Lima: Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour

Villa El Salvador, a vibrant shanty town in Lima, offers a captivating window into the daily life and resilience of its community. Visitors can join a 3-hour tour that immerses them in the neighborhood’s culture, history, and resilience. Led by knowledgeable guides, the small-group experience allows participants to interact with locals, visit homes and schools, and witness the community’s collective spirit. With panoramic views of Lima and the Pacific, this educational journey provides an insightful perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life in this unique urban settlement. Intrigued by the prospect of exploring this remarkable community?

Key Points

• A 3-hour guided tour of the Villa El Salvador shanty town in Lima, providing an immersive experience and insights into the community’s history, culture, and daily life.
• Opportunity to interact with local residents, visit homes, schools, and a community kitchen, and witness the community’s transformation since 1971.
• Panoramic views of Lima, the Valley of Lurin, and the Pacific Ocean, along with a visit to the iconic yellow stairs, an urban project improving access.
• Personalized experience with a small group size of up to 10 participants, with pickup service from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco.
• Highly rated tour with a focus on culture, educational insights, and photographic opportunities with community members.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour in Lima offers an immersive experience for visitors. Priced at S/. 3,916 per person, the 3-hour tour includes pickup from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco.

With a small group size limited to 10 participants, the tour features a live guide available in Spanish and English. Guests can explore the transformation of Villa El Salvador, a shanty town developed since 1971, and witness its development into a thriving community.

The tour includes visits to local homes, schools, and a community kitchen, as well as a chance to interact with children playing in the streets and enjoy panoramic views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.

Tour Experience

During the Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour, visitors can explore the transformation of this community, which has developed from a basic human settlement into a thriving urban area since its hotel in 1971.

The tour offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to:

• Meet local residents and visit their homes, schools, and a community kitchen
• Witness the daily life and culture of the shanty town
• Enjoy panoramic views of Lima, the Valley of Lurin, and the Pacific Ocean
• Interact with children playing in the streets
• Explore a local market and see the basic products available

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insights into the community’s history, politics, and religion, offering a unique and educational perspective on life in the shanty town.

Tour Highlights

As visitors explore the Villa El Salvador Shanty Town, they’ll have the opportunity to learn about the community’s rich history, politics, and religion.

One highlight is the chance to visit the yellow stairs, an urban project that’s improved access within the shanty town.

Visitors can also interact with local residents and take photos with them, providing a chance to experience the vibrant culture and daily life of this unique community.

Panoramic views of Lima, the Valley of Lurin, and the Pacific Ocean offer a stunning backdrop to the tour.

Inclusions

What does the tour include? The Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour offers a comprehensive package to enhance the experience. The inclusions are:

• Round-trip transfers to and from the hotel
• Professional guide services in both English and Spanish
• Coverage of all tolls and parking fees
• Gratuities for the guide
• Food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price

The tour’s inclusions ensure a seamless and informative experience, allowing visitors to focus on seeing the local community and learning about its history, culture, and daily life.

This well-rounded offering provides excellent value for money and a unique opportunity to explore the Villa El Salvador shanty town.

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Important Information

The Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the activity requires participants to be able to climb and descend stairs.

However, the tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families. A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run.

Visitors should bring along sunglasses, sunscreen, a copy of their passport, comfortable clothes, water, and a hat to ensure they’re prepared for the experience.

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 2 customer reviews, the Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour has received an overall rating of 5/5.

Reviewers praised the unique opportunity to interact with local residents and the educational experience. The tour guide, Nataly, was singled out for her excellent service.

The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and culture of the shanty town community.

Highlights include:

• Learning about the community’s history, politics, and religion
• Visiting the yellow stairs, a urban project for better access
• Taking photos with local residents
• Experiencing local culture and daily life in the shanty town
• Enjoying panoramic views of Lima, the Valley of Lurin, and the Pacific Ocean

Pricing and Duration

At a price starting from S/. 3,916 per person, the Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour offers a 3-hour experience exploring this unique community. Pickup is available from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, and the small group size is limited to 10 participants. The tour includes a live guide available in both Spanish and English, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pricing	Duration
S/. 3,916 per person	3 hours
Pickup from select hotels	Small group size (10 max)
Live guide in Spanish and English	Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Includes transfers, tolls, and parking	Food and drinks not included

Pickup and Group Size

How convenient is the pickup service offered for the Villa El Salvador Shanty Town Tour?

Travelers can be picked up from their hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, making it easy to join the tour. The small group size is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With a live tour guide available in both Spanish and English, language barriers won’t be an issue.

Some key highlights of the tour include:

• Exploration of the shanty town’s transformation over the decades
• Interactions with local residents and visits to homes, schools, and a community kitchen
• Panoramic views of Lima, the Valley of Lurin, and the Pacific Ocean
• Photo opportunities with the friendly community members
• An immersive cultural experience to learn about the area’s history, politics, and religion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. The tour overview states that there’s an "Opportunity to take photos with local residents", indicating that participants can take pictures throughout the experience.

What Is the Average Income Level of the Residents?

The tour doesn’t provide specific details on the average income level of the residents, as the focus is on experiencing the community’s transformation and daily life in the shanty town. Income levels can vary widely in such settlements.

Can We Bring Donations for the Local Community?

Yes, visitors can bring donations for the local community. The tour overview states that interaction with children playing in the streets is part of the experience, suggesting an opportunity to provide donations to support the neighborhood.

Are There Any Safety Concerns to Be Aware of During the Tour?

The tour provider notes that certain safety precautions should be taken. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying valuable items, and follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the shanty town.

How Does the Tour Contribute to the Local Community?

The tour provides economic opportunities for the local community by employing guides, allowing visitors to interact with residents, and supporting local businesses and markets. It also raises awareness of the shanty town’s development and challenges.

Recap

This tour of Villa El Salvador offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant community and gain insights into its rich history and resilience. Visitors can interact with locals, explore homes, schools, and a community kitchen, while enjoying stunning views of Lima and the Pacific. Led by knowledgeable guides, this educational journey provides an authentic and enlightening experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: