With Machu Picchu Explorators, experience a journey filled with history, culture, and beauty. At 08:00 hrs, we begin by picking up passengers from their hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and nearby areas to start our excursion south of Lima. After a short 30 km drive, we arrive at the impressive Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac, one of the main ceremonial centers of ancient Peruvian cultures. This sacred site, still visited during local festivities today, was originally built by the Ichma culture and later became a major pilgrimage center for several civilizations, including the Incas.
The sanctuary, built with adobe bricks, offers a remarkable blend of pre-Inca and Inca architecture. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Acllahuasi (House of the Chosen Women), and the Plaza of the Pilgrims. We will also visit the Pachacamac Site Museum, where you can explore the history and legacy of this extraordinary place.
After exploring this incredible archaeological complex, we head to Barranco, Lima’s traditional and picturesque bohemian district, home to many renowned Peruvian artists. Along its colorful streets, we admire vibrant houses and iconic spots such as the Bridge of Sighs, the Municipal Library, and local urban art. During the walk, your guide will introduce you to Peru’s rich gastronomy and take you on a delicious journey of flavors.
Our next stop is the Ayahuasca restobar, located inside the historic Berninzon Mansion, a republican-era house dating back to the late 19th century. Here, you will enjoy a live demonstration class on how to prepare two iconic staples of Peruvian cuisine: the classic pisco sour and ceviche. After the class, a delightful gastronomic lunch awaits, featuring representative dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
You will then have free time to explore Dédalo, a sophisticated art gallery in Barranco, where you can purchase unique, high-quality pieces crafted by Peruvian designers.
Next, we begin a city tour through the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, starting at the iconic Kennedy Park, the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by bars, art galleries, and artisan shops. We will stop at the Love Park, famous for Victor Delfín’s sculpture “The Kiss” and its Gaudí-style mosaic benches. Along the way, we will observe the archaeological monuments of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, and visit Lima’s Historic Center—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to discover its striking colonial architecture.
The walking tour through the historic center includes visits to the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace, the City Hall, and the Convent of Santo Domingo, where the remains of Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Macías rest. Inside the convent, we will also visit its historic library and the Chapter House, where the first university in the Americas San Marcos University was founded.
Our final destination is the Larco Museum, one of the most prestigious museums in the world and ranked among the top 25 museums globally by Tripadvisor. Built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum displays extraordinary treasures from ancient Peruvian cultures. Highlights include its renowned Moche art collection, erotic ceramics, and everyday artifacts from various pre-Inca civilizations.
We will then return to your hotels, taking with you unforgettable memories of this unique experience filled with history, art, and tradition. With Machu Picchu Explorators discover the most authentic side of Lima!
Itinerary
08:00 – 08:30 hrs: Hotel Pick-Up
We begin by picking up passengers from hotels in Miraflores, San Isidro, and surrounding areas. Once everyone is on board, we head to the Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary, located 30 km south of Lima.
Visit to the Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary
A major ceremonial and pilgrimage center of ancient Peruvian cultures, Pachacamac was a sacred site built primarily with adobe bricks. It was visited by many pre-Inca civilizations, including the Inca Empire.
Main Points of Interest:
Temple of the Sun dedicated to the god Pachacamac
Acllahuasi, the House of the Chosen Women
Taurichumbi Palace, residence of the regional chief
Plaza of the Pilgrims, where ancient worshippers made offerings
We will also visit the Pachacamac Site Museum, which displays historical artifacts recovered from the sanctuary.
Barranco Tour - Lima’s Bohemian District
Barranco is known as the artistic heart of Lima. We will explore its colorful streets filled with colonial houses, street art, and vibrant energy.
Iconic Spots in Barranco:
Municipal Library
Bridge of Sighs, a romantic landmark
Barranco Hermitage, an important symbolic temple
Local street art murals and cultural spaces
Gastronomic Experience - Pisco Sour & Ceviche Class
At the Ayahuasca restaurant in the historic Berninzon Mansion (1875–1895), we will enjoy:
A live cooking demonstration of pisco sour and ceviche
A tourist lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes (starter, main course, and beverage)
Shopping Time – Dédalo Art Gallery
We visit Dédalo, a renowned art gallery offering handmade crafts and designer pieces created by talented Peruvian artists.
Lima City Tour – Modernity & Tradition
We continue our tour through Miraflores and San Isidro:
Kennedy Parkthe cultural core of Miraflores
Love Park, famous for “The Kiss” sculpture and Gaudí-style benches
Panoramic views of Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca
Lima Historic Center - UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the historic center, we explore:
Main Square of Lima
Cathedral of Lima
Government and Municipal Palaces
Archbishop’s Palace
Convent of Santo Domingo, resting place of Peru’s most important saints and birthplace of the first university in the Americas We also visit:
Church of San Francisco, famous for its catacombs and colonial architecture
Larco Museum - A Journey Through Ancient Peru
Our final stop is the Larco Museum, one of the world’s most celebrated museums.
Highlights:
Gold and Silver Gallery, featuring stunning pre-Inca treasures
Ceramic Vault, with over 40,000 artifacts representing daily life in ancient Peru Return to hotels at the end of the tour.
Include
Tourist Transportation Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
Professional Tour Guide Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Entrance to Pachacamac & Museum Full visit to the sanctuary and site museum
Cooking Demo - Pisco Sour & Ceviche Hands-on demonstration class
Tourist Lunch Starter, main course, and beverage
Chef Apron A complimentary apron for the cooking experience
Shopping Time at Dédalo A complimentary apron for the cooking experience
Lima City Tour
Miraflores, San Isidro, and Historic Center
Entrance to Santo Domingo Convent & Larco Museum
Entrance to All Sites Included in the Tour
What is not included
Tips:
We appreciate your generosity; however, tips are not included in the tour pric
Packing List
Passport or ID (required for some museums)
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket or windbreaker (Lima has cool coastal winds)
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
Sunglasses & hat
Small backpack or daypack
FAQs
Yes, the tour is accessible for all ages. Some walking is required.
The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Other languages may be available upon request.
Traditional options are included, but please inform us in advance about dietary restrictions.
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