Lima: Historic Center, Love Park & Catacombs Tour with Pickup

Summary

Romantic parks, ancient ruins and Lima’s mysterious catacombs

You’ll wander Miraflores’ colorful Love Park by the sea, glimpse ancient Huaca Pucllana ruins, stroll through Lima’s lively historic center with a guide, taste chocolate at Chocomuseo, mix your own pisco sour in a hidden bar, and descend into San Francisco’s shadowy catacombs—all with hotel pickup included. Each stop feels like its own little world.

4.89

(170 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to try the pisco sour?” our guide teased, grinning as we sat in this tiny old bar tucked behind a blue door in Lima’s historic center. I’d just butchered “salud” in Spanish and everyone laughed—including a couple from Arequipa who gave me a thumbs up. The day had started with that salty sea air at Love Park in Miraflores—bright mosaics underfoot, couples everywhere, and Delfín’s big sculpture right in the middle. The ocean looked so close you could almost taste it. I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful there, honestly.

After that came a quick stop at Huaca Pucllana—just seeing those ancient adobe walls right next to modern buildings was wild. Our guide (Miguel? Mario? My memory’s hopeless) pointed out how the Lima culture built it long before the Spanish ever showed up. We didn’t go inside but even from outside you get this sense of time stacked up on itself, you know?

The main square was busy—kids chasing pigeons, old men reading newspapers on benches. We wandered past the cathedral and those yellow colonial buildings while Miguel explained all these little stories about viceroys and revolutions (I only half-followed but the energy was contagious). The Chocomuseo stop was sweet—literally—I tried cocoa liquor that burned my throat in a good way. There were jams too; I bought one for my aunt but ate it myself later.

The last part hit different: entering San Francisco Church and down into the catacombs. It smelled like stone and old paper, cool after all that sun outside. Skulls lined up in patterns—kind of eerie but also strangely calm down there. Our group fell quiet for once. When we came back up, Lima felt brighter somehow. If you’re thinking about this tour from Cusco or just want to see another side of Lima, I’d say go for it—even if you can’t pronounce “Pucllana” right on the first try.

4h

Step-by-step itinerary

Top questions

How long is the Lima historic center & catacombs tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lima city tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels or Airbnbs within central areas.

Do you actually enter the San Francisco catacombs?

Yes, entry to San Francisco Church & its catacombs is included with a guided visit.

Is this Lima day trip wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

Will we visit Huaca Pucllana inside?

No, you’ll see Huaca Pucllana panoramically from outside during the tour.

Are drinks or tastings included?

You’ll enjoy a pisco sour tasting and sample chocolate products at Chocomuseo.

Is lunch provided on this Lima city tour?

No lunch is provided; you can stay downtown after if you wish to eat there.

What should I bring for this Lima tour?

A sun hat, sunscreen (SPF 35+), water bottle and camera are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off (unless you choose to stay downtown), entrance fees for San Francisco Museum & Catacombs, guided walking tour through Lima’s historic center and main square, panoramic stop at Huaca Pucllana ruins, pisco sour tasting in a traditional bar, samples at Chocomuseo—and an official local guide throughout.

Do you have any questions before booking? Reach us anytime — we’re available 24/7.

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