City Sightseeing Lima Panoramic Bus Tour
3.5
City Sightseeing Lima Panoramic Bus Tour
By City Sightseeing Lima
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Exploring Lima, one of South America’s biggest and busiest cities, independently can be a challenge. Step aboard an open-top bus so you can easily see the Peruvian capital’s top sights such as Cathedral Basilica of St. John and the Plaza de Armas, learning about Lima's rich history along the way with your included audio guide. Choose from three daytime tours—the historic tour, Barranco and Miraflores, and the city tour—or the Night and Fountains tour, which includes entry to the Magical Circuit of Water.
Ages 3-99
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Audio guide: English, Spanish
More
Highlights
- See Lima’s top sights like the Huaca Pucllana and Plaza de Armas with ease
- Open-top bus with panoramic picture windows offer sweeping city views
- Learn about Lima’s rich history via your onboard audio guide
- Choose from four different tour options to suit your interests and schedule
- Audio commentary available in English and Spanish
- City Tour inclusions - 4 hour panoramic tour, entry to Lima Cathedral
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Choose a morning, afternoon, or evening bus tour, and meet your driver in central Lima. Then hop aboard your open-top double-decker bus and begin your city sightseeing tour. On a morning or afternoon tour, see top sights including the Cathedral Basilica of St. John, the Huaca Pucllana—pyramids dating to AD 500—the Municipal Palace of Lima, and the Plaza de Armas (aka Plaza Mayor). Visit the sacred Monastery of San Francisco (Convento de San Francisco) and admire the baroque architecture for which it is famous. Your audio guide provides colorful backstories while you take it all in through the bus’s panoramic picture windows. Then continue to Love Park (Parque del Amor), where your tour ends with fine views over the Pacific Ocean. On the evening tour, admire these same attractions illuminated at night. See the city sparkle against the dark sky, and catch the impressive Magical Circuit of Water fountain show at Parque de la Reserva.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5694LIM- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- City Tour: departs daily at 9:15am and 2:30pm. Duration - 4 hours
- Be advised that this is a panoramic tour, not a hop-on hop-off service
- Note that the Museum of Religious Art in Lima Cathedral is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings and religious/public holidays. For these days, the City Tour will include the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo instead.
- With your voucher, enjoy flexible access for up to 12 months from the travel date you select at check-out.
- Meeting Point is outside the Larcomar Shopping Centre (opposite Casino Miraflores).
- Mobile and printed paper vouchers are both accepted on the tour
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5694LIM
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Maggie C0 contributionsBest introduction to Lima and its landmarksThe yellow Turibus was superb. Comfortable, punctual start, with knowledgeable tour guides and went through several landmarks. You go outside Larcomar shopping centre to catch it at 9:15 am or 2:30 pm and end back at the same place 4 hours later. The views were great and the 2 stops at Barranco and Plaza Mayor were worth it. We learned a lot about Peru while taking photos and enjoying ourselves. Good value for money. They’re working on turning it into a hop-on/off bus with more stops in future.Written December 8, 2018
- Willam B0 contributionsTerrible serviceWhere do I start, how about how the buses are so rare you can be left waiting for well over an hour, or the fact they make it a nightmare to find the buses, or guide who speaks very poor and hard to understand english, or the fact you can be left with no toilet or a place to buy water for 5 hours. A lot of better ways to see lima then with this serviceWritten August 27, 2018
- Peter W0 contributionsAn interesting city tour experienceWe had a half day tour of Lima, Peru, in early October 2017. Our guide, Alfredo, was professional, informative, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. He made the tour an even greater experience. After being picked up from our accommodation, we had a short drive to the Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores. The park is beautiful with the majestic background of the Pacific Ocean. Our next stop was at the Huaca Pucllana, an important ancient monument in Lima. As we were staying in Miraflores and had already seen many of the local sights, Alfredo arranged a very nice surprise. We were allowed into the Estadio Nacional, the football stadium where Peru played Colombia for a place in the 2018 World Cup. After some more sightseeing by car through the financial district, which has many beautiful buildings and parks, we stopped in downtown Lima. We visited the Museo del Banco Central de Reserva del Perú, walked pass the Government Palace of Peru and the Bar Restaurant Cordano (the oldest restaurant in Lima). The final stop was at the Main Square of Lima – the birthplace of Lima. It is a beautiful square with flowers, palm trees and surrounded by great buildings. The tour was run by ToursByLocals.Written October 23, 2017
- experto110 contributionsNo no and noDefinitely do not get in there. You will be seeing dirty streets, taxis honking, smog and all kind of abandoned buildings. Do not expend your money, take a taxi and go directly to the cathedral and surroundings.Written October 10, 2017
