Free Walking Tour of Lima

Your experience exploring Lima, the only South American capital by the Pacific, includes a ride on the Metropolitano buses, the main public transport service. This journey will only take place if you start the tour in Miraflores. If so, please note that the fare is 3.20 soles (less than a dollar).

Once in the Historic Centre, the group will split into English and Spanish, with two guides available. You’ll then begin to discover the urban fabric and architectural heritage of the Peruvian capital on foot. Since its foundation, Lima has captivated travellers. Some loved it, while others were less fond. However, beyond praise and criticism, Lima is never viewed with indifference. Lima leaves a mark. Lima is unforgettable.

The First Steps

Your first steps will take you down the famous street known as Jirón de la Unión, located on the southern side of the Plaza de Armas. Part of Francisco Pizarro’s original design, this street has always been bustling, commercial, and vibrant since 1535.

On this street, you’ll see a monument dedicated to the great Marshal Ramón Castilla (1797-1867), who abolished slavery in Peru. Your guide will also share insights about the colonial church of Our Lady of La Merced, built in 1535 by Fray Miguel de Orenes.

In the Heart of the Centre

After exploring Jirón de la Unión, you’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, the site chosen by Pizarro to establish a city in the Rímac Valley (known as “the talkative river” in Spanish), and where General Don José de San Martín proclaimed Peru’s independence on 28th July 1821.

During the colonial era, the Plaza de Armas served as a market, a bullring, and even a site for executions carried out by the Inquisition. Here, you’ll also learn about the bronze fountain inaugurated on 8th September 1651.

Surrounding the Plaza de Armas are the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipal Palace.

From the Presidential Palace, viceroys, liberators (José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar), dictators, and democratically elected presidents have governed Peru. The current palace was designed by architect Ricardo de Jaxa-Malachowski; construction began in 1926, and it was inaugurated by President Óscar R. Benavides in 1938. Its main façade features a French neobaroque style, while the side façade is neoplateresque.

On the other hand, the current Municipal Palace was completed in 1939, replacing a colonial building that served the same purpose.

Your next steps will take you to Pasaje Santa Rosa (adjacent to the Plaza de Armas), where you’ll find the monument to Taulichusco, the last chief of the Rímac Valley.

“Wanka in Granodiorite, Andean Basalt. A tribute from the city of Lima to Taulichusco ‘The Old One,’ the last of its native rulers,” is the message you’ll read at this memorial to pre-Hispanic Lima, a metropolis that still preserves archaeological sites revealing its ancient past.

You’ll then walk to the small square and the convent and church of Santo Domingo (exterior visit), one of the most important colonial religious complexes in the Historic Centre, noted for its majestic architecture that combines baroque and neoclassical elements.

Back to the Plaza

Next, you’ll walk from the remnants of a 16th-century convent (between Jirón Conde de Superunda and Camaná) to the relaxing Chabuca Granda promenade, an ideal spot to view the Rímac River, San Cristóbal Hill, the Desamparados train station, and other traditional spaces of the old city.

This monument was constructed in 1998 on the site of the former Polvos Azules market, and the promenade is a tribute to Chabuca Granda, one of the country’s greatest singer-songwriters. Here, along with lovely views, you can indulge in the flavours of Lima, one of the gastronomic capitals of the world.

You’ll then pass by the Aliaga House (Jirón de la Unión 224), which dates back to 1536 and stands out for its eclectic style. It was the home of Captain Jerónimo Aliaga, one of the first conquistadors to arrive in Lima in 1535.

Spanish Streets and Mansions

After visiting the Plaza de Armas, you’ll stop at the famous Casa del Oidor, built in the 16th century, featuring striking green balconies with small openings for family members to observe what was happening in the street. You’ll also visit the Desamparados train station, inaugurated on 22nd September 1912. Today, it houses the Casa de la Literatura Peruana, located just a few metres from the Casa del Oidor.

Final Stop

After visiting the train station, you’ll take a short walk to La Muralla Park, where you can see the statue of the founder of Lima, Francisco Pizarro. There’s an urban legend surrounding this monument that claims the equestrian figure is actually of Hernán Cortés, the conqueror of Mexico. In this park, you can also view archaeological remains of the city wall built in the mid-17th century.

This free tour concludes in this park. If you wish to return to Miraflores, feel free to ask your guide for directions.

What is the group size for free tours?

We usually have groups of 10 people.

Are the free tours conducted in only one language?

Yes, the guided tours are 95% in English or Spanish. We do not mix English and Spanish groups — we do not offer bilingual free tours.