How to Plan Your Private Discovery Tour in Lima, Peru

If you are planning to visit Lima, Peru, and want to experience the city like a local, then a private discovery tour is the right choice for you. Lima is a vibrant city with colonial and modern architecture, delicious food, and a rich history. The tour will provide you the opportunity to explore the city’s landmarks, learn about Peruvian cuisine, and try a real pisco sour. Here’s how to plan your private discovery tour in Lima, Peru.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step is to book your tour. This private discovery tour is offered by Viator and can be booked online. The tour is limited to 12 people, providing a more personalized experience. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and drop-off, and gratuities. You can book the tour by following this link book the tour here.

Step 2: Meeting Point

The meeting point for the tour is the Iglesia Matriz Virgen Milagrosa, located in the downtown area of Lima. The guide will be waiting for you in front of the church. The tour starts at 9:30 am, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.

Step 3: Explore Famous Landmarks on a Guided Walking Tour of Lima

The tour includes a guided walking tour of Lima’s famous landmarks. You will visit the Plaza de Armas, which is the main square of Lima and the historic center of the city. Here, you will see the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Government Palace, where the President of Peru lives and works.

You will also visit the San Francisco Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery has an impressive collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. The highlight of the visit is the catacombs, which are underground tombs that contain the remains of more than 70,000 people.

Step 4: Stop at a Local Market and Learn About Peruvian Cuisine

The tour includes a stop at a local market, where you will learn about Peruvian cuisine. The guide will show you various fruits and vegetables that are unique to Peru, such as Lucuma, Chirimoya, and Aguaymanto. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the local delicacies, such as ceviche and causas.

Step 5: Visit a Pub and Try a Real Pisco Sour

The tour includes a visit to a pub, where you will try a real pisco sour. Pisco sour is Peru’s national drink and is made with Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, sugar, ice, and egg white. The guide will teach you how to make a pisco sour and its history.

Step 6: Experience Lima Like a Local Taking City Transportation to Lima’s Downtown

In this tour, you will experience Lima like a local by taking city transportation to the downtown area of Lima. This will give you a unique perspective on the city’s culture and daily life.

Step 7: What’s Included

The private discovery tour includes the following:

– Friendly English speaking guide
– Learn about the rich history of the fascinating city of Lima
– Polish up your Spanish and learn some local phrases
– Hotel pickup and drop off
– Gratuities

Step 8: What to Bring

Here are some things you should bring on the tour:

– Comfortable walking shoes
– Sunscreen
– Hat
– Bottle of water
– Camera
– Money for souvenirs and additional food

Conclusion

If you want to experience Lima like a local, a private discovery tour is the perfect way to do it. The tour includes a guided walking tour of Lima’s famous landmarks, a stop at a local market to learn about Peruvian cuisine, and a visit to a pub to try a real pisco sour. The tour is limited to 12 people, providing a more personalized experience. You can book the tour online through Viator, and the meeting point is the Iglesia Matriz Virgen Milagrosa. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a bottle of water, and your camera. Enjoy your private discovery tour in Lima, Peru!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Lima, Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city that enchants visitors with its mix of colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, magnificent museums, and nightlife. It is also a city of contrasts that leaves many first-time visitors with questions. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Lima, Peru.

1. Is Lima Safe?

This is probably the most common question among tourists planning a trip to Lima. The answer is that Lima is generally a safe city, but like any big city, it has its share of crime. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, it is important to take a few precautions. For example, it is recommended that tourists avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or other valuables in public. In addition, it is best to avoid walking alone at night in areas that are not well-lit or frequented by tourists. It is also advisable to use registered taxi services rather than hailing cabs on the street.

2. What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Lima?

Lima is a year-round destination with a mild climate that is perfect for traveling anytime. However, the city’s peak tourist season is from December to March when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest. This is also the time when the famous Mistura food festival takes place, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

3. What Is Ceviche, And Where Can I Find The Best Ceviche In Lima?

Ceviche is undoubtedly Peru’s most famous dish, and you should definitely try it while in Lima. The dish consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers and other seasonings. The best ceviche in Lima is subjective and depends on personal taste. However, some of the most popular places to try ceviche in Lima are La Mar, Pescados Capitales, and El Mercado.

4. What Are The Must-See Sights In Lima?

Lima is a city with a rich history and culture, so there are many must-see sights for visitors. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• The Historic Center of Lima, which houses many of the city’s most important colonial buildings, including the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco Monastery.
• The Larco Museum, which has an impressive collection of pre-Colombian art and artifacts, including beautiful pottery and textiles.
• The Barranco district, which has a bohemian atmosphere and is home to many art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
• The Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological complex that dates back to the Lima culture that existed before the Incas.

5. What Currency Is Used In Lima?

The currency used in Lima and throughout Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It is best to exchange currency at banks or exchange bureaus rather than on the street or at the airport, where exchange rates may not be as favorable.

6. What Is The Official Language Of Lima?

The official language of Lima is Spanish. However, many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. It is always helpful to have a basic knowledge of Spanish phrases when traveling in Lima.

7. Is It Necessary To Tip In Lima?

It is customary to leave a tip of 10% to 15% at restaurants in Lima, and for taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest sol is common. In other service industries, such as hairdressers or tour guides, tipping is also expected if the service was good.

8. Are There Any Specific Vaccinations Required To Travel To Lima?

No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Lima. However, it is recommended that visitors be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella, and hepatitis A and B. It is also advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before traveling to Lima.

9. How Do I Get Around In Lima?

Lima has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a metro system. Taxis are also readily available, but it is important to use registered taxis to avoid scams. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Cabify are also popular among visitors.

10. What Is The Nightlife Like In Lima?

Lima has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and theaters that cater to all tastes. The Miraflores and Barranco districts are particularly popular for nightlife.

Conclusion

Lima is a city full of surprises and discoveries. Traveling to Lima, Peru, can be a unique and enriching experience, but it is important to be prepared and informed. With this list of frequently asked questions, you’ll be better able to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.