Historic and Modern Lima City Tour
Our Lima city tour takes you through five centuries of history, from the colonial plazas and churches of the Historic Center to the boardwalks of Miraflores and the bohemian district of Barranco.
Lima, the City of Kings on the Pacific
Summary
This Lima city tour shows you the two faces of the capital: the viceregal city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the modern metropolis that overlooks the Pacific Ocean from the top of its cliffs.
First, in the Historic Center you see the Main Square, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace with its wooden balconies. Then you visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, one of the most important colonial complexes in the Americas.
Finally, you explore Miraflores and its oceanfront boardwalk, and finish in Barranco, the bohemian district of republican mansions, murals and the traditional Bridge of Sighs. If you have more time in Lima, you can also visit Pachacamac or ride along the coast on a bike tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco before the tour.
Your guide picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the tour to the Historic Center of Lima by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:00
Transfer to the Historic Center
Panoramic drive along Lima's main avenues while your guide explains the city.
On the way, we pass through representative avenues and districts of the city, while your guide introduces the history of Lima since its founding in 1535.
10:00 - 11:00
Main Square
The historic heart of the city.
Then we explore the Main Square, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall, with their characteristic colonial wooden balconies.
11:00 - 12:00
Convent of San Francisco and catacombs
Colonial art and underground crypts.
Later, we visit the Convent of San Francisco, with its ancient library, its cloisters decorated with Sevillian tiles and its catacombs, which served as a cemetery during the viceregal period.
12:00 - 13:00
Miraflores and the boardwalk
Parks and cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Then we head to Miraflores to walk along its boardwalk and the Love Park, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Costa Verde.
13:00 - 13:45
Barranco
Mansions, murals and the Bridge of Sighs.
Finally, we finish in Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, while we walk through its streets of republican mansions, its street art murals and the traditional Bridge of Sighs.
13:45 - 14:15
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to your hotel when the tour ends.
At the end of the tour, we take you back to your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco
- Tourist transportation during the tour
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Entrance to the Lima Cathedral
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Light jacket for the wind on the boardwalk
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Water
Cash for personal expenses
Weather
Lima has a mild, humid climate with no significant rainfall. From December to April summer is sunny and warm; however, from June to October the sky is usually overcast, with a light drizzle called garúa and cool temperatures.
Best season
The tour operates all year. However, from December to April days are sunny, so they are ideal for enjoying the boardwalk and Barranco.
Recommendations
Photography is not allowed inside the catacombs. Also, in the Historic Center keep your belongings in sight and follow your guide’s instructions.
Gallery
FAQ
Will I see the changing of the guard at the Government Palace?
The changing of the guard takes place around midday. Therefore, if the tour schedule coincides, you can watch it from the Main Square.
How much walking is involved?
On the Lima city tour, the walks are short and on flat ground, mainly in the Historic Center, on the boardwalk and in Barranco.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is a family-friendly tour. However, the catacombs have narrow, dimly lit corridors, which is something to consider with young children.
Can I do the tour in the afternoon?
Yes. The tour can also be done in the afternoon, subject to availability, so it ends with the sunset on the Miraflores boardwalk.
Do you pick up from hotels outside Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco?
Yes, although it has an additional cost depending on the location. Therefore, let us know your address when booking.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The Lima city tour is available as a group or private service, as well as with the possibility of adjusting the visits to your interests.
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