What to do and see in Lima, Lima Region: The Best Archaeology Tours

February 23, 2022 Esmeralda Fenner

Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighborhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.
Restaurants in Lima

1. 7-Day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Luxury Tour from Lima

Amazing Andean Adventures
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

It was spared from destruction by the conquerors, and it’s believed that the Spanish never found this beautiful city nestled in the mountains. This city holds a mystery. Our expert guides will accompany you throughout the whole trip, bringing this fascinating ancient culture to life. The Luxury Machu Picchu Tour guarantees comfort, you will stay in the best 5-star hotels, and travel through the Sacred Valley on the famous Hiram Bingham luxury train, with a return on the Vistadome train. A beautiful guided tour that travelers of all ages can enjoy. 

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, All transfers from the Airport to the hotel, 1 night at the Costa del Sol Wyndham - Lima airport Hotel, 2 nights at the Palacio del Inka, JW Marriott El Convento or Similar Cusco Hotel – Cusco, 2 nights at the Aranwa Luxury Collection Spa resort Hotel, Tambo del Inka or Similar – Urubamba, 1 night at Sumaq, Inkaterra or similar–Machu Picchu OPTIONAL-Belmond Sanctuary Lodge additional fee, Private Transportation during the Cusco City tour and Sacred Valley Tour., Domestic flights Lima-Cusco-Lima, All tours stated in the itinerary are with Professional English-speaking guides, One way Train ride to Machu Picchu on Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. Return on the Vistadome Train, Round trip bus rides from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, All accommodations are in four or five stars hotels

Exclusions: Gratuities, International flights, Lunches and dinners, Minimum of 2 people, double occupancy

Reviewed By carolinewasterlain

We traveled to Cusco this December with a three day private tour planned with Danny. My mom had done a similar tour with Danny and recommended him/amazing andean adventures to us! Our three day adventure was pretty much perfect; danny was always early to meet us, super friendly, with great english and tons of knowledge to share about the ruins and inca historical sites we visited. He even made the rain clear up so we could get a perfect view of machu picchu after our hike. On day one we went from our hotel to various destinations in sacred valley, which I worked with the company to plan so that we would hit all the spots I wanted to. They were helpful and accommodating in building a highly individualized itinerary. They took care of all permits tickets planning and danny had every document organized and ready at the time needed. We saw the salt mines, moray terraces, markets, ollantaytambo ruins, pisac, picchu, aguas calientes, waynu picchu etc. We always got to skip lines and avoided the crowds. The hotel we stayed at in Ollay was exquisite with flowers and gardens surrounding. We were sad to leave on our last day!! Danny took photos if us along the way and was quick to send them after our trip. Dont see machu picchu any other way. Choose amazing andean adventures!!

2. Pachacamac, Archaeological Sanctuary

Inca Trilogy Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We can visit the largest Archaeological Center in the city of Lima, home of 4 pre-Inca cultures and pilgrimage sites, where payments were made to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Inti (God Sun), in the ancient Empire of Tahuantinsuyo .

Inclusions: Private transportation, Todos los impuestos, tasas y gastos de tramitación., Guia oficial de turismo., Recojo y Retorno a su hotel.

Exclusions: Propinas., Alimentos y bebidas,salvo se especifique

Reviewed By _P5309CM

Good service (attention, transportation, food etc), the nicest communication and super memorable locations/activities. The excursion is a MUST when in Lima. The little things I didn’t think I would enjoy - I DID, like pisco tasting in the end of the day. Thank you so much Lion!

3. Pachacamac's Inka Pyramids Tour including Museum Small-Group

Miraflores, Peru Haku Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Our groups are small maximum 6 or 7 people, it will be a personalized experience and singular! We are a proud supporter of our nonprofit sister organization: Reciprocity NGO. Our profits go towards helping the communities living in extreme poverty in the slums of Lima. Not only will you have a FUN & UNIQUE experience with us, taking a tour with Haku Tours means you are helping the less fortunate! Please visit our Humanity Projects page to learn more about how we help many families in the shanty towns.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Professional tour guide, Tickets, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water

Exclusions: Tip

Reviewed By taniad342

Рекомендую) Мне очень понравилось. Было очень интересно узнавать Лиму по настоящему:) Екскурсовод знает все и обо всем, ответит на любой вопрос по теме) Я не заметила как пролетело 4 часа. Классный тур, спасибо! I recommend) I really liked it. It was very interesting to get to know Lima for real :) The tour guide knows everything and about everything, will answer any question on the topic) I did not notice how 4 hours flew by. Great tour, thanks!

