Lima: Free Walking Tour of the Historic Center!

Exploring Lima’s rich history has never been more accessible. The Free Walking Tour of the Historic Center offers an engaging and budget-friendly opportunity to discover the city’s iconic landmarks. Led by knowledgeable guides, the two-hour tour covers must-see sites like Plaza de Armas and Convento de San Francisco, providing insights into Lima’s vibrant past. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, it’s a hassle-free way to take in the heart of Peru’s capital. What secrets might this tour unveil about the city’s captivating heritage?

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Key Points

A free 2-hour walking tour of Lima’s historic center, led by live guides in English and Spanish.
Key landmarks on the tour include Plaza de Armas, Pasaje Santa Rosa, and Convento de San Francisco.
Cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made without upfront payment.
Tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience, and knowledgeable local guides provide insights into Lima’s rich history.
Multiple tour times available daily, accommodating diverse schedules, with both English and Spanish language options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The free walking tour of Lima’s Historic Center provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Priced at $0.00 per person, the 2-hour tour is led by live guides in English and Spanish. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour hits key landmarks like the Plaza de Armas, Pasaje Santa Rosa, and the Convento de San Francisco. Knowledgeable guides lead the way along an off-the-beaten-path route, offering in-depth historical insights.

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Itinerary Highlights

This free walking tour of Lima’s Historic Center kicks off at the Monumento a Ramón Castilla.

Guests will first visit the Taulichusco monument for 15 minutes. Next, they’ll explore the Plaza de Armas for 15 minutes with a guide.

The tour continues to the Plazuela Santo Domingo and Pasaje Santa Rosa, spending 5 and 7 minutes respectively.

Guests will then see the Union Club and Museo Postal y Filatélico del Perú for 5 and 10 minutes.

Finally, they’ll visit the Government Palace, Casa del Oidor, and House of Peruvian Literature before finishing at the Convento de San Francisco.

Tour Features and Benefits

A key benefit of this free walking tour is the full-history exploration with expert guides.

These knowledgeable locals provide a deep dive into Lima’s rich past, taking visitors off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems.

The tour also includes:

Professional guides included at no extra cost.
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel for added convenience.
An opportunity to experience Lima’s historic center like a local, away from the typical tourist traps.

With its compelling itinerary and exceptional value, this free walking tour is an excellent way to discover the heart and soul of Lima.

Tour Schedule

Four English-guided tours are offered each day, at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Spanish-guided tours are also available at the same times. This allows visitors to choose the language that suits them best.

| Tour Schedule | | |

|—————|——————-|——————-|

| Language | Morning (11:00 AM) | Afternoon (3:00 PM) |

| English | Monday to Saturday | Monday to Saturday |

| Spanish | Monday to Saturday | Monday to Saturday |

The variety of tour times ensures that there’s an option to fit most schedules, making the free walking tour an accessible and convenient way to explore Lima’s historic center.

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Important Information

Visitors are encouraged to bring a hat, drinks, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes to make the most of the free walking tour.

Bring a hat, drinks, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes to fully enjoy the free walking tour.

Certain items are prohibited, including:

Alcohol
Drugs
Littering, bare feet

Guests are expected to follow tour guidelines and not disturb the experience for others.

Tipping the knowledgeable guides is recommended at 30 soles per person based on the quality of the tour.

It’s important to note that this free walking tour is only open to international visitors, and Peruvian guests/travelers aren’t allowed to participate.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Lima

Taulichusco Monument

The Taulichusco Monument stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Lima’s Historic Center.

This 15-minute stop on the free walking tour provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the monument’s significance. Named after a native Inca leader, the monument honors the indigenous roots of Peru’s capital city.

Guides share the history of Taulichusco and the role he played in the Spanish conquest. Visitors can admire the impressive sculpture and take in the surrounding architecture, gaining a deeper appreciation for Lima’s diverse past.

This stop offers a glimpse into the city’s multilayered identity.

Plaza De Armas

The Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Lima, captivates visitors with its colonial-era grandeur.

This stunning square features:

The baroque-style Cathedral of Lima, showcasing intricately carved wooden altars and beautiful stained-glass windows.
The Government Palace, the official residence of the President of Peru, with its striking neoclassical architecture.
The Archbishop’s Palace, a remarkable example of 17th-century Spanish colonial design.

Wandering through the plaza, one is transported back in time, surrounded by the well-preserved buildings and the lively energy of this iconic public space at the center of Lima’s historic district.

Museo Postal Y Filatélico Del Perú

The Museo Postal y Filatélico del Perú, a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of Peru’s postal and philatelic industries, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the country’s communication heritage.

Established in 1975, the museum houses an impressive collection of stamps, postcards, and other postal artifacts that trace the development of Peru’s postal system from the colonial era to the present day.

Visitors can learn about the significant role that the postal service has played in shaping Peru’s cultural and economic identity, as well as explore the intricate designs and themes depicted on the country’s diverse stamp collection.

Things To Know

What Are the Local Transportation Options to Reach the Starting Point?

To reach the starting point at Monumento a Ramón Castilla, visitors can take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation like buses or the Metro. Specific route details are not provided, so guests should plan their travel accordingly.

Are There Any Food or Beverage Options During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or beverage options, but you’re welcome to bring your own drinks. There are no scheduled stops for refreshments during the 2-hour walking tour.

Can I Join the Tour if I Arrive Late at the Starting Location?

Yes, you can join the tour even if you arrive late at the starting location. The tour guides typically wait for all guests to arrive before beginning the walk. However, you may miss some of the initial stops if you’re significantly late.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed throughout the tour. The tour guides encourage participants to capture the historic sights and landmarks along the route. However, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disrupting the experience for others.

Do You Provide Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the free walking tour is already very affordable at no upfront cost, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Sum Up

The free walking tour of Lima’s historic center is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour covers must-see sites like Plaza de Armas and Convento de San Francisco, all for the unbeatable price of $0.00. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Lima like a local.

You can check availability for your dates here: