Lima Plaza Mayor Tours and Activities
541 Reviews
Plaza Mayor, formerly Plaza de Armas, is the heart and birthplace of Lima. The crown jewel of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage–listed square is flanked by many important buildings, such as the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), Cathedral of Lima, City Hall (Palacio Municipal de Lima), and the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal).
The Basics
To understand the history of Peru and the City of Kings, a visit to Plaza Mayor is essential. Watch the changing of the guard, admire the architecture of the Government Palace, or simply sit on a bench and watch the world go by. Walking tours of Lima often leave from the square and visit the surrounding buildings. Take a bike tour or a private excursion to get a more comprehensive overview of Lima and Peruvian culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
You can get to Plaza Mayor from just about anywhere in Lima. Hop aboard the El Metropolitano bus, which goes right into the city center. You can also take a number of regular city buses or the L1 metro line.
When to Get There
Lima's main square is open year-round and hosts a number of cultural events, festivals, and concerts, generally held on weekends. At the end of July you can catch the impressive military parade, part of Peru’s annual anniversary celebration.
Free Pisco in Plaza Mayor
If there is one day of the year that is the best time to visit Plaza Mayor, it’s National Pisco Day, on the first Saturday in February. This is a favored day around the country, as it celebrates the high-proof grape brandy that is Peru’s national drink. Lima celebrates it with vigor by serving free pisco throughout the day from the central fountain.
The Basics
To understand the history of Peru and the City of Kings, a visit to Plaza Mayor is essential. Watch the changing of the guard, admire the architecture of the Government Palace, or simply sit on a bench and watch the world go by. Walking tours of Lima often leave from the square and visit the surrounding buildings. Take a bike tour or a private excursion to get a more comprehensive overview of Lima and Peruvian culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plaza Mayor is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Lima.
- The square is a great starting place to explore the city, as there are many important cultural attractions in and around the area.
- The changing of the guard occurs daily at noon outside the Government Palace.
- Many cafés and restaurants line the square—grab a drink or a meal and enjoy the people-watching.
- The plaza and many of its surrounding attractions are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
You can get to Plaza Mayor from just about anywhere in Lima. Hop aboard the El Metropolitano bus, which goes right into the city center. You can also take a number of regular city buses or the L1 metro line.
When to Get There
Lima's main square is open year-round and hosts a number of cultural events, festivals, and concerts, generally held on weekends. At the end of July you can catch the impressive military parade, part of Peru’s annual anniversary celebration.
Free Pisco in Plaza Mayor
If there is one day of the year that is the best time to visit Plaza Mayor, it’s National Pisco Day, on the first Saturday in February. This is a favored day around the country, as it celebrates the high-proof grape brandy that is Peru’s national drink. Lima celebrates it with vigor by serving free pisco throughout the day from the central fountain.
Address: Plaza central Lima, Cercado de Lima, Lima, Lima Region 15001, Peru
116 Tours and Activities to Experience Lima Plaza Mayor
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Lima City Tour from the Port of Callao For Cruises
36
Don't let confusing public transit, overpriced taxis, or lack of time keep you from exploring the wonders of Lima. This Lima city tour is specifically designed for passengers disembarking at the Port of Callao and includes a private van and professional guide to help you see the city's highlights, from its UNESCO-listed center to its famous cafes.
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From
$60.00
From
$60.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Full-Day Best of Lima Tour
54
With one day in Lima you can explore the very best of the city, from the colonial architecture of the historic center to pre-Colombian art and seaside neighborhoods. See the gorgeous interior of the San Francisco Convent, tour the Museo Larco, then get a glimpse of Lima’s earliest history in Miraflores. This full-day, private tour of Lima offers the flexibility and convenience of a personalized tour, including pickup and drop-off at hotels in some neighborhoods, and it’s an ideal choice for first-time visitors.
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From
$180.00
Price varies by group size
From
$180.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Lima City Walking Tour with Pick-up & Drop Off Small Group
163
Get acquainted with the rich regal history of Lima on an educational sightseeing tour of the Peruvian capital. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, delve into the ambient tangle of Lima’s historical center; gaze at the fabulous façade of the Presidential Palace; descend to the eerie catacombs of San Francisco Monastery; and admire the ancient Dominicans Tower. Enrich your knowledge of Lima’s fascinating past on this enriching excursion.
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From
$39.90
From
$39.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private Lima City Tour from Callao Cruise Terminal
10
Get the lay of the land in Lima thanks to this 4-hour private shore excursion sightseeing tour. Explore some of the city’s best-known landmarks including the Miraflores neighborhood, Huaca Pucllana, Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Convent, and much more.
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From
$115.40
Price varies by group size
From
$115.40
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Street Food & Old Taverns Night Tour in the Historic Center of Lima
78
Taste your way through historic Lima on an evening food tour that combines local landmarks with a series of food and drink tastings. Since Lima draws foods and traditions from all around the country, you’ll have the chance to try a wide range of treats, with a local guide to help find the very best versions among the overwhelming options in the city center.
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From
$68.00
From
$68.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Tours around Lima from Puerto del Callao
6
Enjoy and take advantage of your stop in the city of Lima, our Cultural and Historical city tour, where a local guide will accompany you from your arrival to the port of Callao and pick you up in a tourist transport and then head to the heart of the historic center of Lima and On the way I will tell the historical background of the old viceroyalty of Peru, then we will visit the most emblematic places of the city of the kings, such as the museum and convent of San Francisco, the Plaza de Armas de Lima and the archaeological center Huaca Pucllana .
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From
$65.54
From
$65.54
Lima City Tour and Pachacamac Archaeological Site Full Day
1
See three sides of Lima, Peru—pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern—in one full-day tour of the city. Visit what remains of pre-hispanic tombs and homes at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in the heart of the capital. Explore the architecture and buzz of modern neighborhoods including San Isidro and Miraflores as well as the historic Baranco area. After lunch, go even further back in time at the Pachamacac archaeological site.
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From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Fantastic Lima: City Tour, Magic Water and Local Dinner Small-Group
30
Enjoy a day filled with fun, facts, and feasts on this comprehensive Lima city tour. Take a walking tour around the historical center of Lima to learn about the ‘City of the Kings’ before heading to the Magic Water and Lasers Dance Show. Watch the fountains spout water and colorful lasers that dance along with the music. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
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From
$87.18
From
$87.18
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Highlights of Lima - Shared Half Day Tour
Do you going to visit Lima? Dont you know what to visit in Lima?
These Highlights of Lima will show you from the modern area to the Old Town.
Huaca Pucllana, Olive Park, Grau Square, San Martin Square, Main Square (Plaza Mayor)... you will discover what lima is in this new times.
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From
$28.00
From
$28.00
Lima City Tour from the Airport in Private
6
Whether you have a layover in Lima or just want to maximize your sightseeing time; this tour ensures you don’t waste a moment. Be picked up on arrival at Jorge Chávez airport and head straight into the city to take in the highlights with your private guide. Explore the Miraflores and Barranco districts, take a walk through the Park of Love, and visit the busy Plaza de Armas. Your tour can be adapted to your preferences, so you could also visit a museum or shop for handicrafts at the market.
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From
$75.00
From
$75.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Lima day tour by panoramic bus
4
Discover the wonderful colonial and republican architecture of the Center of Lima, Cultural Heritage of Humanity, where the city was founded in 1535. Among the places we will know in our panoramic tour (from the bus) are the Plaza de Armas, the San Martín Square, the Reserve Park, the Exhibition Park, the Naval Heroes Walk, the Palace of Justice, among others.
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From
$28.00
From
$28.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
City Tour by Night & Magic Fountains Park - Light Show (Small Group)
4
Visit with us downtown Lima, considered world heritage by UNESCO. We will show you the most impressive historic buildings that our city has. Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral of Lima and more!
Also, we take you to the Magic Fountains Park, the most beautiful one in our country, illuminated at night, to watch the famous "Water Light Show".
History + Music+ Colors and more!
Come with us and be part of this unforgettable experience. We follow all the required protocols of biosecurity.
Book it now! Do not miss it!
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From
$33.90
Price varies by group size
From
$33.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Lima: Private Half Day City Tour
Known as The City of Kings, Lima has many iconic places. Combining the modern and colonial parts of the city, you will start visiting the beautiful districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, before heading to the Historic Center. There, you will have time to explore some of the most historically important streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, and also have time to take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it. Then, you will visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo, an astonishing building with colonial style. After exploring the Historical Center, you will head towards modern Miraflores to make a stop at the Parque del Amor, a beautiful spot with a panoramic view of the Lima bay area, from where you can take beautiful photographs.
