Lima Discovery Walking Tour With a Local

Delving into Lima’s rich colonial heritage, the Lima Discovery Walking Tour with a Local promises an immersive 3.5-hour experience. Exploring stunning sites like the San Francisco Convent, guests will also savor a complimentary Pisco Sour and gain insights into local culinary traditions at the Central Market. With a small group size of just 12 participants, this eco-friendly tour utilizing public transportation offers a personalized cultural understanding of Peru. What else can this tour uncover?

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Key Points

A 3.5-hour walking tour of Lima’s colonial architecture, including the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs, and a visit to the lively Central Market.
Guided by a local who provides historical context, language lessons, and insights into Peruvian culture and culinary traditions.
Utilizes public transportation and local vendors, promoting responsible tourism practices such as carbon neutrality and support for local conservation efforts.
Offers a complimentary Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru, to enhance the cultural experience.
Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small-group setting for personalized attention and interaction with the local guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Lima Discovery Walking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant city of Lima like a local. Priced from $39 per person, the 3.5-hour tour is led by an English-speaking guide and capped at 12 participants.

Travelers will use the city’s public transportation to visit key sites, including colonial balconies, the San Francisco Convent, the Catacombs, Plaza de Armas, and the Basilica of San Pedro. They’ll also explore the lively Central Market and enjoy a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink.

With free cancellation and carbon-neutral operations, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience.

Into exploring Lima on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Getting to the Meeting Point

Travelers can reach the meeting point, the front door of the Virgen Milagrosa Church next to Miraflores City Hall in Kennedy Park, via various modes of transportation.

Getting there is straightforward:

Public buses: Lima has an extensive bus network, with routes that pass through Kennedy Park.
Taxis: Affordable and widely available, taxis can take visitors directly to the meeting point.
Uber/Rideshare: Convenient app-based rides can drop off travelers right at the church’s front door.
Walking: For those staying nearby, the church is an easy 5-10 minute walk from many Miraflores hotels.

Exploring Colonial Architecture

From the meeting point, the tour begins with an exploration of Lima’s colonial architecture.

Strolling through the historic streets, travelers witness the city’s Spanish-influenced buildings, adorned with ornate balconies and intricate details.

The grand Plaza de Armas, surrounded by the Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace, provides a glimpse into the capital’s past.

The tour then visits the iconic San Francisco Convent, known for its stunning Baroque-style architecture and underground catacombs.

Throughout the experience, the guide shares insights into the significance and evolution of Lima’s colonial heritage, bringing the city’s history to life for participants.

Discovering the San Francisco Convent

One of the highlights of the Lima Discovery Walking Tour is the visit to the iconic San Francisco Convent. This 17th-century architectural marvel offers a glimpse into Peru’s colonial past.

Travelers can:

Admire the ornate Baroque-style facade and intricate carvings.
Explore the expansive complex, including the cloisters, library, and chapels.
Descend into the eerie catacombs, where the bones of over 25,000 people are neatly arranged.
Learn about the convent’s role in Lima’s religious and social history from the knowledgeable local guide.

The San Francisco Convent provides a captivating window into Lima’s rich heritage and is a must-see on this comprehensive walking tour.

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Experiencing the Central Market

What can visitors expect at the Central Market during the Lima Discovery Walking Tour?

They’ll explore the bustling indoor market, filled with vibrant stalls selling an abundance of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and local delicacies.

Guides provide insight into Peruvian culinary traditions, helping participants navigate the lively atmosphere and sample regional specialties.

Travelers learn about common ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine and pick up tips on selecting the best fruits and vegetables.

The market visit offers a hands-on culture, allowing participants to interact with local vendors and gain a deeper appreciation for Lima’s vibrant food culture.

There's plenty more to explore in Lima

Learning Local Spanish Phrases

How do participants learn local Spanish phrases during the Lima Discovery Walking Tour? As they explore the city’s landmarks, the knowledgeable guide provides practical language lessons.

Participants learn:

Common greetings, such as "Hola" and "Buenos días."
Useful phrases for inquiring about directions, prices, and ordering food.
Vocabulary related to the cultural sites and local customs.
Tips on pronunciation and conversational etiquette to engage with locals.

Through these interactive lessons, travelers gain confidence and a deeper appreciation for the Peruvian language and culture, enriching their overall Lima experience.

Indulging in the Iconic Pisco Sour

As part of the Lima Discovery Walking Tour, participants have the opportunity to indulge in the iconic Pisco Sour, a quintessential Peruvian cocktail.

The tour includes a complimentary Pisco Sour shot, allowing travelers to savor this refreshing blend of Pisco brandy, lime juice, egg white, and simple syrup.

Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru, and this experience allows visitors to appreciate its unique flavor profile and cultural significance.

The tour guide provides insights into the history and preparation of this beloved beverage, enhancing the overall immersive cultural experience.

Responsible Tourism Practices

The tour company behind the Lima Discovery Walking Tour is B Corp certified, emphasizing its commitment to responsible tourism practices.

This certification ensures the company meets rigorous social and environmental performance standards.

Some of their responsible practices include:

Carbon neutral tours operated using public transportation to minimize emissions.
Sourcing food and drinks from local vendors at the Central Market to support the community.
Providing cultural education to foster intercultural understanding and appreciation.
Donating a portion of profits to local conservation efforts.

Since You Asked

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

Based on the tour details provided, it doesn’t seem guests can bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes snacks, drinks, and a Pisco Sour shot, suggesting outside items are not permitted.

Is There Any Discount for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour offers a 10% discount for seniors (65+) and students with valid ID. You’ll need to mention the discount when booking to receive the reduced price.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Speak with the guide in advance, and they’ll tailor the experience to accommodate your preferences and ensure you get the most out of the tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour is reasonably accessible for those with mobility issues. Participants can take taxis or buses between stops, while the walking portion is mostly flat and covers short distances. The guide can provide assistance as needed.

What Is the Policy for Bringing Pets on the Tour?

Pets are not permitted on the tour. The tour is designed for walking and exploring the city, so bringing pets would not be practical or appropriate. Participants should leave their pets at home for this 3.5-hour walking experience.

The Sum Up

The Lima Discovery Walking Tour with a Local offers an immersive 3.5-hour exploration of Lima’s colonial heritage. Guests enjoy a personalized experience, exploring stunning sites like the San Francisco Convent and Plaza de Armas. They learn about local culinary traditions, practice Spanish phrases, and indulge in the iconic Pisco Sour, all while utilizing eco-friendly public transportation. This tour provides an enriching cultural understanding of Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: