City of Kings: a trip to Lima's colonial heart
Churches, palaces and colonial secrets
History
Descripción
Historic Center
Colonial monuments of downtown Lima
Founded in 1535 as the City of Kings, Lima was the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Its Historic Center is a World Heritage Site and easy to explore on foot.
What you can't miss
Plaza Mayor
Where the city was founded, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Government Palace and City Hall.
Lima Cathedral
The city's main church, with centuries of history and religious art.
San Francisco Convent
Famous for its catacombs and its old library.
Santo Domingo Convent
One of the oldest religious complexes in Lima.
Balconies
Mansions with carved wooden balconies along downtown streets.
From the bus stop
An easy walk from Plaza San Martín:
Plaza San Martín
Get off the bus and start here.
Jirón de la Unión
A pedestrian street toward the Plaza Mayor.
Plaza Mayor
The Cathedral and the Government Palace.
Santo Domingo and San Francisco
Two convents a few blocks away.
With Turibus
The panoramic bus City Tour includes a guided walk downtown and entry to Santo Domingo; the Colonial City Tour includes San Francisco and its catacombs, with hotel pickup.
Everything is possible with Turibus
Get off at Plaza San Martín and explore the Historic Center at your pace.
See Hop On Hop Off passesQuestions? Write to us: 908 821 289 · turibus@turibus.pe
Frequently Asked Questions
In 1535, as the City of Kings.
Plaza San Martín and Alameda Chabuca Granda, a few blocks from the Plaza Mayor.
Yes, with a ticket. Turibus City Tours include Santo Domingo or San Francisco with a guide.
About two hours for a walking route with short visits.
Yes, it's on the UNESCO list.