Lima City Tour: Catacombs, Plaza Mayor & Love Park with Pickup

Summary

Walk Lima’s old streets, taste chocolate, see the catacombs and the sea

You’ll wander through Lima’s Love Park above crashing waves, taste cocoa at the chocomuseum downtown, try your hand at mixing pisco sours in a colonial bar, and descend into the haunting catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent—all with a local guide who brings Peru’s capital to life around you.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes in Miraflores and there was that salty breeze off the Pacific — not cold exactly, just enough to wake me up. Our guide, Rosa, greeted us with this half-smile that made me feel like I was about to hear some good gossip. First stop: Parque del Amor. I’d seen photos but standing there with the mosaic walls under my hands (cool tiles, a little gritty), watching couples take awkward selfies under “El Beso” — it felt less staged than I expected. The ocean looked almost silver that morning. Rosa told us about Víctor Delfín’s sculpture and how locals come here at sunset. I tried to imagine it crowded with teenagers sneaking kisses but it was just quiet today.

We rolled past Huaca Pucllana — you only get a panoramic look from outside on this tour, which is fine if you’re short on time. The old adobe bricks stand out against all the glassy new buildings; it’s wild how ancient stuff just sits right in the city here. Then we headed downtown for the main event: Lima’s historic center. Plaza Mayor is busy — horns, church bells, vendors selling purple corn drinks (chicha morada). Rosa pointed out the government palace and slipped in these odd little facts about viceroys and revolutions. I probably forgot half of them already but I remember her laugh when someone asked if presidents actually live there (they do… sometimes).

The chocomuseum was next — honestly, I didn’t expect much but tasting cocoa jam straight from a tiny spoon? Weirdly addictive. There’s something about standing in an old building with chocolate smells mixing with traffic fumes from outside that sticks with me. We wandered through artisan shops too; I nearly bought a woven hat until I realized my suitcase was already full of regrets (and sweaters). Then we ducked into this bar inside an old colonial house where we learned how to make pisco sour. My first try was mostly foam and lime — even Rosa winced but cheered me anyway.

Finally came the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs — colder down there than you’d think, stone underfoot and this musty air that clings to your jacket. Bones stacked in patterns, skulls staring back; it’s both eerie and kind of peaceful in a way I can’t explain well. Our guide kept her voice low as she told stories about Lima’s past lives above our heads. When we came back up into daylight everything felt sharper somehow — colors brighter, noises louder. If you want to see Lima in one day without feeling rushed or lost, this city tour does it right… though I still think about those bones sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lima city tour and catacombs visit

• Pick up travelers from selected locations
• Visit Love Park in Miraflores
• Panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana site
• Walk through Lima Historic Center and main square
• Visit ChocoMuseum and taste chocolate products
• See House of Peruvian Literature and artisan shops
• Learn to prepare Pisco Sour in colonial bar
• Guided tour of San Francisco Convent and catacombs
• Return to hotel or optional lunch/dinner in center

Top questions

How long does the Lima city tour last?

The tour covers several key sites in Lima over a few hours; exact duration depends on traffic and pace but is designed as a half-day experience.

Is hotel pickup included for this city tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Jorge Chávez Airport based on your booking option.

Do we go inside Huaca Pucllana during the tour?

No, you view Huaca Pucllana from outside as part of a panoramic stop; entry is not included.

Are entrance fees for San Francisco Catacombs included?

Yes, entry to the San Francisco Museum & Catacombs is included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this Lima city tour?

No lunch is included; after finishing at the convent you can stay downtown for lunch or dinner on your own.

Is this Lima city tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap and infant seats are available if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The official guide speaks Spanish and English during the city tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point (or even straight from Lima airport if you want), comfortable transportation between stops around Miraflores and central Lima, entry tickets for San Francisco Museum & Catacombs plus guided visits at every main site—so you won’t miss any stories behind those old walls or mosaics before heading back whenever you’re ready.