Lima City Tour: Panoramic Bus, Historic Center & Santo Domingo

Summary

Miraflores views, Lima’s plazas & old streets by bus and foot

You’ll ride high above Miraflores on a panoramic bus, see Kennedy Park’s cats and ancient Huaca Pucllana before heading into Lima’s historic heart for a guided walk past Plaza San Martin and Jiron de la Union to Plaza Mayor. End with quiet moments inside Santo Domingo Monastery — it’s a mix of lively city life and peaceful corners you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

The tour kicked off right at Larcomar — honestly, I’d never seen a shopping center just sort of hanging over the edge of cliffs like that. The Pacific was this flat blue sheet below us, and there was already a salty breeze when we climbed onto the double-decker bus. Our guide, Rosa, waved us up top and joked about “free hairdos” from the wind. She pointed out Kennedy Park (so many cats! I lost count) and the Huaca Pucllana ruins poking out between apartment buildings. It’s wild how Miraflores mixes old and new — you’re passing trendy cafés one second, then suddenly there’s a pre-Inca pyramid right in the middle of things.

After rolling through Miraflores, we headed towards central Lima. The ride got noisier — more horns, more people leaning into doorways or calling to each other in Spanish. We hopped off near Plaza San Martin for the walking part. The plaza itself felt grand but also lived-in; older men reading newspapers on benches, kids chasing pigeons around the statue. Rosa told us about its UNESCO status but honestly I was distracted by the way sunlight hit those white colonial facades. We wandered down Jiron de la Union — it’s busy but not overwhelming — with street vendors selling everything from churros to knockoff sunglasses (I caved and bought some).

By the time we reached Plaza Mayor, my feet were starting to complain but I didn’t care much — you look up at the Cathedral of Lima and it’s like all that history presses in for a second. There was a wedding going on inside so bells echoed across the square (felt oddly cinematic). Rosa explained how this spot was basically where Lima began; she even pointed out bullet marks on one of the palace walls from an old coup attempt. That kind of detail sticks with you.

The last stop was Santo Domingo Monastery — pink walls faded by sun and time. Inside it smelled faintly of incense and something earthy I couldn’t place. It was quieter than outside; even our group lowered their voices without being told. There are old tiles everywhere and these cloisters where light falls just right in late afternoon. I still think about that silence sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Panoramic bus and historic center walk

• Depart from Larcomar
• View Kennedy Park and Huaca Pucllana
• Pass by Magic Water Circuit and Lima Art Museum
• Pass by Parque de la Exposición and Plaza Grau
• Pass by Paseo de los Héroes Navales and Museum of Italian Art
• Walk at Plaza San Martín
• Stroll along Jirón de la Unión
• Visit Plaza de Armas and see Cathedral
• See Government Palace and Municipal Palace
• End tour at Santo Domingo Monastery

Top questions

Where does the Lima city tour start?

The tour starts at Larcomar in Miraflores.

How long does this panoramic bus tour last?

The full experience is about 4 hours total: roughly 2-2.5 hours by bus through Miraflores plus 1-1.5 hours walking in central Lima.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is listed; the meeting point is Larcomar.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance tickets to both the panoramic bus and Santo Domingo Monastery are included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Do they provide WiFi on board?

Yes, free WiFi is available on the panoramic bus.

What sites do you visit during this day trip?

You’ll see Kennedy Park, Huaca Pucllana, Plaza San Martin, Jiron de la Union, Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), Cathedral of Lima (from outside), Government Palace (from outside), and finish at Santo Domingo Monastery.

Is lunch included on this Lima city tour?

No lunch is included; food can be purchased during stops if needed.

Are guides official or local residents?

The walking tour in central Lima is led by an official guide.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both the panoramic bus ride through Miraflores and guided access to Santo Domingo Monastery in central Lima. You’ll have an official guide for your walk through historic downtown plus free WiFi onboard and USB chargers at every seat—handy if you’re snapping lots of photos or need directions after finishing up at Santo Domingo.