
Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 181 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience worth booking?
Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience is a 3.5-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $52 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 181 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (181)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $52 per person
This is an unique anthropologist experience You will have the opportunity to be part of the daily activities and duties of locals that live in one of the crowdest districts of Lima. Along the tour, you will meet the friendliest people of the different communities we will go through. For sure, this eye-opening experience challenges common preconceptions about such poor working-class areas, at the same time this is a great opportunity to learn about the native culture and its values. Best of all, by taking this tour you are contributing to the community because a good percentage of the benefits goes to social projects that improve the lives of the local families. It is a rich cultural experience you will always remember!
What you get
About this experience
This is an unique anthropologist experience You will have the opportunity to be part of the daily activities and duties of locals that live in one of the crowdest districts of Lima. Along the tour, you will meet the friendliest people of the different communities we will go through. For sure, this eye-opening experience challenges common preconceptions about such poor working-class areas, at the same time this is a great opportunity to learn about the native culture and its values. Best of all, by taking this tour you are contributing to the community because a good percentage of the benefits goes to social projects that improve the lives of the local families. It is a rich cultural experience you will always remember!
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Small group
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transport
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
We will visit a local market, where you'll experience the authentic rhythm of the city, meet traditional vendors, and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture.
30 minutes here
At Haku Tours, we invite you to discover the "Real Lima" through an authentic cultural exchange. Your journey begins by climbing the iconic yellow stairs, following narrow paths to the hilltops for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Along the way, you will visit a local kindergarten and a community soup kitchen to see firsthand the resilience and solidarity that define these neighborhoods. During the tour, you will meet friendly families who are eager to share their culture, traditions, and daily lives with you. This experience offers a unique opportunity to understand the lifestyle of a significant part of Lima's population, living within a shared community system built on hope and happiness. You can expect a warm welcome and genuine smiles from a community that truly loves hosting visitors.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- HAKU TOURS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you are a solo traveler do not hesitate to ask about availability (WhatsApp: +51 947 142 030)
- We recommend to wear confortable clothes, shoes and take a bottle of water with you
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 181 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
181 verified traveler reviews for Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointing
We were really hoping for a great experience, like the description and reviews state and the photos show. We did not visit a silverware craftsman, and we did not visit a Kindergarten (apparently only the morning tour does this, no where on the description does it tell you to book the morning tour). I think we saw the yellow stairs but they were not pointed out to us. Silvana was a great guide but the whole tour was very disappointing.
via Viator
Highly Recommended!
We loved this tour. We got to see the real Lima and meet many amazing people from these areas. We visited a market and also all the way up the hill where the people live. Very interesting to hear about how strong these people are and what they go through on a daily basis to survive. Also amazing view of the city. This was one of the best things we did on our trip. great addition to the time we spent in the wealthier Miraflores area.. Highly Recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible
Cesar y Andy were incredible. Lot pf informacion and good service . Would do it again and refer others for sure
via Tripadvisor
Educational
Came to Peru with a friend for the first time. This tour deff was one of the highlights. Our tour guide Amadeo was great he was so sweet and educated us a lot about the city or Peru. I would deff recommend this tour to a friend 100%
via Viator
A deeper understanding of Lima and its people
We visited Lima's "shantytowns," specifically the area known as Villa El Salvador, not as tourists seeking a photo opportunity, but with a genuine desire to better understand one of Lima's largest communities. What we experienced far exceeded our expectations. We were delighted by the bustling markets, the warmth and generosity of the people, and the opportunity to see a side of Lima that most visitors never experience. One of the most meaningful aspects of the tour was learning about the history of the area and the determination of residents who have worked hard to build lives and opportunities for their families. Our guide, Cesar Contreras of Haku Tours, was truly exceptional !!!! He taught us so much not only about Villa El Salvador, but about Lima as a whole. At one point, he even drew a map of Lima in the sand to explain the city's growth and the development of the area. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to bring the story of the city to life made the experience especially memorable. As a bonus, he also shared countless recommendations and tips for things to do throughout Lima. This was one of the most authentic and eye-opening experiences of our time in Peru. If you want to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and gain a deeper understanding of Lima and its people, do not miss this tour. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A special thank you to Viator for making this experience available. We are grateful for the opportunity to discover a side of Lima that many visitors never see and will remember this tour long after our trip has ended.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.
How much does Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience cost?
+
Prices start at $52 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 Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience take?
+
Plan for about 3.5 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 Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 181 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 Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience?
+
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 Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience?
+
Around 63 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?
+
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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, Discover Lima: Love Park, Historic Center, and its Catacombs., Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience?
+
Included: Bottled water; Professional guide; Small group; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 102 listed pickup locations in and around Lima. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience offered in?
+
It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience?
+
Across 181 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience.
Pick your date




