From Lima: Pre-Hispanic + Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour

Discover the captivating history of Lima on this comprehensive city tour. From the ancient Huaca Pucllana to the colonial grandeur of the historic center, you’ll uncover the city’s diverse cultural heritage. With a knowledgeable guide, explore iconic landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the renowned Convent of San Francisco. This 6-hour experience offers a seamless blend of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern elements, providing an immersive insight into the heart of Peru’s capital. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you intrigued and eager to learn more.

Key Points

• This comprehensive 6-hour tour takes visitors through the pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern aspects of Lima’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
• The tour begins at the Huaca Pucllana, a significant pre-Columbian religious and administrative center dating back to 200-700 AD.
• Visitors explore the historic city center, including the Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and the Convent of San Francisco.
• Highlights include the ornate colonial architecture, religious art, and catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco, as well as the Olivar de San Isidro Park.
• The tour includes hotel pick-up, entrance tickets, a professional guide, and round-trip transportation, providing a convenient and immersive experience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Lima City Tour, titled "Pre-Hispanic + Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.

Priced from $48.00 per person, the 6-hour tour promises a memorable experience. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, the tour provides flexibility and convenience.

Covering key highlights like Huaca Pucllana, the historic city center, and contemporary Lima, the tour is led by professional guides and includes hotel pick-up, entrance tickets, and round-trip transportation.

Highlights of the Pre-Hispanic Era

Huaca Pucllana, an ancient ceremonial site, marks the starting point of the Lima City Tour.

This archaeological complex dates back to 200-700 AD and was once a major religious and administrative center of the Lima culture. Visitors can explore the impressive adobe and clay pyramid, which provides a glimpse into pre-Columbian civilization.

The site offers insights into the architectural techniques, religious practices, and social structure of this ancient Peruvian culture.

From this historical starting point, the tour proceeds to explore Lima’s colonial and modern landmarks, offering a rundown of the city’s rich heritage.

Exploring the Historic Center of Lima

After exploring the ancient ceremonial site of Huaca Pucllana, the tour moves on to the historic center of Lima.

The guide leads the group through the following highlights:

1. La cartera República, a bustling commercial district

2. Plaza San Martin, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings

3. Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square featuring the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima

4. Convent of San Francisco, known for its colonial religious art and underground catacombs

The tour provides an immersive glimpse into Lima’s rich history, from its pre-Hispanic roots to its colonial and modern influences.

Significant Landmarks and Architecture

As the tour progresses, visitors are treated to a wealth of significant landmarks and impressive architecture that showcase Lima’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour includes the iconic Plaza Mayor, the heart of colonial Lima and home to the Government Palace. Nearby, the Convent of San Francisco captivates with its ornate religious art and catacombs.

In contemporary Lima, the tour visits Olivar de San Isidro Park and the romantic Parque del Amor, offering scenic vistas and a glimpse into the city’s vibrant modern face.

These landmarks provide a well-rounded exploration of Lima’s diverse architectural and historical tapestry.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Convent of San Francisco

The tour now ventures to the Convent of San Francisco, a captivating historical landmark known for its remarkable colonial religious art and atmospheric catacombs.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Explore the ornate church, admiring the intricately carved altars, frescoes, and religious artifacts.

2. Descend into the underground catacombs, where the intertwined skeletal remains of thousands of Lima’s historical residents are on display.

3. Learn about the convent’s storied past and its role in Lima’s colonial history.

4. Marvel at the impressive Mudéjar-style architecture, a unique blend of Spanish and Moorish influences.

Experiencing Contemporary Lima

What better way to conclude the Lima city tour than by immersing oneself in the vibrant contemporary side of the city?

The tour wraps up at Olivar de San Isidro Park, a lush urban oasis home to diverse flora and fauna. Nearby is the charming Parque del Amor, known for its iconic love sculptures and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

This segment offers a refreshing contrast to the historic sites explored earlier, showcasing Lima’s modern evolution. Travelers can soak in the city’s contemporary energy and get a well-rounded understanding of this dynamic destination.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Though the Lima city tour provides a comprehensive experience, it’s important to note the specific inclusions and exclusions.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pick-up service from Miraflores

2. Entrance tickets to all sites

3. Professional tour guide in English and Spanish

4. Basic first aid kit and round-trip transportation

However, the tour excludes meals, extra expenses, and any services not specified.

Travelers should also keep in mind that tips for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price. Knowing the inclusions and exclusions ahead of time can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Communication and Customer Service

Recognizing the importance of effective communication, the tour operator provides a WhatsApp number with the country code to facilitate seamless coordination with travelers.

This allows guests to easily reach out with any questions or updates before and during the tour. The tour company is committed to delivering the best possible service, ensuring travelers have a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

They’re dedicated to addressing any concerns promptly and making necessary adjustments to meet the needs of each guest. This commitment to communication and customer service is a key aspect of the Lima city tour experience.

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The tour provides hotel pick-up service and transportation, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can fully participate in the historic and cultural exploration of Lima.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour includes transportation, it doesn’t provide meals. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour. However, the company doesn’t provide any storage or refrigeration for packed lunches.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Tour participants should avoid tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops to ensure they’re appropriately dressed for historical sites and churches visited during the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Travelers can extend the tour duration if needed, but they’ll need to coordinate with the tour operator in advance. Additional fees may apply for extending the tour beyond the standard 6-hour itinerary.

How Do I Communicate Special Dietary Requirements?

To communicate special dietary requirements, you can let the tour company know when booking or contacting them via WhatsApp. They’ll work to accommodate your needs and ensure you have an enjoyable experience on the tour.

The Sum Up

The "From Lima: Pre-Hispanic + Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour" offers an immersive 6-hour exploration of Lima’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will uncover the city’s ancient roots at Huaca Pucllana, stroll through the historic center, and marvel at the Convent of San Francisco‘s impressive religious art. With comprehensive inclusions and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of Lima’s diverse past and present.

You can check availability for your dates here: