Visit the Historic Center of Lima and its Catacombs

Lima , Peru

Visit the Historic Center of Lima and its Catacombs

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About this experience

Discover the historical secrets of Lima with a fascinating tour that includes a visit to the catacombs of the Church and Convent of San Francisco. Explore the rich colonial architecture of the historic center and delve into the mysterious underground catacombs, which house thousands of human remains from the past. An unmissable cultural and tourist experience in the fascinating city of Lima. Book your tour now and be surprised by the history that lies beneath your feet.

Available options

Visit the Historic Center of Lima and its Catacombs

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Peruvian Cocoa Tastings

Bottled water

Pick up from Hotel or Airbnb

Pisco Sour Classes

Entrance ticket to the Museum and Convent of San Francisco de Asís

Expert local tour guide

Entrance to Catacombs

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will begin the tour, picking up passengers from their respective hotels where they are staying and we will head towards the historic center of Lima in private and conditioned mobility.

Stop 2

Continuing our adventure we will arrive at PLAZA SAN MARTIN. Once we arrive at this square you will find yourself surrounded by historical buildings such as the Teatro Colón, the Giacoletti building and the Gran Hotel Bolívar and in the center of the square the statue in honor of General San Martín, manager of the independence of Peru.

Stop 3

Then we will tour the 11 blocks that Jirón de la Unión brings us, this one connects with the main square of Lima; In it we can see multiple colonial balconies and shopping galleries.

We will stop at this point and visit the La Merced Church, the tour guide will explain in detail its history and relevance throughout the years since its creation.

Stop 5

The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of the historic center and in the same place where the conqueror Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535, is one of the most important places to visit in Lima. Surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city such as the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and the Sagrario Church, this spacious square is also a good meeting point between tourists and locals around a beautiful fountain, being the most famous and busiest place in the city.

Stop 6

Another of the places that we will visit in Lima that will impress you the most will be the Monastery of San Francisco, located near the Plaza de Armas. Very famous for its catacombs and its incredible library, where you can admire thousands of ancient texts, some from the time of the Spanish conquest, this monastery also has a basilica where the neoclassical style main altar, the sacristy, the chapter house and the cloister. It is also known for its enormous catacombs where some 70,000 corpses rest, some of them in crypts full of bones that have even been placed "with a decorative sense."

What's not included

We do not include food on this tour.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour guide will be waiting for you at the main door of the Gran Hotel Bolívar, he will be wearing a red polo shirt and an official tour guide card.

About Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant city where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers. Known for its rich history, diverse cuisine, and stunning coastal views, Lima offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its well-preserved colonial buildings and museums.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Lima

The Historic Center of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city's colonial architecture and rich history. It's home to numerous churches, museums, and plazas.

Historical Half day to full day Free to $10 (for museum entries)

Miraflores

Miraflores is a upscale district known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's also home to the Parque del Amor and the Larcomar shopping center.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to $50 (for shopping and dining)

Barranco

Barranco is a bohemian district known for its art galleries, street art, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great place to experience Lima's creative side.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to $30 (for dining and drinks)

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana is an ancient pyramidd built by the Lima Culture around 200 AD. It's a fascinating archaeological site located in the heart of Miraflores.

Historical 1-2 hours $5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

A dish made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, spiced with ají or chili peppers, and served with side dishes such as sweet potato, corn on the cob, and lettuce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, citrus, and chili peppers. Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free.

Lomo Saltado

A Peruvian dish consisting of marinated beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and fries, served with rice. It's a fusion dish that combines Peruvian and Chinese flavors.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries. Can be made gluten-free with modifications.

Aji de Gallina

A Peruvian dish consisting of a creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) sauce, garlic, and walnuts, served with rice and potatoes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains chicken, dairy, and nuts. Can be made gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Surfing Paragliding Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Hot springs Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the summer season in Lima, characterized by warm temperatures and sunny days. It's the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Lima is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Jorge Chávez International Airport • 11 km from city center

By bus

Plaza Norte, Plaza Sur

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient and affordable, but can be crowded during peak hours. It's a good option for getting around quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Miraflores Barranco San Isidro

Day trips

Pachacamac

40 km from Lima • Half day

Pachacamac is an ancient archaeological site located south of Lima. It was an important religious center for the Inca civilization and features several temples, pyramids, and museums.

Paracas and Ballestas Islands

250 km from Lima • Full day

Paracas is a coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the 'poor man's Galapagos', are home to a variety of seabirds, sea lions, and other marine life.

Huaral

80 km from Lima • Full day

Huaral is a small town located north of Lima, known for its colonial architecture, hot springs, and traditional festivals. It's a great place to experience authentic Peruvian culture and hospitality.

Festivals

Fiesta de la Candelaria • February 2 Festival Internacional de Cine de Lima • August Inti Raymi • June 24

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Try a ceviche-making class to learn about Peruvian cuisine and culture
Visit the Larco Museum to see the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru
Explore the street art and murals in Barranco for a unique cultural experience
Take a day trip to Pachacamac to learn about Inca history and explore ancient ruins