Lima City Walking Tour and Visit to the Catacombs

Lima’s rich history and culture come alive in the city’s walking tour and catacomb visit. Spanning 3.5 hours, this small-group experience takes participants to iconic landmarks like the Plaza de Armas and the Monastery of San Francisco. But the real draw lies beneath the city, where over 70,000 individuals rest in the eerie Catacombs beneath the Basilica. Guided by bilingual experts, guests gain fascinating insights into Lima’s colonial heritage and the haunting stories that lie in wait. It’s a tour that promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on all who venture into the depths of this remarkable city.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour small-group tour covers iconic landmarks in Lima, including the Catacombs, an underground ossuary with over 70,000 remains.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or the Historic Center, and an air-conditioned vehicle.
• The tour is led by bilingual guides with extensive knowledge of Lima’s history and culture, providing engaging commentary and insights.
• The Catacombs tour allows visitors to explore the "Well of Skulls" and "Field of Skulls" within the 5-acre underground ossuary.
• The tour is priced at $40 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and is designed for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Tour Overview

The Lima City Walking Tour and Visit to the Catacombs is a 3-hour and 30-minute experience that takes travelers on a guided exploration through the historic heart of Peru’s capital city.

This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, offers a comprehensive look at Lima’s most iconic landmarks, including a visit to the eerie Catacombs beneath the city.

Guests will be picked up and dropped off at select locations in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or the Historic Center, and the tour is priced from $40.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance ticket, bottled water, and an expert English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, an entrance ticket to the Catacombs museum, and bottled water for participants.

An official tourist guide proficient in both Spanish and English is also provided.

However, the following aren’t included:

1. Tips for the guide
2. Lunch during the tour
3. Pickup and drop-off services outside of the specified districts
4. Accessibility for wheelchair users

Pickup and Drop-off

Where can travelers be picked up for the Lima City Walking Tour?

Pickup is available at selected points or at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Guests in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, or the Historic Center of Lima can take advantage of this convenience.

Alternatively, travelers can meet the group at the main entrance or lobby of the JW Marriott Hotel.

It’s important to note that pickup is only provided for guests staying in the specified districts.

Upon completion of the 3.5-hour tour, guests will be dropped off at the same location as the pickup.

Accessibility and Participation

According to the tour information, the Lima City Walking Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.

The tour is located near public transportation, allowing participants to easily access the starting point.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour, as no special accommodations are provided for them.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, although it’s essential to consider any physical limitations or mobility concerns before booking.

The tour’s accessibility and participation requirements are designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.

The tour’s accessibility and participation details are as follows:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Stroller accessible
3. Near public transportation
4. Infants must sit on laps

Catacombs of Lima

The Catacombs of Lima are an underground ossuary that lies beneath the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco in the historic center of Peru’s capital city. Discovered in the 17th century, the catacombs contain the remains of over 70,000 people. Visitors can explore the dimly lit tunnels and chambers, which are filled with stacks of human bones and skulls arranged in intricate patterns.

Feature	Description
Size	Spanning over 5 acres underground
Artifacts	Includes funerary urns, candles, and religious symbols
Highlights	The "Well of Skulls", the "Altar of Skulls", and the "Field of Skulls"
Hours	Open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Touring the Catacombs of Lima provides a unique and eerie glimpse into the city’s past, offering a somber yet fascinating experience for visitors.

Lima City Highlights

Aside from the captivating Catacombs, Lima’s vibrant city center beckons visitors with a wealth of architectural marvels and cultural offerings.

Iconic landmarks like the exquisite Plaza de Armas, the ornate Cathedral of Lima, and the Government Palace showcase the city’s colonial heritage.

Strolling down the picturesque streets, travelers can admire:

1. The stunning baroque facades of the Monastery of San Francisco and its impressive library.
2. The pre-Columbian ruins of Huaca Pucllana, providing a glimpse into Lima’s ancient past.
3. The lively Chinatown district, brimming with authentic Chinese restaurants and shops.
4. The contemporary art galleries and trendy cafes of the bohemian Barranco neighborhood.

Guide Expertise

Knowledgeable guides are key to unlocking the full experience of this Lima City Walking Tour. The tour employs official tourist guides fluent in both Spanish and English, ensuring seamless communication and a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. These expert guides provide valuable insights, bringing to life the stories behind the sites visited, from the captivating Catacombs to the vibrant streets of Lima. Their extensive knowledge and engaging presentations make for a truly enriching experience.

Guide Attributes	Description
Language Skills	Bilingual (Spanish and English)
Historical Knowledge	Extensive background on Lima’s history and culture
Presentation Skills	Engaging and informative storytelling
Local Expertise	In-depth understanding of the city’s landmarks and hidden gems
Professionalism	Courteous, punctual, and committed to guest satisfaction

Customer Reviews

Glowing reviews from past participants underscore the tour’s exceptional quality. The tour boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating, with a single reviewer praising the guide’s extensive knowledge and insightful commentary.

The tour’s strength is evidenced by:

1. Detailed insights into the city’s history and landmarks
2. Engaging storytelling that brings the Catacombs to life
3. Seamless coordination and punctual pickup and drop-off
4. Overall value for money, with a competitive price point

This feedback suggests the Lima City Walking Tour and Catacombs visit delivers a polished, enriching experience that exceeds traveler expectations.

Prospective guests can book with confidence, knowing they’ll embark on a well-organized excursion led by an expert guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start?

The tour does not have a set start time. According to the information provided, the tour duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup and drop-off. Pickup is available from specified districts in Lima.

Can I Visit the Catacombs Independently?

Yes, travelers can visit the Catacombs independently. The Catacombs museum offers self-guided tours, which allow visitors to explore the underground ossuary at their own pace without joining a group tour. Entrance tickets can be purchased on-site.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, you don’t need any special equipment to visit the Catacombs independently. As long as you’re dressed comfortably and have a good pair of walking shoes, you’re all set to explore the underground ossuary on your own.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Catacombs?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Catacombs, though visitors should check with their tour guide for any specific rules or restrictions. Most tours encourage visitors to take photos to capture the unique underground ossuary.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Sites?

The tour itinerary only includes the walking tour of Lima city and visit to the Catacombs. To visit additional sites, you’ll need to book a separate tour or make your own arrangements. Extensions or customizations to the core tour are not offered.

Recap

The Lima City Walking Tour and Visit to the Catacombs offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich colonial history and haunting subterranean spaces. Led by bilingual experts, this small-group excursion provides fascinating insights into Lima’s iconic landmarks and the over 70,000 individuals resting in the eerie Catacombs beneath the Basilica. With a perfect balance of cultural and macabre elements, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the city’s unique heritage.