Exploring Lima’s rich history and cultural heritage is a captivating experience, and a visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco is a must-do. Descending into the underground chambers, visitors are transported back in time, surrounded by the haunting beauty of human skulls and bones. As expert guides shed light on the macabre customs that shaped the city, the tour offers a thought-provoking glimpse into Lima’s past, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the city’s fascinating legacy.
- Key Points
- Exploring Lima’s Historical Landmarks
- Delving Into the Catacombs of San Francisco
- Experiencing Pisco Sour Preparation and Tasting
- Discovering the Chocolate Museum
- Personalized Attention With Small Group Size
- Accessibility and Convenience
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Tour Guides
- Flexibility and Customization Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Join the Tour if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
- Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
- Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
- Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?
- The Sum Up
- More Private Tours in Lima
- More Guided Tours in Lima
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Key Points
- The tour includes a visit to the captivating Catacombs of San Francisco, an underground ossuary filled with human skulls and bones in Lima.
- Guides provide insight into the history and customs that shaped Lima’s colonial society, including the use of the catacombs as burial sites.
- The tour also features visits to other historical landmarks in Lima, such as the Park of Love, Huaca Pucllana, and the iconic Plaza Mayor.
- Travelers can experience a hands-on demonstration and tasting of the iconic Peruvian pisco sour cocktail.
- The small group size ensures a personalized and attentive experience, allowing for in-depth exploration of the sites and historical information.
Exploring Lima’s Historical Landmarks
As visitors embark on this tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore Lima’s captivating historical landmarks.
They’ll visit the Park of Love, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Next, they’ll discover the Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Hispanic archaeological site.
The tour then takes them to the iconic Plaza Mayor, the heart of colonial Lima, and the Convent Museum of San Francisco, known for its impressive catacombs.
Throughout the journey, the guide will share insightful information about Lima’s diverse historical periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city’s rich heritage.
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Delving Into the Catacombs of San Francisco

Beneath the Convent Museum of San Francisco lie the captivating catacombs, a labyrinth of underground ossuary chambers that serve as a haunting reminder of Lima’s colonial past.
Visitors can descend into this eerie necropolis, where thousands of human skulls and bones are artfully arranged along the walls and floors.
Guides share the history of these catacombs, which were used as a burial site for the city’s religious elite and poorer residents alike.
The experience offers a unique glimpse into Lima’s macabre past and the customs that shaped its colonial society.
Experiencing Pisco Sour Preparation and Tasting

What better way to take in Lima’s vibrant culture than by learning the art of preparing and tasting the iconic pisco sour?
As part of the tour, guests are treated to a hands-on demonstration of this quintessential Peruvian cocktail. Under the guidance of the knowledgeable tour guide, participants discover the proper techniques for mixing the perfect pisco sour, blending the distinctive spirit with lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
Following the preparation, guests savor the refreshing, frothy beverage, savoring the balance of flavors that has made the pisco sour a beloved centerpiece of Peruvian gastronomy.
Discovering the Chocolate Museum
One highlight of the tour is the opportunity to explore the Chocolate Museum.
Visitors can discover the rich history and production of Peruvian cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate. At the museum, they’ll learn about the traditional methods used to transform cacao beans into the beloved confection.
Guests can observe live chocolate-making demonstrations and even participate in interactive workshops to create their own unique chocolate treats.
The museum’s exhibits provide a fascinating look into Peru’s vibrant chocolate culture and the country’s status as a leading global producer of high-quality cacao.
Personalized Attention With Small Group Size

The small group size of this tour ensures a personalized and attentive experience for travelers.
A small group size ensures a personalized and attentive experience for travelers on this tour.
With a limited number of participants, the guide can provide more individualized attention and respond to specific questions or interests. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of the sites and a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural information being shared.
The small group setting also fosters a sense of camaraderie among the travelers, enabling them to engage with one another and share their perspectives throughout the tour.
This intimate experience is a key highlight that sets this Lima tour apart.
Accessibility and Convenience
This tour is designed to be accessible and convenient for travelers.
The tour offers several features to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience:
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The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs.
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Roundtrip transfers from hotels in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are included, providing door-to-door service.
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Travelers can choose from various meeting points across different districts, making it easy to join the tour.
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With a small group size, guests can expect personalized attention from the official tour guide.
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The tour also offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Tour Guides

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who lead this excursion.
Reviewers highlight guides like Roxanna, David, Oswaldo, Arlete, and Narda, who provide informative historical insights and engage guests throughout the tour.
The guides skillfully navigate the itinerary, sharing their expertise on Lima’s pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern periods.
Guests appreciate the guides’ enthusiasm and ability to create a personalized experience, even in small groups.
The guides’ accommodating nature and willingness to address questions make the tour both educational and enjoyable for participants.
Flexibility and Customization Options

Along With the comprehensive standard tour, the operator offers customizable options to suit diverse traveler preferences.
The tour can be tailored to accommodate:
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Larger or smaller group sizes
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Specialized interests, such as architecture, gastronomy, or history
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Flexible start and end times
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Private or semi-private experiences
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Additional stops or activities, like a visit to the Larco Museum or a culinary workshop.
This flexibility allows travelers to curate their Lima sightseeing experience to match their specific needs and interests, ensuring a more personalized and enriching exploration of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join the Tour if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance, and the guide will work to ensure they have an enjoyable experience that meets their dietary needs.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request an extended tour when booking, for an additional fee. The tour company offers flexibility to customize the experience based on customer needs and preferences.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour operator offers discounted rates for children and seniors, though the exact discount amounts are not specified. Guests should inquire about any available child or senior pricing when booking the tour.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator has a policy of only permitting service animals for guests with disabilities. Bringing personal pets would not be possible for this sightseeing experience in Lima.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?
The tour doesn’t provide water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. This will ensure you stay hydrated and energized throughout the half-day tour experience. However, a pisco sour tasting is included as part of the itinerary.
The Sum Up
Exploring Lima’s captivating history, visitors can experience the haunting beauty of the Catacombs of San Francisco, learn about traditional pisco sour preparation, and discover the city’s thriving chocolate culture. With personalized attention, knowledgeable guides, and customizable options, this tour offers a unique and immersive glimpse into Lima’s past, leaving a lasting impression on participants.
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