DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Leave the port to day for a visit to Lima’s excellent Archaeological Museum. Located in an impressive colonial mansion once the country home the famous liberators José de San Martin and Simón Bolivar, this impeccably-organized, state-run collection showcases the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations – from the Chavin in 1200 BC to the Incas.

Afterwards, make your way towards Lima’s colonial centre to the Plaza Mayor, where Lima was founded and still the official center of the city. Enjoy a welcome cocktail in Lima’s oldest colonial mansion: built in 1535 by the illustrious Spanish conquistador Jerónimo de Aliaga, the Casa Aliaga, an incredible relic of colonial splendor, has been home to 17 generations of his descendants ever since. You will be immediately struck by the grace of the wood and marble staircase leading up to a fine entrance patio. Visit the residence’s beautiful rooms: the central passageway, the family chapel, the Golden Salon with incredible golden mirrors and a beautiful upper gallery while enjoying delicious drinks and snacks.

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll back to the Plaza Mayor and past the Presidential Palace where the soldiers guarding the palace offer an excellent photo opportunity. You will also visit the historic Cathedral, built in 1534 and an architectural masterpiece. From the Cathedral, you will walk on to the Church of San Francisco with its library and collection of fine paintings and frescoes.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Lima’s excellent Archaeological Museum showcases the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations from the Chavin in 1200 BC to the Incas. Then make your way towards Lima’s historic center, enjoying a welcome cocktail in Lima’s oldest colonial mansion and touring the major landmarks of the Plaza Mayor.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 - 00:20 Drive from pier to the Archaeological Museum
00:20 - 01:00 Tour of Archaeological Museum; Bathrooms available
01:00 - 01:25 Drive to Central Lima and walk; 50 yards to Casa Aliaga
01:25 - 01:55 Tour of Casa Aliaga and snacks/refreshments; Bathrooms available
01:55 - 02:00 Walk to Cathedral via Presidential Palace; Distance approx. 100 yards
02:00 - 02:35 Tour of Cathedral; Bathrooms available
02:35 - 02:45 Leisurely walk to San Francisco Church; Distance approx. 275 yards
02:45 - 03:25 Tour of San Francisco Church; Bathrooms available
03:25 - 04:00 Drive back to pier

Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Some leisurely walking involved
- Some steps to negotiate in the Casa Aliaga, Cathedral, and San Francisco make this tour unsuitable for guests in wheelchairs
- The Cathedral may be closed on Sundays and can be replaced by a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent
- The Archaeological Museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays, but may be replaced by another museum such as the Larco Herrera collection
- The Casa Aliaga is a private house and is always subject to availability at the time of booking
- The chronological order of this tour is subject to change
- Activity level is Easy

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