Lima City Tour: Local Guide, Port Pickup & Food Tasting

Summary

Discover Lima’s plazas catacombs & flavors with a local guide

You’ll taste new fruits at a bustling market, wander through Lima’s historic plazas with your local guide, explore mysterious catacombs beneath San Francisco church, and try your hand at making ceviche or Pisco Sour during lunch break. Expect laughter, stories, and glimpses into daily life you won’t find on your own.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — kind of sweet and sharp — when our guide, Rosa, handed us slices of lucuma at the market. I’d never tasted anything like it. She laughed when I hesitated (I guess my face said it all), then told us how her grandmother used to make ice cream from this fruit. That little moment set the tone for the whole Lima city tour: lots of stories, plenty of food, and not just ticking off sights.

We started out from the port in Callao in a comfy bus (air conditioning was honestly a relief), and within half an hour we were winding through Lima’s old streets. Rosa pointed out faded colonial balconies and explained why locals call it the City of Kings — something about Spanish ambitions, but also how people still gather in Plaza Mayor for protests or celebrations. The square itself felt huge and bright, with kids chasing pigeons near the old fountain. I tried to take a photo but got distracted by a street vendor selling purple corn juice — chicha morada? Still not sure if I liked it.

The catacombs under San Francisco church were colder than I expected. Rows of bones arranged in patterns — it’s both eerie and oddly peaceful down there. Rosa kept her voice low as she told us about Lima’s history with earthquakes and saints (I only caught half of it because I was busy watching dust motes in the light). After that, we had some free time for lunch; most of us ended up at a small place where they showed us how to make ceviche and Pisco Sour. My attempt at shaking the cocktail was... let’s say enthusiastic. The bartender gave me a thumbs up anyway.

Love Park in Miraflores was our last stop before heading back to Callao port. There’s this mosaic wall covered in poems — couples taking selfies everywhere. The ocean breeze felt good after the city heat. On the ride back, Rosa handed out city maps (which I promptly folded wrong) and answered questions about Peruvian food markets. It wasn’t rushed; more like wandering with someone who actually lives here. I still think about that first bite of lucuma sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lima City Highlights Tour

• Walk through historic streets
• Visit catacomb museum
• Explore Love Park in Miraflores
• See Lima Plaza Mayor sights
• Lunch and ceviche & Pisco Sour demo
• Photo stop at Plaza San Martin
• Visit typical local market

Top questions

Is pickup included from Callao cruise port?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Callao port are included in this tour.

How long is the Lima city tour from Callao?

The tour lasts several hours with multiple stops including lunch break.

Are meals included during the day trip?

No, meals are not included but there is time set aside for lunch at a local restaurant.

Is this Lima city tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces visited are wheelchair accessible.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, Love Park in Miraflores, San Francisco Church catacombs, and a typical market.

Will there be a local guide on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced local guide throughout the tour.

Are children allowed on this Lima city tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at Callao port so you don’t have to worry about transport logistics; bottled water to keep you going; an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops; guidance from a friendly local expert; plus free time for lunch where you can watch ceviche being made or try mixing your own Pisco Sour before heading back to your ship.