How did guano exports contribute to Lima’s prosperity?

During the mid-19th century, Lima and the port city of Callao experienced a period of economic prosperity driven by a boom in the export of nitrate-rich guano deposits. These deposits, which were collected from islands off the Peruvian coast, were shipped to Europe, generating significant revenue for the region. This wealth supported the city's development, including the completion of the Lima-Callao railroad in 1851 and subsequent interurban railway links that facilitated suburban growth.1

However, this prosperity was relatively short-lived. Lima’s economic standing eventually declined due to political turmoil and the disastrous War of the Pacific, during which the city was looted and occupied by the Chilean military. Following the war, the loss of revenue from natural resources led to severe financial instability, forcing the government to enter into agreements with foreign creditors to manage national debt.123