- abbydood0 contributionsNeed to upgrade sound system!!!!We had a very hard time finding the location to purchase tickets. the website gave us very little information. When we looked up tours the name "turi bus" that name was not where to be found! We wandered around the mall looking for it. My husband over heard some ask about the tour bus. that is how we found it, On the bus there there were no headsets and hearing the tour guide was IMPOSSIBLE, we could not hear a word. They did not offer adequate time to see the sights, we felt very rushed. The tour guide Edwin was very knowledgeable and helpful when we were able to talk to him in person off the bus.Written June 4, 2017
- bcenters19720 contributionsJust don'tAs others have correctly reviewed, this old, smelly bus sat in traffic most of the 4 hours we were on. No place to stop and use the restroom and the only highlight was the Monastery in which you can do better on your own. The guide was bored, we could not hear him at times or he was way too loud. Many of our fellow passengers put up umbrellas to block the sun….which also blocked our view ! Treat yourself to a private car / driver and build in a nice lunch somewhere.Written May 21, 2017
- gsmith9190 contributionsGo off the beaten path and enjoy a stay in LimaFor a pleasant experience, stay in San Isidro and/or Barranco. Walking these neighborhoods is easy and enjoyable. Miraflores is touted but for us it is less attractive, more mixed and bad traffic. Sight highlights include Larco and Pedro de Osma museums, Iglesia Santo Domingo & Franciscan convent. **check out water fountain park after dark**. Tourist safety is highly stressed, but we had no problems including walks and taxis but didn't stay out late at night. Don't try to travel long distances through neighborhoods during rush hours; the taxis get stuck too, and public transport is nonexistent. Best antique/handicraft/souvenir shopping along Av. Petit Thouars in Miraflores. Best place in Peru to find excellent cevicherias, but many authentic places only open until 5-6pm. Don't ditch your visit to other cities, ruins etc--Peru is amazing; but at least find some joy in Lima whenWritten May 20, 2016
- James W0 contributionsNight tourWas an ok tour and the nighttime aspect was cool. Seeing all the buildings lit up and people in streets and parks. Fountain show was very cool. Hardest part was determining where to get bus. The lacomar center is huge. On second floor of mall we found their office and got directions. On the street between the blue and red buildings. Glad we had lots of time to sort that out.Written April 11, 2016
- indochinanomads0 contributionsGreat day on Sunday!It worth to go visit Plaza de Lamas- Down town with music ban and also beautiful performance of the parade perhap it should be around 10-12 AM. Worth to visit!Written November 11, 2015
- Jo C C0 contributionsCity touring by taxiStayed in Lima for 4 days staying in another brilliant airbnb apartment. Fantastic city but much bigger and spread out then I had envisaged. It is made up of distinct areas that have their own charm, such as Miraflores, Barranco and the historic centre. The changing of the guard should not be missed. As there were 3 of us using taxis to get around was a very affordable option, though strong nerves were a requirement. There were many places that I would recommend. In no particular order; the Museo Larco was not only interesting inside but nestled in beautiful surroundings and had an excellent restaurant, the Magic Water Circuit was definitely a performance not to be missed, a towel and possibly a change of clothes would not go amiss. The Parque Kennedy, though more a square than a park was a curiosity, watch out for the cats. Though a bit out of the way, the MATE Museo which features the photographs of Mario Testino was very worthwhile. My only regret is that I didn't join in the paragliding along the Miraflores Broadwalk.Written August 12, 2014
- Veronica L0 contributionsAwesome Water Laser ShowIt was beautiful laser lights and accompanied with symphony and indigenous music. With the double decker bus.Written July 21, 2014
- TAMAN19510 contributionsShot and SweetWe were able to touch the highlights in a fairly short period of time. Not too much walking and the pace kept it interesting. Guide was very informed. It wa good to get an idea of what you might want to follow up on your own later.Written June 7, 2014
- Simon296420 contributionsOne of the very best citiesWe went round LIMA. in some of the central districts like Miraflores, San Idro (spelling).. The central park was amazing. the fountains show.. OMG ... out of this world. this is a lovely city. so clean atleast for areas visited. The guide was amazing.. well knowledgeable and funny. this is one of my best sight seeings i hve had in life.. the food was MUAH.. out of this world, the people are nice and humble.. BRAVO LIMA..Written June 4, 2014
- brian_uk120000 contributionsGreat tourArranged our tour through Pachamama tours. Our guide Omar was really informative and clearly enjoyed his job. He answered all our questions and was good company during this three hour trip.Written May 1, 2014
- Arthur K0 contributionsNice but short tripThe city is pretty magical. Especially the older part. The tour guide new a lot about the city and the various attractions. There is the beautiful architecture and the rich history of this city that make it so fascinating. Very few places have got to me like this. Sadly the tour ended very soon and I had the feeling there would still be a lot to see.Written January 26, 2014
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
40 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
8
Average
6
Poor
7
Terrible
7
JAK1221
Phoenix, AZ104 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
Yes, the bus is hard to find for pickup but nobody mentioned where they found it! We found it at the spot the taxi's drop off at the shopping mall. You're welcome.
They gave us a really hard time about not having printed vouchers - we had to jump through all sorts of screenshot/email hoops before we could get on the bus. Definitely not the tour to pick last minute on vacation when you don't have access to a printer. The tour itself is not worth this headache, save your money.
Tour was fine, but the whole group left without is in the catacombs. Three of us were at the back of the line, and all of us were weaving through the little coves checking things out. Next thing you know, the whole group is gone and at the exit the person said they left. HOW DO YOU LOSE 3 OUT OF 6 ENGLISH SPEAKING GROUP MEMBERS? The guide was stopping every so often to explain in English and then Spanish so I don't know how she left the site without us. Very poorly organized.
We ended up getting an Uber back to the mall area, so we could drop off the solo traveler that was stranded with us.
They gave us a really hard time about not having printed vouchers - we had to jump through all sorts of screenshot/email hoops before we could get on the bus. Definitely not the tour to pick last minute on vacation when you don't have access to a printer. The tour itself is not worth this headache, save your money.
Tour was fine, but the whole group left without is in the catacombs. Three of us were at the back of the line, and all of us were weaving through the little coves checking things out. Next thing you know, the whole group is gone and at the exit the person said they left. HOW DO YOU LOSE 3 OUT OF 6 ENGLISH SPEAKING GROUP MEMBERS? The guide was stopping every so often to explain in English and then Spanish so I don't know how she left the site without us. Very poorly organized.
We ended up getting an Uber back to the mall area, so we could drop off the solo traveler that was stranded with us.
Written December 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AustraliaPablo
Wellington, New Zealand68 contributions
The one-off bus travel is convenient but it's all a bit too relaxed. Headphones don't work. Over one hour wait at some stops. Probably a better way to see Lima. But do take the cable car to top of mountain.
Written December 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren M
Cape Town14 contributions
I love taking an open-topped bus tour when arriving in a new city - I wish I hadn't bothered with the Lima one. Dull commentary of average sites, ran an hour over the three-hour schedule, and took a really unimaginative route. I'm loving Lima and there are loads of inner city places I'd love to see - this is just a poo offering of very few of them.
Written January 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kd1028
Placida, FL59 contributions
Aug 2019
The itinerary was good, the timing was fine, the bus was fine... BUT.... the supposedly English speaking guide really was not really bilingual... she spoke English somewhat then kept throwing in Spanish when she didn't know the English word and ran the English translation right into the Spanish version. I don't think I understood 20% of what she said. I would NOT book this tour if you do not understand Spanish...
Written September 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mar
Nairobi, Kenya42 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
First off, finding the bus was a challenge. It said to meet in front of Casino Miraflores which doesn't exist on googlemaps. Secondly, it is a yellow Turibus which says "Hop on Hop off" and had a closed roof, so I just assumed it was a different company because the photo here is red and open top. But I asked the bus driver who told me the yellow one was the right one but I had to go down into the mall to get another ticket to be able to get on. I was with elderly people and it was a lot of runaround which seemed unnecessary. Then the guide we had spoke in English and Spanish, but it was very hard to tell when she was transitioning from one language to the other and she did not translate everything in both languages. She also did not look around to see if the English speakers were in earshot when she started speaking in English. She also seemed to be completely unaware of where the group was and ensuring they all were together. I would suggest using recordings for all the explanations and the guide just to make sure you get around places and back.
Lastly, the Lima trip was 90% sitting in traffic. I would definitely not recommend it to a friend.
Lastly, the Lima trip was 90% sitting in traffic. I would definitely not recommend it to a friend.
Written October 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b2704
Formentera Del Segura, Spain77 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
I always like to do the City Sightseeing tour bus whenever I am in a new place as it provides me with a first glimpse of the city and then I figure out what I want to do from there.
The research i did on Lima was not wrong.....there really isn't that much to do and the tour kinda confirmed that!
Unlike the other City Sightseeing tour I have done (with the red bus) there wasn't individual headphones for each person but instead a person spoke on a microphone which is of course ok when the bus is stopped and there isn't much traffic noise but out of the whole 3 hour trip...I think I heard about 10% of it. To be honest there wasn't much to hear as there isn't much in Lima.
Also, probably due to the fact that there is nothing much to see in Lima...this isn't a 'hop on hop off' type tour.
Worth doing if you want to see the city in a short space of time.
The research i did on Lima was not wrong.....there really isn't that much to do and the tour kinda confirmed that!
