Lima: Private Full-Day City Tour with Larco Museum & Pickup

Summary

From Miraflores cliffs to Lima’s catacombs and museum gardens

You’ll start your day among Miraflores’ sea breezes before diving into Lima’s historic center with a local guide—catacombs under Saint Francis Church, lively plazas, ancient pyramids glimpsed from busy streets. Lunch is served in Larco Museum’s lush gardens before you end back by the Pacific coast—full of stories you probably didn’t expect to find.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me wasn’t the view or the food—it was the way our guide, Carla, pointed out a tiny mosaic heart tucked into the wall at Love Park in Miraflores. I’d barely noticed it, honestly. The Pacific wind was all salty and cool, and couples were everywhere, draped over benches or snapping photos with the sea behind them. Carla just smiled and said, “We Limeños are romantic—sometimes too much.” I tried to say something clever in Spanish but mostly just laughed at myself.

We zigzagged through Lima’s old city after that. San Martin Square had this buzz—street vendors selling purple corn drinks, kids darting around pigeons. The main square felt heavier somehow, all those grand buildings watching us. At the Church and Convent of Saint Francis, I didn’t expect to get goosebumps walking down into the catacombs. It smelled like stone and dust—Carla joked about ghosts but then got quiet when we saw the bones stacked in neat spirals. I still think about that silence.

Lunch at the Larco Museum was a real pause—the garden smelled like jasmine (or maybe something else floral; I’m not a botanist). Sitting outside with a plate of ceviche and watching people wander between bougainvillea bushes felt almost unreal after the city noise. The museum itself is wild—45,000 artifacts and some pretty cheeky pottery in one room that Carla warned us about (“maybe skip this bit if you’re shy!”). We ended up talking more about Peruvian history than I expected; she really knew her stuff.

Later we stopped by Huaca Pucllana—a giant adobe pyramid right in the middle of everything. You can’t go inside on this tour, but standing there as traffic whirred past felt strange in a good way. And then back to Miraflores for one last look at the ocean before heading back to our hotel. The whole day blurred together—history, food, laughter—but certain moments stick harder than others.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lima's historic and modern highlights

• Visit San Martin Square
• Tour Church and Convent of Saint Francis
• Explore Main Square
• Observe Huaca Pucllana pyramid
• Visit Miraflores district
• Stop at Love Park
• Enjoy views from 251m viewpoint
• Tour Larco Museum and gardens
• Have lunch at museum cafe

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lima city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from San Isidro, Miraflores & Barranco districts.

Does the tour include entry to Larco Museum?

Yes, entry to Larco Museum is included along with time for lunch at its café garden.

Are meals provided during this private full-day Lima tour?

A lunch stop is included at Larco Museum’s outdoor café; cost of lunch may vary unless specified when booking.

Is this Lima day trip suitable for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible except for the catacombs; alternatives can be arranged if needed.

How long does this best of Lima private tour last?

This is a full-day experience covering major highlights across Lima with private transport and guide.

Can infants or small children join this Lima city tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller except during the catacomb portion.

What neighborhoods does this private Lima tour cover?

The itinerary includes Miraflores, San Martin Square, Main Square (Plaza Mayor), Huaca Pucllana & more.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts (San Isidro, Miraflores & Barranco), all transportation by air-conditioned car or minivan, a professional local guide throughout, entry fees for sites including Larco Museum—with time set aside for lunch on its garden patio—and flexible options if you need an accessible route instead of catacombs.