception of safety among its residents.
What is the name of the traditional zoological park in Lima, located in the San Miguel district?
- Parque de las Leyendas
- Parque Zoológico Huachipa
- Parque de la Muralla
- Parque Kennedy
Correct Answer: Parque de las Leyendas
Correct Answer Explanation: Parque de las Leyendas is a popular zoological park in Lima, known for its diverse collection of animals and its historical exhibits. It’s a great place for families to spend time and learn about the natural world.
What is the name of the archaeological site in Lima that features remains of a pre-Columbian pyramid?
- Huaca Huallamarca
- Huaca Pucllana
- Huaca Mateo Salado
- Huaca Riquelme
Correct Answer: Huaca Pucllana
Correct Answer Explanation: Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site in Lima that is known for its well-preserved pyramid, dating back to the Lima culture. It provides a glimpse into the ancient history of the region.
What is the name of the national dish of Peru, which is made from raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, garlic, and spices?
- Lomo Saltado
- Aji de Gallina
- Ceviche
- Papa a la Huancaína
Correct Answer: Ceviche
Correct Answer Explanation: Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a staple of Peruvian cuisine and is often enjoyed as a starter or main course.
Which of these districts in Lima has the largest concentration of hotels, many of which cater to the national and international elite?
- Miraflores
- San Isidro
- Barranco
- Cercado de Lima
Correct Answer: Cercado de Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: Cercado de Lima, also known as Lima Centro, is the city’s historic center and is home to many hotels, including some that are frequented by the national and international elite.
What is the name of the main square in Lima that is known for its many churches, including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral?
- Plaza de Armas
- Plaza San Martín
- Plaza Bolognesi
- Plaza Dos de Mayo
Correct Answer: Plaza de Armas
Correct Answer Explanation: Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the main square in Lima’s historic center, surrounded by several historic churches that represent the city’s rich religious heritage.
What is the name of the old cemetery in Lima, now transformed into the Catacombs of the Basilica of San Francisco, which contains the bones of thousands of colonial people?
- The General Cemetery
- The Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro
- The Catacombs of the Basilica of San Francisco
- The Cemetery of the Angels
Correct Answer: The Catacombs of the Basilica of San Francisco
Correct Answer Explanation: The Catacombs of the Basilica of San Francisco in Lima are a unique and haunting place that served as the old cemetery of the city during the colonial era. They house the bones of thousands of people from that period, providing a glimpse into the history of the city’s past.
Which of these districts in Lima is known for its high concentration of universities and institutions of higher learning, making it a hub of education in the country?
- San Isidro
- Miraflores
- Barranco
- Cercado de Lima
Correct Answer: Cercado de Lima
Correct Answer Explanation: Cercado de Lima, the historic center of Lima, is home to a significant number of universities and educational institutions, including the National University of San Marcos, the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas.
What is the name of the event that occurred in Lima in the 1980s that led to a large influx of migrants from rural areas seeking refuge in the city?
- The Peruvian War of Independence
- The War of the Pacific
- The internal conflict with the Shining Path
- The earthquake of 1970
Correct Answer: The internal conflict with the Shining Path
Correct Answer Explanation: The internal conflict with the Shining Path, a Maoist guerilla group, in the 1980s caused widespread violence and displacement, driving many people from rural areas to seek refuge in Lima, contributing to the city’s rapid growth and the development of informal settlements.
What is the name of the main highway in Lima that extends north towards the border with Ecuador, connecting the city to many major cities along the northern Peruvian coast?
- The Central Highway
- The Southern Panamerican Highway
- The Northern Panamerican Highway
- The Coastal Highway
Correct Answer: The Northern Panamerican Highway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Northern Panamerican Highway is a major highway that stretches along the Pacific coast of Peru, connecting Lima to cities in the north and extending towards the border with Ecuador. It’s a crucial route for commerce and transportation along the Peruvian coast.
What is the name of the historical structure in Lima that was once part of the colonial wall, now a park with remaining sections visible?
- Parque de la Muralla
- Parque El Olivar
- Parque Kennedy
- Parque de la Reserva
Correct Answer: Parque de la Muralla
Correct Answer Explanation: Parque de la Muralla is a park in Lima that was built on the site of the old colonial wall, which once encircled the city. The park preserves sections of the wall, offering a glimpse into Lima’s colonial past and its history of defense.