Lima City Excursion & Catacombs + Pachacamac Archaeological Site

Uncover the captivating history of Lima, Peru with the comprehensive Lima City Excursion. Explore the city’s colonial past, exploring the stunning architecture and significant landmarks of the historic center. Venture beneath the San Francisco Monastery to the eerie Catacombs, where a network of underground tunnels houses countless human remains. Then, journey to the ancient Pachacamac Archaeological Site to discover the pre-Columbian ruins and learn about the enigmatic civilizations that once thrived in this region. With comfortable transportation and a small-group setting, this immersive tour promises a truly enlightening experience. But what secrets lie buried within these hallowed grounds, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• Guided tour of Lima’s historic center, including Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, and exploration of well-preserved colonial architecture.
• Visit to the Pachacamac Archaeological Site, a significant pre-Columbian religious and administrative complex located near Lima.
• Explore the San Francisco Monastery, known for its stunning 17th-century colonial church, baroque interior, and the renowned catacombs.
• Descend into the dimly lit catacombs beneath the San Francisco Monastery, where thousands of bones and skulls are arranged along the corridors.
• The tour includes complimentary admission to all attractions, air-conditioned transportation, and knowledgeable guides to enhance the cultural and historical experience.

Overview of the Tour

The Lima City Excursion offers travelers the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant cultural heritage of Peru’s capital.

This small-group day tour takes guests to the historic center, where they’ll explore iconic landmarks like Plaza San Martin and Plaza de Armas.

The tour also includes a visit to the renowned Pachacamac archaeological site, an important Pre-Columbian complex just outside of Lima.

With a maximum group size of 14 people, the excursion provides an intimate and personalized experience, led by a knowledgeable guide.

Complimentary admission to all attractions, air-conditioned transportation, and hotel pickups in select areas ensure a seamless and enjoyable exploration of Lima’s cultural treasures.

Highlights of Lima’s Historic Center

One of the highlights of the Lima City Excursion is the exploration of the city’s historic center. Visitors will start at Plaza San Martin, a picturesque square lined with grand colonial-era buildings.

From there, they’ll continue to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of old Lima. This expansive plaza is home to the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the impressive Lima Cathedral, all showcasing the city’s Spanish colonial architecture.

Guided tours provide insights into the rich history and cultural significance of these landmarks. Participants can marvel at the intricately carved wooden balconies, ornate facades, and beautifully preserved structures that transport them back in time.

Exploring Pachacamac Archaeological Site

After exploring the historic landmarks in Lima’s city center, the tour proceeds to the Pachacamac Archaeological Site, a significant pre-Columbian ruins located just outside the city.

Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the ancient religious and administrative complex, which was once the sacred site of the Inca Empire.

The tour includes guided visits to the main temples, palaces, and plazas, allowing guests to gain insight into the architectural and cultural achievements of the Pachacamac civilization.

Plus, the on-site museum showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of the site’s rich history and the lives of its inhabitants.

This excursion offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s pre-Hispanic past.

Visiting the San Francisco Monastery

Next, the tour guides the group to the iconic San Francisco Monastery, a renowned religious and architectural landmark in the heart of Lima’s historic center.

Visitors explore the stunning 17th-century colonial church and marvel at its ornate baroque interior, including the intricate woodcarvings and gilded altars.

The tour then descends into the monastery’s renowned catacombs, a network of underground burial chambers that once served as the final resting place for Lima’s colonial-era elite.

Guests wander amid the rows of skulls and bones, learning about the fascinating history and cultural significance of this unique site.

The experience offers a captivating glimpse into Lima’s rich heritage and the city’s enduring spiritual traditions.

• Explore the 17th-century San Francisco Monastery
• Admire the ornate baroque interior and woodcarvings
• Descend into the mysterious underground catacombs
• Learn about the cultural significance of the catacombs
• Discover Lima’s rich colonial history and traditions

Discovering the Catacombs

Descending beneath the San Francisco Monastery, the tour group ventures into the dimly lit catacombs, a network of underground burial chambers that once served as the final resting place for Lima’s colonial-era elite.

Thousands of bones and skulls are neatly arranged along the corridors, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s past. The guide explains the fascinating history behind this macabre ossuary, discussing the Catholic practices and beliefs that led to its creation.

As the group navigates the maze-like passages, they’re struck by the solemn atmosphere, contemplating the lives and stories contained within these sacred underground chambers.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the Lima City Excursion, the tour package includes complimentary admission to all attractions, guided tours of the Pachacamac Archaeological Site & Museum and San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs, and pick-up and drop-off services from selected hotels or apartments in various neighborhoods.

However, the tour doesn’t include meals, beverages, or transfers to and from the Lima Airport or Callao area. Travelers can request meeting point or transfer services at an additional cost.

To ensure a comfortable experience, the tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide.

• Complimentary admission to all attractions
• Guided tours of Pachacamac and San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs
• Pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels or apartments
• No meals or beverages included
• Additional cost for transfers to/from Lima Airport or Callao area

Tour Details

The tour commences at 9:00 AM, with confirmation provided upon booking.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

The small-group tour, with a maximum size of 14 people, takes visitors through Lima’s historic center, including Plaza San Martin and Plaza de Armas.

Guests will also explore the Pachacamac archaeological site and the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

All entrance fees are included, and an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable experience.

The tour covers highlights from Lima’s rich history and cultural heritage, providing an engaging and informative exploration of the city.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour is priced from $89.00 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the group size.

Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later for added flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The cancellation policy includes:

• No penalties for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
• Partial refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time
• Non-refundable for no-shows or last-minute cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes guided visits to historical sites and allows for a maximum group size of 14 people. However, it’s important to note that no meals or beverages are included, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What Language(S) Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guides on this small-group Lima city tour are fluent in both English and Spanish. They can provide informative commentary and answer questions for participants in either language throughout the day’s activities and site visits.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-set small-group tour. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests or adjust the schedule if requested in advance, subject to availability and feasibility.

Is There a Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour, but comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Closed-toe walking shoes are advised for exploring the archaeological site. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing in layers is suggested.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point, but should inform the guide beforehand. Leaving the group is not recommended, as it may disrupt the tour and impact the experience for other travelers.

Recap

This Lima City Excursion provides an immersive exploration of Peru’s rich heritage. Visitors can marvel at the colonial architecture in Lima’s historic center, explore the pre-Columbian past at Pachacamac, and uncover the mysteries of the Catacombs beneath the San Francisco Monastery. With comfortable transportation and a small-group setting, this tour offers a personalized and enlightening experience for those seeking to discover the cultural treasures of Peru.