2-Day Lima Tour: Pachacamac, Historic Center & Magic Waters
Two days, four Lima landmarks, one port departure
A 2-day shore excursion from Callao Port combining Inka history, colonial architecture and modern Lima in a single itinerary. Day one covers Pachacamac's mud-brick pyramids and the Inka Palace, moves through the Historic Center's Gran Hotel Bolívar and Saint Francisco Monastery catacombs, and ends at the Magic Water Circuit light show. Day two is a walking tour of Marcahuasi, a hilltop community, with panoramic city views and exotic fruit tasting. Professional guides lead in English or Spanish, with all entry tickets, transport, meals and water included.
Compare the 4 alternatives
- 78 reviews
- 4.55★
- Duration
- 6h
- 17 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 8h 30m
- Tue–Sun
- 08:30
- 31 reviews
- 4.71★
- Duration
- 5h
- start times · Every day
- 2
- 2 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 8h 30m
- start times · Every day
- 2
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Explore Pachacamac, Lima Center, Magic Water
- Meet at Callao Port at 8:30 AM
- Visit Pachacamac pyramids and temple
- Tour Gran Hotel Bolívar and Plaza San Martín
- Explore Saint Francisco Monastery catacombs
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Enjoy Magic Water and Laser Light Show
- Dinner with local tapas
Day 2: Shanty Town Tour and City Views
- Walk through Lima shanty town community
- Experience local culture and social life
- Hike to hilltops for panoramic city views
The experience
Two days starting at 8:30 AM from Callao Port, you move through Lima's layers: first the Inka world at Pachacamac, where you walk the mud-brick pyramids, the Inka Palace and original trail networks, then stand at the Temple of the Sun overlooking both the Green Valley and the ocean. The guide contextualizes what you'll see later in Cusco and Machu Picchu: the engineering, religion and social structure that built the Andes.
Day one continues into the Historic Center, where you visit the Gran Hotel Bolívar and Plaza San Martín before descending into the underground catacombs beneath Saint Francisco Monastery to uncover colonial secrets. That evening you watch the Magic Water Circuit, a fountain complex holding the Guinness record for the largest in the world, with 13 different fountains lit and choreographed through the night.
Day two takes you on foot up to Marcahuasi, a hilltop community where the majority of Lima's population lives under a shared social system. The walk rewards you with panoramic views across the city's landscape, and you taste exotic local fruits while connecting with residents eager to share their culture and traditions. Air-conditioned transport moves you between sites. A professional driver and guide handle all logistics. Lunch and dinner are included, along with bottled water and local snacks.
What’s included
- Professional guide in English or Spanish.
- entrance tickets to Pachacamac, the catacombs and Magic Water Park.
- air-conditioned vehicle and private driver.
- lunch and dinner.
- bottled water and local snacks.
- all fees and taxes.
Before you book
Lasts 2d, runs every day at 08:30, from US$ 225 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 7 days ago
Operated by HAKU TOURS
Is this one for you?Book this if your cruise gives you a full day or more and you want one guided journey covering Inka ruins, colonial Lima, and a working community, rather than piecing together separate stops.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What exactly is Pachacamac and why does the tour start there?
Pachacamac is an ancient Inka oracle site known as the "Creator of the Earth," a place of profound spiritual importance where grand festivities and sacred offerings took place. The tour begins there because it provides essential context for Inka engineering, religion and social structure before you visit Cusco or Machu Picchu. You walk the mud-brick pyramids, the Inka Palace and original trail networks, then climb to the Temple of the Sun for ocean views.
What happens inside the Saint Francisco Monastery catacombs?
The catacombs beneath Saint Francisco Monastery in Lima's Historic Center are underground burial chambers from the colonial era. You venture deep into them with your guide to uncover the secrets of how colonial Lima was organized and who was buried there, moving through the passages beneath one of the city's architectural crown jewels.
Is the Magic Water Circuit show worth the time on a short cruise stop?
The Magic Water Circuit holds the Guinness record for the largest fountain complex in the world and displays 13 different fountains with interactive lighting and color choreography. It runs at night and is one of Lima's main attractions. The tour times your visit to catch the full show as part of day one, so you see it without arranging a separate evening outing.
What is Marcahuasi and what do you actually do there?
Marcahuasi is a hilltop community where a large part of Lima's population lives under a shared community system. On day two you walk uphill through the neighborhood, experiencing the vibrant community spirit firsthand, enjoying panoramic views of the city's landscape from the top, and tasting exotic local fruits while residents share their culture and traditions with you.
How much walking is involved on this 2-day tour?
Day one includes walking tours at Pachacamac and through the Historic Center, with descents into the monastery catacombs. Day two is a walking tour to the hilltops of Marcahuasi. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, and bring a water bottle and spare camera battery.
2-Day Lima Tour: Pachacamac, Historic Center & Magic Waters
2d · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 225 per person