Half-Day Local Communities and Social Tour in Lima

Alfredo’s tour was one of the most memorable experiences I had in Lima. It showed me a side of the city that I would probably never have encountered as a visitor on my own. Alfredo shared a great deal of knowledge about Lima’s history, the development of informal settlements, migration from the Andes, and the difficult years of Peru’s internal conflict. What impressed me most was learning about the incredible resilience, self-organization, and sense of community among the people living there. Despite very difficult circumstances, people have built their own homes, created opportunities to earn an income, and developed strong networks of mutual support. The tour also made me reflect on the responsibility that comes with visiting communities whose realities are very different from my own. I appreciated that Alfredo did not simply present these places through the lens of poverty. Instead, he focused on people’s stories, their work, their resilience, and the ways they have organized themselves and built their communities. For me, the experience was much more about listening, learning, and gaining a better understanding of another reality than simply “seeing poverty.” Alfredo was extremely knowledgeable, open, and genuinely engaged. You can tell that he cares about the communities and the people he works with. I left the tour with a great deal of respect for the people we met and with many thoughts that I will probably continue to reflect on for a long time. If you want to experience Lima beyond the usual tourist areas and are willing to engage with some of the city’s more complex and difficult realities, I would highly recommend Alfredo’s tour.

If you're visiting Lima and want an experience that goes far beyond the tourist trail, this community tour is absolutely not to be missed. We were picked up from our Airbnb at 9 AM and came back hours later genuinely changed. Our first stop was the world's second largest cemetery — built right into the hillside with above-ground sites, mausoleums, and in-ground burials. It sounds unconventional, but it was truly impressive and unlike anything we'd ever seen. From there, we ventured into the pueblos jóvenes and met Balbina, a local artisan selling the most beautiful handmade cards, coin purses, and ornaments. We happily bought a few pieces and loved having the chance to support her work directly. Lunch was the heart of the day. We were welcomed into the home of Señora Ninfa — a woman with an extraordinary story. She built her home from the ground up, literally starting with bamboo, expanding it piece by piece over the years. But what moved us most was learning that she feeds the neighborhood children milk every single day out of pure generosity. She cooked us an incredible meal of chicken, rice, vegetables, and fresh mint tea, and sitting at her table, hearing her story — that was the kind of travel moment you never forget. Our final stop was a local after-school childcare program doing genuinely important work, particularly for young girls who might otherwise be funneled into domestic labor. It hit hard. We left wanting to donate and stay connected. None of this would have been what it was without our guide, **Alfredo**. He was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly deeply committed to this community. His passion is infectious and his work is meaningful. We travel as a family and this was hands-down the highlight of our entire Lima trip. Book it. You won't regret it.

Me and my husband still reflecting (it is November our tour was in August :)) what a great tour this was. Alfredo is a fantastic guide- we asked a lot of questions and he answered them all. The dinner at lady’s house was delicious. I definitely recommend this tour. You will see and feel the real life of Lima people outside the well maintained city districts.

I went with Alfredo to visit one of the biggest cimetry in the world - more than 1 million souls - el dia de los muertos (1 and 2.11). It looks like a big party, with music, food, drinks. Evrybody comes to decorate the tumbs and celebrate their deads. Afterthat we went to meet with people living in the comunities, hear their stories... a lady prepared a very nice lunch for us. It was a very interesting tour, very safe, confortable car, good driver, everything was corresponding to the programm. The money of the tour goes to a very succsessfull and usefull association helping women and children. I deaply recommand.

Alfredo was a really great tour guide that was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He made sure I was happy with the tour and the tour was really great. Also it was a huge learning experience and a chance to see a world that is hard to experience alone. I definitely recommend this tour to people who want to see something unique.

Alfredo was an exceptional tour guide and brought us on the most incredible tour. Usually when travelling, we see the best rich areas that are not actually representative of how the locals actually live. This private tour showed us the unfiltered reality for most of the people living outside the rich areas of Lima - all the sights, the sounds, the smells. Alfredo’s tour allowed us to get close and personal with the locals and have direct conversations with his never-missing-a-beat translations. The highlight of the tour for me was definitely eating a home cooked meal in a lovely local’s house. The meal was delicious and her story made me quite emotional. It is incredible how someone can be through so much yet stay resilient and kind to everyone she meets. For example she wakes up early at 6am every morning to cook breakfast for all the local kids and old people who cannot afford to eat. Separately, the proceeds from this tour go directly into helping 6-12 year old kids in the area. It is great to be able to have such a great experience while supporting the community. It was a win-win-win. This tour was definitely worth it, if even just to have a conversation with Alfredo, highly highly recommend, thank you Alfredo 🙏

Alfredo was an exceptional tour guide and brought us on the most incredible tour. Usually when travelling, we see the best rich areas that are not actually representative of how the locals actually live. This private tour showed us the unfiltered reality for most of the people living outside the rich areas of Lima - all the sights, the sounds, the smells. Alfredo’s tour allowed us to get close and personal with the locals and have direct conversations with his never-missing-a-beat translations. The highlight of the tour for me was definitely eating a home cooked meal in a lovely local’s house. The meal was delicious and her story made me quite emotional. It is incredible how someone can be through so much yet stay resilient and kind to everyone she meets. For example she wakes up early at 6am every morning to cook breakfast for all the local kids and old people who cannot afford to eat. Separately, the proceeds from this tour go directly into helping 6-12 year old kids in the area. It is great to be able to have such a great experience while supporting the community. It was a win-win-win. This tour was definitely worth it, if even just to have a conversation with Alfredo, highly highly recommend, thank you Alfredo 🙏

This was a wonderful education about some of the less seen residents of Lima. Our tour guide was excellent and very patient with our many questions. We will never forget our experience.

Visitions à country is for me, on top of ruina, amazone scène tu and muséums, getting top know the people who live there, the “réal” people! I shall never Forget the warm and heartful welcome by Signore Ninfa and her friend, her life story, her small house without a roof. Alfredo and our friendly and efficient driver madré this hall-day a rich and mémorable expérience. Go for it !

This tour was absolutely incredible and a must do when you come visit Peru! See Lima through the communities eyes and meet alot of wonderful people. I will definitely be back!