City tour of Lima

Ready! It’s time to tell you what you’ll see during your approximately four-hour journey in the capital of Peru. Founded on January 18, 1535, by the conqueror Francisco Pizarro, modern-day Lima is a city of contrasts, home to over ten million inhabitants from all over the country.

Andean, Hispanic, coastal, Amazonian, and cosmopolitan influences all find a place in this metropolis, which will captivate you with the beauty of its bay, surprise you with the architecture of its Historic Centre, move you with the faith reflected in its colonial churches and convents, and delight you with the rich flavours of its gastronomy.

First comes love

After picking you up from your hotel in our vehicle, the first stop on your City Tour Lima will be the Love Park, one of the iconic tourist spots in Miraflores, a modern district known for its orderliness, diverse services for travellers, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Inaugurated on Valentine’s Day in 1993, the park will impress you with “El Beso,” a 3-metre tall and 12-metre wide concrete sculpture depicting a loving mestizo couple. Created by the national artist Víctor Delfín, it initially faced criticism from some locals who considered it grotesque and somewhat vulgar.

Over time, those voices were silenced, and the Love Park along the Cisneros promenade (11 km from downtown Lima) has become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. It’s not just the magnificent sculpture that draws people, but also the park’s lush greenery, tranquillity, and strategic location that offers breathtaking views of the bay.

After visiting the Love Park, we will head by vehicle to the Historic Centre to explore San Martín Square, the Plaza del Libertador.

San Martín Square (walking tour)

The Historic Centre, or Damero de Pizarro, is filled with buildings from past centuries and distinctive balconies. One of the places you’ll visit is San Martín Square, inaugurated on July 27, 1921, just before the centenary of Peru’s independence. The surrounding buildings, including the Colón Theatre and the Bolívar Hotel, have a unique charm thanks to their 19th and 20th-century Baroque and Neoclassical designs.

At the centre of this square (located on block 9 of Nicolás de Piérola Avenue), you’ll see the equestrian statue of General José de San Martín. This sculpture, created by Spanish artist Mariano Benlliure, represents the Crossing of the Andes during the Liberation Expedition. The bronze and granite monument reaches an impressive height of 16 metres and is renowned for its exceptional beauty, realism, and artistic quality.

Afterwards, you’ll stroll down Peru’s most famous street: Jirón de la Unión, also known as Calle Mercaderes from colonial times.

Glimpses at the Plaza de Armas (walking tour)

The Plaza de Armas, or Main Square, is the founding space within the domains of the chieftain Taulichusco and near the Rímac River (known as the “talking river”). It is spacious and orderly, serving as the old heart of Lima, a heart that pulses with history and power from the Government Palace, or Casa de Pizarro.

During your time in the square, your guide will point out three important palaces: the Government Palace, whose current building was inaugurated in 1938; the Municipal Palace, featuring grand balconies and a Neocolonial style; and the Archiepiscopal Palace, originally built in 1541, which remained intact until 1916, when a reconstruction process began.

But the exterior visits don’t stop there. In the square, you should take a close look at the Basilica Cathedral, built on the Incan huaca of Puma Inti (Inca temple). With its Renaissance façade and Neoclassical towers, the first stone of Peru’s main church was laid by founder Francisco Pizarro in 1535.

The San Francisco Catacombs (walking tour)

Your City Tour Lima isn’t over yet. There’s more to see and enjoy, such as the Casa del Oidor. Just a step away from the Main Square, this house was built in the 16th century and stands out with its attractive green balconies. Its name comes from the colonial judges who resolved various cases after “hearing” from both the plaintiffs and the defendants.

Now, get ready for an exciting experience in the catacombs of the San Francisco convent and church (located between Jirón Carabaya and Jirón Junín). This is one of the most important religious architectural complexes in Peru and South America. This magnificent structure dates back to 1609 and was consecrated in 1673.

Inside, San Francisco houses a select collection of colonial religious art and over 25,000 books in its lavish library. But the most striking feature is the catacombs. Dark and eerie, this “labyrinth” of narrow underground passages was used for burying the dead during colonial times.

Considered the largest crypt in Latin America, it is estimated that over 25,000 people are buried beneath the chapel of the church, mostly religious figures or devotees of various brotherhoods. In 1821, with the opening of the general cemetery, the catacombs ceased to be used.

After exploring the historic centre, we will head by vehicle to the district of San Isidro.

An olive grove

After about 40 minutes by vehicle, we’ll immerse ourselves in nature and fresh air at the El Olivar grove in the San Isidro district, one of the lungs of the metropolis once known as the “Garden City.”

Declared a National Monument in 1959, the history of this 10.36-hectare grove, featuring olive trees up to 350 years old, dates back to 1539 when the Dominican friar Martín planted the first olive trees in an area that was part of the Guatica lordship during pre-Hispanic times.

Experience the life and greenery of San Isidro, the financial heart of Peru. This grove is a refuge for wildlife, especially birds. Here, 22 species have been permanently recorded, along with another 35 that visit during certain times of the year. So, be sure to have your camera ready to capture some stunning shots!

Relaxed and refreshed, we will take you back to your hotel or to the previously arranged location after four hours of exploring two of the many faces of Lima—a city rich in diversity, proudly showcasing its roots and cultural heritage to the world.

Drop-off at hotels.

We will drop you off at your hotel in Miraflores or at the previously arranged location at approximately 1:00 p.m. for the morning tour, or around 6:30 p.m. for the afternoon tour.

Are the visit times to the attractions punctual?

No, all visit times are approximate, as they depend heavily on road traffic, visitors’ physical condition, and the weather. If you book a private tour, the times listed in the tour description are generally followed more closely.

What is the road like?

Most of the route is paved; however, the last part is a dirt road (compacted earth).

Where do I buy tickets to enter the attraction?

All entry tickets are purchased at the attraction’s gate on the day of the tour—just make sure to bring cash in Peruvian soles.

What are the differences between shared and private tours?

On a shared tour, you will join other tourists, with the group size typically averaging 20 people. The pick-up of tourists from the historic centre of Lima can take 30 to 40 minutes, and the guided tour is conducted in both Spanish and English.

However, if you book a private tour, it will be just for you and your travel companions (with no strangers). The pick-up will be very punctual, and once we pick you up from your hotel, we will immediately depart for the destination. The guided tour will be exclusively in either English or Spanish.

Do you have guaranteed departures every day?

Yes, we depart every day, but to ensure your spot on the bus, we recommend booking in advance.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can always cancel the tour, but there will be no refund unless you cancel at least 48 hours in advance.

How do refunds work?

You can request a refund as long as you cancel the tour 48 hours in advance.

When issuing a refund, we will deduct 5% of the total amount paid, as this is the commission charged by banks and PayPal for processing the transaction. Additionally, we do not cover the money transfer fee when issuing the refund.