LANDAUSFLÜGE

Depart the pier for the drive to Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site that is in the middle of one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of the city. Here you will have an opportunity to explore the remains of the Huaca, buildings that belonged to an ancient civilization that existed between the 5th and 8th centuries B.C. Upon arrival, you will be met by an expert, who will take you for a guided tour of the archaeological site, and share interesting facts and information about life in ancient times along the way. Your first stop is the pre-Incan pyramid of adobe bricks, one of Peru's most important administrative and ceremonial centres for Chancay, Chillón, Rimac, and Lurín Valley settlers between 200 AD and 700 AD. This site is also thought to be the residence of high priests, and there is evidence of religious ceremonies, rites and sacrifices in honour of their deities. Periodically, musical events and shows are held at the pyramid. Next, you'll drive to the Pachacamac ruins located at the Lurin Valley some 20 miles south of Lima. When the Spaniards arrived, Pachacamac was the largest city and the coast's ceremonial center. A wooden statue of the creator-god, after whom the site is named, is in the site museum. The ruins encircle the top of a low hill, whose crest was crowned with the Temple of the Sun and is now partially restored. You'll then proceed to Hacienda Los Ficus. Here you will enjoy a private lunch at this lovely Hacienda, located on the outskirts of southern Metropolitan Lima. The Peruvian Paso Horse is the main reason for this hacienda concept. Over there you will increase your knowledge about the history of the Peruvian Paso Horse, its very own characteristics. You will see newly borns as well as horses being trained to the bridle, also adult horses showing off all their strong qualities. Later, as you enjoy a Peruvian buffet lunch, you will be able to appreciate the wonders of the ‘Caballo de Paso’. Afterwards, you will also enjoy a fascinating demonstration of the Marinera dance, Peru’s most emblematic, in which the horse and rider move in time with the female partner on the ground to the sound of live traditional music.

Discover the hidden treasures of Lima in the company of a small group and enjoy Peruvian cuisine specialties in one of the most beautiful colonial mansions of the city center. Head downtown to visit San Marcos University, founded in 1551 and the first university in South America. During the visit, you’ll learn about its fascinating history. Continue to San Francisco Convent, a sacred architecture in Peru, which holds a library of about 25,000 texts, including manuscripts of the Quechua people from the time before Spanish colonization. Visit the Main Square of Lima, better known as “Plaza Mayor”, walk to Casa Aliaga, America’s best-preserved colonial mansion which has been occupied by the same family since 1535. The land was given to Captain de Aliaga by Pizarro himself, here he built the ancestral house that has been home to approximately seventeen generations. The artistic and historical value of the mansion is priceless as you’ll see while you visit its spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. A typical Peruvian gourmet lunch complements your visit.

Archaeologists are still accumulating evidence that represents all of the many ancient cultures of Peru, their relationships to each other and the reasons for their decline from power. Today you’ll visit two of Lima’s outstanding museums which will acquaint you with some of these cultures. Drive through residential districts of Lima to visit the renowned Gold Museum, containing a dazzling collection of pre-Inca and Inca gold jewelry and ceremonial objects. Admire its priceless pre-Columbian gold artifacts such as the very interesting golden mask from the Lambayeque culture.

The museum also houses an extensive exhibition of army weapons and uniforms, with some 10,000 weapons of the15th and 16th Century. Visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion. Its immense and invaluable collection of pottery has been assembled from all of the known Peruvian cultures. There is a small cactus garden, and a separate room with an extensive collection of erotic pottery art. An exhibit of textiles made from feathers, and a Paracas weaving that contains 398 threads to the linear inch – possibly a world record – rounds out this collection.

Connect with Peru’s fascinating past at the Larco Herrera Museum, the private collection of Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer of Peruvian archaeology and research. This stimulating and inspiring space includes more than 5,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history in its different exhibit rooms. It contains beautiful examples of textile work, one of which has a world record-breaking 398 threads per inch, as well as the tools ancient Peruvians used to produce metals, ceramics and gold and silver pieces with semiprecious stones.

One of the galleries houses a collection of erotic ceramics that expresses the rituals and intimate relationship that these societies had with nature. At the end of the tour, enjoy a traditional Pisco Sour accompanied by typical snacks at the museum’s cafe. You’ll also have a few minutes to browse or shop at the museum’s store.

Learn the secrets and enjoy the tastes of Peruvian cuisine, a unique fusion of flavors of different regions and multiple cultures that call Peru home. Although many Peruvian specialties can be found all over the world, there is nothing like tasting them at home, in the gastronomic capital of Lima. Visit Minka market, which has the largest selection of the country, as well as businesses of all types. See the products that arrive daily from every corner of Peru.

Drive to Bar Queirolo, located in the historic center of Lima. It opened its doors in 1920 and is perhaps one of the last bars of its kind in old Lima. Enjoy a delicious Pisco Sour and snack before heading to one of Lima’s leading restaurants. Here you’ll participate in a cooking lesson, where you will learn the secrets of preparing Peruvian cuisine and then taste the fruits of your lesson.

Perhaps one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Lima, or anywhere in the world, is a visit to the local markets. In the morning you’ll visit one of the famous markets where you’ll see the products that are delivered from various regions of Peru daily.

After this visit, you’ll have some free time to walk around a typical Peruvian handicraft market where you'll have the chance to admire the diversity, color and creativity of Peruvian folk art and to do some shopping. You’ll also enjoy a panoramic tour of Lima's historical center. Strolling around the Colonial landmarks of Lima, you’ll see the Plaza Mayor a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Government Palace and City Hall.

This tour gives you an overview of Lima and lets you explore Plaza Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, in 1535. Although city planning was uncommon then, he laid out 117 blocks in neat rectangles on the south bank of the Rimac River, a plan that still works today. As you stroll around this attractive square, your guide will point the Government Palace and City Hall.

Visit the cathedral, the main church of the city; the interior bears witness to the building’s trials and tribulations. Next, proceed to Casa Aliaga, America’s best- preserved colonial mansion, occupied by the same family since 1535. Proceed to Santo Domingo Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture.

Drive through the fashionable residential district Miraflores with a brief stop at Love Park for a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and the beaches.

Tour the ‘City of Kings’ and drive through the historical center of Lima with a photo stop at the main square. See the Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall, cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace are located. Head to the Bohemian district of Barranco, and discover emblematic buildings such as the Justice Palace, Civic Center, the Art and Italian Museums, as well as the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. You’ll stop for photos at the Bridge of Sighs, an ancient but solid bridge which has long inspired poets and songwriters like Chabuca Granda.