Lima: City Tour & San Francisco Catacombs with Churros

Summary

Walk Lima’s main square, explore catacombs & taste churros with a guide

You’ll walk Lima’s historic center with a local guide who actually makes history feel alive — from La Muralla Park to the shadowy catacombs under San Francisco Church. Expect moments of quiet awe (and maybe goosebumps), stories you won’t find online, and warm churros at the end. This is how Lima gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing by the old walls in La Muralla Park — there’s this mix of traffic noise and birds overhead, and then our guide, Ana, just started humming a song from her childhood. She said it was something about Lima’s “two faces,” which made sense once she pointed out the shiny new buildings peeking over the colonial ones. I kept getting distracted by all the colors — there’s graffiti everywhere, but also these faded yellow balconies that look like they’ve seen everything.

We wandered toward the San Francisco Church, which honestly looked less dramatic from outside than I’d imagined. But stepping inside was different — cool air, dim light, and this faint smell of wax and old paper. Ana joked that if you listen closely you can hear the monks’ footsteps in the halls (I tried, but mostly heard my own shoes squeaking). The catacombs were… well, weirdly peaceful? Bones stacked in patterns I didn’t understand. Someone in our group whispered “wow” but I just felt quiet for a bit. It’s not something you really get used to.

The main square was busy — school kids chasing pigeons, police watching everyone with that half-bored look. Ana talked about Peru’s tough years in the 80s and 90s; she got a little serious for a minute and then snapped back with some joke about politicians never changing. We finished with fresh churros from a street vendor (still warm, sugar sticking to my fingers) while Ana tried to teach us how to say “thank you” in Quechua. I probably butchered it, but she laughed anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima Historical Center highlights

• Begin at La Muralla Park
• Visit library, chorus, San Francisco Church
• Tour the Catacombs of San Francisco
• Learn about Peruvian languages and history
• Explore Lima Main Square and monuments

Top questions

How long does the Lima city tour & catacombs experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours through Lima’s historical center.

Are entrance tickets to San Francisco Catacombs included?

Yes, entrance fees for the San Francisco Church and Catacombs are included.

Is this Lima city tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, due to route conditions and safety reasons it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The certified guide leads tours in English and Spanish.

Does this tour include food or snacks?

Yes, Peruvian churros are included during the tour.

Where does the tour start?

The experience begins at La Muralla Park in central Lima.

What are some highlights visited on this day trip?

You’ll visit La Muralla Park, San Francisco Church & Catacombs, Main Square with presidential palace views.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to San Francisco Church and its catacombs plus fresh Peruvian churros along the way; you’ll be guided by a certified storyteller fluent in English or Spanish as you explore on foot through central Lima’s most historic sites.