Lima Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: 4 hours, three eras

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/9

Duration4h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Walk through three centuries of Lima in one morning or afternoon

A small-group half-day tour of Lima's Historic Center takes you through pre-Hispanic ruins, colonial plazas and the underground catacombs of the San Francisco Convent in 4 hours. The guide narrates the city's shift from ancient Lima culture through Spanish viceroyalty to modern Peru, with stops at Love Park in Miraflores, the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, Plaza de Armas and the cathedral district. Hotel pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco or Downtown is available in the Premium option; the Essential option uses a designated meeting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lima's historic and cultural sites

Pick up from selected location
Visit Parque del Amor in Miraflores
Panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana site
Walk through Lima's historic center and main square
See old station and artisan shops, learn pisco sour making
Tour San Francisco Convent, museum, and catacombs
Return to hotel or stay for lunch/dinner

The Experience

The tour opens at Love Park in Miraflores, a small colorful refuge overlooking the Pacific with a sculpture called "El Beso" by Peruvian sculptor Víctor Delfín. From there you move to Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Hispanic sacred site of the Lima culture, seen in panoramic view as the tour traces the city's oldest layer. The guide then leads you into Lima's historic center on foot, walking the main squares and streets where the Spanish built their viceroyalty. You'll stand in Plaza de Armas surrounded by the cathedral, the archiepiscopal palace and the government palace while the guide explains the colonial period and the architecture that still frames the city's heart.

After the plaza walk, you pass the old abandoned train station—now the House of Peruvian Literature—and have time to browse artisan shops for Peruvian crafts. The tour includes a stop at a traditional colonial bar where the guide teaches you how to prepare pisco sour, Peru's national drink. Then you enter the San Francisco Convent and Museum for a 30-minute guided tour of the catacombs, some of the oldest cemeteries in the city, located beneath the convent. The return to your hotel or meeting point ends the tour; if you want to stay for lunch or dinner in the center, that's on your own.

The Essential option meets at a designated point and does not include museum or catacomb entry. The Premium option adds hotel pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco or Downtown, plus entrance to the San Francisco Museum and Catacombs. A Private option is also available for exclusive groups. Pickup from Jorge Chávez International Airport or Callao Port can be arranged depending on which option you select at checkout.

What’s included

Guided tour of Lima's Historic Center with an official tour guide speaking English or Spanish.
air-conditioned vehicle for transport between stops.
entrance to the San Francisco Museum and Catacombs (Premium and Private options only).
hotel pickup from Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco or Downtown (Premium option only).
pisco sour preparation lesson at a traditional colonial bar.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Inca Trilogy Tours S.A.C

Is this one for you?Book the Premium option if you're staying in one of the central neighborhoods and want the museum and catacombs included without arranging your own transport. Choose the Essential option with a meeting point if you prefer a lower price and don't need the catacomb visit or hotel pickup. The Private option works best for groups traveling together who want the full experience on their own schedule.