Walking City Tour and Catabombs of San Francisco

Lima , Peru

Walking City Tour and Catabombs of San Francisco

Active

(1 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the amazing historic center of Lima exploring beautiful streets full of history and colonial architecture. This tour will take you to visit incredible catacombs of San Francisco. The City of Kings offers amazing tourist attractions such as impressive mansions, palaces, squares and churches, that you will explore with us in this fantastic walking tour. Get to know the wonders of the old city of Lima with our tour guide and be amazed by this multicultural city.

Available options

Tour with transfers

Pickup included

Tour without transfers

What's included

Professional guide

Snacks

Transportation (optional)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After picking you up from the hotel located in the city of Lima (optional) or meeting you up at the starting point located at the Hotel Gran Bolivar. This fantastic walking tour will take you to admire the historic center of Lima with a professional tour guide. The walking tour of Lima starts at Plaza San Martin, a beautiful square declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The central monument is a tribute to Don Jose de San Martin, the liberator of the Peru’s independence. This square opened on July 27th 1921 and it is surrounded by incredible historic buildings such as the National Club, the Gran Bolivar Hotel, Theatre Colon and Giacoletti, the latter destroyed by fired in 2018.

Stop 2

The tour continues walking along the Street Jirón de la Union founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. It was a busy street for years, with coffee shops and restaurants attended by distinguished characters and high society such as writers and politics. Along this street, you will admire commercial buildings, as well as traditional wooden balconies, and churches.

Stop 3

You will arrive at the Plaza de Armas, the main point of the old town of Lima. The Government Palace is located here, where the Peruvian president lives. The construction of the Cathedral of Lima began in 1535 and ended in 1649 and it has a beautiful Renaissance and neoclassical style front. Also, you will admire important buildings such as the City Hall, the De la Unión Club, the Sagrario Church, the Archbishop’s Palace and wooden balconies around the amazing Plaza de Armas. Take the best picture of this historical place and have amazing panoramic pictures. During our Lima city walking tour, you will taste a delicious and traditional Peruvian sweet known as Churros, fried flour sticks filled with dulce de leche or manjarblanco.

Stop 4

You are going to visit the Church of San Francisco to explore the Convent of San Francisco and the catacombs. These underground creeps are the largest and best preserved in South America. This mysterious place was the main cemetery of the city until 1810 and during the tour you will see large pools with the bone remains of more than 25 thousand people. Many historical buildings went through different renovations, as they suffered damage from strong earthquakes in the capital of Peru. The tour ends at this point, however, the order of the visits could change, depending on the start time of the tour. Then, the transportation will drop you off at your hotel (optional).

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You should bring cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, camera and money for personal expenses

Rates have an increase of 50% for holidays such as January 1st, May 1st and July 28th and 29th

The tour does not depart on December 25th

Meeting point

Hotel Gran Bolivar located in Plaza San Martín in the Historic Center of Lima. You should show up at the meeting point at the agreed time. The time will be confirmed 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Important notes

If you have any question, do not hesitate to contact us.
OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 5185-9997 (Mon to Sun from 09 to 18 Hs)
EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 4991-4035 (After office hours)

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