Advertisement
Lima Tours
Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience
5

Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience

By Haku Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Discover a different side of Lima during this tour of one of the city’s shantytowns. Meet some of the residents of this community during this walking tour as you learn about the challenges they face. Visit a kindergarten and some local artisans to hear stories about daily life in the shantytown. Part of the proceeds go back to helping the community and its residents.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-85, max of 10 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More

Highlights
  • Explore one of Lima’s shantytowns during this educational tour
  • Learn about daily life from residents and the challenges they face
  • Visit a kindergarten and local artisans to hear their stories about their home
  • Hassle-free round-trip transport from Barranco, Miraflores, and San Isidro

  • Professional guide
  • Private transport
  • Small group
  • Bottled water
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
What's not included
  • Gratuities

Meet your guide at your central Lima hotel and head towards the shantytown. Receive a short briefing about basic guidelines for the tour before heading in. Wander the alleyways and listen to informative commentary from your guide about the history of the community and its residents. Meet local residents throughout the tour to get a deeper look at their daily lives. Stop at a kindergarten and a silverware factory and listen to stories about the developments within the community. Walk up the ‘yellow stairs’ to take in the astounding dimensions of the shantytown as well as the views of the city below before heading back your hotel to conclude the tour.

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • Av. José Larco 724, Miraflores 15074, Peru
    Dear client, if you don't need pick up, you can meet us at our office located at Av. Jose Larco 724, Miraflores.
Pickup details
  • All our prices include pick up and drop off at your hotel only when you are in: Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco. Outside of these areas, we ask that you pay a small fee for your pickup and drop-off at your hotel location.
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Not wheelchair accessible
      • Near public transportation
      • Infants must sit on laps
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17020P1

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Most travellers can participate
      • If you are a solo traveler do not hesitate to ask about availability (WhatsApp: +51 947 142 030)
      • We recommend to wear confortable clothes, shoes and take a bottle of water with you
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17020P1

      From
      £38.30
      per adult (price varies by group size)
      Select date and travellers
      Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

