Local operator · Gran Hotel Bolívar, Jirón de la Unión
A guide takes you from the Gran Hotel Bolívar to food carts and classic eateries in the old town, the Central Market and Barrio Chino. Pick it for real comida al paso, the quick street food locals eat every day, with the landmarks of the centre on the way.
This is the most reviewed street food tour in the old town, with 4.9 stars from 384 reviews. The price covers food tastings, a drink and a local guide. You eat comida al paso, the quick food Lima buys from carts and counters, and guests count about 10 items over four hours. Several say they did not need another meal that day. Expect anticuchos off the grill, creole churros and a chilcano, pisco with ginger ale and lime, poured in one of Lima's oldest casonas. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
The route is a loop through the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Gran Hotel Bolívar on Plaza San Martín, the listing's itinerary takes in a first restaurant stop with spirits, the Church of La Merced, a second eatery and the Plaza Mayor. Then come 25 minutes in the Mercado Central, Lima's largest market, and Barrio Chino around Calle Capón for chifa, the Chinese-Peruvian cooking born in these streets, and more street food. A dessert and the Basilica of San Francisco close the walk. The Cathedral, the Government Palace and San Francisco are seen from outside.
Read the dietary rules before you book. The operator says it cannot offer alternatives for pescatarians, vegetarians or vegans, and asks guests with a severe gluten or nut allergy not to book, since some foods carry traces. Other restrictions need at least 24 hours' notice. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, there is no hotel pickup, and the shared tour runs in English only. Guests mention evening departures too, and name Marcos, David, Sheyla and Dulce as guides.
Meet at Jirón de la Unión 958, on Plaza San Martín, for a quick photo stop.
A local restaurant for a chilcano and the first tastings, about 30 minutes.
Photo stops at the church and the main square, with a second eatery in between.
About 25 minutes among the produce, spices and stalls of Lima's largest market.
Chinese-Peruvian snacks and street food stalls, around 30 minutes.
A sweet stop, then the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco from outside.
★★★★★David was great! The food and cultural landmarks were all excellent. Great descriptions of the foods, and how they fit in to the Peruvian culture. None of the foods were "tourist menu" items. All were tasty and authentic. The pace was great, eat and then walk a bit then eat again. [...]
★★★★★Dulce was an amazing guide, taking me to great local food spots that you might not come across by yourself and to eat like a true Peruvian does! I was so full by the end that I didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day! [...] I really liked going to the market where Dulce provided insight into local life by talking me through the different products and groceries Peruvians buy and use. [...]
★★★★★We really enjoyed this tour, our guide Sheyla made the tour worth it. She was amazing and knowledgeable. The food was great as well, we tried about 10 items and got a history lesson around the center.
★★★★★We really enjoyed this tour, combining a fascinating discovery of Lima’s historic centre with some excellent local food. [...] We particularly enjoyed discovering authentic places and trying delicious Peruvian specialities that we would never have found on our own.
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No. The operator says it cannot provide alternatives for pescatarians, vegetarians or vegans. The Surquillo market tour has vegetarian menus.
Guests count about 10 items across four hours, from anticuchos and churros to Chinatown snacks, plus a drink. Most say they leave full.
At the Gran Hotel Bolívar, Jirón de la Unión 958, on Plaza San Martín. There is no hotel pickup.
No. The Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Basilica of San Francisco are seen from outside. The time goes to the food, the market and Chinatown.
Ready to book
Street carts, old eateries, the big market and Chinatown in the historic centre, with a chilcano in an old mansion.
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