Lima, Lived and Tasted

This three-hour walking tour in the historic center of Lima balances enigmatic sights with tasty bites. After meeting Lorena at the Virgen de las Mercedes Church, you’ll spend a moment admiring the exterior of this architectural gem before continuing to the Central Museum (MUCEN), where you’ll learn about pre- and post-Columbian art, Indigenous ceramics, and decorative jewelry. The museum visit unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing time to discuss the artifacts on display and ask Lorena questions along the way. After leaving the museum, you’ll stroll through Lima’s Central Market, tasting seasonal fruits and refreshing yourself with a fresh smoothie. The route continues to Plaza Mayor de Lima, where you’ll take in landmarks such as the Palacio Municipal de Lima (City Hall). Lorena’s storytelling is punctuated by regular food stops, including a shot of pisco macerated with Peruvian fruits, a typical sandwich in a historic tavern, and a dessert of churros.

Rather than dashing from sight to sight, Lorena’s curated tour cherry-picks historic landmarks she feels carry particular significance for Lima and leave a lasting impression. Beginning at the museum serves as a thoughtful introduction to Peru’s cultural layers, and Lorena’s expertise offers a deeper understanding than visiting the exhibits alone. The rest of the route balances leisurely sightseeing with sampling local delicacies, with regular food stops allowing time to reflect, discuss history and culture, and refuel. Along the way, you’ll come to understand how modern Peruvian cuisine — rooted in local and seasonal ingredients — blends Indigenous traditions with outside influences. In the market and taverns, Lorena invites questions about food and culture in Peru, creating a relaxed space for conversation. While exploring the plaza, she shapes her narration around the aspects of history that interest you most.

Lorena Oliart is a real Limeña and a professional guide. A modern citizen of Lima, Lorena is deeply connected to her city’s flavors, history, traditions, and — above all — its people. She is a gifted storyteller who enjoys sharing Lima through lived experience and encourages travelers to spend more time discovering the city beyond a brief visit. Before founding her tour company, Lorena worked across administrative, cultural, and arts-related sectors in Lima. Over more than a decade, this experience sharpened her ability to coordinate people, places, and ideas — skills that naturally carried into tourism and cultural interpretation. She brings these perspectives into her walks, combining historical context with lived experience. As a host, Lorena is warm and approachable. Her experiences are built around curiosity and human connection. She shows you the city, shares her culture, and welcomes you as a guest rather than a client.

Comfortable clothing for walking. Sunhat/sunscreen. Bottled water. Carry Peruvian soles in case you wish to purchase any souvenirs. There is no obligation to make any purchases, however, the tour provides an opportunity to support local artisans.