Lima's Local Communities: Half-day Social Impact and Cultural Immersion Tour
5.0
30 Ratings
Lima
Immerse yourself in Lima's local communities on this half-day tour. Discover the authentic side of the city, meet inspiring locals, and support social impact projects.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Cementerio de Nueva Esperanza - After a 50-minute drive, you will reach the first stop, which is the second-largest cemetery in the world. It’s a very impressive and colorful place, different than any other cemetery you have visited before. It is located amidst the hills and human settlements and represents the interesting Andean burial traditions. The view is amazing and, if you’re into photography, you will surely take a bunch of artistic photos.
- San Juan De Miraflores - After the visit to the cemetery, you’ll head towards the human settlement where you will first visit a local lady who has started her own small business and artisan workshop in her house. She will tell you more about herself and her business.
The bilingual guide teams up with a local guide who will show you around the neighborhood and take you to meet several local families and community leaders. The first stop is the house of the local cook who has prepared a delicious homemade lunch for you.
After lunch, the local guide will show you around and tell you more about daily life with its many challenges but also its many positive initiatives. The people who live there have worked hard to build a real community and you’ll get to meet some of these community leaders. The guide will also tell you more about the local project your visit supports. On some days you’ll even be able to see their activities with the participating kids in action.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included for ease and convenience.
- Travel comfortably with private transportation.
- Enjoy the insights of a local guide.
- Savor a delicious lunch.
- Support a social project with your visit.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
This exclusive half-day journey leads you away from the standard tourist route, presenting you with a real and unique experience of Lima, where the inhabitants live and earn their livelihoods. The day is characterized by responsible cultural exposure, indigenous customs, societal impact, and education.
Your itinerary will include a stop at a local craftsman’s workshop, a social initiative, a home-cooked meal at a local residence, and education around the everyday experiences within Lima’s populated districts. You won’t just gain insights into the region’s historical, political and cultural landscapes, but more importantly, you’ll engage with the remarkable local community striving to uplift their neighborhood. Of note, the tour emphasizes the positive endeavors and optimism of the local populace. Additionally, your participation aids the local initiative that you’ll visit and become better acquainted with.
- Tour can be canceled or altered due to extremely poor weather, political situation or other unexpected events. In case of cancellation, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Not wheelchair accessible. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
- Not recommended for participants with medical conditions such as serious back or neck problems
- A small amount of walking on uneven terrain is involved. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers (no sandals)
- Most of the year, the sun is very strong (even if it’s cloudy) and especially from December to April. it is highly recommended to bring sunscreen, water and a hat.
- Please advise any specific food or physical restrictions at time of booking
- Transfer time can vary quite a bit because of traffic. Please let us know if you have to be back on time.
Location
Cementerio de Nueva Esperanza
San Pedro SN
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(30 Ratings)
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Annamarie
May 31, 2023
My favourite day while in Lima - All the brown roofs in the hills surrounding Lima is where you go. An amazing chance to see how the people live and meet some truly inspiring individuals. The cemetery is interesting and I took some great pictures from the hilltop.This was my favourite day while in Lima. Definitely worth it and I 100% recommend doing this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Habsfan911
May 7, 2023
Incredible Unique Experience - Can’t speak highly enough of Alfredo and our half day tour of Lima with Alternative Peru!
We saw and learned things very few other tourists get to experience. Best of all, the cost includes financial support for the communities and people we visited.
We learned a lot about about Peruvian culture and the amazing work the less fortunate are doing to support each other.
Wish we had more time to do the other tours that Alternative Peru offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mquintan10
May 5, 2023
Adds a unique and authentic dimension to any visit to Lima - This tour was amazing! I've been to Lima probably 25 times (I was born in the US but both parents are Peruvian and extended family are all still there so I've visited throughout my entire life) so I really thought I 'knew' Lima. But this is my first time taking this type of tour and it was *fascinating*. I thought it might be risky but it was totally safe, everyone we met was absolutely wonderful. On the tour you'll learn about the 'human settlements', their evolution and history, how they are self-governed and self-reliant. The ability of these communities to strive and thrive, even under the most challenging of circumstances, is a true testament to the human spirit! Alfredo and the driver picked us up from our hotel in Miraflores (there were 4 of us) and from there it took about 45 min to get to the first stop. The tour is nicely paced, very organized and super informative. Alfredo and this tour company have a true passion for uplifting these communities and they do a great job of bringing awareness and insight into this often overlooked (but very important) aspect of Lima's society. 1000% recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dansitzwohl
Apr 1, 2023
Most Interesting thing I’ve done in a while - As cool as the touristy areas of Lima are, those places don’t really represent the lifestyle of many if not most Peruvians - this tour made venturing Into the lesser known and somewhat intimidating areas much more approachable and I learned so much about the country, its culture, and some of its most pressing issues. My guide Alfredo, along with everyone he introduced me to, was great. I won’t spoil the tour by giving much away, but highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tika
Dec 5, 2022
Unique and Memorable😊 - Thank you, Alfredo, for showing us the different sides of Peru outside the main city. Our tour was very unique, memorable, and Educational!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roxanne_f
Mar 22, 2022
Worthwhile & Recommended - After an Amazon visit we had an extra day in Lima before traveling home. This social tour gave us real insights into the lives of the people living in the settlements outside of Lima. I highly recommend this tour with Alfredo as it provides the human side of Peruvians who work together facing challenges foreign to many of us visiting their country
Review provided by Viator
Sofiaq542
Dec 29, 2021
Best tour I have ever been in the - Our tour guide, Alfredo was absolutely amazing. He took care of us in every way possible. His English was perfect, he had very detailed and profound knowledge of the history of Lima and Peru as a whole (we asked a lot of questions, and he answered all of them), took us to the greatest restaurants, and made us feel comfortable and at home. If you’re looking for a tour that will take you through the real, authentic Peruvian experience, I 100% recommend you touring with Alternativa Peru. They make sure to cover all of the touristic areas, while at the same time, showing you areas where common Peruvian citizens visit and love. This was the best tour that I have taken in my life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dsosa6060
Nov 30, 2021
Very Informative - Alfredo was on time picking me up from my Miraflores hotel, and in English gave me quite a bit of background on Lima, and the areas in which we headed. I'm a sucker for tours where you can visit local areas, and get a authentic feel for the way of life, and culture of others. Hearing first hand their challenges, and their opportunities is really moving. Tours like this, which I've taken before in other countries, really go to show that hospitality is not lost and even through challenges the human spirit is strong!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fz
Aug 24, 2021
Great experience! Strong families! Excellent Tour Guide? - I had a great time learning from Alfredo. I learned more about Peru from this tour and how so many families struggle. Visiting San Juan de Miraflores should be at the top of your list when visiting Peru.The safest way to do that is with a tour guide like Alfredo. Overall, costly tour but worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne
Oct 5, 2019
One of a kind experience - I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the day with Alfredo on this local community tour! He has such a calm nature to him and is so passionate in making a positive change for the less fortunate families in Peru. I learnt so much from this trip and being able to see the hard work that these families and the non-profit organisation are putting has been eye-opening. Alfredo was also nice enough to send some links and the day's itinerary to me which I really appreciate. Thank you Alfredo for the humble experience :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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