Lima Half-Day Tour: Historic Center & Miraflores Small Group

Lima , Peru

Lima Half-Day Tour: Historic Center & Miraflores Small Group

Active

(20 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Small group tour with max 8 people in English only.

After driving from Barranco and Miraflores, the tour begins at Plaza San Martín, a historic gateway to the city center. We’ll visit the impressive San Francisco Church and its famous catacombs, offering a glimpse into Lima's colonial past. Then, enjoy a churro criollo at a popular local spot, a taste of the city's culinary heritage.

Next, we’ll explore the Plaza de Armas, admiring the exterior of the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, and Santo Domingo Convent before heading back.

As we reach Miraflores, we’ll also pass by Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Inca site amidst the modern city. The tour will conclude at the scenic Malecón in Miraflores, with stunning ocean views from the Parque del Amor known for its romantic ambiance and beautiful sculptures inspired by Barcelona's Park Güell.

This tour perfectly blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a memorable experience of Lima’s top landmarks in just 4 hours.

Available options

Lima Half-Day Tour: Historic Center & Miraflores Small Group

Pickup included

What's included

Peruvian churro tasting

Pick up and drop off from Dédalo shop (Barranco) at 09:30 or Hotel NAIA (Miraflores) at 09:50

San Francisco & Catacombs entrance ticket

Local expert guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Plaza San Martín is a grand, historic square in central Lima, inaugurated in 1921 to celebrate Peru’s independence. At its center stands a bronze statue of General José de San Martín. Surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings, such as the Gran Hotel Bolívar, the plaza is a lively hub that blends colonial charm with early 20th-century architecture, making it a key landmark in Lima.

Stop 2

The San Francisco Convent is a striking example of colonial Baroque architecture in Lima, known for its ornate facade and rich history. Inside, the convent houses a vast library and impressive religious art. Its most famous feature is the underground catacombs, once used as a burial site. These catacombs contain the remains of an estimated 25,000 people, making them a unique and eerie glimpse into Lima’s past, offering visitors a fascinating journey into the city’s colonial and religious heritage.

Stop 3

We will stop to enjoy a delicious Peruvian churro.

Stop 4

The main square of Peru's capital, home to the Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace, and nearby Santo Domingo Convent.

Stop 5 Pass by

We will pas by Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site located in the heart of modern Lima. Built around 500 AD by the Lima culture, it consists of a large adobe pyramid made from small, handmade bricks. The site served as an important ceremonial and administrative center. Today, Huaca Pucllana offers a unique contrast between ancient history and the surrounding urban landscape, providing insight into the early civilizations that once thrived along Peru’s central coast.

Stop 6

Parque del Amor, or the Park of Love, is a scenic spot in Miraflores overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Known for its vibrant mosaics and romantic sculptures, including the iconic statue *El Beso* (The Kiss) by Víctor Delfín, the park is a popular destination for couples. Its curving walls, adorned with colorful tiles and love-themed quotes, create a whimsical atmosphere. The park’s clifftop location offers stunning ocean views, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy Lima’s coastline.

Stop 7 Pass by

Enjoy scenic views over the Pacific Ocean

What's not included

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 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

We will ask you to provide your passport number and date of entry to Peru before the tour and for all the tour participants (through an online form). Sending this information allow us to exonerate yourself from the 18% local tax as it confirms you're real visitors, and not living in the country. If you want to be exonerated from the tax, it's really important to send us your passport number and date of entry at least 1 day before the tour. You don't need to bring your passport to the tour.

If you select Barranco as a pick up/drop off location, please consider 4h door-to-door, while with the Miraflores the total duration will be around 3h30.

To enter San Francisco Church, you may be requested to cover your shoulders and not be wearing shorts and flip flops.

The total tour duration includes the travel time to/from the Historic Center, as well as the time spent walking or driving from one sight to the other

The visit to the Catacombs is not recommended for travelers who suffer from claustrophobia

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