Lima: City Highlights Walking Tour & Catacombs

Lima’s historic city center is a captivating destination, and the "City Highlights Walking Tour & Catacombs" provides an immersive experience for visitors. Exploring iconic landmarks like Plaza San Martín and the Saint Francis Monastery’s intriguing catacombs, this guided tour offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. With convenient hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and a complimentary bottle of water, it’s an enriching way to uncover the hidden stories that have shaped Lima’s enduring legacy.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour walking tour explores the historic center of Lima, including Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, Iglesia de La Merced, and the Monastery of San Francisco de Asis.
• Highlights include guided visits to the underground Catacombs beneath the Monastery of San Francisco and walking tours of iconic landmarks like Plaza de Armas.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and offers hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a complimentary bottle of water.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Based on 18 reviews, the tour has an exceptional rating of 4.9/5, with praise for the engaging guides and the overall value of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Lima City Highlights Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 3.5-hour exploration of the city’s historic center, priced at $44.00 per person.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a group size limited to 10 participants. Pickup is included from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or the historical center, with an extra fee for other districts.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, Iglesia de La Merced, Saint Francis Monastery, and Plaza de Armas, with guided visits and photo stops.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from selected locations in Barranco, Miraflores, Lima District, or San Isidro.

Guests will start the adventure at Plaza San Martín, surrounded by historic buildings and given a guided tour.

Next, they’ll walk through Jirón de la Unión, known for its aristocratic history.

The tour continues at the Iglesia de La Merced and the impressive Saint Francis Monastery, where they’ll discover the underground Catacombs.

After, the group will visit the House of Peruvian Literature and conclude at the iconic Plaza de Armas with a guided walk.

• Plaza San Martín (Photo stop, guided tour, 20 min)

• Jirón de la Unión (Guided walk, 20 min)

• Iglesia de La Merced (Guided walk, 15 min)

• Saint Francis Monastery (Guided tour, 1 hour)

• Plaza de Armas (Guided walk, 20 min)

Tour Highlights

Guests will first explore Plaza San Martín, surrounded by historic buildings from the late 19th century.

They’ll then visit Plaza Mayor, home to the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, and the Union Club.

Next, they’ll stroll along Jirón de la Unión, known for its aristocratic history.

The highlight is discovering the underground Catacombs at the Monastery of San Francisco de Asis, an intricate network of tunnels and chambers housing the remains of thousands.

Throughout the tour, guests will gain fascinating historical insights from the knowledgeable guide, making for an enriching exploration of Lima’s iconic landmarks.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key items to enhance the guest experience.

The tour provides:

A professional tour guide and driver, sharing their expertise throughout the journey.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day

• A professional tour guide and driver, sharing their expertise throughout the journey

• An entry ticket to the captivating Catacombs beneath the Monastery of San Francisco

• A refreshing bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walking tour

• Convenient accessibility, with the tour being wheelchair-friendly.

These inclusive offerings create a well-rounded, immersive experience for guests exploring the highlights of historic Lima.

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Preparation and Restrictions

To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience, guests are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, and carry a camera to capture the tour’s highlights.

Travelers should avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they may be cumbersome during the walking tour. Plus, unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted on the tour.

The tour operates rain or shine, so guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. If guests are bringing a stroller or wheelchair, they should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure accessibility.

Following these simple guidelines will help make the Lima City Highlights Walking Tour an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Customer Reviews

The Lima City Highlights Walking Tour has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 18 reviews.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, such as Saul and Pamela, who provide fascinating historical insights throughout the experience.

Key highlights noted in the reviews include:

• Exploring the iconic Plaza San Martín

• Discovering the underground Catacombs at the Monastery of San Francisco de Asis

• Walking through the aristocratic Jirón de la Unión

• Visiting the stunning Plaza de Armas and its surrounding landmarks

• The overall enjoyment and value of the 3.5-hour comprehensive tour.

Exploring Plaza San Martín

Plaza San Martín serves as an iconic starting point for the Lima City Highlights Walking Tour. This vibrant public square is surrounded by stately historic buildings, creating a picturesque backdrop for the tour. Visitors will gather here to begin their exploration of Lima’s rich heritage.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Photo Stop | Guests will have the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the plaza and its architectural gems. |

| Guided Tour | A knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of Plaza San Martín. |

| Duration | Approximately 20 minutes are allotted for this initial stop on the tour. |

Discovering the Catacombs

What awaits visitors as they delve deeper into the tour is the remarkable Catacombs beneath the Monastery of San Francisco de Asis.

Descending into this underground ossuary, guests encounter:

• Over 70,000 skeletons neatly arranged in intricate patterns and designs

• Illuminated bone-lined crypts and ossuary chapels

• Skulls, tibias, and femurs meticulously stacked in mesmerizing symmetry

• Unique funerary rituals and burial practices of colonial-era Lima

• A profound sense of history and mortality in the eerie, hallowed space

This macabre yet fascinating highlight offers an unparalleled glimpse into Lima’s past and the city’s complex relationship with death.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. Children of any age can participate, though unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Parents or guardians must accompany young children on the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides a complimentary bottle of water, but outside food and beverages aren’t allowed. Travelers should follow the tour guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and smooth experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but the tour operator recommends wearing comfortable shoes and clothes. Avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they may be inconvenient during the walking portions of the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

There’s no information about extending the tour duration. The standard tour lasts 3.5 hours, but you’ll need to check with the tour operator if you’d like to spend more time exploring the sights.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounts for students and seniors. Students receive a 10% discount, while seniors 65+ get a 15% discount on the tour price. These discounts must be requested at the time of booking.

The Sum Up

The "City Highlights Walking Tour & Catacombs" offers an immersive exploration of Lima’s rich history. With visits to iconic landmarks and the intriguing Catacombs, this guided tour provides an enriching adventure for history enthusiasts. With convenient pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and included water, it’s an excellent way to experience the city’s captivating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: