Exploring the architectural wonders of Lima’s past isn’t just a leisurely activity – it’s a chance to step back in time and uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage. On this intimate small-group tour, visitors will have the unique opportunity to venture into the private homes that have stood the test of centuries, revealing the intricate details and stories that lie behind their walls. From the well-preserved Casa Osambela to the historic Casa de Aliaga, this immersive experience promises to captivate and inspire, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Lima’s remarkable past.
Key Points

- This small-group architecture tour in Lima, Peru, offers an intimate exploration of historical private homes and other key structures.
- The 4-hour tour visits sites like Casa Osambela, Casa de Aliaga, and Universidad Mayor San Marcos, providing insights into Lima’s colonial and republican heritage.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 guests, ensuring a personalized experience with a professional guide.
- Included in the tour are round-trip hotel transport, entrance fees, and a Pisco Sour tasting at the iconic Hotel Bolivar.
- The tour is accessible for children, wheelchair users, and stroller users, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
Tour Overview

The small-group architecture tour in Lima, Peru offers visitors a 4-hour exploration of the city’s historical structures from the colonial and republican eras.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 guests, providing an intimate experience. Key sites include Casa Osambela, Casa de Aliaga, Universidad Mayor San Marcos, and Hotel Bolivar, where guests can enjoy a traditional Pisco Sour.
Round-trip hotel transport, a professional guide, entrance fees, and refreshments are included, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
The tour starts at 2:00 PM, with pickup available from hotels in Miraflores or the Hilton Lima Miraflores.
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Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip hotel transport, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the experience.
Guests will also enjoy:
- A professional guide who provides insights into Lima’s architectural heritage
- Entrance fees to the tour sites, including historical structures from the colonial and republican eras
- Bottled water to stay hydrated and a Pisco Sour at the iconic Hotel Bolivar
These inclusions create a seamless and enriching tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy Lima’s captivating architectural landscape without worrying about logistics or added costs.
Pickup Information

Pickup for the small-group tour of Lima’s architecture is available from hotels in Miraflores or at the Hilton Lima Miraflores.
Guests meet the guide in the lobby or entrance of their hotel. At the end of the tour, guests return to the same pickup location.
The tour starts at 2:00 PM and confirmation is provided at booking. Children are welcome when accompanied by 2 paying adults.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible and near public transportation. Infant seats are available on request.
Tour Details

The tour starts promptly at 2:00 PM. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, so guests can be assured their spot is secured.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
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Minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18 years, so younger guests can still enjoy the full experience.
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Child rates apply when sharing with 2 paying adults, making it a great option for families.
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The tour concludes at the same location as the pickup point, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience.
Historical Structures

Guests on the small-group tour of Lima can expect to visit several historical architectural sites that showcase the city’s rich colonial and republican heritage. These include the Casa Osambela, a well-preserved colonial mansion, the Casa de Aliaga, one of the oldest houses in Lima, the Universidad Mayor San Marcos, the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas, and the iconic Hotel Bolivar, a landmark of early 20th century architecture.
| Site | Architectural Style | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Osambela | Colonial | Well-preserved 18th century mansion |
| Casa de Aliaga | Colonial | One of the oldest houses in Lima |
| Universidad Mayor San Marcos | Colonial | Oldest continuously operating university in the Americas |
| Hotel Bolivar | Republican | Iconic early 20th century landmark |
These sites offer guests a unique glimpse into Lima’s storied past.
Architectural Highlights

The tour’s architectural highlights showcase Lima’s rich colonial and republican legacy.
Guests visit the elegant Casa Osambela, a prime example of 18th-century aristocratic architecture. The tour also features the Casa de Aliaga, one of the oldest continuously inhabited private residences in the Americas, dating back to the 1500s.
Plus, the group explores the iconic Universidad Mayor San Marcos, the oldest continuously operating university in the Americas, boasting a striking Baroque-style façade.
These architectural gems provide a window into Lima’s history and offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.
- Casa Osambela
- Casa de Aliaga
- Universidad Mayor San Marcos
Pisco Sour Experience
After exploring the architectural landmarks, the tour culminates with a Pisco Sour experience at the iconic Hotel Bolivar.
Pisco is Peru’s national spirit, and the Pisco Sour is its quintessential cocktail. Guests will savor this refreshing blend of pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, which creates a frothy, balanced drink.
The stunning lobby of the Hotel Bolivar provides the perfect setting to enjoy this iconic Peruvian libation. This finale offers a delightful conclusion to the tour, allowing guests to relax and reflect on the rich architectural heritage they’ve discovered throughout Lima.
Reviews and Feedback

According to 4 reviews, the small-group tour of Lima’s architectural sites has earned an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Guests highlighted the guide’s extensive knowledge, which brought the city’s historical structures to life. However, some noted that traffic in Lima impacted the time spent exploring the sites.
The experience seems to be well worth the price, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour appears to provide a compelling glimpse into Lima’s architectural heritage:
- Knowledgeable guide
- Traffic impact on tour duration
- Competitive pricing with flexible cancellation
Sum Up
This small-group tour of Lima’s private homes offers a unique glimpse into the city’s architectural heritage. Guests will explore well-preserved colonial and republican structures, receiving personalized insights from a professional guide. The tour culminates with a refreshing Pisco Sour at the iconic Hotel Bolivar, providing a memorable taste of Peru’s rich culture. It’s an intimate and immersive experience not to be missed by those interested in Lima’s history and architecture.
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