Is it worth visiting the Lima catacombs?

Yes, it is one of Lima's most unique historical experiences. The catacombs beneath San Francisco offer a rare glimpse into colonial burial practices and are considered one of the largest and best-preserved ossuaries in South America.

What is the best time of day to do this walking route?

Morning is best, specifically starting around 10:00 AM. This ensures you beat the heaviest crowds at San Francisco and allows you to visit the churches before they close for the afternoon siesta.

Are the Lima catacombs scary or claustrophobic?

While the catacombs are underground and filled with bones, they are well-lit and ventilated. However, the ceilings are low in some sections and the hallways are narrow, which might be uncomfortable for those with severe claustrophobia.

Can I take photos inside the San Francisco Catacombs?

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs and the library of the San Francisco Convent to preserve the remains and ancient texts. You can, however, take photos in the main courtyard and the church itself.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

It is generally suitable for older children who are interested in history. The catacombs might be a bit intense for very young children, and the narrow stairs make strollers impractical for the underground portion.

Do I need to pay for entry at these stops?

Yes, several stops like the San Francisco Convent and Santo Domingo require a small entrance fee, usually ranging from 10 to 15 Soles. Most of these sites only accept cash in the local currency.

How do I get to the start of the walk from Miraflores?

The easiest way is to take the Metropolitano bus (Line C or Express) to the 'Jirón de la Unión' station. From there, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Plaza Bolívar and the Museum of the Inquisition.

The Inquisition and Hidden Catacombs | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Uncover the shadows of Lima's colonial past on this self-guided walk through the Cercado de Lima. While many visitors flock to the main squares for their bright yellow facades, this neighborhood stroll dives beneath the surface—literally—to explore the city's more mysterious and solemn history. From the chilling chambers of the Inquisition to the vast network of ossuaries hidden under a 17th-century convent, this walking route offers a profound look at how faith, power, and death shaped the 'City of Kings.' You will navigate the historic streets to find sites where religious zeal met judicial cruelty, and where the remains of thousands of early Limeños still rest in intricate patterns. Beyond the macabre, this route also highlights the architectural grandeur and spiritual devotion that defined the Spanish viceroyalty. You will visit the Basilica of Santo Domingo, home to the oldest university in the Americas, and the peaceful sanctuary of Santa Rosa, the first saint of the Americas. The path winds through Jirón Junín, one of the city's most significant historic thoroughfares, where colonial balconies still overhang the sidewalks. This explore-at-your-own-pace experience allows you to linger in the quiet cloisters or contemplate the eerie silence of the catacombs without the pressure of a group schedule. Whether you are a history buff or a fan of hidden gems, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive overview of Lima’s dual identity: a city of vibrant culinary culture and deep-seated religious traditions, built over a complex and often dark foundation. By the end of this walking tour Lima, you will have a much deeper appreciation for the layers of history that exist just a few feet below the modern pavement. It is one of the most compelling ways to experience the historic center independently, offering a unique perspective that a standard walking tour Lima might overlook.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Descend into the vast 17th-century catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent
Discover the site of the Spanish Inquisition's former headquarters
Visit the tombs of Peru's most famous saints at Santo Domingo
See the miraculous well at the Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima
Walk the historic Jirón Junín to view colonial architecture and balconies
Explore the history of Peruvian flavors at the House of Gastronomy

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Museum of the Inquisition and Congress

Start your journey at Plaza Bolívar, standing before the Museum of the Inquisition. For over 250 years, this site was the seat of the Holy Office in Lima. Inside these walls, the Inquisition conducted trials and exercised religious control over the Spanish colony. While the building later served as the Senate, the basement remains a sobering reminder of the past, featuring reconstructions of the cells and chambers where the accused were held. Notice the intricate carved wooden ceiling in the main hall—it is one of the finest examples of colonial craftsmanship in the city, contrasting sharply with the dark purpose of the institution that once resided here.

2

Museo del Convento de San Francisco y Catacumbas

A short walk away lies the Monastery of San Francisco, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture. While the church itself is stunning, the real secret lies beneath the floorboards. Until the early 19th century, these catacombs served as the city's primary cemetery. It is estimated that over 25,000 people were buried here. As you explore the underground tunnels, you will see bones and skulls arranged in geometric patterns—a practice intended to maximize space. Above ground, don't miss the world-famous library, which houses thousands of antique texts, some dating back to the time of the Spanish conquest.

3

Casa de la Gastronomía Peruana

Located in the former Palace of the Post Office, this museum offers a change of pace from the macabre. Peru’s history is inseparable from its food. This site traces the evolution of Peruvian cuisine from pre-Columbian times through the colonial era to the modern day. The building itself is an architectural gem, featuring a beautiful glass-roofed courtyard. It serves as a reminder that while Lima’s history has its dark chapters, it is also a story of fusion—where indigenous ingredients met European, African, and Asian influences to create one of the world's most celebrated culinary traditions.

4

Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo

This pink-hued convent is one of the most religiously significant sites in South America. Founded in the 1530s, it is the resting place of three important saints: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres, and San Juan Macías. The convent also played a pivotal role in education, as it was the original site of the National University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas. Take a moment to admire the beautiful Seville tiles in the cloisters, which date back to the early 1600s, and the peaceful gardens that offer a quiet escape from the bustling city streets outside.

5

Church of Santa Rosa

This sanctuary was built on the site where Isabel Flores de Oliva—better known as Saint Rose of Lima—was born and lived. As the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church, she is a figure of immense devotion. The garden contains a small hermitage she built herself for prayer. One of the most popular traditions here is the 'Wishing Well.' Visitors from all over the world write letters to the saint and drop them into the well, seeking her intercession. The atmosphere here is one of profound quietude and faith, marking a spiritual bookend to the Inquisition's history.

6

Jirón Junín

Conclude your walk along Jirón Junín, a street that has witnessed the transformation of Lima from a colonial capital to a modern metropolis. As you walk toward the Government Palace, look up at the ornate wooden balconies. These 'enclosed' balconies allowed residents to observe the street life below without being seen themselves—a perfect architectural metaphor for a city full of hidden stories. This street connects the religious heart of the city with its political center, passing by the Archbishop's Palace and ending near the Plaza de Armas. It is the perfect place to reflect on the layers of history you have uncovered today.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “The Inquisition and Hidden Catacombs” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The total walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to explore the underground ossuaries at San Francisco and the religious cloisters at Santo Domingo, covering a distance of about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile).