Explore the rich history and iconic landmarks of Lima on a captivating walking tour. This half-day excursion whisks you through the city’s vibrant streets, immersing you in its architectural wonders and cultural heritage. Marvel at the grandeur of Plaza San Martín and Plaza de Armas, where colonial-era buildings and elegant plazas paint a vivid picture of Peru’s past. But the true highlight awaits beneath the streets, as you venture into the Monastery of San Francisco‘s intriguing catacombs, uncovering the city’s centuries-old secrets. With comfortable transportation and an expert guide by your side, this tour promises an enriching exploration that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Lima’s captivating story.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive half-day walking tour exploring Lima’s historic landmarks, including Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, and the Monastery of San Francisco with catacombs.
- Knowledgeable guide providing insights into Lima’s rich heritage and cultural significance of the tour sites.
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation included for a hassle-free experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off options.
- Small group size of up to 14 participants for a personalized and intimate exploration of the city.
- Excellent reviews and "Badge of Excellence" certification, indicating a high-quality and engaging tour.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Lima Walking City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s vibrant capital city. This half-day tour takes travelers on a journey through Lima’s historic landmarks, showcasing its rich heritage and architectural gems.
With a maximum group size of 14 people, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. From the grand Plaza San Martín to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the knowledgeable guide shares captivating insights into Lima’s past.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Monastery of San Francisco and its renowned catacombs, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fascinating underground world.
The tour also includes comfortable transportation, making it a seamless and convenient way to discover the best of Lima.
Itinerary Highlights
One of the tour’s highlight locations is Plaza San Martín, the first site visited. This plaza commemorates 100 years of Peruvian independence and features a statue of Peru’s liberator and neoclassical buildings. Guests will spend around 30 minutes here, taking in the sights for free.
Next, the tour moves to the main square of Peru, Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor). Visitors will admire the impressive buildings, including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima, while learning about the city’s rich history from the guide. This stop also lasts approximately 30 minutes, with no admission fee.
The tour’s highlight is the Monastery of San Francisco and its catacombs, which are included in the tour free of charge.
Plaza San Martin
Plaza San Martin is the first site visited on the Lima Walking City Tour. It commemorates 100 years of Peruvian independence, featuring a statue of Peru’s liberator and neoclassical buildings.
Visitors spend around 30 minutes exploring this historic plaza, taking in its sights and learning about its significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.
The plaza serves as an introduction to Lima’s rich history and sets the stage for the rest of the walking tour.
With free admission, it’s an accessible and informative start to the day’s exploration of the city.
Plaza De Armas (Plaza Mayor)
The Plaza de Armas, also known as the Plaza Mayor, serves as the main square of Peru. Surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Lima, this historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich past.
-
Explore the stunning neoclassical architecture that characterizes the square.
-
Learn about Lima’s history from your knowledgeable guide, who’ll provide insights into the significance of this iconic location.
-
Spend approximately 30 minutes discovering the plaza’s hidden gems and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
-
Admission to the Plaza de Armas is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly part of the tour.
-
Prepare to be captivated by the square’s timeless charm and the stories it has to tell.
Monastery of San Francisco and Catacombs
Topping the tour’s highlights, visitors explore the famous Monastery of San Francisco and its eerie catacombs. This iconic site offers a fascinating glimpse into Lima’s rich religious history.
The monastery’s stunning Baroque architecture and intricate carvings captivate the senses, while the catacombs below hold the remains of over 25,000 people. Visitors can wander through the dimly lit ossuary, marveling at the carefully arranged bones and skulls that line the walls.
This tour component provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru’s cultural heritage and confront the realities of mortality. The guided visit ensures travelers gain valuable insights into the significance of this sacred site.
Transportation and Logistics
With air-conditioned vehicles, the tour provides comfortable transportation to and from the tour sites.
Pickup and drop-off service is available from hotels and apartments in specific areas, including Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and the historic center of Lima.
For those arriving at Lima Airport or the Callao area, transfer options are also available.
This convenient transportation ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout the tour.
The tour features:
- Air-conditioned vehicles for comfortable travel
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels/apartments in select areas
- Transfer from/to Lima Airport or Callao area available
- Efficient transportation to tour sites
- Stress-free logistics for a memorable experience
Tour Features
Knowledgeable tour guides provide insightful commentary and historical context throughout the Lima Walking City Tour, ensuring participants gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage.
The tour’s flexibility allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving travelers peace of mind. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can comfortably participate.
With a maximum group size of 14 people, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of Lima’s iconic landmarks, from the Plaza San Martin to the Monastery of San Francisco and its renowned catacombs.
The tour’s excellent reviews and "Badge of Excellence" certification attest to its educational value and engaging nature.
Customer Feedback
According to the provided information, the Lima Walking City Tour has overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
With an overall rating of 5.0 out of 25 reviews, the tour seems to leave a lasting impression on participants. Reviewers praise the educational value and city insights provided by the knowledgeable guide.
Some key highlights from the customer feedback include:
- Learned about Peru’s rich history beyond just the Inca civilization
- Appreciated the free admission to the Monastery of San Francisco and Catacombs
- Found the tour logistics, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, to be convenient
- Enjoyed the small group size for a more personalized experience
- Remarked on the overall value and quality of the tour.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- 2-Day Private Trekking Route Through Marcahuasi
- Lima: Tour the Best of Lima in 1 Day
- 2-Day Private Trekking Route Through Rupac
- Barranco Bohemian Fusion: Visit – Cook and Taste – Rooftop
- Peru in 10D: Lima-Nasca-Humantay Lake-Machupicchu||4* Hotel|
- From Lima: 3-Day Paracas, Huacachina, and Nazca Lines Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions regarding consumption of outside items during the experience.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour. Visitors should be respectful of their surroundings and follow any guidelines provided by the tour guide. It’s a good idea to check with the operator beforehand to confirm the policy.
Will There Be Opportunities to Use the Restroom During the Tour?
The tour provides several opportunities for restroom breaks throughout the itinerary. Restrooms are available at the main sites visited, allowing participants to attend to their needs during the various stops on the walking tour.
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Languages Other Than English?
The tour guide is fluent in multiple languages, including English. They can provide informative and engaging commentary throughout the tour in whichever language the participants are most comfortable with.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?
Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and they’ll tailor the itinerary to accommodate individual interests within the tour’s duration and logistics.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- 8 Day Peru Ancestral Energies: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Titikaka Lake
- From Miraflores: Lima Bike Rental – 4 Hrs
- Lima: Party Tour Fridays in Barranco / Saturdays in Miraflores
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer To/From Lima City Center
- Free Walking Tour of Lima (Small Group)
- Lima: Party Tour in Miraflores With Bar Crawl and Drinks
- Lima: Surprising Magical Water Circuit
- Panoramic Bus in Lima | Half Day |
- From Lima || Miraflores and Barranco Bike Tour ||
- From Lima: City Tour – City of the Kings
- Lima: Panoramic Private Tour
- From Lima: the Larco Museum Complete Tour With Transfers
- From Lima || Colonial Lima and Chinatown Tour ||
- From Cusco: Guided Tour of the Casa De Aliaga
- The Magic Water Circuit
The Sum Up
This walking tour offers a captivating glimpse into Lima’s rich history. Visitors can admire the city’s iconic landmarks, learn about its heritage, and explore the remarkable Monastery of San Francisco and its intriguing catacombs. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this half-day experience provides a personalized and enriching way to discover the heart of Peru’s capital.