Lima Tour: The Capital City

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Tour Highlights

• Lima Tour

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Trip Style

• City Scenes
• Culture / History

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Physical Difficulty

• 1-Easy

• Peru tour package to Lima
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Lima is Peru’s cultural melting pot, a city of 9 million people representing the full diversity of this colorful and lively nation. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro thought it the ideal spot for his headquarters, and moved the capital here from Cusco in 1535. Fast forward nearly five centuries and the city is now home to 1/3 of the Peruvian population and is always bursting with activity.

From historical attractions to modern flair, Lima has a lot to offer. The centuries-old ruins of Huaca Pucllana, the colonial Plaza de Armas, and other historical sites display Lima’s vibrant pre- and post-colonial history. And any visit to Lima is incomplete without a stroll along the coastal city’s seaside cliffs, whether it is to watch paragliders float above the water, shop in one of the city’s upscale malls, or taste the famous Peruvian cuisine, ranging from fresh ceviche to Pisco sours, Peru’s national drink. Prepare to be spoiled by choice.

Day 1 : Arrival to Lima
Day 2 : Half-Day Lima Tour
Day 3 : Departure from Lima

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Day 1 : Arrival to Lima

• A Peru For Less representative will meet you at the Lima airport and take you to your confirmed Lima hotel.
• Depending on your arrival time, you may have the afternoon or evening to begin exploring this lovely capital city on your own. Lima, increasingly a foodie destination, is the perfect place to indulge in a delicious meal featuring Peruvian cuisine.
• Check out our Lima Travel Guide for ideas and recommendations about where to go and what to do.

Day 2 : Half-Day Lima Tour

• Today you’ll enjoy a half-day city tour of Lima with an expert English-speaking guide. This Lima tour takes you to the main historical, religious, and contemporary sites of the city. The tour starts at the Huaca Pucllana ruins in the Miraflores District. The structure is an enormous adobe pyramid dating from the 4th century A.D.
• Next, you will go to Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will admire the Plaza Mayor (the central square), which is surrounded by 5 important buildings: the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop´s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of Lima.
• You’ll then travel a few blocks to the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs where over 250,000 bones rest.
• Your tour of Lima will end with a visit to the traditional residential areas of Lima, including San Isidro, Miraflores, and Larcomar.

Day 3 : Departure from Lima

• A Peru For Less representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport or bus station for your return journey home or onward to your next Peru vacation destination.
• Be sure to check out our additional services in Lima to extend your Lima tour, as well as our other Peru destinations to complete your Peru vacation.

Top Pick Lima Hotel

JW Marriott Lima Hotel 5*

Avenida Malecon de la Reserva 615, Miraflores, Lima

The glass-sculpted tower of the JW Marriott Hotel Lima is a distinctive addition to the city’s coastal skyline. Perched on a cliff above the Pacific, the hotel’s rooms offer sweeping ocean views that are particularly breathtaking at sunset when the sky lights up with red and orange hues. Located just opposite Parque Salazar and overlooking the gardens that border the beaches, the luxurious amenities and services of this Lima hotel provide a fantastic Peru vacation experience. The gardens, shopping, casinos, restaurants, and museums that surround this 5-star Lima hotel signal a new era of luxury in which you can explore Lima's opulent past and take part in its exciting present.

Restaurant Room Service Internet Laundry Service Spa Baby Sitter Gym Swimming Pool

JW Marriott Lima Photos & Info »

Casa Andina Select Miraflores 4*

Calle Schell 452, Miraflores, Lima

One of the new additions to the renowned Casa Andina chain of hotels, the beautiful Casa Andina Select Miraflores is ideally located right in the middle of Lima’s modern district. Parque Kennedy is just a few blocks away, with easy access to many excellent restaurants, shops, and bars, and the hotel is also close to the Larcomar shopping mall. The hotel offers the perfect combination of great service, excellent amenities, and good location, all at an affordable price. Additional facilities include a fully equipped health center, bar, and business center.

Restaurant Gym Laundry Service Parking Internet Spa

Casa Andina Select Miraflores Photos & Info »

Allpa Hotel 3*

Calle Atahualpa 199, Miraflores, Lima

Allpa Hotel, opened in July 2010, is located in the heart of the popular Miraflores neighborhood and close to many of the main attractions in Lima. Comfortable, chic, and convenient, this smart hotel is an excellent option for savvy travelers who want a great value hotel with all the modern amenities. Crisp white walls, clean finishes, and a contemporary touch characterize this modern and minimalist hotel. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated to create a comfortable resting area for guests. Try the excellent Italian restaurant located in the hotel's lobby.

Restaurant Room Service Internet Laundry Service

Allpa Hotel Photos & Info »

See all Lima hotels

• 2 nights in Lima in hotels based on US standards
• All tours stated in the itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts

Additional Services in Lima

Additional Services in Lima

• Lima Colonial Homes & History
• Dinner & Folk Show
• Half-Day Museum Tour
• Lima Gastronomic Tour
• Lima Walking Tour Around Plaza de Armas
• Lima Walking Tour Around Plaza San Martin
• Lima Walking Tour Around Barranco
• Pachacamac Ruins Tour

Lima Colonial Homes & History

This exclusive tour around the historical center will transport you back in time to Lima’s glorious colonial era, when the city was the administrative seat of Spain’s vast South American empire. You’ll visit two impressive colonial homes, learn about the underground network of tunnels connecting elite properties, see fascinating artworks, and experience the delight of a traditional Pisco Sour.

