Lima: Guided City Excursion With Catacombs Museum

Lima is a vibrant city with a rich history waiting to be explored. This guided city excursion offers visitors the chance to explore the colonial architecture, iconic sites, and fascinating catacombs that have captivated travelers for centuries. From the Plaza San Martín to the Main Square, the English-speaking guide will bring the city’s past to life, leaving you eager to uncover more of Lima’s captivating cultural heritage.

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Key Points

This 3.5-hour guided city excursion in Lima, Peru, provides a rundown of the city’s colonial architecture and historical sites.
The tour includes stops at Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, and the Saint Francis Monastery Catacombs, with an English-speaking guide accompanying the group.
The tour is priced at $40.50 per person and includes pickup/drop-off and air-conditioned transportation, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of the itinerary include a 45-minute guided tour of Plaza San Martín, 45 minutes at Plaza de Armas, and one hour of exploration at the Catacombs Museum.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage are not allowed, but comfortable clothing is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided city excursion in Lima, Peru takes visitors on a 3.5-hour journey through the city’s historical landmarks and colonial architecture.

Priced at $40.50 per person, it includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

The tour stops at Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, and the Saint Francis Monastery Catacombs, allowing guests to explore Lima’s rich history.

Booking is flexible, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Reviewers praise the tour’s informative content and enthusiastic guide, making it an excellent introduction to Lima’s culture.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Lima might interest you

Itinerary Highlights

The guided city excursion takes visitors on a carefully curated journey through Lima’s historical highlights.

It begins with a 45-minute guided tour of Plaza San Martín, followed by another 45 minutes at the iconic Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square.

The tour’s centerpiece is the visit to the Saint Francis Monastery Catacombs, where visitors spend an hour exploring the underground ossuary.

The excursion concludes with drop-offs at Barranco, San Isidro, and Miraflores.

Throughout the tour, participants learn about Lima’s colonial architecture and key historical sites from the knowledgeable local guide.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Lima city excursion tour includes pickup and drop-off from specified areas within Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle and a local English-speaking guide.

Visitors will also receive an entrance ticket to the Catacombs Museum.

However, the tour doesn’t include transfer from or to the Lima Airport or Callao area, nor does it cover food and beverages.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

Comfortable clothing is recommended, and there are dining options available at local restaurants.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Lima city excursion tour, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

Travelers like Kelly from the USA highlighted the guide’s enthusiastic historical insights, while Joanna from Australia recommended the tour as a great introduction to Lima’s history and culture.

However, Markus from Germany noted that no photography was allowed in the catacombs, which some may find disappointing.

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Important Information

Comfortable clothes are recommended for participants to wear on the Lima city excursion tour.

The itinerary is flexible, and tour times may vary, so travelers should check availability before booking. Food options are available at local restaurants near the tour stops.

Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so travelers should pack light. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Lima

Exploring Plaza San Martín

Plaza San Martín serves as the starting point for the guided city excursion.

Guests will spend around 45 minutes exploring this historic plaza, admiring its colonial architecture and learning about its significance.

The guide will provide insights into the plaza’s history, including its namesake – José de San Martín, the South American independence leader.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos of the impressive monuments and buildings surrounding the plaza, such as the Grand Hotel Bolivar and the Government Palace.

This introduction sets the stage for the rest of the immersive journey through Lima’s rich past.

Discovering the Main Square

After exploring the historic Plaza San Martín, the tour heads to the city’s crown jewel – the Plaza de Armas, also known as the Main Square.

The guide provides insights into the square’s significance:

The plaza is surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
Visitors can witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Government Palace, a daily ritual that showcases the pageantry of Peru’s military traditions.
The plaza’s central fountain, adorned with bronze statues, stands as a testament to Lima’s past and present, inviting visitors to explore the city’s rich history.

Delving Into the Catacombs Museum

What lies beneath the bustling streets of Lima? An eerie, underground labyrinth of catacombs, home to the skeletal remains of thousands. As part of the tour, visitors explore this macabre attraction – the Saint Francis Monastery Catacombs. Over an hour, a knowledgeable guide leads guests through the dimly lit passages, exposing the curious history and mystique of this ossuary. Visitors gaze upon stacked skulls and bones, contemplating mortality. Though photography is prohibited, the experience leaves a lasting impression.

| Catacomb Facts | | |

| — | — | — |

| 25,000 | Skeletons Interred | Estimated |

| 1672 | Year Established | As Ossuary |

| Guided | Tour Duration | 1 Hour |

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum group size. Most guided excursions are open to individual travelers, though the price may vary for larger groups. The key details focus on the tour’s inclusions, schedule, and customer reviews.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Bags Allowed?

According to the tour details, large bags or luggage are not allowed on this tour. Only comfortable clothing is recommended for participants.

Can I Purchase Food and Beverages During the Tour?

The tour does not include food and beverages, but there are local restaurants available where you can purchase them during the tour. Bringing your own snacks or drinks is also allowed.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops at Local Markets or Shops?

The tour does not include any stops at local markets or shops. However, according to the itinerary, there are food options available at local restaurants during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

No, the tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is fixed at $40.50 per person, with a 10% savings compared to the original $45 rate, regardless of age or student status.

The Sum Up

This guided Lima city excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the iconic Plaza San Martín to the fascinating Saint Francis Monastery Catacombs, the tour provides an immersive experience. With an English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and flexible booking options, it’s an excellent way to discover the highlights of Lima.

You can check availability for your dates here: