This 1-day City Tour in Lima will take you to explore both modern and historical Lima, offering you a complete experience to discover the cultural and architectural wealth of this fascinating Peruvian city. You will enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn about the history and culture of Lima on this exciting tour!
We will begin our colonial and contemporary City Tour of Lima with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
Our staff will pick you up from your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro, etc. around 09:15 am / 14:15 pm to take you to our bus to start the tour of Lima and its surroundings:
Pre-Hispanic Lima: The wonderful tour begins by visiting the Pyramid of Pucllana , built in the 4th century AD. This is a place that was considered sacred by the Incas, it was a religious center. You will be enlightened about their culture and society, architecture and textiles. It is a very important archaeological remains.
Colonial Lima: We will tour the historic center of Lima, to see many beautiful monuments and colonial buildings: Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza de Armas (Main Square), Government Palace (where the President lives and works), the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace, the Palacio Mayor.
We will also visit the Museum of the Central Reserve Bank (Banco Federal del Perú) to see the Treasures of Peru collection, a superior selection of items from many pre-Hispanic civilizations: gold, textiles and ceramics. Next we head to the Convent of San Francisco, which houses the main collection of religious art in America . Finally, visit the catacombs that are still located under the Peruvian Congress building, which were used by the Catholic Inquisition.
Contemporary Lima: We will visit traditional and high-class neighborhoods of Lima such as San Isidro Olivar (a very elegant park), Miraflores and the modern Larcomar shopping center next to the seashore.
The tour lasts about 3 and a half hours and ends with return transfer to your hotel.
Note: The Central Reserve Bank Museum is closed on Mondays, Saturday afternoons and Sunday afternoons.
Recommendations
It lasts approximately 3:30 to 4 hours. There are two start times: 9:15 am and 2:15 pm. We suggest bringing some snacks and bottled water (refillable containers only) for the trip.
It will depend on the season. The climate is not the same as in the Cusco region.
Warm climate: From mid-September to mid-April, with a peak between December and March (with temperatures up to 30°C on many days). In warm weather, wear light clothing and don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Cold climate: From mid-April to mid-September, with the coldest months being June to August. Wear warm clothing and bring a hat and glasses to protect yourself from strong winds. Don’t worry about rain, since the city is in a desert.
The Lima City Tour includes wonderful attractions in the city, such as the pre-Inca Pyramid of Pucllana , the historic colonial center of Lima with its plazas and palaces, the famous Central Bank museum with incredible archaeological exhibits and the contemporary part of the city with views of the Pacific Ocean. You will also meet friendly and hospitable people who enjoy sharing their history, culture and hospitality.
Of course! You can add additional activities to your Lima City Tour, such as paragliding over the Pacific Ocean, enjoy Lima’s award-winning cuisine, take a ride on the famous Mirabus with panoramic views, or visit the interesting pre-Hispanic archeology museum at the Pueblo Libre district.
Of course! Many people choose this package before or after taking the classic 4-day Inca Trail tour or a regular program to Machu Picchu, since all international flights land or depart from the Lima international airport, and there are almost no direct flights from abroad to Cusco.
Yeah! We offer two additional packages for travelers:
Site of Pachacamac, half day: This was the most important Inca site in the region, a religious construction to worship the creator god of the cosmos. It shows the wonderful Inca architecture, organization, worldview and more. It also includes a visit to the famous ecological reserve called Villa Swamps (Pantanos de Villa) and the Pacific coast afterwards.
Palomino Islands Tour, half day: A fairly popular package that involves sailing around some stunning islands off Lima, particularly the Cavinzas and the Palominos, which are habitats for many typical seabirds, penguins and adorable sea lions. If it’s hot you can even swim with them, they are very friendly and playful.
Of course! All of our packages can be customized to completely satisfy your vacation plans. You can plan modifications, additions, etc., with our travel professionals to our regular itineraries.
Guide Without a doubt, the 1-day City Tour in Lima is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the diversity and richness that this capital city of Peru has to offer. Here I provide you with additional relevant information about what you can expect on this exciting tour:
Peruvian Gastronomic Culture: Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America where you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most delicious dishes of Peruvian cuisine. From the famous fresh ceviches to the succulent anticuchos, you can also taste a variety of flavors that reflect the fusion of Andean cultures and the fusion with other cuisines.
Lima Art and Museums: Lima is home to an impressive collection of museums and art galleries showcasing Peruvian history and creativity. During the tour, you could visit the Larco Museum, which exhibits a wide range of pre-Columbian art, or the Lima Art Museum (MALI), which features an extensive collection of Peruvian masterpieces.
Colonial Architecture: The Historic Center of Lima is an architectural treasure in itself. You’ll explore majestic churches and cathedrals, such as the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, famous for its underground catacomb. In addition, you will admire the impressive colonial architecture, with its Moorish-style balconies and cobblestone streets that will transport you back in time.
Shopping and Souvenirs: You will have the opportunity to visit local markets and shops where you can purchase Peruvian crafts, textiles, silver jewelry and unique souvenirs. This will allow you to bring home a piece of Peruvian culture and support talented local artisans.
Panoramic Views: You will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific coast from the cliffs of Miraflores, where the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. In addition, you can take impressive photos of the city skyline from the Miraflores boardwalk.
Living History: As you walk through the cobblestone streets and historic squares of Downtown Lima, you will feel like you are walking through a living history book. You’ll discover fascinating stories about the Spanish conquest and Peru’s independence as you explore monuments and iconic sites.
In summary, this 1-day City Tour in Lima is much more than a simple sightseeing tour; It is an immersion in the cultural, gastronomic and historical wealth of Lima. It will take you to experience a city that has evolved over the centuries and is now a vibrant mix of old and new. Get ready to live an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian capital!