Lima: San Francisco and Huaca Pucllana Half-Day Tour

Delving into Lima’s rich heritage, the San Francisco and Huaca Pucllana Half-Day Tour offers an immersive experience. Strolling through the city’s UNESCO-listed old town, visitors can marvel at the stunning colonial architecture of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, including its captivating underground catacombs. The tour also unveils the ancient significance of Huaca Pucllana, a remarkable pyramidal structure that provides breathtaking views of the modern city skyline. This 3-hour journey promises an unforgettable adventure, leaving one eager to uncover more of Lima’s cultural treasures.

Good To Know

• Explore Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center and visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco with its colonial architecture and underground catacombs.
• Discover the ancient Huaca Pucllana ceremonial center, featuring a 25-meter tall pyramidal structure built by the Lima culture.
• Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour available in English and Spanish, with pickup service from key locations in Lima.
• Learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage and gain insights into the significance of the visited sites.
• Wear comfortable attire and shoes, as the tour involves walking, but large bags are not permitted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Lima: San Francisco and Huaca Pucllana Half-Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Lima’s historic landmarks, including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and the ancient ceremonial center of Huaca Pucllana.

Priced from $81 per person, the 3-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Pickup service is included from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre of Lima.

The tour highlights the UNESCO-listed old town, the catacombs beneath San Francisco Church, and the pyramidal structure of Huaca Pucllana.

Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended, and large bags aren’t permitted.

Tour Highlights

Exploring Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of this half-day tour.

The tour also takes visitors to the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, featuring stunning colonial architecture, serene monastic cloisters, and a fascinating collection of religious art.

Delving into the underground catacombs at San Francisco Church adds an element of mystery and discovery.

The underground catacombs at San Francisco Church offer an intriguing element of mystery and discovery.

The tour culminates at Huaca Pucllana, a remarkable ceremonial center with a pyramidal building from the Lima culture, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient heritage.

Highlights include:

• Exploring Lima’s UNESCO-listed old town

• Visiting the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

• Discovering the underground catacombs

• Touring the Huaca Pucllana ceremonial center

Exploring Lima’s Old Town

As visitors wander through Lima’s historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re struck by the well-preserved colonial architecture that lines the streets.

One of the highlights is the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, which features intricate baroque and neoclassical design. Visitors can explore the monastic cloisters and admire the church’s impressive collection of religious art.

Beneath the cathedral lie the mysterious catacombs, where thousands of skeletal remains are interred.

This captivating tour through Lima’s historic center provides a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

Why is the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco one of the highlights of the Lima tour? Visitors are captivated by the colonial architecture, monastic cloisters, and the impressive collection of religious art.

Descending into the underground catacombs is a unique experience, where you can see the intricate bone arrangements. The tour guide provides fascinating insights into the history and significance of this iconic landmark.

Descending into the underground catacombs is a unique experience, where visitors can see the intricate bone arrangements and learn about the landmark’s history.

Exploring the Basilica and Convent is an immersive journey that transports you back in time and offers a glimpse into Lima’s rich cultural heritage.

Key highlights include:

• Colonial architecture and monastic cloisters

• Extensive collection of religious art

• Eerie underground catacombs

• Guided tour with historical context

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Discovering the Underground Catacombs

The underground catacombs beneath the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco are a captivating and eerie highlight of the Lima tour.

Visitors descend into a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors lined with the remains of thousands of people. Rows of neatly stacked bones and skulls create an unsettling yet fascinating sight.

The tour guides provide insightful commentary, explaining the historical significance of the catacombs and the burial practices of colonial-era Lima.

Exploring this subterranean necropolis offers a unique window into the city’s past and the traditions that shaped its cultural identity.

Exploring Huaca Pucllana

After exploring the historic San Francisco Church, the tour takes visitors to the impressive archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana.

This ceremonial center features a pyramidal building constructed by the Lima culture, providing a glimpse into the city’s pre-Columbian past.

Visitors can:

• Marvel at the adobe and clay brick structure, which stands 25 meters tall.

• Learn about the religious and cultural significance of the site.

• Discover the role Huaca Pucllana played in the development of Lima’s early civilizations.

• Appreciate the stunning views of the modern city skyline from the archaeological site.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a professional bilingual guide, and admission to the San Francisco Church and Huaca Pucllana.

A tour package that includes pickup, drop-off, a bilingual guide, and admission to two historic sites in San Francisco.

However, gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered. Pickup from private residences or Airbnbs is also excluded.

Rates don’t apply for Peruvians or foreign passengers whose stay exceeded 60 days in Peru, as sales taxes may apply in those cases.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Oversize luggage and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.

Important Information and Restrictions

Although the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

Rates don’t apply for Peruvians or foreign passengers whose stay exceeded 60 days in Peru, as sales taxes may apply.

To ensure a smooth tour, oversize luggage, large bags, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunscreen

• Comfortable clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour From a Different Pickup Location?

No, you can’t join the tour from a different pickup location. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and the Historic Centre of Lima, but not from private residences or Airbnb.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, there’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a pre-set 3-hour experience that can’t be customized. However, you can explore Lima further on your own after the tour.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any specific dietary requirements. Participants can bring their own snacks and beverages, but there’s no indication of any provided meals or dietary accommodations during the 3-hour tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the San Francisco Church?

Yes, you can take photos inside the San Francisco Church during the tour. However, it’s important to be respectful and avoid disrupting the religious atmosphere or interfering with other visitors.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with visitors exploring the historic old town, San Francisco Church, and Huaca Pucllana site. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour includes both indoor and outdoor activities spanning approximately 3 hours.

The Sum Up

This half-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Lima’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will discover the architectural wonders of the UNESCO-listed old town, including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and its fascinating underground catacombs. The tour also features the ancient Huaca Pucllana site, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s pre-Columbian history. With comfortable attire recommended, this adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the vibrant blend of colonial and indigenous influences in Lima.

You can check availability for your dates here: