Lima: Highlights Day Tour with Catacombs & Ceviche Lunch

Summary

Huaca Pucllana ruins, ceviche at the market, street art in Barranco and San Francisco catacombs in one day

You’ll meet locals at Lima’s bustling fish market, taste fresh ceviche for lunch, walk through colorful Barranco murals, and explore the eerie catacombs beneath San Francisco church—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s a day that’ll stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our driver grinning when we tried to pronounce “Huaca Pucllana” — he said it so easily, then let us try (I definitely butchered it). We didn’t go inside the pyramid but just seeing it rise up between city blocks was wild. You could smell bread from a bakery nearby mixing with that dusty morning air. Our guide, Carla, pointed out how people jog right past something built centuries before Rome even mattered. That stuck with me for some reason.

We stopped at the Miraflores coast and everyone took photos by that big sculpture — “El Beso.” I thought it would be cheesy but actually, couples were everywhere, just sitting quietly or laughing. The ocean was loud enough to drown out traffic. Then we left the touristy parts behind for Chorrillos. The fish market there is chaos in a good way: people shouting prices, pelicans waiting for scraps, that sharp salty smell everywhere. Carla bought us fruit I’d never seen before; one tasted like pineapple and bubblegum (not sure if that’s a compliment).

Barranco came next and honestly, I wish we’d had more time to wander those painted streets. There was this old man sketching near the Bridge of Sighs — he smiled but didn’t say much. Lunch was ceviche at a tiny spot by the market; lime juice stung my fingers and my tongue tingled for ages after. I tried to thank the cook in Spanish and she just laughed kindly.

The last part was the historic center — Plaza Mayor looked almost too perfect with all those flags. But going underground into the San Francisco catacombs? That got quiet real fast. The air felt colder down there and you could hear your own footsteps echoing off stone and bone (literally). When we came back up into sunlight at San Martin Plaza I felt sort of relieved but also grateful — Lima’s got layers you don’t see right away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima's main highlights

• Panoramic visit to Huaca Pucllana pyramid
• Visit The Park of Love and The Kiss Monument
• Explore fish market at Chorrillos Pier
• Discover Barranco's street art and Bridge of Sighs
• Enjoy fruit tasting and local lunch
• Tour Saint Francis Monastery and Catacombs
• Walk through Main Square with Government Palace and Cathedral
• Visit Saint Martin Monument

Top questions

How long does this Lima highlights tour last?

The tour covers Lima highlights in one day—expect around 8 hours including stops.

Is hotel pickup included on this Lima city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for central locations; airport pickup has an extra fee.

Do we enter Huaca Pucllana during this tour?

No, it’s a panoramic visit only; you view Huaca Pucllana from outside but do not enter.

What food is included on this Lima highlights tour?

You get native fruit tasting at a local market plus lunch featuring traditional Peruvian ceviche.

Are entry fees included for attractions like the catacombs?

Yes, your ticket to the San Francisco church catacombs is included in the tour price.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a shared group tour with up to 10 participants per group.

Which neighborhoods will we visit on this Lima day trip?

You’ll see Miraflores, Chorrillos (fish market), Barranco (street art), and Lima historic center.

Is public transportation used during this tour?

No, transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle provided by the tour operator.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in central Lima (with optional airport pickup for an extra fee), all entry tickets including access to the San Francisco catacombs, travel by air-conditioned vehicle between sites like Huaca Pucllana and Barranco, native fruit tasting at a local market, plus lunch featuring fresh Peruvian ceviche before returning in the afternoon.