Lima Bus Tour: Historic Center & Catacombs of Saint Francis

Exploring the rich history of Lima is a captivating experience. The "Lima Bus Tour: Historic Center & Catacombs of Saint Francis" takes visitors on a 3-hour guided journey through the city’s iconic sites. From the colonial grandeur of San Martin Square and Plaza de Armas to the haunting catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco, this tour offers a glimpse into Lima’s past. With convenient transportation, panoramic views, and a flexible booking policy, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure. What secrets lie buried beneath the city’s historic streets?

Key Points

• 3-hour excursion through Lima’s historic heart, including the catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco.
• Tour highlights colonial landmarks like San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, and pre-Inca sites.
• Offers panoramic views, round-trip transport, and guided exploration of Lima’s diverse architectural styles.
• Flexible scheduling and easy cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Opportunity to visit the vast network of catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Lima bus tour: Historic Center & Catacombs of Saint Francis is a 3-hour excursion that takes visitors through the historic heart of Lima.

Priced from Kč 899 per person, the tour departs from Miraflores at 11 am and returns around 2 pm.

Offered in English and Spanish, the tour highlights include the catacombs, San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, and views of San Isidro and Parque de la Reserva.

The tour includes round-trip transport, an official guide, panoramic views, and entrance to the Museum and Convent of San Francisco.

Booking Information

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Alternatively, they can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring their place is secured without any upfront costs.

To join the tour, guests must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled bus departure.

The meeting point provides a convenient starting location, allowing participants to meet their guide and fellow travelers.

• Easy cancellation policy

• Pay later option

• Arrive early for smooth check-in

• Flexible scheduling to fit your plans

Historic Center Highlights

One of the highlights of the Lima bus tour is the exploration of the city’s historic center.

The tour takes visitors through San Martin Square and Plaza de Armas, the heart of Lima’s colonial heritage. Guests admire the republican residences influenced by European and American architecture.

The tour also includes a visit to the Archaeological Center of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca site dating back 1500 years.

The tour then passes through San Isidro, the financial capital, and Parque de la Reserva, showcasing the city’s diverse architectural styles and historical significance.

Catacombs of Saint Francis

Beneath the historic Convent of San Francisco lies a vast network of catacombs, housing an estimated 70,000 human remains.

Visitors can explore this eerie underground ossuary, which:

Visitors can explore this eerie underground ossuary, which features intricate patterns and designs created with neatly arranged bones and skulls.

• Dates back to the 16th century, when the catacombs were used as the church’s cemetery

• Features intricate patterns and designs created with the neatly arranged bones and skulls

• Provides a somber glimpse into the Catholic burial practices of colonial-era Lima

• Offers a chilling yet fascinating insight into the city’s history and its mortality

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Architectural Influences

Lima’s historic center showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.

Travelers will marvel at the Republican residences, which blend European and American design elements. Ornate balconies, intricate facades, and neoclassical flourishes transport visitors to a bygone era.

The juxtaposition of these grand structures with modern skyscrapers in the financial district of San Isidro creates a unique visual tapestry.

This architectural diversity illustrates Lima’s rich history and the city’s evolution over the centuries, offering a glimpse into its cultural heritage.

Financial Capital and Park

The tour also takes visitors through San Isidro, Lima’s financial capital.

This upscale district is home to:

• Towering skyscrapers that house major banking and corporate headquarters

• Upscale shopping malls and gourmet restaurants catering to the city’s elite

• Manicured parks and plazas, including the Parque de la Reserva with its iconic water fountains

• Stunning colonial-era mansions and embassies that reflect the area’s prestigious status

After exploring the historic center, the tour provides a glimpse into the modern face of Lima, highlighting the stark contrast between the city’s past and present.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation on the Mirabus tourist shuttle, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the historic sites.

The Mirabus tourist shuttle offers convenient and hassle-free round-trip transportation for exploring the historic sites.

Travelers will have the guidance of an official, English-Spanish speaking tour guide who’ll share their expertise.

The tour covers panoramic views of Lima’s landmarks and includes admission to the Museum and Convent of San Francisco, home to the city’s famous catacombs.

Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Lima are also provided, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Customer Feedback

The tour’s highlights include:

• Exploring the largest catacombs in the continent, housing an estimated 70,000 remains

• Visiting Lima’s historic center, including iconic landmarks like San Martin Square and Plaza de Armas

• Admiring the city’s unique blend of European and American architectural influences

• Discovering the archaeological wonders of the Huaca Pucllana site, dating back over 1500 years.

Since You Asked

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Catacombs?

Photography is generally allowed inside the catacombs, though it’s recommended to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions. Visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash, which could damage the delicate historic site.

Can I Leave the Tour Group During the Visit?

Participants generally cannot leave the tour group during the visit. Most guided tours require guests to stay with the group for the duration of the experience. Leaving the group may not be permitted or could result in missing important information or activities.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It involves exploring the catacombs, which could be overwhelming or unsafe for young kids. Parents should consider the child’s age and interest level before booking this tour.

How Long Do We Spend at Each Site?

The tour spends approximately 1 hour at the Catacombs of Saint Francis and 2 hours exploring Lima’s historic center, including visiting San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, and the Archaeological Center of Huaca Pucllana.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the sights and take photos. The tour provides all necessary access and transportation.

The Sum Up

The Lima Bus Tour: Historic Center & Catacombs of Saint Francis offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Visitors can explore the historic center, admire the architecture, and uncover the eerie catacombs beneath the Convent of San Francisco. With convenient transport, flexible booking, and panoramic views, this tour provides a memorable and insightful adventure for those seeking to experience Lima’s rich history.

You can check availability for your dates here: