You will start the tour through the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, two neighborhoods full of history that have become exclusive urban areas due to their commercial, tourist and financial character. Visit El Olivar de San Isidro, an old colonial haciendawhere olive trees were grown. Then you will move to the bohemian district of Barranco, traditional home of the most renowned Peruvian artists, to visit the Pedro de Osma Museum a former residence of the De Osma family, originally from Spain who migrated to Peru at the beginning of the 19th century. Tall windows, carved columns, gardens and sculptures make up one of the most beautiful summer mansions in the bourgeois Lima of the past.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Love park and Olivar Park, two iconics places of modern Lima.
Visit Barranco,the most colourful and artistic neighbourhood in Lima, known for its bohemian lifestyle and nightlife. Its streets combine the colonial past of Lima with its more modern side, reflected in urban art and buildings with ocean views.
Visit The Osma Museum where you will see a wide collection of Peruvian colonial art.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by the Pan-American Highway en route to the South toward Pachacamac.
Discover the archaeological complex of Pachacamac, one of the most important pre-Inca religious centres of the Peruvian coast. Dating from 200 AD, Pachacamac is made entirely out of clay and houses the giant pyramids of the sun and moon. This comprehensive sightseeing tour will give you an insight on the culture, history and architecture of both the Inca and pre-Inca people.
It was the main destination for pilgrims in the coastal region and attracted worshippers from all over Peru. Extensive research and excavations, especially in the last couple of years, revealed much about the significance and history of Pachacamac. The on-site museum displays artefacts discovered at Pachacamac (ceramics, beautiful textiles and religious pieces) and at the same time explains the history and importance of the Ceremonial Centre of Pachacamac to visitors. At least three civilisations have used the site; it originally belonged to the Ichma culture although it was mostly built by the Wari and later dominated by the Incas.
The sanctuary was where the god Pachacamac was worshipped. Pachacamac, which means 'the one who animates the world', was worshipped as the creator of the world but on the also feared as the god of fire and earthquakes. The religious centre, which houses several temples inside and was built by stone, remained untouched for centuries until the arrival of the Spaniards.
Archaeologists have found thousands of mummies and numerous priceless artefacts at the site. Climb up the Temple of the Sun and enjoy the amazing view over the Pacific Ocean.
At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.
Options
Tourist rates for Peruvian nationals: The selected rates only apply to Peruvian passengers.
Tourist rates for all other nationalities: The selected rates do not apply to Peruvian passengers.
A transportation service will pick you up from your hotel and will transfer you to the traditional Pueblo Libre district, to visit the Larco Museum. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the museum is located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century.
The visit to this museum enables to understand over five thousand years of a high degree of development of the cultures that flourished before the Inca Empire. It shows the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts as well pieces of erotic art.
Over 45,000 archaeological artifacts bear witness of five thousand years of Peruvian history. At the end of the tour, you may do your shopping at the museum shop and enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Museum. You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Others
Meal includes Appetizer (Pisco sour), starter, main course, dessert, mineral water
Today you will visit the built-up area of the city of Lima, a World Heritage Site listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
You will start the day with a scenic tour by the historic downtown, reaching the Main Square, where you will stop to appreciate its attractions. You will then walk to the Cathedral of Lima, located on the Main Square, Peru's most important church built between 1542 and 1622. Then you will go to the Aliaga House, an ancient vice regal resident granted by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains in 1535 (Jeronimo de Aliaga), after the foundation of the city.
This is the only house of that time that belongs to the same family to date. You will then visit the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926 inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century, the museum houses the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of erotic art. Finally, you will be return to your hotel.
Options
Tourist rates for Peruvian nationals: The selected rates only apply to Peruvian passengers.
Tourist rates for all other nationalities: The selected rates do not apply to Peruvian passengers.
Your incredible tour starts in the heart of downtown Lima, where you'll embark on a breathtaking journey through the built-up area, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
You'll make your way to the awe-inspiring Main Square, where you'll witness the majestic Presidential Palace and the stunning Lima Cathedral, both of which are still in active use.
Next, you'll venture to San Martin Square, the vibrant stage where some of the most significant social and political events of the 20th century in Lima unfolded. In the heart of the square stands the monument to the liberator Jose de San Martin, a tribute to the man who led Peru to independence.
As you return to Miraflores,you'll make a quick stop at Love Park, a vibrant oasis inaugurated on Valentine's Day in 1993. This enchanting park is a popular destination for couples on the most romantic day of the year.
