Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour worth booking?
Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour is a 8-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $122 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $122 per person
On this walking tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a large part of the population of Lima, which lives under a shared community system and in an environment of happiness. At Haku Tours we
What you get
About this experience
On this walking tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a large part of the population of Lima, which lives under a shared community system and in an environment of happiness. At Haku Tours we want you to see "the real Lima"! You will climb the famous yellow stairs and go through narrow and beautiful paths until you reach the tops of the hills and discover impressive views of the city of Villa El Salvador, San Juan, Pamplona, Villa Maria, etc. During the tour we will visit a local nursery and the friendly families of this friendly community who will share their culture, traditions, beliefs and thoughts with you. In addition, we will visit the highlights of the Historic Center of Lima such as the San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, Jiron de la Union, Government palace, Cathedral, Pasaje Santa Rosa, Convent of Santo Domingo, cherry of the cake is to visit inside the " Convent of San Francisco and its awesome catacombs"!
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance tickets to the Catacombs
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
At Haku Tours, we warmly invite you to explore the real Lima, a city that blends rich history with vibrant, everyday life. Start your journey by taking a walk up the iconic yellow stairs, leading you to the hilltops where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s vast landscape. Lima’s sheer size and stunning vistas will surely leave an impression on any visitor, offering a perspective of the city that few get to experience. But this tour is much more than just sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to truly connect with the local community, to meet the people who call Lima home and learn about their culture, traditions, beliefs, and personal stories. Expect to be greeted with warm hospitality and genuine smiles—the locals here love meeting visitors and sharing their way of life.
120 minutes here
Plaza San Martin
Your local tour guide will take you to visit this very nice square loved by locals because of the gardens and nice atmosphere. Your guide will also give you a good introduction to the history of the country, its people and local life.
20 minutes here
Jiron de La Union
This is an unmissable street! You will have a panoramic view and you will appreciate a very nice architecture, great wooden balconies, impressive rock carvings and monumental churches with religious altars. The local atmosphere, shops, chicken restaurants and music will make your day very exciting, joyous and for sure interesting!
40 minutes here
Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas
After we finish our exploration of Unión Street, we will take you through Ucayali and Lampa streets to enjoy all the history of the city of Lima and learn about its people and life. We will continue with the visit of one of the most impressive attractions in the city, the Monastery of San Francisco and its fascinating internal CATACOMBS! Here, we will learn about the culture and traditions of the inhabitants of the city during the colonial era of the XVI, XVII y XVIII centuries. We believe this is one of the attractions that will make your tour and visit even more memorable!
30 minutes here · Admission included
Presidential Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)
We will have a panoramic view of one of the most important houses in the entire country accompanied by a good and rich explanation. Our president lives and works here! Also, this is where the changing of the guard takes place every day! We are going to enjoy great architecture at a place full of history!
5 minutes here
It is considered the oldest (or first) official bar in Peru. Located right next to the Government Palace, it is famous for the many former presidents and writers who frequented its tables—Ernest Hemingway being one of the most renowned.
5 minutes here
The most important religious authority during the colonial era was centered in Lima, presided over by this imposing cathedral. According to Catholic tradition at the time, no other church could be built taller than its towers. The facade is magnificent, as are the art and architecture that surround it. As the city's primary place of worship, it hosts the oldest and most significant religious ceremonies in the country. It is also a favorite landmark for local weddings. We will have the perfect panoramic view of the Cathedral to capture the best photos!
5 minutes here
A charming street known for open-air art and a refreshing breeze. It hides a sacred rock where indigenous traditions remain alive through "Pagos a la Tierra" (earth offerings) and ritual dances. It’s a powerful place to experience Peru’s living history and spiritual energy.
5 minutes here
This is the oldest convent in South America, and during the 17th century, it boasted the tallest tower on the continent. Still an active convent today, it features a stunning facade and a magnificent gilded main altar. We will stop here briefly to admire it before taking our car back to your accommodation; if the doors are open, you can peek inside to see its impressive interior!
5 minutes here
Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)
The Plaza de Armas is a true highlight, showcasing Spain’s colonial influence through the palaces, mansions, and cathedrals that surround its beautiful central garden. Before arriving, we’ll stroll down Ancash Street to visit the "Happy Inka Market." There, you can admire local art, indigenous carvings, and traditional textiles—the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Lima!!
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Lima
Dear client, if you don't want pick up, you can meet us at our office located at Av. Jose Larco 724, Miraflores.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Dear client, if you don't want pick up, you can meet us at our office located at Av. Jose Larco 724, Miraflores.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- HAKU TOURS
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We recommend to wear confortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, take a bottle of water with you and spare battery for your camera
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
In depth and fun.
Saul and his team were the best! He is very passionate about sharing his knowledge and history of his beloved city: Lima. If you are looking for a day tour of Lima, please consider Saul. You will not regret it.
via Tripadvisor
Informative, interactive Shanty town tour
The shanty town tour was excellent. Cesar was enthusiastic and engaged and his concern for the people on the other side of the tracks was obvious. This was a great way to see the other reality of Lima. The meeting with the lady who started a soup kitchen and school was lovely. Overall, a heart-expanding experience!
via Tripadvisor
An experience you won’t 4get
Visiting shanty town was a cultural shock and basically being able to appreciate what you have. All the money from the tour goes to the people who definitely need it. The founder of shanty town is an Angel to do all the work she does. I had Leonardo from Haku Tours and he was very knowledgeable..People in the US have no idea how lucky they R…
via Tripadvisor
Unique, unforgettable day.
Aura is a wonderful guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable with lovely English. She is well received in the Shanty Town. I was welcomed warmly and felt safe, as I expected, but others have commented about their insecurity in this regard. What the community leader has done in the past eight years for her community is remarkable. I am so grateful for the hospitality and the experience. Highly recommend.
via Viator
Eye-opening Experience!
One of the best experiences I had in Lima. Was really cool to see the in's and outs of the side of the city I would have never seen otherwise. Really put in perspective the condition of people who are much different than I and I was glad I was able 2 somewhat these people financially.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by HAKU TOURS, who run 20 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.9 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything HAKU TOURS runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.
How much does Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $122 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lima is not rushed.
Is Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lima and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lima's Reality Tour: Shanty Town + Local Lunch + City Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Lima?
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On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima, Day Tour From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina, Pisco Vineyard & Sunset, Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Lima?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Lima?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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