
Catacumbas de San Francisco
Explore Lima's historic heart at the Catacumbas de San Francisco, an ancient convent and eerie underground ossuary holding centuries of secrets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Catacumbas de San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lima's historic heart at the Catacumbas de San Francisco, an ancient convent and eerie underground ossuary holding centuries of secrets.
"A unique historical place that feels like a door to the past, super recommended to visit."

Night Tour Recommended
The night tour offers a unique, atmospheric experience and access to areas not usually seen. Guides can speak fast, so pay attention!
Photography Restrictions
Be aware that photos are not allowed in all areas, especially within the catacombs themselves.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Catacombs
Underneath the convent
Explore the eerie underground ossuary, a resting place for thousands of souls, offering a glimpse into colonial burial practices.

Convent Architecture
Main convent building
Marvel at the stunning colonial architecture, intricate tilework, and beautiful cloisters that whisper tales of centuries past.

Atahualpa's Funeral Site
Specific chamber within the museum
Stand in the very spot where the funeral of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, is believed to have taken place.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Respect the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Night Tour Recommended
The night tour offers a unique, atmospheric experience and access to areas not usually seen. Guides can speak fast, so pay attention!
Photography Restrictions
Be aware that photos are not allowed in all areas, especially within the catacombs themselves.
Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and catacombs. [:athletic_shoe:]
Check Admission Fees
Prices vary for locals, nationals, and foreigners. Students and children may have discounted rates.
Tips
from all over the internet
Night Tour Recommended
The night tour offers a unique, atmospheric experience and access to areas not usually seen. Guides can speak fast, so pay attention!
Photography Restrictions
Be aware that photos are not allowed in all areas, especially within the catacombs themselves.
Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and catacombs. [:athletic_shoe:]
Check Admission Fees
Prices vary for locals, nationals, and foreigners. Students and children may have discounted rates.
Claustrophobia Warning
The narrow passages of the catacombs might not be suitable for those with severe claustrophobia.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Catacumbas de San Francisco to be a uniquely historical and fascinating site, offering a tangible connection to Lima's colonial past. The convent's architecture and the eerie catacombs are consistently praised, with many recommending the night tours for a more immersive experience. Some note that guides can speak quickly and photography is restricted in certain areas.
"Very interesting museum and convent with a lot of history. This is the place where Atahualpa’s funeral was held after his execution, and today you can also visit the catacombs where Spaniards were buried."
Adrian Hediger
"My friend and I took the night tour of the catacombs and museum. It was absolutely excellent. The only problem was that the young man who was the guide spoke rather fast. But we saw so much of the insides that you usually don't get to see. Cost as 25 soles each admission and then a flat 40 soles for the guide."
Don Moore
"Nice museum. They also have a nice restaurant."
jaap jansen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Catacumbas de San Francisco are located in the historic center of Lima, Peru. You can easily reach them by taxi, ride-sharing service, or public bus. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other central attractions like Plaza Mayor.
Parking in Lima's historic center can be challenging. It's often recommended to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the Catacumbas are centrally located in the historic center, making it walkable from many popular sites like the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima.
From Miraflores, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to the Catacumbas. Public buses are also an option, but may involve transfers and longer travel times.
Consider using apps like Uber or Cabify for reliable transport. If using public buses, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum and catacombs are typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including holidays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any last-minute changes.
Admission prices vary. For example, locals with DNI might pay around 5 soles, nationals 10 soles, and foreigners 15 soles. Students and children often have reduced rates.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance or arriving early can help you avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to understand the rich history. Night tours are particularly popular and offer a unique perspective.
The night tour can cost around 25 soles per person, with an additional fee for the guide (e.g., 40 soles flat fee). This offers access to areas not typically seen during the day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll explore the convent's beautiful architecture, cloisters, library, and the fascinating catacombs, which house the remains of thousands of people, primarily friars.
Photography is restricted in certain areas, particularly within the catacombs themselves, to preserve the atmosphere and historical integrity.
A typical visit, including the museum and catacombs, can take around 1 to 1.5 hours. A guided tour might extend this slightly.
The historic nature of the site, with its narrow stairs and uneven surfaces, may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly about accessibility.
These catacombs served as a primary burial site for Lima's inhabitants during colonial times, holding an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 individuals. It's also linked to the funeral of Inca emperor Atahualpa.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant associated with the museum that offers a place to dine. Visitors have noted it as a nice option after exploring the site.
The restaurant typically serves Peruvian cuisine, offering a chance to try local dishes. It's a convenient spot for a meal before or after your visit.
The historic center of Lima is filled with numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors offering a wide variety of culinary experiences.
Many visitors find the restaurant convenient and enjoyable for a meal. It's a good way to support the site while enjoying local flavors.
Generally, it's best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the museum and catacombs to maintain the sanctity of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted in the convent's public areas, cloisters, and library. However, it is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs themselves.
The restriction is in place to preserve the solemn atmosphere of the burial site and to protect the delicate historical artifacts and remains from flash photography.
The intricate tilework, colonial architecture, and the serene cloisters offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the grandeur of the convent's interior.
Weekday mornings often offer softer lighting and fewer people, making for better photographic conditions. The evening tours can also provide a unique, moody ambiance for permitted areas.
Yes, you can use your phone camera in the designated photography areas. Just be mindful of the rules and avoid taking pictures where prohibited. [:iphone:]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere might be less intense. While photography is restricted in the catacombs, the convent's architecture and the museum exhibits offer plenty of visual interest. Ensure children understand the rules about respecting the site and refraining from loud noises. The on-site restaurant provides a convenient spot for a family meal afterward.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Opt for a guided tour, preferably a night tour, to gain the deepest historical insights. Take your time exploring the museum's library and art collections, which further enrich the understanding of the convent's historical importance. Pay close attention to the architectural details and the stories behind them.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photo tips: Visit during weekday mornings for softer light and fewer crowds. Focus on capturing the details of the architecture, the play of light and shadow in the cloisters, and the textures of the historical elements. Even without photos inside the catacombs, the visual impact of the convent's interior is immense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath Lima
One of the most significant historical events linked to the convent is the funeral of Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor. After his execution by the Spanish in 1533, his body was reportedly brought to this site for a funeral service. Standing in the chamber where this pivotal moment in Peruvian history is said to have occurred provides a unique and somber experience for visitors. The catacombs thus represent a convergence of indigenous and colonial histories, making it a crucial site for understanding Peru's complex heritage.
Exploring the catacombs is a journey through time. The intricate network of tunnels, lined with skulls and bones arranged in decorative patterns, is both fascinating and a little unsettling. It's a powerful reminder of mortality and the passage of generations. The Museo Convento San Francisco itself is equally rich in history, featuring colonial art, a historic library, and stunning architecture, including beautiful tile work.
Navigating the Catacombs: Tips for Visitors
When it comes to tours, many visitors highly recommend the night tours. These offer a more intimate and atmospheric exploration of the site, often with access to areas not available during regular hours. While guides are knowledgeable, some travelers note they can speak quite quickly, so staying attentive is key. Remember that photography is strictly prohibited within the catacombs themselves, so be prepared to put your camera away and immerse yourself in the experience.
For those who might be sensitive to enclosed spaces, it's worth noting that the catacombs are indeed underground tunnels. While not excessively cramped, the narrow passages and the sheer volume of remains can be intense for individuals with severe claustrophobia. The admission fees can vary, so it's wise to check current prices, especially if you qualify for any discounts like student or local rates.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit