About this experience
This city tour combines the classic highlights of Lima’s historic center with alternative, less touristic hidden gems. On this private tour, you’ll visit the traditional highlights such as the Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral, Government Palace and City Hall and the San Francisco Church but you’ll also pass by the remainders of Lima’s city walls, China Town, the Central Market and many other hidden gems. Of course, the guide will tell you all about the history behind the colonial buildings but also share interesting facts and stories of life in Lima.
What makes this city tour of Lima unique is its alternative and local touch. Some of the places you'll visit are usually not included in the traditional city walking tours. Even though it’s just a block away from the main touristic area, these places are filled with locals going about their daily business.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr–5 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr–5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Lima Hidden Gems Guide
Look beyond Lima’s standard coastal circuit with a practical guide to Museo Larco, Parque de las Leyendas, and MALI in central Lima.
Walking the Historic Center: A Two-Hour Route Through Old Lima
Plaza Mayor, San Francisco's catacombs, and the wooden balconies of Casa Aliaga — a tight loop that respects the heat and the lunch hour.
Historic Centre of Lima Guide
Plan a thoughtful visit to Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, with practical advice on walking, timing, costs, accessibility, transport pressures, and current local conditions.
What is included
- Private tour
Not included
- Lunch
Itinerary and highlights
You will walk by the major highlights of the historic centre of Lima: 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 church and the many beautiful mansions with the typical wooden balconies. Besides these classics, your guide will also take you to some hidden gems such as the Park of the City Wall with a view of one of Lima’s oldest human settlements, Chinatown and the bustling Central Market, where many locals do their shopping. You’ll walk through a part of Lima that is just outside the tourist area but gives you a good idea of the ‘real’ Lima, full of people, little shops, a lot of colors.
Your guide will tell you interesting facts about daily life in Lima, contemporary and recent history, and of course answer all your questions about life in Lima!
Meeting and pickup information
- Your guide will see you at the main gate of Hotel Bolívar
- - If you select the Private Transportation option, your guide and driver will meet you directly at your hotel. - If you choose the Public Transportation option, your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the nearest public transportation point to begin the experience. - For the Meeting Point option, your guide will meet you at the Gran Hotel Bolívar. - If you select the Airport Pick-up option, we can arrange to meet you at the airport or cruise port.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Alternative Peru
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
- If you choose the Public Transportation option, your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the nearest public transportation point to begin the experience.
- For the Meeting Point option, your guide will meet you at the Gran Hotel Bolívar.
- If you select the Airport Pick-up option, we can arrange to meet you at the airport or cruise port.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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