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From
$74.86
From
$74.86
Half-Day Private Lima City Tour
3
With limited time to explore Lima, a private tour means you can make the most of your time and enjoy the undivided attention of a private guide. On this half-day tour, stroll through the Park of Love and enjoy magnificent ocean views in Miraflores, then explore the UNESCO-listed historic center including landmarks such as Lima Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and the Monastery of San Francisco.
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From
$118.00
From
$118.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Small-Group Tour: Lima and Barranco City Tour
5
Get your bearings in Lima on this small-group city tour of Lima and Barranco. From historical houses to contemporary art to popular bars and ice cream parlous, this tour will introduce you to the city's splendors. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees for a hassle-free experience.
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From
$37.00
From
$37.00
Walking through the City of Kings
1
You will know in a unique way the historic center of Lima, as well as one of the most important and emblematic avenues of the city.
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From
$47.00
From
$47.00
Half-Day Lima Sightseeing Tour
6
Get a comprehensive overview of Lima on this half-day sightseeing tour. With a guide in the lead, visit local neighborhoods, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Pucllana Pyramid, among other highlights. Listen to guided commentary on the Peruvian capital's history and modern culture. Pickup and drop-off at select accommodations included.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Highlights of Lima - Private Half Day Tour
19
Experience the best of Lima on a limited schedule on a private tour that explores city highlights, from the colonial-era historic center to the coastal Miraflores neighborhood. Browse for souvenirs at a local market, see gorgeous churches, and stand at the foot of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid in the heart of the city. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of a private guide throughout the tour, with the option to add a local lunch and walk through Parque Kennedy, Lima’s beloved ‘cat park.’
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From
$115.00
Price varies by group size
From
$115.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Lima in a Day: City Sightseeing Tour, Larco Museum and Magic Water Circuit
53
Discover all of Lima’s most spectacular sights on a comprehensive and captivating full-day tour of the Peruvian capital. Visit legendary landmarks like the colossal Cathedral of Lima, the picturesque Government Palace, and the intriguing Larco Museum; feast upon a traditional Peruvian lunch of seafood specialties; and feast your senses upon an extravagant show of lasers and music at the Magic Water Circuit for a fabulous finale.
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From
$139.10
From
$139.10
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
6 Days Peru Near to You
2
Get a comprehensive tour of Peru's two most vibrant cities—Lima and Cusco—on this 6-day tour with a guide. You'll get a comprehensive overview of each city and listen to commentary on the country's culture, history, architecture, and modern life from your guide. Planning a multi-day tour like this may be difficult to do on your own, but this tour arranges all the details in advance and makes it easy for you to just enjoy yourself. In addition to city tours in both locations, you'll visit the Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park and Machu Picchu.
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From
$750.00
From
$750.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
8 Days Best of The Inca Empire from Lima
2
Many visitors to Peru spend only a day at Macchu Picchu. This eight-day tour offers a far more immersive experience of ancient Incan history and culture. You'll explore Incan sites in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Macchu Picchu, and also get a taste of life in the bustling modern capital of Lima.
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From
$1,050.00
From
$1,050.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private Historic Lima & Larco Museum
2
Wander down colonial alleyways and past grand plazas on this tour of the top architectural and historical sites in Lima. From the depths of the catacombs at the UNESCO-listed San Francisco Convent to the extensive antiques collection at the top-rated Larco Museum, this tour will introduce you to the city's best-kept attractions within a single day. This private tour is operated with just your guide and private party for a personalized sightseeing experience.
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From
$129.00
Price varies by group size
From
$129.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Lima City Half Day Tour
2
Trace the startling history of Lima, including its Pre-Columbian cultures, colonial era, and contemporary present, during this 4-hour city tour. Explore the city’s Inca history at the Pucllana Pyramid, then discover a range of colonial-era landmarks like the Government Palace and Banco Central de Reserva Museum. You’ll finish with a look at some of modern-day Lima’s top neighborhoods.
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From
$35.20
From
$35.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Lima Photo Day Tour
22
Explore the landmarks, neighborhoods, and culture of Lima on this all-day excursion with a professional photographer. Begin in the historic center with visits to Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, and the Monastery of San Francisco. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Lima’s Chinese quarter and get off the tourist circuit with visits to places like bohemian neighborhood of Barranco and the Chorrillos fishing harbor.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
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