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Discover the main attractions of Lima in an experience that combines history, culture, and modernity in a single tour. From the landscapes and energy of Miraflores to the colonial heart of the Historic Center, discover the contrasts that make the City of Kings unique. More than just visiting monuments, you will learn about the stories, symbols, and traditions that are part of the city's identity. A journey that will allow you to discover Lima from its past to its present and understand the essence that makes this city a unique destination.
Lima City Tour half day overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more comfortable, well-organised experience. The service runs from 2 passengers, subject to availability.
- A cultural and historical tour: The best introduction to Lima's main attractions, history and traditions, from the modern city to the Historic Centre.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and orientation along the way.
- Enjoy every moment without rushing: An itinerary designed to take in the historic sites and every highlight of the route at a relaxed pace.
Programme summary
Miraflores – Huaca Pucllana – Historic Centre – San Francisco Monastery
Discover Miraflores, the Park of Love and Huaca Pucllana before exploring the Historic Centre, the Plaza Mayor and its main colonial monuments. The visit ends at the San Francisco Monastery and its famous catacombs.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day: approx. 4 hours |
| Maximum altitude | City of Lima: 154 m / 505 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Lima coast: 0 m above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy, with walking sections |
| Temperature | Between 16 °C and 28 °C / 61 °F and 82 °F, depending on the season |
| Service | Shared, maximum 18 passengers |
Highlights
- Park of Love (Parque del Amor): a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean, famous for the sculpture El Beso (The Kiss), by Víctor Delfín, and its colourful mosaics.
- Huaca Pucllana: an ancient pre-Hispanic ceremonial centre in the middle of modern Lima, seen panoramically from outside.
- Plaza San Martín: an emblematic square that is one of the main symbols of Peru's independence.
- Plaza Mayor of Lima: the heart of the Historic Centre, surrounded by some of the city's most important buildings.
- Government Palace: seat of the executive branch and one of Lima's most representative buildings.
- Lima Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace: two monuments on the Plaza Mayor, notable for their colonial architecture and their religious and historical value.
- San Francisco Monastery: a colonial monumental complex that preserves important spaces of art and religious tradition.
- San Francisco catacombs: ancient underground burial spaces that reveal a fascinating part of Lima's history.
Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour itinerary
Miraflores – Huaca Pucllana – Historic Centre – San Francisco Monastery
Half a day to take in the great contrasts of the Peruvian capital: modern Lima, its pre-Hispanic heritage and the splendour of its colonial past.
- Pickup is from your accommodation, within the areas covered by the service, and the tour begins in Miraflores, one of the most representative districts of modern Lima.
- Our first stop is the Park of Love, facing the Pacific Ocean, home to the emblematic sculpture El Beso (The Kiss), by Víctor Delfín. Its colourful mosaics and sea views make up one of Lima's best-known postcards.
- We continue with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Hispanic ceremonial centre that shows one of the capital's most fascinating contrasts: a modern city that grew around an important archaeological legacy.
- We head to the Historic Centre of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a walking tour of its main squares and streets, discovering the architecture and the stories that shaped the old City of Kings.
- We walk through Plaza San Martín, one of Lima's most emblematic spaces and a symbol of Peru's independence, and continue to the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the Historic Centre and the setting of major events in the city's history.
- Around the Plaza Mayor we see the Government Palace, seat of the executive branch; the Archbishop's Palace and Lima Cathedral, notable for their architecture and their religious and historical importance; and the Municipal Palace, part of the same architectural ensemble.
- Our final destination is the San Francisco Monastery Museum, one of the most important collections of colonial religious art in Lima. During the visit we see historic spaces such as the Choir Room, the old Library and the Sacristy.
- The tour ends in the famous San Francisco catacombs, underground spaces used as a burial site until the 19th century, which offer a different and fascinating look at Lima's past. At the end, drop-off takes place at the service's established points.
What the Lima City Tour includes
Entrance fees and visits
- Entrance to the San Francisco Monastery Museum and its catacombs, included in the service.
- Visit to the Park of Love, the emblematic Miraflores viewpoint facing the Pacific Ocean.
- Panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Hispanic ceremonial centre in the heart of modern Lima.
- Tour of the Historic Centre of Lima: Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Cathedral and Municipal Palace.
Transport
- Shared tourist transport throughout the tour, with a maximum capacity of 18 passengers.
- Pickup from your hotel in Lima, according to the pickup points and areas established for the service.
Guide and assistance
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), with information about the history, culture, architecture and main attractions of Lima.
- Assistance throughout the tour, to answer any questions before and during the experience.
- Prior coordination: the day before the tour we contact you to confirm the details of the service and the pickup time.
Not included
- Meals.
- Entrance to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, which is seen panoramically from outside.
- Return to your hotel: at the end of the tour, drop-off takes place at the service's established points.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Lima City Tour price
Rates
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| General rate Shared service, from 1 traveller | 32 USD |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date and pickup point. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup outside the covered areas | On request | If your hotel is outside the pickup areas, we arrange a meeting point or an additional transfer, subject to availability and cost. |
| Private service | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings and more time at each attraction. |
Before you book
The tour runs all year round, subject to availability and operating conditions. Times may vary slightly because of Lima's traffic. Remember to bring your original ID or passport, which is required to enter the San Francisco Monastery Museum and its catacombs.
What to bring on the Lima City Tour
These are the most important items for this half-day experience.
Required documents
- Original, valid ID card or passport, required to enter the San Francisco Monastery.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes, especially for the Historic Centre.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the season.
- A light or windproof jacket, especially in the cooler months.
- Cap or hat for the sun, and sunglasses.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses.
- Personal medication, if you need it.
Equipment
- Mobile phone or camera to capture the main attractions.
- Power bank (optional, but recommended).
Important considerations
- The tour includes walking through streets, squares and historic sites, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Lima's weather can change during the day; bring a light jacket, especially in winter.
- Keep your personal belongings secure while walking around the Historic Centre.
- Huaca Pucllana is seen panoramically from outside; entrance to the archaeological site is not included.
- Follow the guide's instructions during visits to monuments and historic sites.
Frequently asked questions about the Lima City Tour
Which places are visited on the tour?
The tour combines the main attractions of modern and colonial Lima: the Park of Love, a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana and the Historic Centre, with Plaza San Martín, the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral and the Municipal Palace. The experience ends with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its famous catacombs.
How long does the Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour last?
It is a half-day experience of about 4 hours. Times may vary slightly because of Lima's traffic and the conditions of the service.
What is the group size?
We work with shared groups of up to 18 passengers, to offer an organised and comfortable tour.
What is the minimum number of travellers for a departure?
The service can run from 2 passengers, subject to availability and to the conditions of the booking.
Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes. The programme includes the entrance fees in the itinerary, among them the San Francisco Monastery Museum and its catacombs. Entrance to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site is not included, as that visit is panoramic.
Do you go inside Huaca Pucllana?
No. During the tour we take a panoramic view from outside; the interior visit is not part of this programme.
Do you visit the Park of Love?
Yes. We stop at the Park of Love, in Miraflores, facing the Pacific Ocean, where you can see the El Beso sculpture and enjoy views of Lima's coastline.
Do you visit the San Francisco Monastery and the catacombs?
Yes. The tour includes entrance to the San Francisco Monastery Museum, where we see some of its historic and religious spaces, and ends in the famous catacombs.
Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?
Yes, from hotels located within the covered areas. For accommodation outside those areas, a meeting point or an additional service can be arranged, subject to availability and cost.
Does the tour include the return to my hotel?
No. At the end of the tour, drop-off takes place at the service's established points.
Is the transport private or shared?
The service is shared. Transfers are made in tourist transport, with a maximum of 18 passengers per group. If you prefer a private service, you can request it from your sales representative.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy. It is designed for travellers of all ages and requires no previous experience, although it includes walking through the streets and squares of the Historic Centre.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is suitable for families, couples and travellers of different ages. Minors must take part under the supervision of their parents or companions and, for older travellers, it is worth bearing in mind that the tour involves walking.
Do children pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety and comfort, every passenger occupying a place in the vehicle must have their own seat, according to the booking conditions of the service.
In which languages is the guiding provided?
The tour has a professional bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
Does the tour run all year round?
Yes, subject to availability and operating conditions.
What happens if I feel unwell during the tour?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and are trained to provide basic assistance. In any situation, our team will arrange the necessary support.
Will I receive information before the tour?
Yes. The day before the service our team will contact you to confirm the details of the tour, the pickup time and any necessary instructions.
What documents do I need on the day of the tour?
Your original, valid passport or ID card, especially for entry to the San Francisco Monastery Museum and its catacombs.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check the date you would like. Our team will confirm times, pickup points and the details of the service.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need each participant's full name, passport or ID number, nationality and date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy). The details must match the document you present on the day of the tour.
Step 3. Payment and confirmation. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you the payment instructions. When the payment is received, we will confirm your booking.
Step 4. Service confirmation. You will receive the confirmation with the details of the tour, including the pickup time and place. The day before, our team will contact you to reconfirm everything.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can request a cancellation or a date change for your booking. The conditions and any charges depend on how far in advance the request is made and on the policies that apply to the service. We recommend reviewing the booking and cancellation conditions before paying.
Why choose this Lima City Tour?
Because it lets you discover the capital's main contrasts in a single experience: the modern Lima of Miraflores, its pre-Hispanic legacy represented by Huaca Pucllana and the historical and architectural richness of the Historic Centre, with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural travel experiences in Peru's main destinations. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
