Tour overview
Lima is much more than Peru's gateway. It was the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty, and today it's South America's culinary capital. In just a few hours this tour shows you its many sides. You'll see the cliffs and parks of Miraflores above the Pacific, Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid in the middle of the city, and San Isidro's El Olivar Park. Then comes the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you finish by heading down into the catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, guide and tickets, so you can explore Lima comfortably and safely.
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Best time to travel Year-round. December to April is summer, with more sunshine. From May to November the sky is usually overcast, but it almost never rains
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Maximum altitude About 150 m / 490 ft (Lima is at sea level)
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Physical difficulty Easy (short walks downtown and stairs in the catacombs)
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 20 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 1 to 2 days in advance
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Permits San Francisco Monastery entrance and, depending on the program, the Cathedral
Highlights
- Lima's essentials in half a day, from Miraflores to the Historic Center.
- Route: Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana, San Isidro, Plaza San Martín, the Main Square and the San Francisco Monastery.
- Colonial balconies, the Cathedral and the Government Palace.
- A visit to the catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery.
- Perfect for your first day in Lima or before an afternoon flight.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Hotel pickup
We pick you up from your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro at around 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., depending on the departure.
Miraflores and Huaca Pucllana
We drive along the Malecón and past Love Park, overlooking the Pacific, and make a panoramic stop at Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built about 1,500 years ago.
San Isidro
We pass through El Olivar Park, an olive grove planted in colonial times that's now a park in the middle of the city.
Plaza San Martín
In the Historic Center, we visit this republican-era square lined with French-style buildings.
Main Square (Plaza Mayor)
We explore the square where Lima was founded in 1535, with the Cathedral, the Government Palace, City Hall and wooden balconies. If the timing works out, you'll see the changing of the guard at the Government Palace.
San Francisco Monastery and catacombs
We tour the monastery, with its old library and cloisters, and head down into the catacombs, where thousands of Lima residents were buried during the colonial era.
Return to your hotel
We drop you back at your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro at around 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Tips
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses even on cloudy days, because UV levels are high.
- Bring a light jacket from May to November, when it's cooler and more humid.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for downtown.
- Carry cash in soles for small purchases and to try churros or chicha morada, a purple corn drink.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in busy downtown areas.
- Photos aren't allowed in the catacombs.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro.
- Tourist transport.
- Professional Magone Viajes guide.
- San Francisco Monastery and catacombs entrance.
- Cathedral entrance, if included in the program.
Not included
- Huaca Pucllana entrance, since the visit is panoramic.
- Meals.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
About 4 to 5 hours, with morning or afternoon departures.
Do you pick up outside Miraflores?
Pickup is included in Miraflores and San Isidro. For other districts, check with Magone Viajes; an extra charge may apply.
Can I go inside Huaca Pucllana?
On the standard tour it's a panoramic stop, but you can request a version with entry.
Is the Historic Center safe?
Yes, especially in the tourist areas and with a guide. As in any big city, keep an eye on your belongings.
Can I do it on my arrival or departure day?
Yes. It's short and fits well around an afternoon or evening flight.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes. The walks are short, though the catacombs have stairs and low ceilings.
