Lima Food Tour: 12 Peruvian Snacks, Catacombs & Pisco Bar

Summary

Snack through Lima’s markets, Chinatown streets and ancient catacombs

You’ll taste your way through Lima’s vibrant markets and Chinatown with a local guide, sampling 12 classic Peruvian snacks like ceviche and picarones. Explore the eerie catacombs beneath San Francisco Church before unwinding at Plaza San Martín or sipping an optional Pisco Sour nearby. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that linger after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up mostly for the food. But walking into Lima’s Central Market that morning, the noise and colors just hit me all at once. Our guide, Lucía, was already waving us over by a stall stacked with limes and purple corn. She handed me a tiny cup of chicha morada (I spilled a bit on my shirt — classic) and started talking about how this drink is everywhere here. The air smelled like fried dough and something sweet I couldn’t place yet.

We wandered past stalls where vendors called out in Spanish — I tried to say “gracias” with my best accent and got a big smile back. Lucía made us try anticuchos (beef heart on a stick), which sounded intimidating but honestly? It was juicy and smoky, nothing like I expected. There were so many snacks — pan con chicharrón that crunched when you bit in, picarones dripping with syrup, even these little siu mae dumplings in Chinatown that reminded me of Sunday mornings at home but different somehow. My favorite was probably the jugo de lúcuma — creamy, almost caramel-like. I still think about that taste sometimes.

The city changed as we walked: from the chaos of the market to the hush inside San Francisco Church. The catacombs were colder than I thought they’d be; Lucía’s voice echoed as she explained how people lived here centuries ago. It felt strange seeing all those bones lined up beneath such a beautiful old church. Then outside again — bright sun, people selling churros on Avenida Abancay (yes, we ate one more thing), music floating from somewhere nearby.

We finished at Plaza San Martín where everyone seemed to slow down for a while. Some of our group went for the optional Pisco Sour at this famous bar nearby (not included in the price). I just sat on the steps eating exotic fruit from the market, watching families laugh together under palm trees. If you want a day trip in Lima that’s more than just sightseeing — with real snacks and stories woven in — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima's culture and snacks

• Begin tour at La Muralla Park
• Pass Barrios Altos, try Ceviche and Chicha Morada
• Explore China Town, taste Siu Maes
• Visit Central Market, try Anticuchos, Picarones, and Lucuma juice
• Try Pan con Chicharron and Emoliente at Chinitos Restaurant
• Visit Lima Main Square, see Presidential Palace and Cathedral
• Explore San Francisco Church, Convent, and Catacombs
• Try Churros snack
• Walk Avenida Abancay, taste Papa Rellena and Choclo con Queso
• Relax at Plaza San Martín
• Optional: Visit famous bar for Pisco Sour

Top questions

How many snacks do you try on this Lima food tour?

The tour includes tastings of 12 different Peruvian snacks across several stops.

Does this Lima food tour include entry to the catacombs?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at La Muralla Park.

Can vegetarians join this Lima food tour?

The tour features some meat-based snacks like anticucho; options may be limited for vegetarians.

Is the Pisco Sour included in the price?

No, the Pisco Sour at the final bar is optional and not included in the tour price.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The route isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or strollers due to uneven paths and stairs.

How long does this day trip in Lima last?

The experience covers several hours including walking between markets, monuments, and snack stops.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Lima’s Central Market and Chinatown with tastings of 12 traditional Peruvian snacks (like ceviche, pan con chicharrón, picarones), entry to San Francisco Church’s catacombs with all fees covered, plus time to relax at Plaza San Martín or visit a renowned bar for an optional Pisco Sour before heading off on your own adventure again.