Lima Highlights: Barranco, Miraflores, Catacombs & Local Lunch

Summary

Historic Lima, lively districts and flavors in one full city day

You’ll wander Lima’s artistic Barranco district, step quietly through historic catacombs beneath San Francisco Monastery, taste local dishes in Miraflores with views of the Pacific coast, and sample exotic fruits at Surquillo Market—all with hotel pickup and a local guide making sure you don’t miss what matters most.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Lima would be the smell — a mix of sea air and street food as we rolled through Chorrillos up to Morro Solar. Our guide, Lucía, pointed out the city below, all hazy blue and cream rooftops. There was this old man selling tiny bags of cancha (those crunchy corn things) at the viewpoint — I bought some just because he smiled at me. The wind up there is sharp but not cold; it kind of wakes you up for what’s next.

We zigzagged into Barranco after that, which Lucía called “the soul of Lima.” She told us about poets and painters who used to haunt these streets — I’m still not sure if she made up half those stories or not. The murals are wild here; colors everywhere, even on the undersides of balconies. At the Puente de los Suspiros, couples were taking selfies and there was a guy strumming an old guitar. Someone had chalked a poem on the wall. I tried reading it out loud but butchered the Spanish so badly that Lucía just laughed and said I had “spirit.”

The historic center felt heavier somehow. Plaza San Martin’s white buildings looked almost too clean against the traffic noise and car horns. Jirón de la Unión is all bustle — music from somewhere above a bakery, kids weaving between people selling churros. We ducked into the San Francisco Monastery for the catacombs (the main keyword slipped my mind until then), which honestly gave me chills: cool air, bones stacked like some strange art project from centuries ago. It’s weird how quiet people get down there.

Lunch in Miraflores was simple but good — arroz con pollo and this purple corn drink I can never pronounce right (chicha morada?). We sat by Parque del Amor after, watching surfers far below in the gray-green Pacific while cats wandered around Kennedy Park like they owned it all. The market stop in Surquillo was a riot of smells: mangoes, fresh fish, something earthy I couldn’t place. A woman handed me a slice of lucuma to try; it tasted sort of like caramel but not quite.

I keep thinking about how much Lima fits into one day when someone else handles all the details — tickets for the catacombs ready, lunch sorted out before I even got hungry, Lucía answering every question (even when I asked twice). It wasn’t perfect; traffic is nuts and sometimes you can’t hear everything over horns or laughter or both at once. But honestly? That’s what made it feel real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima's historic and modern districts

• Visit San Martin Square
• Walk along Jiron de la Union street
• Tour Monastery of San Francisco and catacombs
• See Plaza de Armas
• View Presidential Palace and changing of guard
• Panoramic view of Lima Cathedral
• Visit oldest convent in South America
• Lunch in Miraflores
• Visit Parque Del Amor and Parque Kennedy
• Visit Morro Solar viewpoint in Chorrillos
• Explore Barranco district and Puente de los Suspiros
• Visit Surquillo local market and taste products

Top questions

How long does this Lima highlights tour last?

The tour lasts around 8 hours total.

Is lunch included on this Lima city tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included during your day trip.

Which neighborhoods do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Chorrillos (Morro Solar), Barranco, Miraflores, Surquillo Market, and Lima’s Historic Center.

Are entrance fees covered for attractions like the catacombs?

Yes, entry tickets to the San Francisco Monastery catacombs are included.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is provided for your convenience.

Is this Lima tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What should I wear or bring for this full-day Lima trip?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; bringing water is recommended.

Will we see both modern & historic parts of Lima?

Yes—you’ll explore both old colonial sites and lively modern districts like Miraflores.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided along the way. All entry fees—including access to San Francisco Monastery’s catacombs—are handled for you. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Miraflores before continuing through colorful markets and parks with your knowledgeable guide leading each step.