4. 8 Days Best of The Inca Empire from Lima

Jorge Chavez International Airport, Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao 07031, Peru Viajes Pacifico
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The Inca Empire right at our feet. Visit the most representative and astonishing sites of each place we visit. A memorable selection of the main attractions offered by Cusco and Lima.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, All transfers from/to airports, hotels, railway and bus station., All tours & excursions included in the itinerary, 7 nights accommodation according with the itinerary and hotel class options., All entrance fees in each tour & excursion included

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Airfare: Lima - Cusco - Lima

Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto

Visiting Lima is always a rewarding experience! We booked an early evening visit to the awesome "Huaca Pucllana" inca ruins, rather impressive with the scenic lights on. Right after the visit, reservations were made at "Huaca Pucllana Dining Experience", a restaurant by the acclaimed Chef Marilú Madueño! No need to say we got a table almost in front of the main pyramid! What a feeling! We had a fantastic dinner, with courteous and kind service, a nice wine and Chef Marilú Madueño outstanding cuisine - Italian flavors and Peruvian touches. We loved the experience! Bon Appétit!

5. Caral, The most advanced civilization in the Americas. Unique tour!

Peruvian Worldview Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We take you to the citadel, cradle of the oldest civilization in America, with specialized guides, who will make your trip an unforgettable experience. We will go on a private tour to the north of Lima and after 4 hours reach the deepest part of the mountains where the sacred city of Caral is located. Guided tour with a local guide, who will explain step by step the evolutionary process of such a majestic culture. We will eat typical Peruvian food, especially in that part of the city, seafood or Creole food, then return to Lima. Caral is currently one of the 10 things to do in your visit to Peru!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Ticket to Caral, Lunch

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Reviewed By Elizabeth P

Manuel was charming and very well informed,he explained everything very clearly and with much profesionalism and ready to answer all our queeries. The tour surpassed by far our expectations.

6. 12 Day Highlights of Peru: Lima, Nazca, Colca, Titikaka, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Gray Line Peru
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

An opportunity to discover the wonders Peru has to offer on bus tour through its coast and highlands; our travel companions? the ocean's breeze, the silent of the desert and the tall mountains home to one of the biggest empires of the continent.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Transfers airport/hotel/airport, City tour, Bus regular Lima-Paracas, Larco Museum and Magic Water Circuit tour, 1 night accommodation in Lima-Daily breakfast, Transfers bus station/wharf/bus station-Ballestas Islands motor boat excursion, Bus regular Paracas-Nasca, Transfer bus station/hotel/Nasca airport/bus station, Nasca Lines overflight from Nasca-Bus regular Nasca-Arequipa, 1 night accommodation in Nasca-1 night on board-Daily breakfast, Transfer bus station/hotel, 2 days/1 night Colca Canyon-Transfer Colca/Puno, 1 night in Arequipa-1 night in Colca-Daily breakfast, Uros and Taquile Islands with typical lunch-Transfer hotel/bus station, Puno/Cusco by bus with lunch and visits on route, 2 nights accommodation in Puno-Daily breakfast, Transfers bus station/hotel/train station/hotel/airport, Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman tour-City tour, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu excursion-Buffet lunch, 3 nights accommodation in Cusco-1 night accommodation in the Sacred Valley –Daily breakfast

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Pisco airport tax (USD 5.00 per person), Nazca airport tax (USD 14 per person), Flight ticket Cusco - Lima

Reviewed By 1234texas

It is possible to trek into the site, but for most people the train is the option. The trip is about an hour and one half and is wonderful. There is so much to see on the trip that you would like the train tp go slower! For most of the ride, the river will be in clear view, but the mountain views are really spectacular.

7. Discovering Caral, The Oldest Civilization In America

Inca Trilogy Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Caral and Bandurria are archaeological complexes that when discovered changed history as we knew it from ancient Peru and America, both archeological complexes having approximately 5000 years of contemporary antiquity to important cultures such as Egypt, Mesopotamia and China, still surprising many experts due to their great development ITINERARY: 07:00 Hrs. Departure in private mobility from the hotel to the Sacred Citadel of Caral north of Lima (3 hours approximate trip). 10:00 a.m. approx. Our Tour will begin at the Archaeological Center of Caral. 1:00 p.m. approx. We go to the Plaza de Huacho for lunch and continue with the tour. 2:30 p.m. approx. We arrive in Bandurria where we will give a panoramic view of the archaeological remains and we can also visualize the famous Albúferas de El Paraíso from the viewpoint. 7:30 p.m. approx. We will be back in Lima (3 hours approximate trip).