      Similar experiences

      Itinerary
      • 1
        On this walking tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a large part of the population of Lima, which lives under a shared community system and in an environment of happiness. At Haku Tours we want you to see "the real Lima". You will go up the famous yellow stairs and go through narrow paths until you reach the tops of the hills, there you'll see the impressive views of the city. During the tour we will visit a local nursery and the families of this friendly community who will share their culture and traditions with you. You should expect a warm welcome and happy smiles (locals love visitors).
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Haku Tours
        2,230
        Lima, Peru
        Joined in August 2011
      • borisj849
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience!
        This was my first time in Lima and Peru. I didn't know much about the city so I've decided to take a tour hoping I will learn something about this place. Luckily, I had a great person to guide this tour. JJ is knowledgeable, smart, easy to understand and he was telling us stories in Spanish and English and I find that amazing! He showed us places of cultural and historical importance and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend this tour and JJ as your tour guide. Thank you!
        Written 11 December 2024
      • 761dmitrik
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Pleasant walk
        I would like to thank Gabriela for being an extra attentive and knowledgable guide. She made extra efforts to make sure that everyone got their questions answered and she provided very good and useful information. Having said that, I would like to differentiate between the guide and the tour itself. The tour is advertised to last 3.5 hours. We started at 9:30 and ended at 11:30, which is 2 hours. People were not rushed, while walking, and this is a great things but I feel that more could be covered. Also, the stops at at a chocolate shop for tasting and at a pisco place for tasting were, in my opinion, not essential to the tour. No one pressured us to buy things, however, this time could have been used for something else: history, sightseeing, etc. There could have been more info on the history of the city, not just a pleasant walk. Therefore, I put 4 stars, and not 5.
        Written 10 December 2024
      • N1954PSelenal
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Peruvian cooking class
        We had a great time learning about traditional Peruvian cooking. The hosts and chefs were very welcoming and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend!
        Written 9 December 2024
      • SokhSabay
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great hands on experience into Peruvian cuisine and culture!
        We had an amazing time with Gabriela and chef Ruth. They were so knowledgeable about Peruvian cuisine and culture! The cooking experience was so fun and it was awesome that we got to have first hand experience making popular Peruvian cuisine. What I really liked about this experience was that we all voted on different appetizers and main courses and normally majority vote would be the winner, but Gaby and chef Ruth went above and beyond and let us make what we wanted to make! I thought that was amazing. This experience is a great one to do if you're in Lima and it's nice to enjoy a nice hearty meal that everyone made together with great company.
        Written 7 December 2024
      • J M
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Worry-free transfers from airport to Lima hotel.
        I was in touch with Stefano from Haku Tours about my arrivals and departures. He did a terrific job keeping everything organized. I arrived in Lima first, then went to Cusco, then back to Lima before flying out of Peru. All four transfers were provided by Haku Tours. Each and every time I arrived, the driver was already waiting for me. During pick up from the hotel (to go to the airport), drivers arrived earlier than the appointed time. All the drivers were friendly, courteous and professional. The rides were all smooth and I felt very safe. Highly recommended for transfers in Lima.
        Written 7 December 2024
      • J M
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Admiring Old City of Lima
        I had a great time doing this walking tour of the city, visiting historical landmarks and monuments. Unfortunately I could not remember the name of my able guide (who is in one of the pictures). He was very nice and knowledgeable. I was picked up promptly from my hotel. After picking up a couple more participants, we were brought to the City center of Lima where we got to admire many important landmarks. The guide would explain to us these different places we went to. We even had a free Spanish churro that tasted really good! For me the highlight was the visit to the San Francisco Monastery with its underground cemetery. This tour is highly recommended.
        Written 7 December 2024
      • J M
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Touring four beautiful neighborhoods of Lima
        I was fortunate to do this tour with my able guide Aaron, who was knowledgeable, friendly and jolly. I was promptly picked up from my hotel in Miraflores. We did a walking tour of a park in Miraflores then walked towards the coastal road. We had coffee while admiring the stunning view of the coast. Then by car we drove to Chorrillos. We did a quick stop at a restaurant for its equally stunning view of the ocean. After this we proceeded to Barranco, an artsy neighborhood that I absolutely loved. I even got to cross the Bridge of Sigh while holding my breath in the hope that my wish would come true. Lastly we drove to a market in Surquillo, where I got to sample some of Lima’s tastiest fruits. Afterwards, I was dropped off in my hotel. I immensely enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it, especially to first time visitors with limited time in Lima.
        Written 5 December 2024
      • Mat W
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lima Tour!
        ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gabriela was amazing! Very informative. She answered all of my random questions, and I did not feel rushed at all. I did the Lima city tour, which included a walk around the various churches and city center. It was a small group with one other person. She made sure we understood the "who, what, when, where, and why". From the timeline of the earthquakes to the Peruvian dessert and to the history of the catacombs, she made sure that it was a breeze. I recommend Gabriela for your tour in the city! Thank you!
        Written 4 December 2024
      • jmjarmoore
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great experience!!!
        Sylvanna was a wonderful tour and we loved this experience so much. The market was fun and all the food so interesting and delicious.
        Written 4 December 2024
      • Getaway295164
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A must in Lima
        Great tour and good way to see the city Our tour guide was very nice and lnew quite a bit about the history and town i would recommend it
        Written 29 November 2024
      • Paul T
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A must see experience in Lima!
        This evening I did the Magic Water Circuit Show and was so glad I did. I was so lucky to have Aaron as my tour guide. He made the tour very special for me. Aaron is so knowledgeable about Lima and he gave me great recommendations. He continuously checked in with me during the tour to make sure I was comfortable and understood what we were seeing. This to me is the sign of a great tour guide who not only enjoys his job but goes the extra mile for his customers. He was very patient with me about taking various photos of me while at the park. A good tour guide makes or breaks an experience and Aaron went above and beyond. I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Aaron!
        Written 28 November 2024
      • AnnM789
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fantastic tour and tour guide and Driver. Our tour guide Edwin was among the best tour guides ever!
        Tour, tour guide and Driver all excellent. Edwin is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had anywhere. Highly recommend
        Written 26 November 2024
      • BartK656
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Could not have had a better guide for downtown Lima than Cesar!
        Cesar did a tremendous job showing us around downtown Lima. His entertaining story telling and questioning style of presenting made the historical facts stick much better. The grand finale the tour of the Franciscan church and the Catacombs was very special
        Written 25 November 2024
      • shinjinin2022
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing tour! 100% Recommend
        Our guide Stefano did an amazing job. He knew the history very well and explained in detail every stop on the tour. He was funny, energetic and kind. Would highly recommend.
        Written 25 November 2024
      • asenb725
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A Pleasant Experience
        The guide was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and amiable - what more can one desire from a one-day tour! The driving was safe, friendly, and bearing the travelers in mind.
        Written 24 November 2024
      See all 2,230 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      We perform checks on reviews.
      Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
      Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
      When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
      Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
      Learn more about our review moderation.
      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles98 reviews
      Excellent
      96
      Very good
      2
      Average
      0
      Poor
      0
      Terrible
      0

      Olivia
      United States19 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      I wanted to safely see the less touristy side of Lima (and Peruvian life generally,) and I really think this tour was perfect for that. It gave me so much perspective into how life is for so many Peruvians.
      My guide was amazing. You could tell he was familiar with this community, and the community knew and trusted him. He always made me feel safe, particularly when we were passing by guard dogs outside some of the houses.
      I felt like the locals were very real with me and seriously helped widen my perspective on so many things. The guide is a great translator and you don't have to know any Spanish (he told me a majority of the people who take this tour don't speak Spanish,) but if you do know Spanish be sure to tell him. He'll pass it on to the locals and they'll be super excited to chat with you.
      Expect to have a lot of different fruits and other foods introduced to you at the market. And don't chew the seeds of the passion and egg fruits, you're supposed to literally try to drink/slurp it.
      COVID note: this is a very poor community and sometimes you're literally walking up into people's homes and/or backyards, so don't expect everyone you encounter to be masked. In the market and a lot of more public areas everyone was, but definitely not in some of the more private/residential areas.
      Written 27 July 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      KDreiblatt
      Bellevue, WA8 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We had a great experience with Philippe on our tour of the Villa El Salvador district. Learned so much about the everyday life of those living in this shantytown. We had the pleasure of meeting several residents who graciously welcomed us. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see how the majority of Lima residents live.
      Written 3 January 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Our friends in the community are really cheerful to welcome you and get the opportunity to know you guys! Thanks a lot, all the support you are giving us is going straight to our friendly families in Villa El Salvador!
      Written 21 February 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Patrick F
      Winnipeg, Canada4 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2020
      A wonderful tour providing rich insight into the lives and living conditions of the vast majority of Limans. My guides Amadeo and Jose were great and had and shared their deep and authentic connections with the local community and its leaders.

      Very highly recommended
      Written 25 January 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      It was wonderful to share with you Patrick, for our Haku Family its so important to show this part of Lima city. Many people think that Lima is just Miraflores, Barranco or the Main Square, but the aim of this experience is to show and interact with thiis wonderful families. Good to know that the 70% of Lima is covered in Shanty towns. Your intention to work with the community teaching English tells a lot about you, we appreciate your company and kindness and still remember you and we are looking forward to meet again! Thanks a lot!
      Written 21 February 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Traveler98
      Seattle, WA324 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      This tours provides an informative and very educational look into shanty town daily life featuring the people, their homes, markets, and animals. Featured on our tour was a market, any number of homes, a community soup kitchen, a community garden, a school/library, and (by chance) a metalsmith's studio. The tenacity, creativeness and ingenuity of the Peruvian people living there was astounding. Their warmth and compassion for the others in their community was made readily apparent. Mabel (our tour leader) was exceptional as our guide and interpreter. She set the tone early and gave us insight into any number of relevant topics in this world few foreigners will have a chance to experience. Our driver (sorry terrible with names) was a master of Lima's street and it's interesting drivers. Most importantly, he delivered us from location to location safely. I most highly recommend this tour, the Haku company and Mabel as your guide. Your eyes will be opened. Guaranteed you will appreciate your life all much more.
      Written 12 October 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      utahtravfam
      Utah25 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      May 2024 • Couples
      Although we were concerned that there may be a lack of sensitivity in choosing this tour, we were overwhelmed by how wonderful it was. We had a private tour with Stefano and met wonderful people in the marketplace, who were delighted to visit with us, and we also met an amazing woman who was responsible for creating and managing a soup kitchen. We learned about the challenges in this neighborhood caused by the pandemic and about many of the real problems they face. All of this during breakfast graciously served in the very simple home of this family. The tour was conducted with every attention to sensitivity and safety, and we cannot recommend it highly enough. Stefano was the perfect guide and himself lived in a similar neighborhood.
      Written 5 May 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      onthego25
      Phoenix, AZ123 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2023 • Friends
      We spent two days with Edwin from Haku Tours. The first day we saw the “nicer’ sides of Lima and the second day was the Pyramids and Shanty Town tour. The Shanty town tour was eye opening! Edwin first took us to the market in the Shanty Town and then onto a one room school in the area, run by volunteer mothers. The children performed a Xmas song for us and we performed one for them. The soup kitchen was right next door and we all made some purchases at a little grocery store for additional supplies for the kitchen. Edwin was so informative about life in a Shanty Town and appreciative of our support. Highly recommend this tour!!!!
      Written 3 February 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Lola
      Copenhagen, Denmark9 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Shantytown tour was one of the most unique, amazing, beautiful things I’ve ever done in my life. Definitely for the curious minded traveler who enjoys learning from locals. Edwin, our guide, was just wonderful. I can’t thank him enough for this unforgettable experience. He even booked a car to the airport for my two friends and I after the tour. He was knowledgeable, warm, and funny, and I look forward to seeing him the next time I come to Lima and book this exact tour once again.
      Written 31 July 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      david s
      8 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Solo
      This was one of the most educational tours I have ever taken. It shined a light onto a side of the Peruvian life that not many people are aware of. It provided insight and meaning and was the best way I could have ended my trip. The tour guide and members of the community were friendly, giving, and interested in sharing their stories and learning about mine. Highly recommended.
      Written 13 November 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Alex
      Palm Beach, FL35 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      This tour was amazing. Mabel the guide, was friendly, knowledgeable, and a great photographer. The overall experience was enriching as well as educational. Shanty town's people were welcoming and the fact the Haku helps this community its even more rewarding.
      A must if one it's visiting Lima.
      Written 16 July 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Evelin Schuster
      Fertorakos, Hungary27 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sept 2023 • Solo
      Wonderful tour! My tourguide was very very nice, friendly, helpful and she was just amazing! A very nice experience!! Absolutely worth it wenn you are in Lima! And you support the local community and projects with the money you pay for the tour
      Written 21 September 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Showing results 1-10 of 93
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      Lima Shanty Town Tour-Local Life Experience provided by Haku Tours

      All Lima HotelsLima Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Lima
      All things to do in Lima
      Day Trips in Lima
      RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire