Lima City Tour & Pachacamac Pyramids: Small Group with Catacombs

Two ancient worlds in one day: pre-Columbian pyramids and colonial Lima underground

A small-group tour of Lima and Pachacamac combines the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Pachacamac (a major religious center since 200 AD with Inca pyramids), and Lima's Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You visit San Martín Square and the Main Square with the Presidential Palace and Cathedral, then explore the San Francisco Monastery and its underground catacombs with a guide who explains Peru's layered history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pachacamac and Lima landmarks

• Visit Pachacamac archaeological site
• Lunch break at local restaurant
• Visit San Martín Square
• Visit Main Square and see landmarks
• Explore San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Museo de Sitio y Santuario Arqueologico de Pachacamac Entry included 2h
2. San Martin Square 30m
3. Main Square 30m
4. Church and Convent of Saint Francis Entry included 1h

What’s included

• Guided tour of Pachacamac Archaeological Site and Museum.
• all entrance tickets.
• knowledgeable tour guide in English or Spanish.
• guided exploration of the San Francisco Monastery and underground catacombs.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Lima center.

Times

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• Tuesday to Sunday 09:00

Information

Small-group tour exploring Lima's Historic Center, San Francisco Monastery catacombs, and Pachacamac archaeological site with expert guide and hotel pickup.

Group Up to 14 1 similar private tour ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended with heart problems

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.90 ★★★★★ Exceptional 10 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts at Pachacamac, one of the largest religious centers on the Peruvian coast. The compound holds buildings from different kingdoms spanning centuries, with majestic pyramids the Incas built to honor the Sun. Your guide walks you through the architectural precision of the structures while explaining the customs and traditions of the ancient civilizations that built them. A 1-hour-30-minute lunch break at midday gives you time to eat at a local restaurant the guide recommends.

After lunch, the tour moves into Lima's Historic Center. You see San Martín Square, built in 1900 to mark a century of Peruvian independence, surrounded by Neoclassic buildings. Then comes the Main Square, the most representative plaza in Peru, where you stand in front of the Presidential Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. The guide points out the architectural details and the history each building holds.

The final stop is the San Francisco Monastery, the most interesting museum in downtown Lima. Your guide leads you through the underground catacombs, explaining the rich history of Peru's capital as you move through the passages. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Lima center and returns you at the end of the day.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is Pachacamac and why does it matter?

Pachacamac is a pre-Columbian archaeological site that served as a major religious and cultural center for centuries, with buildings dating back to 200 AD and majestic pyramids the Incas later built to honor the Sun. It is one of the largest religious centers that ever stood on the Peruvian coast.

Can I actually go inside the catacombs under San Francisco Monastery?

Yes, the tour includes a guided exploration of the underground catacombs beneath the San Francisco Monastery, where your guide explains the history of Lima as you move through them.

How much time do I spend at each stop?

You spend the morning at Pachacamac, then break for lunch for 1 hour 30 minutes. The afternoon covers San Martín Square, the Main Square and the San Francisco Monastery catacombs. The full tour runs 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is the tour physically demanding?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, as it involves walking through archaeological sites and monuments.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes all entrance tickets to Pachacamac and the San Francisco Monastery, a knowledgeable guide in English or Spanish, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and pickup and drop-off from your Lima hotel or neighborhood. Meals and beverages are not included, though the guide recommends restaurants during the lunch break.

Operated by Lima Highlights Travel & Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

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