What you're seeing here is a distinctive view of Lima, Peru, along the *Costa Verde*, or "Green Coast." While many associate beaches with sand, the stretches along the Costa Verde, including Miraflores where this picture was taken, are famously covered not in sand but in round, smooth pebbles like these. It's a striking difference from the sandy shores often found elsewhere in the world. This pebbly characteristic is due to the erosion of the cliffs that define the Lima coastline. Over eons, rocks from these cliffs have been worn down by the Pacific Ocean's waves into the smooth, dark gray stones you see. Beyond their unique appearance, these pebble beaches contribute to a cooler environment, as dark stones absorb heat differently than light-colored sand. In the distance, you can spot the impressive cliffs themselves, a dominant feature of Lima's coastal landscape. These cliffs are lined with modern buildings, forming a dramatic urban edge overlooking the Pacific. Above them, particularly during the cooler months from May to November, Lima experiences what's known as *garúa* (pronounced gah-ROO-ah) – a thick, misty fog or drizzle. This atmospheric condition, often seen clinging to the hills and obscuring parts of the city as it does in your photo, is a hallmark of Lima's climate. It brings a persistent, cool dampness, and is a unique microclimate phenomenon that nourishes the vegetation on the cliff tops, hence the name "Green Coast." Despite its often gray skies, the garúa is essential for the local ecosystem.