The 4 Best Peru History Tours

1.Lima’s Vibrant Heritage: Exploring the City’s Landmarks Half-day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 581 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Spend 3.5 hours seeing Lima with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport. Visit Love Park, view Huaca Pucllana, explore the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, and walk Lima’s historic center. Pickup and drop-off are included from several Lima districts, with guides such as Janet, Gabriel, Rosa, and Ursula assigned on different departures.

“I actually booked this for my parents and they had a great time. They said they're guide was super friendly and she was very knowledgeable. They also thought it was the perfect amount of time and did not feel rushed at all. Thank you!”

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2.Lima: Historic Center Street Food, Market, and Eateries Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 216 reviews · 4 hours · from $69Top rated

Start at Gran Hotel Bolivar and walk through Lima’s old center with an English-speaking guide. Expect local eateries, food carts, Mercado Central, Chinatown, anticuchos, churros, picarones, chilcano, and Peruvian history. Guides have included Marcos, Aura, Valeria, and David. The tour ends at Alameda Chabuca Granda, without hotel pickup.

“This food tour in Lima’s historic center was an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well organized, and the pace of the tour felt just right — plenty of time to enjoy each stop without ever feeling rushed. Our guide, Valeria, was absolutely fantastic. She was extremely knowledgeable, sharing not only details about the food but also the history and culture of the city in a way that made us feel completely immersed. Walking through the historic center with her was like seeing Lima through the eyes of a local. Every tasting was delicious and thoughtfully chosen, highlighting the variety and richness of Peruvian cuisine. From traditional snacks to unique flavors…”

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3.Walking tour in the Historic Center of Arequipa

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 180 reviews · 2 hours · from $10Best value

Walk Arequipa’s historic center with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. See the Plaza de Armas, Company cloisters, volcano views from Grau Bridge, Mundo Alpaca, and San Lazaro. Guides such as Edgar, Johan, Beatriz, and Jorge Echeandia have led engaging tours, with optional paid visits to Santa Catalina Convent and museums.

“Very interesting and informative tour. Learned a lot about Arequipa and saw some beautiful views of the volcanoes.”

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4.Arequipa: Walk through the Historic Center of the City

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 87 reviews · 2 hours · from $15

Walk Arequipa’s historic center with local guides such as Joss, Jose, or Joseph, visiting the Cathedral, colonial cloisters, ancient tambos, and lesser-known corners before ending at a viewpoint over Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. The two-hour tour runs in English or Spanish and is limited to six people.

“Joss was so knowledgeable and personable. We had a private tour with him and he showed us so many historical sites and the San Camilo market. I would definitely recommend this tour as an introduction to the city!!”

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