Inclusions: Typical Peruvian food, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Box lunch, Official Tour Guide

Exclusions: Personal expenses

Reviewed By _P5309CM

Good service (attention, transportation, food etc), the nicest communication and super memorable locations/activities. The excursion is a MUST when in Lima. The little things I didn’t think I would enjoy - I DID, like pisco tasting in the end of the day. Thank you so much Lion!

8. The Larco Museum & Magic Fountains Park - Dinner included! (Small Group)

Lima Highlights
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Larco Museum has a vast collection of ancient potteries, artifacts made of gold and silver, textiles and silverware. This is a fascinating way to discover the history of Peru starting from its old civilizations. This is definitely Lima's Nr.1 attraction and it cannot be missed at any visit to the Peruvian capital city. Also, we take you to the most beautiful Park of Lima to see dancing fountains in a variety of colors and styles that will have you spellbound! It is so spectacular how they synchronize the music and water movements. We won’t miss the famous laser light show which is a delight.

Inclusions: Free Pick up and Drop off to your Hotel, Air-conditioned vehicle, Knowledgeable Tour Guide, Bottled water, All entrance tickets, Dinner at a local Restaurant

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Reviewed By ABridgen1

Just had an amazing morning with Lucas who led this tour just for me! We went to the swamp area as well as the seaside, where we must have seen 30 or 40 species of birds in total, pelicans, flamingos, herons, flycatcher and more. Lucas was very friendly and knowledgable. He had bird ID charts and bird call app but no binoculars. The visit was not far out of Lima and it was lovely too to be out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

9. Full Day Tour to Paracas and Chincha Slave Tunnels from Lima

Peru Hop
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4.7 based on 55 reviews

Wondering what to do in Lima, escape the city day on this tour from Lima. Take a boat out to the Ballestas Islands, the National Reserve tour in Paracas and visit Hacienda San Jose, in Chincha. This full day tour includes hotel pick up and transportation from Lima to the islands by coach. This tour is good for couples, good for solo travelers and good for big groups.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Restroom on board, Pick up and drop off at your hotel, 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Island, Paracas National Reserve Tour, Chincha Secret Slaves Tunnels, Bilingual Guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Pradeep K

Where do I start? I’m a solo traveler who booked a ticket to Peru 4 days before the flight and I’ve never been to South America and nor can I speak Spanish which made me anxious. Peru Hop was the first company I contacted via email and they have been super helpful!! From all the communication, the arrangements, Peru hop made it so so easy!! It’s not like the hop on hop off buses in Europe, this is a tour full of experiences and I’m always skeptical for paying to travel around but this is well worth it. More importantly the guides were great in particular Ricardo!! This guy made me feel so welcomed, talked to me like we’ve know each other for ages. He answered all my questions, made enquirer for me, and looked after me. Alex have such good insight to the national reserve. I met wonderful people and had the best time of my life. I’m booking Peru Hop again for Cusco to lake titicaca. I don’t usually write reviews but I had to share how good they were.

10. 10-day Tour from Lima: Amazon Jungle, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

Cultural Immersion Day Tours
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4.7 based on 6 reviews

Explore Peru on a 10 day tour from Lima. Fly to the Amazon Jungle and see native wildlife in their natural habitat. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and see Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco. Then, take a scenic tourist coach ride to Lake Titicaca and be amazed by the unique Uros floating islands made of totora reed and Taquile island.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, 9 nights of accommodation in carefully selected hotels, Professional English Speaking Tour Guide, Professional Driver, Round Trip Expedition Train To Machu Picchu, Local Taxes, Round Trip Bus Aguas Calientes €- Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, All Jungle Excursions, All Excursions And Tours, All Transfers And Transportation, Tourist Coach From Cusco to Puno, Speedy Deluxe Motor Boat Trip To Uros And Taquile Islands

Exclusions: Gratuities, International Flights, Domestic Flights, Optional Huayna Picchu Hike: ($15USD Per Person)

Reviewed By Jzeliger51

We had 2 nights in the Amazon at Amazona Posadas. We packed in a lot to very little time. The lodge was beautiful and very comfortable, food was excellent. Our guide was very good but seemed a bit disinterested at times. Very knowledgeable. We then went to Cusco, had a walking tour and cooking class. Our new guide, Albero was excellent. Our cooking class with Jesus was fun, very accommodating. We then moved on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highly recommend the hike at MP Mountain. Our guide was very supportive and patient! Next we then went to the Rainbow Mountain. Unfortunately, though I requested we NOT go to Vinicunca, that is where we were taken. It was very beautiful, but very crowded. I did not understand why we did not go to Palcoyo. Was told later it was not accessible due to landslides. This may have been the case, but was unhappy about the lack of transparency prior to embarking. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and grateful to have completed it before the travel restrictions were set in place for the COVID pandemic.

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