Follow in the footsteps of great explorers and sail out into the Pacific Ocean to discover the pristine Palominos Islands, a wild and rugged nature reserve inhabited by sea lions and birds. This day trip from Lima offers an opportunity few visitors to Peru ever get to experience: to swim with the sea lions.
Stop at San Lorenzo Island, 4km offshore from El Callao Bay. Once the place of religious cult in pre-colonial times, during the Spanish empire it became a graveyard for seamen, pirates and corsairs, and has the dubious honour of having been raided by legendary English privateer Francis Drake. Later, it became a popular place to conduct research for scientists such as Charles Darwin. Currently, a military area, enjoy a panoramic view of this mysterious island as you sail past.
Then, rising from the depths of the Pacific, the Palomino Islands will come into sight. They are covered with natural caves and caverns as well as a colony of friendly sea lionsthat thrives here. Stop for 40 minutes to swim with the sea lions, of which there is a population of about 8,000. This is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with nature at its best.
Finally, return along islands populated by sea birds and the second largest colony of Humboldt penguins in Peru.
Important information
Protection fees and boarding fees are not included, payable in destination and subject to change.
The most authentic shopping experience is Lima is the magnificent Miraflores Indian Marketand you can enjoy a wonderful visit with this transport service. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Indian Market near Miraflores Park. Browse the myriad stalls selling craft products, silverware and traditional clothing, and maybe take home that sought-after souvenir or gift.
The Indian Market is a huge, sprawling labyrinth of small vendors spread across an entire city block. Exploring this maze of stalls is an adventure in itself. Be dazzled by the seductive silver jewellery and the quaint wooden figurines that make ideal toys. Often, you will hear the sound of Andean panpipe music wafting through the air. This is the Peru of lore as you mingle and haggle with the descendants of the ancient Incas.
A stroll through the market is a feast of colours with seemingly every shade known to mankind represented in the astonishing array of clothing made from alpaca wool. The alpaca is a species related to camels, which produces some of the world's finest fibres. The baby alpaca variant is made from the even finer wool of young alpacas while vicuna wool is considered the finest of all. Choose from beautiful displays of ponchos, shawls, jumpers, scarves and the ubiquitous chullo, the woolly hats with ear flaps that are the trademark symbol of the Andes. You will also find traditional handmade wooden sculptures and colourful painted goods. Prices tend to be standardised but it pays to haggle a bit and do some bargaining.
Ticket options
Tour - Tourist rates for Peruvian nationals: The selected rates only apply to Peruvian passengers.
Tour - Tourist rates for all other nationalities: The selected rates do not apply to Peruvian passengers.
Live life like a true Limean with this rich and colourful gastronomic tour that explores the city's most popular markets. You will be able to find absolutely anything in the fruit market, in particular, bursting with tasty treasures from the coast, the highlands and the jungle. The tour acquaints you with Peru's capital, its 2,000 years of history and its colonial heritage.
Experience the artistic traditions and contemporary lives of the locals. Discover one of the oldest taverns and best-loved family restaurants, the Cordano Tavern,which is renowned for its tacu tacu (pan-fried rice and beans) and butifarra (bread stuffed with ham). This is definitely the right time to skip your diet and sample the local produce.
Visit the best-preserved colonial mansion in the city, Casa Aliaga, which has been home to 16 generations of the same family and is the jewel of Colonial Lima. Wander through the spacious and beautiful rooms; admire this immaculately preserved relic of a bygone era. The house is divided into 18 rooms; the upper hall features paintings and is the gateway to the Golden Hall. Behold the many gilded mirrors that were imported in the 19th century to follow fashion trends from Europe. In the courtyard, check out the well-preserved Sevillian-style tyles.
Begin the tour as you make the way to San Isidro where you will visit a local market offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat cuts and fish. Afterwards, you will make a stop at a local restaurant to take part in a cocktail demonstration class before tantalising your tastebuds with a refreshing glass of Pisco Sour, the national cocktail, prepared with pisco, lime or lemon juice, syrup and egg whites! If you are feeling peckish, you will also learn how to prepare a traditional Peruvian dish before lunch!
Next, head to Lima's old town where you admire the Cathedral, beautiful colonial buildings surrounding the main plaza as well as the Presidential Palace, City Hall and the Archbishop's Palace.
Continue the tour with a visit to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion built in 1535, and the only house from the period that still belongs to the same family!
The last stop of the tour will be at the Larco Museum which showcases an impressive collection dating over 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history with gold, silver, looms and even erotic art.
