Lima · HISTORIC CENTER & CATACOMBS
23 reviewed
The colonial core is a UNESCO grid of gilt churches and painted balconies, and beneath San Francisco lie the catacombs. Here are the best tours of the Historic Center, with which ones go down into the crypts, how much walking each involves, current prices, and which start early enough to reach Plaza Mayor before the crowds.
Half-day Lima landmarks tour with hotel pickup, an English guide, and included tickets to the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent.
“Fantastic tour to get a snap shot of the city in a short period of time, as well as learning generally about the city and country. Mayrol the guide was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and a great guy.”
A 4-hour Lima street-food walk through historic landmarks, Mercado Central, and Chinatown chifa, with tastings, drinks, and stories.
“David was a knowledgeable and kind guide, and the food was delicious!”
A 4-hour night tour of Lima’s underground at San Francisco Convent, colonial streets, and the Guinness fountain spectacle at Magic Water Circuit.
“This was a fantastic tour, totally worth the money. They picked us up at our Airbnb. And there was never a dull moment. Alexandra, our tour guide was amazing! She was so funny and charming and interesting. And she was so well informed. We learn about the history of the Incan culture in about Peru we learned about the politics of Perú, we learned about so very much.”
Essential Lima half-day tour with pickup: Plaza San Martín, Jirón de la Unión, La Merced, Plaza de Armas and San Francisco catacombs. Entry extra.
“My teenager and I very much enjoyed our tour with Rubi and Susana. Both guides were very engaging, super knowledgeable and very mindful of our safety and well-being. (It was a hot day, we always stopped in the shade for our history info.) Small group, well worth it as transportation in an air conditioned van was included with a savvy driver. And - we even got to try local treats!”
Private 4-hour Lima tour of Miraflores, San Isidro, and the historic center, plus snacks, transport, and San Francisco catacombs.
“This was one of the best city tours we've ever taken. John, our driver, safely maneuvered the insane Lima traffic with skill, ease and great attitude! Alexandra was extremely well informed and directed us with true joy through her city. She was interesting and fun to be with. She was also flexible, altering our tour a little to spend more time in a specific location that we wanted to hear more about. She rerouted us to avoid too many steps for me. Great guide!”
A small-group half-day Lima tour mixing pre-Inca, Colonial, and modern sights, with hotel pickup and an included chocolate stop.
“This tour was a perfect way to explore the city during all it's periods. Renzo, our tour guide, picked us up from our hotel with his driver on time and had so much knowledge to share about Peru's history. Just like the tour name suggested, we were able to visit parts of the city that were pre-Incan such as Huaca Pucllana, as well as modern parts such as El Parque del Amor overlooking the Pacific Coast, and the city center where we saw architecture with french and spanish influences from the Colonial period. Unfortunately, there was a government protest happening that day, so parts of the city center were blocked…”
Small-group Lima tour to UNESCO Centro Histórico, San Francisco catacombs, and the Magic Water Show, with tickets included.
“It was a great tour. I learned a lot and had so much fun. The extra bonus was starting activities during the day and being able to see how the city transforms at night.”
Guided Lima tour mixing Miraflores romance, Huaca Pucllana, San Isidro parks, San Francisco catacombs, and Plaza Mayor.
“They were 1h late with pick up because of traffic. Then I got English guide who talk to me privately about all history and places we saw when driving around or walking. It’s quik way so see around. If you wanna go inside the church etc then it’s not for you. We visit catacombs and love park . Church was too busy so we didn’t go inside. Bus was big and other group speak Spanish I was only one with English. It was ok tour to see around I saw old town and catacombs so that’s what I wanted”
Guided half-day Lima tour linking Santo Domingo, Lima Cathedral, and the Larco Museum, with AC transport and included admissions.
“The Lima city tour was a really good starting point in our exploration of the city. Susanne, our tour guide took us to the historic city centre and along the way gave us an introduction to the history of Lima, some of its highlights and its characteristics. The city centre is lovely, surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the City Hall. We also visited a couple of museums and churches. The Larco museum is highly recommended. Susanne was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and full of energy and enthusiasm to introduce her city to us and make sure we got the most out of our tour. I would…”
Panoramic bus and guided stroll in Lima’s UNESCO center, plus the underground San Francisco catacombs. 4 hours, $42.
“Nice. We enjoyed the panoramic vue of the city. The Pisco tasting was a hit. Visit the catacombs and the Cathedral gave us a little understanding how the Franciscans manage death and burial in the colonial history of Peru”
Walk Lima’s top plazas and streets, then head underground to the San Francisco catacombs in a guided tour with hotel pickup.
“The tour was the best we’ve had in all of Perú. Pamela was exceptionally prepared, professional, and extremely kind. It was a great introduction to this beautiful country and when I return I will definitely book it again with Pamela. We had great conversations about the differences and similarities of our countries and it felt like a personalized tour.”
Lima City of the Kings walking tour with catacombs, small group and hotel pickup. See Plaza Mayor and San Francisco’s underground.
“This tour is an absolute must for anyone visiting Lima for the first time. Whenever I travel to a new city, I make it a point to start with an introductory tour like this to get my bearings and understand the layout of the neighborhoods and local communities. This experience fulfilled that purpose perfectly—but what made it stand out was our guide, Felipe. Admittedly, I was initially unsure about Felipe due to his youthful appearance. I wondered how much insight he could offer. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Felipe was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Lima’s history and cultural landscape, but also highly attentive to our group’s needs. My…”
Lima City of Kings tour in a small group: Parque El Olivar views, Huaca Pucllana, Lima Cathedral, ChocoMuseo, Pacific.
“Just a little regret that Huaca Pucllana was closed, only see it from the van. Interesting walk through the city centre.”
Private 4-hour Lima tour with El Parque del Amor, Huaca Pucllana, Plaza Mayor guard change, and the San Francisco catacombs museum.
“Terrific guide and driver. Highly recommend this trip. The church is beautiful inside. The guide was very attentive.”
4-hour colonial Lima stroll and Larco Museum visit with pickup and tickets. Plaza Mayor, Casa Aliaga, and pre-Hispanic gold.
“Juan is the most knowledgeable guide I met in Latin American.”
