Discovering the vibrant culture and rich history of Lima is made easy with the City Highlights Tour. This 4-hour guided experience showcases the city’s iconic sights, from the enchanting Parque del Amor to the captivating Convent of San Francisco. Guests can also savor a classic Pisco Sour while exploring the city’s historic plazas and landmarks. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a comfortable and immersive way to uncover the hidden gems of Peru’s capital.
Key Points
- This 4-hour Lima city highlights tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided visits to top attractions, and a traditional Pisco Sour tasting.
- Key sights on the tour include Parque del Amor, Huaca Pucllana, Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, and the Convent of San Francisco.
- Participants travel via van with multiple stops, including a 40-minute guided tour of the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility impairments, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour price starts from $40 per person and has a flexible cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Lima City Highlights Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks and historical sites. Priced from $40 per person, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided visits to key attractions, and a traditional Pisco Sour tasting.
Highlights include the Parque del Amor, Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas, and the Convent of San Francisco.
The tour provides a flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, making it a convenient option to experience Lima’s top sights.
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Itinerary and Highlights
The Lima City Highlights Tour begins with a pickup from hotels in Miraflores, allowing visitors to dive right into the city’s captivating sights.
The tour includes:
Admiring the iconic El Beso sculpture at Parque del Amor, exploring the ancient adobe pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, and more.
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Admiring the iconic El Beso sculpture at Parque del Amor
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Exploring the ancient adobe pyramid of Huaca Pucllana
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Strolling through the historic Plaza San Martín and Plaza de Armas, home to the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and Lima Cathedral
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Guided tour of the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, housing the remains of over 25,000 people
The tour culminates with a tasting of the traditional Peruvian cocktail, the Pisco Sour.
Transportation and Stops
After being picked up from hotels in Miraflores, the tour participants travel via van with multiple stops throughout the city.
First, they’ll spend 5 minutes at Parque del Amor to admire the famous El Beso sculpture. Next, they’ll visit Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid, for another 5 minutes.
Then, they’ll explore Plaza San Martín for 5 minutes before walking for 30 minutes to Plaza de Armas.
The highlight is a 40-minute guided tour of the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs.
Finally, they’ll spend 30 minutes at a local bar for a traditional Pisco Sour tasting.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guided tour of Lima’s highlights, entrance to the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, and a Pisco Sour tasting.
However, it excludes meals, drinks (unless specified), tips, and personal expenses.
Key inclusions and exclusions:
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Includes:
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Guided tour of Lima’s top sights
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Entry to Convent of San Francisco and catacombs
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Pisco Sour tasting
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Visit to Central Reserve Bank (subject to availability)
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Excludes:
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Meals and drinks (unless specified)
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Tips
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Personal expenses
Important Information and Recommendations
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as moderate walking is involved. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and carry water to stay hydrated.
Flash photography is prohibited inside certain areas. Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside historical sites. Smoking is also not permitted.
Guests are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the highlights of the tour. Following these recommendations will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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Exploring Parque Del Amor and Huaca Pucllana
The tour begins with a visit to Parque del Amor, also known as the Park of Love. This scenic spot offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can admire the famous "El Beso" sculpture, which depicts a couple in a passionate embrace.
The tour then proceeds to the ancient Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid dating back to 200-700 AD. Guests will explore this significant archaeological site and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of this pre-Columbian structure.
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Admire the "El Beso" sculpture at Parque del Amor
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Panoramic visit to the ancient Huaca Pucllana pyramid
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Explore the pre-Columbian adobe structure
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Discover the cultural and historical significance of the site
Discovering Lima’s Historic Plazas and Landmarks
After exploring the scenic Parque del Amor and ancient Huaca Pucllana, the tour proceeds to discover Lima’s historic plazas and landmarks.
First, it visits Plaza San Martín, the city’s main square, and Plaza de Armas, the historic center featuring the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Municipal Palace, and the iconic Lima Cathedral.
The tour then leads guests on a guided visit through the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, which house the remains of over 25,000 people.
This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth look at Lima’s rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders.
Taking in the Convent of San Francisco and Catacombs
Stepping inside the Convent of San Francisco, guests are immersed in the history and spiritual significance of this iconic site.
The guided tour leads visitors through:
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Ornate cloisters adorned with azulejo tiles
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Lush courtyards and tranquil gardens
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The grand Baroque church with its impressive dome
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The catacombs beneath, housing the remains of over 25,000 people
Descending into the catacombs, guests experience a solemn and captivating atmosphere, surrounded by the carefully arranged bones and skulls of Lima’s past inhabitants.
This unique glimpse into the city’s history and religious traditions leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Since You Asked
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is suitable. It’s best to avoid wearing expensive or formal attire that may be impractical for the moderate walking involved.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
The tour operator doesn’t allow personal food or drinks, except for water, to be brought on the tour. Snacks and other beverages aren’t permitted inside the historical sites visited during the tour.
Are Audio Guides Available During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t provide audio guides. Visitors must rely on the live guided commentary during the tour. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is not allowed inside the historical sites visited on the tour.
Can I Pay With a Credit Card on the Tour?
Yes, guests can pay with a credit card for this tour. The tour booking includes the option to reserve their spot without any upfront payment, allowing them to pay later.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and others. Travelers can inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure it’s offered in their preferred language.
The Sum Up
The City Highlights Tour in Lima offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. Priced at $40 per person, this 4-hour guided experience showcases the city’s top attractions, including a Pisco Sour tasting, the Convent of San Francisco, and the captivating catacombs. With hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a comfortable and stylish way to explore Lima’s iconic sights.
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