Lima Day Tour: Highlights and Insiders Tour (full day)

Delve into Lima's culture and culinary highlights with a day tour visiting Plaza San Martin, Plaza De Armas, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and Barranco. Taste some local bites and take in the sights of Peru's beautiful capital.

Day 1 Lima
Duration: 6-7 hours

Meeting Point: Miraflores Church (main door)

Finish Point: Miraflores Church (main door)

Itinerary:
Begin the day in bustling Miraflores district. Hop on a public bus for a local experience as you make your way to the historic centre of Lima where you will be taken on a guided tour through Lima's cultural and culinary highlights.

Visit Plaza San Martin built in the early 20th century and named for the liberator of Peru, José de San Martín, whose statue you can find in the centre of the plaza. This plaza is particularly enjoyed in the evenings when it is illuminated so if you have extended time in Lima it may be beneficial to come back to the plaza in the evening for a stroll.

Next, take a walking tour of the Plaza de Armas where you'll learn about the history of the presidential palace. In the plaza there isn't a single building that remains from the 16th-century settlement, however, at the centre of the plaza stands a beautiful bronze fountain that has stood there since 1650.

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco are a must-see in Lima. The architecture of the monastery is exquisite and what lies beneath the surface is sure to intrigue many. The cathedral is famous for its bone-lined catacombs that house approximately 70,000 remains, many of the remains are exposed and stacked along the walls in strange patterns.

Take a break from walking around the historic centre of Lima for a small bite to eat along the way. Try Butifarra Soledeñas, a type of sausage that has developed into a regional speciality and is made from ground beef and pork mixed with spices. Enjoy a pisco sour if you fancy!

Hop back on the bus and head to the bohemian, trendy neighbourhood of Barranco. See the eclectic mesh of past and present, colonial mansions, boutique shops and inviting bars. Admire street art, the Bridge of Sighs, and more, in what is known as the hub of creativity in Lima. Enjoy a coffee tasting and demonstration at Cafe Bisetti. Finally, for your last stop on the tour, visit the Victor Delfín house, which is a gorgeous mansion, art studio and museum all in one.

Packing essentials: Water bottle, sunblock, sunglasses, camera, some cash to buy souvenirs.