San Francisco Church and Catacombs Lima
Explore Lima's colonial past in the stunning Basilica and its vast, historic catacombs, a unique encounter with history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
San Francisco Church and Catacombs Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lima's colonial past in the stunning Basilica and its vast, historic catacombs, a unique encounter with history.
"Indiana Jones would approve: a visceral, humbling, and unforgettable encounter with Lima's past."
🎯 Guided Tours Included
Entry fee covers a guided tour. You can't wander alone, but guides are informative. :informationdeskperson:
🤫 No Photography Below
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs. Capture memories of the church above. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Catacombs
Underneath the Basilica
Thousands of human remains arranged in macabre, artistic circles and hallways. A truly unique historical experience.
Basilica Interior
Above the Catacombs
Stunning Baroque architecture and a serene atmosphere, often with ongoing masses. A stark contrast to the crypts below.
Colonial Library
Within the Convent
A beautiful, historic library showcasing antique books and ornate woodwork. A glimpse into colonial scholarly life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating Tours & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours Included
Entry fee covers a guided tour. You can't wander alone, but guides are informative. :informationdeskperson:
🤫 No Photography Below
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs. Capture memories of the church above. :camerawithflash:
💰 Be Wary of Upsellers
Guides outside may overcharge. Stick to the official entry price for the best value. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the church and catacombs, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours Included
Entry fee covers a guided tour. You can't wander alone, but guides are informative. :informationdeskperson:
🤫 No Photography Below
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs. Capture memories of the church above. :camerawithflash:
💰 Be Wary of Upsellers
Guides outside may overcharge. Stick to the official entry price for the best value. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the church and catacombs, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
😋 Churro Break Nearby
Don't miss the famous churro spot just around the corner from the church! :doughnut:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Francisco Church and Catacombs as a must-see historical site in Lima, highlighting the fascinating and macabre catacombs and the beautiful church architecture. The guided tours are informative, though some travelers caution against overpaying for unofficial guides outside the entrance.
"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."
L Sipe
"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"
Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni
"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."
Michael McGill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the historic center of Lima, easily accessible from the Plaza Mayor. Many visitors arrive via taxi or ride-sharing services from areas like Miraflores, though traffic can be heavy.
Parking in the historic center of Lima can be challenging. It's often recommended to use taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle of finding and paying for parking.
A taxi or ride-sharing app is generally the most convenient way to travel from Miraflores to the San Francisco Church and Catacombs, though be prepared for potential traffic delays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is typically around 20 soles per person (approximately $5 USD), which includes the guided tour of the catacombs and the church.
You can usually just show up, as tours are frequent and depart every 30 minutes. While advance booking isn't strictly necessary, it's good to check their official website or reputable tour operators if you prefer to secure a spot.
Yes, a guided tour is mandatory and included with your admission ticket. You cannot explore the catacombs independently.
The site is generally open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, but it's always a good idea to verify current hours before your visit.
Private tours can sometimes be arranged, especially if you have a smaller group or specific needs, but be sure to confirm pricing and availability beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs themselves. You can take photos of the church's exterior and interior, but not in the underground crypts.
The facade of the Basilica and the surrounding historic plaza offer great photo opportunities. The interior of the church, with its ornate details, is also picturesque, though flash photography might be restricted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the historic center of Lima is filled with restaurants and cafes. A highly recommended spot nearby is a famous churro stand.
You'll find a variety of Peruvian cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern interpretations. Many restaurants offer set menus for lunch.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The catacombs are a network of underground vaults containing tens of thousands of human remains, arranged in circular patterns and stacked along hallways. It's a damp, echoing, and historically significant experience.
The guided tour typically lasts around 40 minutes to an hour, covering both the church above and the catacombs below.
While the catacombs are an intense experience with thousands of bones, most visitors find it fascinating rather than frightening. It can feel a bit claustrophobic due to the narrow passages, but it's generally not overwhelming.
Yes, clean restrooms are available on-site for visitors.
These catacombs served as a cemetery for the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco during colonial times, burying over 25,000 people. They are considered one of the largest and best-preserved colonial cemeteries in the Americas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to gauge your child's sensitivity to themes of death and remains. If they are easily frightened, you might consider focusing more on the beautiful architecture of the church above. The nearby churro stand is a great reward after the tour!
🏛️ History Buffs
The sheer scale of the catacombs, with over 25,000 remains, provides a profound insight into colonial-era mortality and urban planning.Pay close attention to the details shared by your guide, from the architectural styles of the church to the historical context of the burials. The library within the convent also offers a glimpse into the intellectual life of the period. This is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a journey through centuries of Lima's history.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for dramatic lighting inside the church, especially if there's a service happening.Beyond the church, the surrounding historic center of Lima provides a rich backdrop for street photography. Capture the colonial architecture, bustling plazas, and local life. Remember to respect the no-photography rule in the catacombs to ensure a smooth visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Catacombs
This practice was common in densely populated colonial cities where surface burial space was limited.The catacombs are not merely a collection of bones; they are a testament to the city's past and its approach to mortality. The arrangement of skulls, femurs, and other bones in precise formations speaks to a sense of order and perhaps even artistry in the face of death. Visiting the catacombs offers a visceral connection to Lima's colonial history, providing a stark and humbling contrast to the vibrant life that continues above ground.
Many visitors describe the experience as akin to stepping into an Indiana Jones film, a sentiment that captures the eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The damp, echoing chambers, filled with the silent stories of thousands, create a unique and unforgettable encounter with history. It's a place that prompts reflection on life, death, and the enduring legacy of the past.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Practicalities
While the official entry fee covers the tour, it's important to be aware of individuals outside the main entrance who may offer private tours at inflated prices. It's advisable to proceed directly to the ticket counter to ensure you pay the standard rate and avoid potential scams.
Remember that photography is strictly forbidden within the catacombs. This rule helps preserve the atmosphere and respect the sacred nature of the site. Make sure to capture any desired photos of the stunning Baroque architecture of the church above ground before or after your descent. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as you'll be on your feet for the duration of the tour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit