Lima Walking Tour: Historic Center, San Francisco Catacombs

The San Francisco catacombs hold the remains of thousands from Lima's colonial centuries.

A 3.5-hour guided walking tour of Lima's historic center covers San Martin Square, Jiron de la Union, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and the Church and Convent of Saint Francis with its underground catacombs. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Japanese. Hotel pickup from Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro or downtown is included, along with entry to the historic center and the San Francisco museum and catacombs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. San Martin Square30m · entry included
2. Jiron de la Union30m
3. Main Square25m
4. Presidential Palace5m
5. Cathedral of Lima5m
6. Church and Convent of Saint Francis45m · entry included

Explore Lima's historic center

• Visit San Martin Square
• Walk along Jiron de la Union
• See Minor Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced
• Explore Main Square (Plaza Mayor)
• View Presidential Palace from outside
• Visit Cathedral of Lima
• Tour Church and Convent of Saint Francis and Catacombs

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel, then moves through Lima's oldest neighborhoods on foot. Your guide introduces the city's colonial history and local life as you walk San Martin Square, where gardens and the surrounding architecture set the tone for what comes next. From there, Jiron de la Union opens up: a street lined with wooden balconies, carved stone facades and churches that show the Spanish influence from Peru's colonial period, mixed with shops, restaurants and the everyday rhythm of downtown Lima.

The route takes you to the Cathedral of Lima, built over more than a century starting in 1535, and the Presidential Palace, where you'll see it from outside and learn about the country's seat of power. An air-conditioned vehicle moves the group between some stops, so the pace stays manageable across the 3.5 hours. The tour also includes the Minor Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced, a Baroque church built in 1535 by the Mercedarians who shaped much of Lima's religious architecture.

The final stop is the Church and Convent of Saint Francis, where entry is included. Inside, the catacombs (underground burial chambers from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries) reveal how colonial Lima's population lived and died. The bones and layout tell the story of the city during that era. Snacks are provided during the tour, and the group stays small enough that the guide can answer questions and adjust the pace.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Japanese.
• entry to Lima's historic center.
• admission to the San Francisco Church Museum and catacombs.
• snacks during the tour.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport between stops.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro or downtown.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 1): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by CHASKY XPEDITION

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't arrange transport to the starting point. The guide collects you and handles the logistics, which matters if you're staying in Barranco, Miraflores or San Isidro without a car. The small group size keeps the pace steady and lets the guide answer questions as you move through the colonial center.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 1): free.

What exactly are the San Francisco catacombs?

The San Francisco catacombs are underground burial chambers beneath the Church and Convent of Saint Francis, used from the 16th through 18th centuries to bury thousands of people during Lima's colonial period. They show how the city's population was organized and buried during that time.

Does the tour go inside the Presidential Palace?

No, the Presidential Palace is viewed from outside only. The guide explains the building and its role as the seat of Peru's government, and you may see the changing of the guard if it happens during your visit, though the timing varies.

How much walking is involved?

The tour is a walking tour through Lima's historic center with stops at multiple sites. An air-conditioned vehicle is used between some stops to break up the walking, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro and downtown Lima. The driver collects you and returns you at the end of the tour.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the historic center, the San Francisco Church Museum and catacombs, a professional guide, snacks, and air-conditioned transport between stops are all included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also part of the package.