Cultural and Gastronomic Tour in Lima

Experience the authentic charm of Peru’s capital city, combining living history, colonial architecture, and flavors that tell stories. This exclusive tour invites you to explore the heart of Lima, a city where the past and present coexist on every corner. We’ll begin by exploring its historic streets, majestic plazas, and centuries-old churches—spaces that were the stage for viceregal life and still retain the splendor of their golden age. We’ll stroll through the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring wooden balconies, restored mansions, and monuments that reveal the deep identity of this city, which was once the capital of the Spanish Empire in South America. Amidst stories, legends, and figures who shaped its history, you’ll immerse yourself in the cultural essence that defines Lima as the “City of Kings.”

The experience is elevated even further when it’s time to sit down to a meal. Peruvian cuisine, renowned as one of the best in the world, will take center stage through a selection of traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients and time-honored techniques. You’ll enjoy a high-level culinary experience, where flavors like aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper), lime, corn, and potatoes come together in recipes that celebrate Creole identity. Each dish will be an opportunity to explore the history of Peruvian cuisine, its cultural fusion, and its immense creativity.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking more than just a quick visit: it’s for those who want to feel, savor, and understand the city from within. A route designed for those who value culture, fine dining, and thoughtfully guided experiences. At the end, you’ll leave with not just photographs, but a deeper connection to Lima, its spirit, and its flavors.

📍 Tour Start – Meeting at Lima’s Plaza Mayor

Our tour begins in the heart of Lima’s Historic Center, the iconic Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will be greeted by our expert guide, who will introduce you to the fascinating history of the City of Kings.

You will marvel at the majestic colonial architecture surrounding the plaza: the imposing Government Palace, the solemn Lima Cathedral, and the elegant City Hall, all testaments to the viceregal power and urban planning of the colonial era. As we walk, you will learn anecdotes about the founding of Lima by Francisco Pizarro and the evolution of this metropolis throughout the centuries.

🏛️ Alleyways Steeped in History – Jirón de la Unión and Plazuela San Pedro

From the Plaza Mayor, we’ll delve into the vibrant heart of the old town through the historic Jirón de la Unión, a pedestrian street that has witnessed centuries of Lima’s history. During this walk, you’ll appreciate the Republican-era architecture and the traditional wooden balconies that adorn the facades of old mansions.

We’ll arrive at Plazuela San Pedro, where the majestic Church of San Pedro stands, built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. Its austere facade contrasts with its richly decorated interior, featuring gilded altarpieces, religious paintings, and colonial reliquaries—jewels of Lima’s Baroque style.

🕯️ San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs – A Journey to the Underground Past

We continue our visit to the famous San Francisco Convent, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. This religious complex is famous for its mysterious catacombs, a system of underground crypts that served as a cemetery for Lima’s elite during the colonial era.

We will explore its labyrinthine passages, steeped in history and displaying skeletal remains arranged in an artistic and macabre manner. We will also visit its beautiful cloisters decorated with Sevillian tiles, the old library housing incunabula and manuscripts, and the galleries of sacred art with unique pieces from the viceroyalty.

🌇 Colonial Viewpoint – Panoramic View of Downtown Lima

As a special addition, and subject to availability, you will have the opportunity to access a colonial viewpoint from the historic Hotel Bolívar or Casa Osambela, two architectural gems in downtown Lima. From above, you will enjoy a unique view of the old rooftops, domes, and churches that make up Lima’s cityscape. This is the perfect moment for memorable photographs.

🍽️ Traditional Lunch at Candelaria Restaurant – A Fusion of Flavors and Tradition

After a busy day of cultural activities, we’ll head to the bohemian district of Barranco or the modern Miraflores, where the prestigious Candelaria Restaurant is located (location subject to availability).

This charming establishment pays homage to Creole cuisine, fusing traditional techniques with avant-garde presentations that delight all the senses. Here you’ll enjoy a three-course lunch:

• Appetizer: a tasting of causa limeña, anticuchos, or tiradito.
• Main Course: lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or pescado a lo macho, accompanied by rice and native potatoes.
• Dessert: suspiro a la limeña or mazamorra morada.

All of this will be accompanied by a traditional beverage such as the refreshing chicha morada or the emblematic pisco sour, according to your preference. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options upon request.