Unlike the other City Sightseeing tour I have done (with the red bus) there wasn't individual headphones for each person but instead a person spoke on a microphone which is of course ok when the bus is stopped and there isn't much traffic noise but out of the whole 3 hour trip...I think I heard about 10% of it. To be honest there wasn't much to hear as there isn't much in Lima.
Also, probably due to the fact that there is nothing much to see in Lima...this isn't a 'hop on hop off' type tour.
Worth doing if you want to see the city in a short space of time.
Written January 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert B
San Diego, CA5 contributions
Feb 2013 • Solo
Lima is a beautiful city, steeped in history, with plenty of places to see, from pre-Columbian ruins to Spanish colonial treasures to cosmopolitan shops and discotheques. I took a tour with Jhony of Lima City Tours and he gave me a personal introduction to the city. Jhony's English is flawless, and as a local he really knows Lima well. Lima City tours offers a wide variety of packages, from explorations of the historic core of the city to vibrant nighttime pub crawls. The personal touch afforded to me by this tour company made my stay in Lima unforgettable. I give them the highest recommendation. Here is a link to their main site: www.limacitytour.net
Written September 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderLust406
Missoula, MT186 contributions
This is quantified as a hop on/hop off your and states you can begin and end at any site listed. However, when I called the office half an hour past the scheduled pickup time I was told I had to be at a specific location.
That was not made clear, my time was wasted and the company has yet to respond to my request for a refund. Go with Hauka tours instead, they pick you up and offer the same sites.
That was not made clear, my time was wasted and the company has yet to respond to my request for a refund. Go with Hauka tours instead, they pick you up and offer the same sites.
Written December 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross G
Hatta, United Arab Emirates303 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
The problem with the tour isn't the service, it's that there's just not enough to see in Lima. Up to four hours of a tour is fine, though this isn't a hop-on hop-off service, when a chunk of it is stuck in traffic in grubby parts of the city, just isn't worth it. The time you get on the bus will also dictate what it is you actually see, too. So, the 9:15 departure (from Larcomar Mall) will see you drive past more sights in Lima.
Written August 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Whisky Travel Guy
Irving, TX256 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Two friends and I signed up for the three hour city tour. We asked if it was hop on/hop off style and were told "yes". Apparently we were not told the truth. We paid our $25 each to get on the bus. It's was running 15 min late for a 3:15pm scheduled departure. Once we boarded, we discovered there were no seats on the rooftop so we were relegated to the first floor. The first floor was warm, smelled and we couldn't hear the commentary. The bus kept driving by several attractions, no stop. 45 minutes into the tour we decide that we have to get off the bus. The entire 45 minutes was virtually sitting in standstill traffic. Finally an announcement was made that the bus would be stopping and everyone had to get off for a tour of the plaza with the presidential square. At this point, we bailed and explored on our own and made our way back to hotel with Uber.
I've done similar tours in other major cities and they were nowhere as near as bad as this one. Save your money and spend it on taxis to take you to all the main sites. You'll get more out of it in the long run.
I've done similar tours in other major cities and they were nowhere as near as bad as this one. Save your money and spend it on taxis to take you to all the main sites. You'll get more out of it in the long run.
Written May 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, estamos alojados en San Miguel por la Av. LA MARINA, es posible que nos levante el bus aquí, hoy 7/12/2019 o mañana 8/12/2019.Gracias
Written December 7, 2019
Where does the night tour leave from and I think at 7pm...correct?
Written September 30, 2019
Getaway52689166656
Frisco, Colorado
There's a restaurant , I believe in Miraflores, that abuts a large archeological feature that is beautiful. Anybody know the name of the restaurant ?
Written September 28, 2019
Huaca Pucillana. Food is average but scenery is great.
Written September 29, 2019
ANTONIO O
Osorno, Chile
tengo boletos dos personas miercoles 25-09-2019,
donde debo canjer mis reservas por boletos
de donde sale el bus
a que hora sale el bus
algun medio de contacto
estare en el hotel Plaza Mayor Lima
favor informar
Written September 22, 2019
ANTONIO O
Osorno, Chile
tengo boletos dos personas miercoles 25-09-2019,
donde debo canjear mi reserva por los boletos
a que hora debo estar en el bus
cual es la direccion de donde sale el bus
algun telefono de contacto
atentamente
ANTONIO ORTIZ DIAZ (Osorno Chile)
celular 56 986178610
gracias
Written September 22, 2019
sobre la excursion opcional a callao toda lo referente a la zona de callao
Written June 5, 2019
Hola ,buen día deseo saber si tienen salidas la primera semana de junio, lo pregunto porque trato de reserva y me dice que no hay cupo y que vea otra fecha al consultar otros días sale el mismo mensaje o es que aún no tienen disponibilidad del calendario de junio?? Gracias
Written May 26, 2019
Qué dias se puede realizar este paseo? Y que horarios tiene precio etc
Written April 19, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 12
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.