Walking City Tour and Catabombs of San Francisco

Walking City Tour and Catacombs of San Francisco: A Deep Dive into Lima’s Historic Heart

If you’re visiting Lima and want to get a genuine feel for the city’s colonial charm and vibrant history, this walking tour offers a solid introduction. Priced at just under $42 per person, it lasts about three to four hours, taking you through the city’s most iconic sites, including Plaza San Martin, Jirón de la Unión, Plaza de Armas, and the remarkable San Francisco Catacombs. The tour includes professional guides, optional hotel pickup, and a taste of local treats — all aimed at giving you a comprehensive taste of Lima’s colonial glory.

What we love about this tour are two main aspects: first, the variety of sites covered — from historic squares to bustling streets filled with colonial balconies — and second, the opportunity to explore the San Francisco Catacombs, which are both fascinating and atmospheric. These underground ossuaries are some of the best-preserved in South America, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s past cemeteries.

A key consideration is the group size and guide quality. While most guides seem knowledgeable, one review mentions that disorganization and large groups can diminish the experience, especially inside the San Francisco monastery where explanations can get lost in the crowd. This tour is perfect if you’re eager to explore Lima’s core with a small group and don’t mind walking around for a few hours. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in history, architecture, and local culture who want a well-rounded overview without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of Lima’s historic center including major squares and streets
• Access to San Francisco’s catacombs, South America’s largest and best-preserved underground cemeteries
• Affordable price point, offering good value considering the sites and guided commentary
• Flexible options, including hotel pickup and group discounts
• Authentic experience with local snacks and opportunities for great photography
• Limited in-depth inside guide explanations according to some reviews, so be prepared for large groups or some disorganization

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off at Hotel Gran Bolivar or can include hotel pickup if arranged. We appreciate this flexibility because it saves you the hassle of navigating to the starting point yourself. The first stop is Plaza San Martin, a beautiful square that’s been part of Lima’s fabric since 1921. Here, you can marvel at the monument dedicated to José de San Martin, the man credited with Peru’s independence. This square is surrounded by historic buildings like the Gran Bolivar Hotel and the Theatre Colon, which add to the sense of stepping back in time.

Walking along Jirón de la Unión

Next, the tour wanders along Jirón de la Unión, a street founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror. This street is a lively corridor filled with moments of colonial architecture, wooden balconies, and old churches. It used to be a hub for social elites, and you’ll notice how the layers of history are still visible today. Walking this street offers a snapshot of Lima’s social and architectural evolution, which travelers find charming and photogenic.

The Heart of Lima: Plaza de Armas

The highlight for many is the Plaza de Armas—the city’s main square and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see the Government Palace, where the Peruvian president resides, and the Lima Cathedral, which was built between 1535 and 1649. The square is a hub of activity, with colorful wooden balconies and colonial-era buildings lining the perimeter. Here, you’ll get the chance to indulge in a traditional Peruvian sweet—churros filled with dulce de leche—a delightful treat that adds to the authentic atmosphere.

The San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs

The final stop is the San Francisco Church and Convent, the most haunting and memorable part of the tour. The catacombs beneath the monastery are South America’s largest, home to bones of over 25,000 people. Your guide (if attentive) will explain the history of the burial site, which served as the main cemetery until 1810. The underground tunnels are atmospheric, with pools of bones and skulls arranged in macabre displays.

One reviewer noted that guides inside the catacombs can be disorganized, especially in large groups, which may hinder your understanding of the site’s significance. Still, the experience of wandering through the dark, bone-lined corridors is unforgettable. The tour then wraps up here, with the option for the guide to drop you at your hotel.

What Travelers Should Know

• Tour Duration and Pacing: Expect a moderate pace with plenty of stops for photos and explanations. The total walking time is manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Group Size and Guide Quality: While most guides seem knowledgeable, some reviews mention large groups and less organized explanations, especially in the crowded monastery. If detailed narration is important, consider asking for a smaller group or private tour.
• Cost and Value: At $41.67, this tour offers notable value—covering key attractions, entrance fees, snacks, and guided commentary. It’s a good budget-friendly option for those wanting a broad overview.
• Inclusions: Snacks and optional hotel pickup enhance the experience, making it more convenient. However, some sites like the cathedral and catacombs are free to enter, which keeps the overall cost reasonable.
• Best For: History buffs, architecture lovers, and first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive, guided walk of Lima’s historic core. Keep in mind some reviews mention disorganization, so if you’re sensitive to group chaos, plan accordingly.

Authentic and Practical Insights

Walking through Lima’s historic center, you’ll feel the layers of Spanish colonial influence and the city’s resilience after earthquakes and modernization. The architecture, from neoclassical facades to wooden balconies, tells stories of a city that has seen both splendor and hardship.

The catacombs are the tour’s dark jewel, giving you a visceral sense of the city’s past practices of burial. The bones and skulls are arranged in a way that’s both respectful and eerie, making it a compelling stop for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or just the macabre.

The local snack—churros filled with manjarblanco—adds a sweet note to an otherwise serious journey. It’s a reminder that Lima is not just about history but also about vibrant local culture. The tour’s length and cost make it accessible for most travelers, especially those on a busy itinerary or with limited time in Peru’s capital.

The Sum Up

This walking tour of Lima’s historic center hits many of the right notes for travelers looking to understand the city’s colonial past and see some of its most iconic sights without spending a fortune. It combines outdoor exploration with cultural insights and a touch of adventure in the underground catacombs.

While some reviews highlight issues with guide organization and large groups, most agree that the sites visited and the overall value make this a worthwhile experience. It’s particularly suited for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see a panoramic snapshot of Lima in a manageable, well-priced package.

If you’re prepared for some walking and a bit of crowd, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the heart of Lima — revealing both its splendid architecture and its fascinating subterranean bones.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered as an option, making it easier to start your day without arranging your own transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately three to four hours, depending on walking pace and how long you spend at each site.

Are entrance fees included?
Most of the sites, including Plaza San Martin, Jirón de la Unión, and Plaza de Armas, are free to enter. The tour fee covers the guide, snacks, and optional transportation.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves walking and exploring underground tunnels, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who can handle some walking and potentially dark, enclosed spaces.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a camera, and some money for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Can I get a personalized or private version of this tour?
While this specific tour is group-based with a maximum of 10 travelers, you might inquire about private arrangements directly with the provider.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Most agree it’s the San Francisco Catacombs, offering a rare and evocative look into Lima’s past burial practices in a well-preserved underground setting.

This detailed overview should help you decide if this walking adventure aligns with your interests and travel style. Whether you’re captivated by architecture, history, or just the thrill of underground bones, Lima’s historic center awaits you — with a guide to bring its stories to life.