🚌 Tour Conclusion – Comfortable Return to Meeting Point or Hotel

After this cultural and culinary experience, we will board our private transportation to return to the initial meeting point. If you have booked a private tour, you will have the option of being taken directly to your accommodation in Lima. This concludes this fascinating tour that combines the best of Peruvian history and cuisine, leaving an unforgettable experience for both your memory and your taste buds.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

Enjoy a complete, worry-free experience. This tour has been designed to offer you the best of Lima’s history, culture, and gastronomy, with all necessary services included:

🧭 Professional Tour Guide (Bilingual: Spanish and English)

Our local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fascinating information, historical anecdotes, and interesting facts that will make you see Lima in a new light. Ideal for travelers who value an enriching and well-explained experience.

🎟️ Entrance to the San Francisco Convent and Catacombs

Includes full access to the religious museum, the old library, the colonial cloisters, and, of course, the underground catacombs, one of the city’s most enigmatic places.

🚌 Tourist Transportation

Comfortable and safe air-conditioned vehicle for transfer from the historic center to the restaurant and return to the starting point or your hotel (if the service is private).

🍽️ Three-Course Lunch at Candelaria Restaurant

Enjoy a true culinary experience with traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients. Includes an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a traditional beverage. A fusion of Peruvian flavors in a charming atmosphere.

🥂 Included Drink: Chicha Morada or Pisco Sour

As a courtesy of the restaurant, you can choose between a refreshing chicha morada or a classic pisco sour to complement your lunch with the perfect Peruvian touch.

📸 Optional Access to a Panoramic Viewpoint (subject to availability)

A memorable stop from an elevated vantage point, such as the Hotel Bolívar or Casa Osambela, ideal for enjoying photographic views of downtown Lima.

❌ What’s not included?

We want you to know exactly what’s not included in this package so you can plan with complete clarity:

🚖 Hotel pick-up (shared service)

Unless you booked the tour as a private tour, pick-up from your accommodation is not included. In that case, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in the Historic Center.

🥤 Additional drinks at the restaurant

The tour includes one traditional drink, but if you’d like to order extra drinks such as wine, beer, specialty juices, or desserts not on the included menu, these will have an additional cost that you can pay directly at the restaurant.

🏨 Accommodation

This tour is a half-day experience; therefore, it does not include lodging or accommodation services before or after the tour.

💰 Optional gratuities

Gratuities for the guide or restaurant staff are not included. They are not mandatory, but if you wish to thank them for the good service, they will be appreciated.

🌟 Recommendations

Before embarking on this cultural and gastronomic adventure, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enriching experience:

👟 Wear comfortable clothing and shoes

The tour involves walking through the streets of the historic center, many of them cobblestone. Wear comfortable, breathable shoes, especially during warmer weather.

🧴 Bring sun protection

Although much of the tour takes place among colonial buildings, you will be exposed to the sun at key moments. Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

📷 Don’t forget your camera or cell phone

The Historic Center of Lima is full of photogenic spots: colonial balconies, plazas, churches, street art, and dishes you’ll want to capture. Make sure you have enough battery.

💧Stay Hydrated

Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. Although the tour is relaxed, walking in the sun can cause fatigue.

🧾 Let us know your dietary preferences

If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), please let us know when you book. The restaurant offers options for all tastes.

🎒Pack Only the Essentials

Avoid bringing large backpacks or valuables. A small backpack with the essentials will be sufficient and more comfortable for the city tour.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📍Where does the tour start and how do I get to the meeting point?

The tour starts at the Plaza Mayor in Lima, in front of the Cathedral. If you booked a shared tour, you must make your own way there. If you booked a private tour, we offer hotel pick-up (with prior arrangement).

⏰ How long is the tour in total?

The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including the guided tour of the historic center, entrance to the San Francisco Convent, viewpoint (if available), transportation, and lunch at the restaurant.

🍽️ Can I choose the dishes from the menu?

Yes. Lunch is a three-course meal, and you can choose from several options for appetizer, main course, and dessert. You can also choose between chicha morada or pisco sour as your included beverage. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.

💸 Is tipping mandatory?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly appreciated if you wish to acknowledge the good work of the guide or restaurant staff. Tips are entirely voluntary.

🧒 Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages. We recommend constant supervision of children, especially in the catacombs and areas with many stairs. There are also children’s menu options available at the restaurant.

📷Is photography allowed during the tour?

Yes, you can take photos in most places. However, flash photography and video recording are not permitted in some areas of the San Francisco Convent and the catacombs. The guide will let you know which areas are allowed.

🗓️How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, especially if you want to guarantee availability at the restaurant and for the private tour option. During peak seasons (July-August and December), reservations fill up quickly.

🌧️Does the tour take place if it rains?

Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine. Lima has a mostly temperate climate, but in case of drizzle, it’s advisable to bring a light raincoat or umbrella. The activities are adapted to any weather.