This private walking tour combines the classic highlights of Lima’s historic centre with alternative, less touristic hidden gems. On this city tour, your guide takes you to the highlights of the colonial architecture of Lima’s centre, such as Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Church. On the other hand, we also discover Lima’s old city walls, China Town, the Central Market and other hidden gems.
As with all our tours, we like to give it an alternative and local touch. Some of the places we visit on this walking tour are usually not included in the traditional city walking tours. Even though it’s just a block away from the main touristic area, the places are filled with local Limeños going about their daily business.
Of course, the guide will tell you all about the history behind the colonial buildings but he also likes to focus a bit on interesting facts and stories of life in Lima, sometimes funny and sometimes sad.
The tour is available with public transportation from Miraflores (with the guide) or private transportation (pick-up and drop-off from your hotel to the historic centre).
Your guide will meet you at your preferred location
You can choose the starting time. From your hotel (and back), the tour takes about 4 – 4.5 hours.
At your preferred time, your Alternative Peru guide will meet you at your hotel. Together you take public transport to Lima’s beautiful colonial centre. We always take the official buses of the municipality, which have their own lane, making them safer and a lot quicker than other vehicles. It is also possible to add private transportation to and from the centre for an additional fee (prices below). On the way, the guide will give you some background information about the city of Lima. Feel free to ask any questions about anything you see that tickles your curiosity.
During the city tour, we walk by the major highlights of the historic centre of Lima with its impressive colonial architecture. Plaza San Martin with the majestic Hotel Bolivar. The impressive Plaza de Armas or the main square of Lima with the Cathedral, City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace. The old train station transformed into the House of Literature. The San Francisco Basilica. The many beautiful mansions with typical wooden balconies. These are just a few of the many highlights of the beautifully restored and maintained colonial area of the city centre.
Besides these classics, we also take you to some hidden gems such as the old City Wall Park with a good view on one of Lima’s oldest human settlements, China Town and the bustling Central Market where many locals do their daily shopping. While this part of Lima centre is just outside the main touristic area, it seems already a different world, where the locals go about their daily lives and business.
All through the tour, your guide tells you interesting facts about daily life in Lima, the city’s colonial but also recent history and of course answers all your questions about anything you’re curious about. After the walk, the guide accompanies you back to your hotel, either by public or private transportation.
* This tour does not include lunch.
Prices are in USD and per person.
Prices include: Pick-up and dropoff from Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco hotels (or close by), public transport tickets or private transport, bilingual local guide, all activities, contribution to NGO or project.
Pick-up and drop-off can be added from the airport or Callao port for an additional fee of 40 USD (per group).
