Lima Highlights Tour: Miraflores Barranco and Downtown Lima

Lima , Peru

Lima Highlights Tour: Miraflores Barranco and Downtown Lima

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About this experience

Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, is a destination that combines history, culture, and modernity in every corner. In Miraflores, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, well-maintained parks like Amor Park, and a lively nightlife. Just minutes away, Barranco will enchant you with its bohemian atmosphere, its colorful streets filled with urban art, and its famous Bajada de los Baños. And if history is your thing, downtown Lima awaits you with its imposing colonial architecture, the majestic Plaza Mayor, and iconic landmarks like the Cathedral and the San Francisco Convent. Exploring these districts is like discovering the multifaceted essence of Lima: a city that captivates you at every turn.

Available options

Lima Highlights Tour: Miraflores Barranco and Downtown Lima

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Pisco Sour Tastings

Official tourist guide

Entrance ticket to Catacombs

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We'll begin the tour in the Miraflores district, where we'll visit its main attractions, such as the panoramic view (explanation outside) of Huaca Pucllana, the Love Park where we can appreciate the French kiss created by Víctor Delfín, and also the Chinese Park.

Stop 2

Our second stop will be the Plaza de Armas in Barranco, where we can appreciate its library, Chabuca Granda Square, the Bridge of Sighs, the Bajada Balta, and the bohemian Barranco art.

Stop 3

The Gran Hotel Bolívar is an architectural and cultural gem: born as a symbol of modernity in 1924, it expanded in the 1930s, experienced moments of global glory, retains unique historical details, and today looks to the future with the ambition of recovering its former splendor.

Stop 4

We will stop at Plaza San Martín where we will learn about Lima's historic history in this first plaza, inaugurated on July 27, 1921, as part of the celebrations of the centenary of Peru's independence, and designed by the Spanish architect Manuel Piqueras Cotolí.

After walking through the streets of Jirón de la Unión, we'll head toward La Merced Church, built in 1535 in the Baroque and Churrigueresque style.

Stop 6

We will visit the main square and learn about its main attractions, such as: Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, Santo Domingo, Archbishop's Palace. We'll head to the Chocolate Museum, where we'll taste Peruvian cacao. We'll sample Peru's signature drink, Pisco Sour. We'll then head to the House of Peruvian Literature, the San Francisco Church, and finally return to the hotel.

Stop 7

The Rococo and Mudejar style of Santo Domingo Church dates back to the 1500s and houses the remains of Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macias.

We will visit the House of Peruvian Literature, where we can appreciate literary works and the history of Mario Vargas Llosa.
This being the old Desamparados station.

Stop 9

We will visit the San Francisco de Asís church where the famous Catacombs are located. The catacombs began construction around 1546 as an underground cemetery for the Franciscan order and served until 1810, housing some 25,000 bodies, although recent estimates suggest they may contain more than 100,000 burials due to unexplored galleries.

Stop 10

Finally, we will prepare the Pisco Sour in a craft shop, where you can prepare the Pisco Sour yourself.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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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

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