Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

Half-Day Casa de Aliaga and Lima City Tour

Half-Day Casa de Aliaga and Lima City Tour

3MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-11-07

This unique and historical half-day tour is one of the best Lima day trips, incorporating the Lima City Tour and the impressive Casa de Aliaga visit in just a half-day tour! Find out about Lima's past as we visit The Huaca Pucllana, dating back to 4 A.D, the main square and the historic center of Lima, as well as the Casa de Aliaga, which has been with the same family since the time of Francisco Pizarro! Join us at Valencia Travel on this journey back in time for one of the capital's best historical Lima day trips. 

 

The central location of the Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace within the historic center makes it an excellent location to base your Lima Peru tours since all the major roads around the center of the city lead back to the Plaza. It is one of the 6 beautiful churches in Lima that visitors should not miss on their Lima city tour, during their time in Peru.

Lima Cathedral

The Huaca Pucllana

This impressive historical tour begins with a visit to the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, built in the 4th century A.D. This site was deemed sacred by the Incas and was an important religious center. The Huaca Pucllana served as an administrative and ceremonial center in the pre-Inca Lima culture to elite clergy members. Today, Huaca Pucllana offers a glimpse into the history of the ancient civilization and why it is still a significant archaeological site.

 

The Lima culture occupied the central coast of Peru from 200 to 700 A.D. They constructed Huaca Pucllana around 500 A.D. At that time, Lima was rich farmland with canals branching off from the Surco River. Lima people at that time who didn’t farm were usually fishermen. Learn more about the Lima culture when you visit Lima on your Peru vacation packages.

Huaca Pucllana

Historic Center

We will tour Lima's historic downtown to see many beautiful monuments and colonial buildings. We will head to the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), Government Palace (where the President lives and works), the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Mayor's Palace. We will then head to the Santo Domingo church and convent, including a visit to the somewhat spooky catacombs, which still are under the Peruvian Congress building. This is where the remains of many who were on trial during the Spanish Inquisition remain today.

 

The Plaza Mayor is the bustling main square of Lima´s downtown. It is here that Francisco Pizarro founded Peru´s capital. The square is surrounded by some pretty impressive buildings such as the Government Palace, Town Hall, Archbishop's Palace, Casa Riva-Aguero, and Lima Cathedral. The Plaza Mayor contains an elegant bronze fountain in is center from the 17th century. Locals and tourists hang out and take photos here when they visit Lima.

Plaza Mayor, Lima

The Casa Aliaga

Casa de Aliaga stands on land given in 1535 to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of Pizarro's followers, occupied by 16 generations of his descendants. It may not look like much from the outside, but the interiors are exquisite, with vintage furnishings and tile work. When conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the capital city on Jan. 18, 1535, he gave the plot adjacent to the Government Palace to his trusted ally Jerónimo de Aliaga. Eighteen generations of the Aliaga family have resided in the same mansion ever since. The house has been renovated over the years after many earthquakes and changes in architectural trends; however, the mansion has now served for almost five centuries as an integral part of Lima's colonial history.

 

Casa Aliaga is almost 5 centuries old and is one of the most incredible architectural and cultural centers of Lima. This beautiful mansion has gracefully withstood the passage of time, being present at some of the most important events that have marked Lima´s history from its beginnings to the present day. Visit on your Lima Peru tours.

Casa de Aliaga

The casa de Aliaga is the oldest house in the Americas. Jerónimo's descendants live in a modern annex, but much of the original main house is on display. The Casa de Aliaga houses an extensive collection of Peruvian art and artifacts, including the sword Jerónimo de Aliaga used in the conquest of Peru, and reflects various eras of decor dating back centuries. Walking through the house's heavy wooden doors means stepping back into the past.

 

The house's present owner makes the property available for dinners, private events, weddings, and meetings. Meals are delicious, nicely presented, and well-served in the vast interior courtyard. On display are many antiques and art pieces that family members have collected over the generations. 

 

The original construction of the Casa Aliga was made of adobe, however, a number of earthquakes forced its restoration on several occasions. As a result, the mansion is a combination of styles ranging from Renaissance to Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. When you visit Lima the Casa Aliaga is a must-see!

Courtyard, Casa de Aliaga

 

Book the Half-Day Casa Aliaga and Lima City Tour with Valencia Travel here!

 

SHARE THIS POST