Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima

Visiting in Lima with my daughter, we were told the Catacombs were a must-see. An easy walk from the Central Plaza, after a harrowing and very, very long taxi ride from Miraflores. On the approach to Basilica, we were offered private tours for 75s and 60s, but declined. The cost of admission, 20s, includes the tour, which was scheduled every 30 minutes, about 20 people at a time. Since there is no photography allowed, pics are only of area. The tour was actually very fascinating. Thousands of remains, some arranged in beautiful circles, some arranged on steps, and others arranged in bins by the different bones. Skulls in one, legs another, breastbones, etc. A great visit, well worth the time. One display that had me doing a double-take was Christ on the cross. It seemed as though it had a 3-D effect. As I looked closer, on Christ’s head was long flowing hair that was being blown by the wind (a fan). Wish I had taken a short movie but this was the starting of tour. Definitely a must.

It was a very nice experience to save a pair dance on the street outside the cathedral. Then we entered the exhibition hall and saw. So many people's bones skulls underneath the alter of the church. It was almost a journey of about 2 hours after that we entered the cathedral, there was Maghaz going on. And this one huge crowd sitting peacefully. Listening to Father. It was an amazing experience after that to see a parade in front of the presidential quarters. The guides explained everything very well. There are clean toilets on-site and all the artefacts and the architecture reflect European influence. In peru must visit

Indiana Jones Would Approve If you come to Lima and skip this place, you’ve made a mistake. A big one. Beneath the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco lies a cryptic maze of catacombs—more than 35,000 human remains stacked in perfect circles and lined along narrow hallways like some forgotten ossuary art installation. It’s four meters under the surface, damp, echoing, and unforgettable. Entry costs about 20 soles ($5.61 USD), and yes, you’ll need a guide. No worries—local guides will approach you the moment you step foot on the property. They claim it's tip-based, but plan to pay around 10 soles ($2.80 USD) per person. Worth every sol. Our guide took just three of us through, which made the experience even more surreal. The tour lasts about 40 minutes and includes the church above. While we wandered beneath, mass was underway above us—hymns reverberating through stone and bone. It felt like stepping into an Indiana Jones film, minus the booby traps. This isn’t just a tour. It’s an encounter with the past. Visceral. Humbling. Mysterious. Come for the bones. Stay for the stories. And don’t forget to look up—you’re walking under centuries of prayers.

Interesting place to learn about the history of Lima. Be aware of the people outside offering to guide you, we were 6 of us and the person who approached us told us the price would 30 soles per person including the entry tickets. After we agreed we took the tour that lasted around 30 minutes and by the end of it he said he told us 30 soles per person on top of the entry tickets. Pretty sad places like this one have scammers offering services onsite.

Awesome museum to see? We had a private guide we met on the street. Since we had two young kids we didn't want to do the full group tour. She spoke English and was quick about letting us see everything. Worked out great and still got some history.

The Basílica and Convent of San Francisco in Lima is a historic gem, showcasing stunning colonial architecture and religious art. The intricate woodwork, ornate chapels, and catacombs beneath the church offer a fascinating glimpse into Peru's rich cultural heritage. Guided tours provide insightful narratives, enriching the experience. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike, it's a captivating journey through Lima's past and religious traditions.

The cost to enter the museum and catacombs is s/25 and a tour is compulsory. You can’t wander through alone and the tour group sizes are large. Photography is not allowed at the site. And the site is not in the condition it was when I first visited almost 20 years ago for free without a tour guide. Today it’s looking dirty and run down.

It is definitely worth a visit as this church, monastery and catacombs are very interesting. The visit is organized in a mandatory tour in English or Spanish and gives some insights into the history of this place. The entrance fee is 20 soles (09/2024).