Dinner & Folk Show

Enjoy a full traditional Peruvian dinner, along with entertainment and music by some of the country´s best dancers. The romantic rhythms of cajones, guitars, and costumed dancers are not to be missed.

Half-Day Museum Tour

Lima has the most comprehensive collection of museums in the country. On this tour you will visit the Larco Herrera Archaeology Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

Located in the cultural and historical district of Pueblo Libre, the Larco Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of gold and silver from ancient Peru and its famous erotic artifacts collection. These masterpieces of Pre-Columbian art have been showcased around the world.

The largest museum in Peru, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, has on display carved stone pieces dating all the way back to the Formative Period of about 1000 B.C. Additionally, the museum includes the most extensive textile collection, from the pre-ceramic period through the Inca Empire, and a grand assortment of ancient Peruvian metals.

Lima Gastronomic Tour

With its internationally acclaimed cuisine, Peru is fast becoming a favorite foodie destination. Taste the best Peru has to offer during this 5-hour Lima gastronomic tour and learn how to make some of the country’s classic dishes.

You’ll start with a visit to a traditional Peruvian market where you’ll sample local produce and see how the locals shop. Continue on to one of Lima’s exclusive restaurants where an expert chef will teach you how to prepare the perfect Pisco sour (the national drink of Peru) and ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice). Your tour will conclude with a classic lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes. 

Lima Walking Tour Around Plaza de Armas

The Historic Center of Lima has been the seat of the Colonial and Republican-era governments since the Spanish foundation of the city in 1535, and for centuries before that, the area was an urban center for various indigenous groups. Until the 1940s it was also the residential area for the country’s most influential families. This lovely section of town is full of historic buildings boasting the architectural charm and grandeur of past eras.

This 3-hour historic walking tour begins at the main square (Plaza de Armas) and heads down Conde de Superunda street, before turning left onto Rufino Torrico and winding through Danmero de Pizarro, and the streets Callao, Cailloma, and Ica. You will then take a little detour to busy Avenida Tacna, and then head back into the maze on Huancavelica, Camaná, Ucayali, and Azángaro streets before returning to the main square.

The route passes all the important and lesser known official buildings, churches, and houses, with attention paid to the different architectural styles and typical balconies. More than 30 buildings are appreciated in detail, including the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, the Church of the Nazarenes, the Church of San Pedro, Casa Osambela, and Casa Riva Agüero.

Lima Walking Tour Around Plaza San Martin

During the presidencies of Augusto Leguía (1919-1930) and José Manuel Odría (1948-1956), the Historic Center of Lima felt the breath of modernization. Leguía celebrated the first 100 years of independence with the construction of Plaza San Martin, and a true financial center for Lima was erected. Under Odría, the avenues Abancay and Tacna were widened, and ministries moved to contemporary tower blocks.

This 3-hour walking tour begins and ends at Plaza San Martin. You will first explore all the buildings around this lovely square, which formed the center of Peruvian nightlife until the 1970s. Visitors will then walk along the Parque Universitario to busy Avenida Abancay and explore the financial district around the streets Azangaro, Lampa and Ucayali, before turning back through Jiron de la Union to Plaza San Martin.

Around 30 buildings are appreciated in detail, including the head offices of banks and insurance companies and two hotels, Bolivar and Maury. Both of these hotels claim to have invented Peru’s national drink, the delicious Pisco Sour. Lima Walks has been granted exclusive access to the roof of one of the buildings on Plaza San Martin, as well as a visit inside another historic building.

Lima Walking Tour Around Barranco

This romantic, coastal neighborhood full of pastel colored buildings and crumbling balustrades has a long history as the center of bohemian life in Lima. Barranco is still the favorite location of artists and designers who have their galleries and workshops tucked into side streets. Developed as a seaside resort in the 19th century, this neighborhood has retained its laid-back, creative atmosphere.

This two hour walking tour begins at the old municipality and explores the areas around Avenida Grau, before meandering through Avenida Saenz Pena to the oceanside cliffs with breathtaking views. Visitors then continue on to the old center of the village near Church La Ermita and then on to Museo de Osma. This tour passes by typical ranchos in all possible colors, and the houses of past and present sculptors, writers, and poets, including the house of Mario Vargas Llosa.

Pachacamac Ruins Tour

This half day tour will take you to the impressive archeological site of Pachacamac, located about 30 kilometers south of Lima. After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide for the drive to Pachacamac where you will enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating ruins.

Often referred to as the Machu Picchu of the pre-Colombian coastal civilizations, this incredible site was a hub of culture, pilgrimage and trade for many ancient civilizations of Peru, including the Incas, who all appreciated its central location. Founded in the first century AD, the site boasts remnants from various cultures such as the Huari, the Ichma, and the Inca.

You will be able to see the administrative structures used by these ancient cultures, as well as several pyramids which have been uncovered. The largest one is known as the Temple of Sun and made of adobe bricks. The site also features a cemetery and beautiful multicolored fresco. After the tour, you will have some time to explore the site on your own before your transfer back to your hotel in Lima.

Additional Services in Lima