Top Activities on the Ground in Lima

Lima is a vibrant city filled with several eclectic enclaves and this small-group bike tour help you discover the best areas. Pedal around the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, stopping at several landmarks along the way, and pay a visit to the ancient stepped pyramid of Huaca Pucllana. Book this tour and gain a free night at the Albergue Verde Hotel in Miraflores, with a minimum stay of two nights.

The Marcahuasi stone forest is often overlooked by visitors, but this mystical site shouldn't be missed by anyone with an interest in nature or history—and this private guided tour will show you why. Discover monolithic stone forms, unobstructed vista points, and tucked-away attractions far from any crowds as you explore off the beaten path and delve into Peruvian lore.

Explore Lima by bike on an off-the-beaten-track cycle tour from Miraflores. Ideal for active travelers, this bike tour covers top Lima attractions—including the pre-Inca ruins of Huaca Pucllana, El Malecon, and the Bridge of Sighs—and hidden gems in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco. This small-group tour, limited to eight people, offers a morning or afternoon departure time.

Get your adrenaline pumping and experience the thrill of riding on sand during this sandboarding experience in Lima. Join a small group and head to the Punta Hermosa neighborhood right on the Pacific Ocean. Then, gear up and get ready to slide down the dunes on your sandboard for the next few hours; start on smaller dunes and work your way up to the bigger ones.

Get acquainted with the rich regal history of Lima on an educational sightseeing tour of the Peruvian capital. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, delve into the ambient tangle of Lima’s historical center; gaze at the fabulous façade of the Presidential Palace; descend to the eerie catacombs of San Francisco Monastery; and admire the ancient Dominicans Tower. A portion of your tour goes to an NGO that support social projects in the community.

Taste your way through historic Lima on an evening food tour that combines local landmarks with a series of food and drink tastings. Since Lima draws foods and traditions from all around the country, you’ll have the chance to try a wide range of treats, with a local guide to help find the very best versions among the overwhelming options in the city center.

Get hands-on experience preparing some of Peru’s most iconic dishes and shopping at a local market during this Lima cooking class. First stop by the market to pick out fresh meat and produce, discovering the incredible diversity of ingredients in Peruvian cuisine. Then head to the kitchen choosing to prepare a choice of fish, chicken, beef or vegetarian dish like ‘Ceviche’ or ‘Lomo Saltado,’ learning the necessary steps in fun, relaxed atmosphere. Your cooking excursion also includes round-trip hotel transport (for most areas of Lima), professional chef instructor, snacks and either lunch or dinner.

Experience a more authentic, less-touristy side of Lima during this half-day walking tour through the city’s Chorillos and Barranco neighborhoods. Observe the hum of activity in ‘fish town,’ a section of Chorillos that hosts a fish market and a cast of local fishermen, before heading to the nearby cliffs to sample some local snacks. Continue to the increasingly trendy Barranco area to admire colorful mansions and hip art galleries.

Experience a sound and light extravaganza to remember on this fountains tour with dinner and a show in Lima. Following pickup at your accommodation in downtown Lima, Miraflores, or San Isidro, transfer to the Magic Water Circuit—where enormous jets of water explode into the skies to music and lights. You’ll also have time for a delicious dinner, with a performance of traditional Peruvian music and dance.

With one day in Lima you can explore the very best of the city, from the colonial architecture of the historic center to pre-Colombian art and seaside neighborhoods. See the gorgeous interior of the San Francisco Convent, tour the Museo Larco, then get a glimpse of Lima’s earliest history in Miraflores. This full-day, private tour of Lima offers the flexibility and convenience of a personalized tour, including pickup and drop-off at hotels in some neighborhoods, and it’s an ideal choice for first-time visitors.

A guide and hotel pickup and drop-off make your trip to the Magic Water Circuit extra memorable. Tour the world’s largest fountain complex at night for a chance to see a light laser show coordinated with classic Peruvian music, plus interactive exhibits like the Tunnel of Surprises and a water maze make this an ideal kid-friendly evening activity.

Don't let confusing public transit, overpriced taxis, or lack of time keep you from exploring the wonders of Lima. This Lima city tour is specifically designed for passengers disembarking at the Port of Callao and includes a private van and professional guide to help you see the city's highlights, from its UNESCO-listed center to its famous cafes.

The UNESCO-listed archeological site of Caral, first inhabited between 2600 BCE and 2000 BCE, is among Peru's most impressive ruins. Getting there, however, can be tricky. This small-group tour tour from Lima promises a hassle-free experience. You'll get picked up from your accommodation and taken directly to Caral where your guide will offer insights into its ancient civilization.

Don’t let limited time in Lima stop you visiting Huacachina and Paracas. See the desert oasis and natural hotspots on a full-day tour, ideal for travelers short on time. After traveling to Paracas, you’ll embark on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, regularly compared to the Galapagos Island, to see colonies of sea lions and seals. Then, explore Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go sandboarding. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Uncover the ancient mystery of the Pachacamac Temple on a captivating and comprehensive tour from Lima. Explore the remarkable religious compound with a knowledgeable guide to discover its intriguing history and 200 AD origin; gaze at majestic pyramids dedicated to the sun and the moon; and admire the architectural precision of the buildings while learning about the customs of prehistoric Inca civilization.

Discover the wealth of historic and modern attractions found in the Peruvian city of Lima during this sightseeing tour. Feel like a real ‘Limeño’ (a Lima local) as you explore the town’s colonial and Incan architecture, visit its charming residential neighborhoods, see the scenic cliff-strewn coast, and admire its many religious shrines and churches. This Lima city tour also includes entrance fees, a guide, and round-trip hotel transport.

Calling all nature lovers, this tour allows you to swim alongside wild sea lions in their natural environment. Departing Lima, travel by boat to the Guanera Islands (Islas Guaneras), home to Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and sea lions. Plunge into the water to enjoy a supervised swim with the marine mammals before admiring rock formations and other wildlife on your return journey. Refreshments are included.

Discover Lima's best side on this guided evening tour of the city. Dress up for cocktails at a trendy beachfront bar, enjoy gourmet dining at a restaurant inside of a 2,500-year-old archaeological complex, and finish up with a walking tour of the bohemian Barranco district en route to dessert. This tour includes all food, drinks, and transportation, ensuring a night to remember.

Taste the delicious diversity of Peru’s thriving cacao industry during this 2-hour chocolate-making workshop at Lima’s ChocoMuseo. Learn about every step of the chocolate-making process, including roasting the beans, removing the husk, grinding the nibs and refining the paste in a ‘melangeur.’ You’ll then get to create your very own chocolate with your choice of ingredients, leaving with a delicious handmade dessert. This chocolate-making workshop includes all necessary ingredients, a chocolate drink tasting and a handmade chocolate souvenir.

Cycle your way around Lima’s stunning sights on a 3.5-hour bike tour of the stunning seaside city. Explore the alluring architecture, artistic enclaves and coastal splendor of Peru’s capital with a knowledgeable guide on this private tour. Discover the expressive culture and vibrant street art of bohemian neighborhoods on this culturally enriching ride that covers all of the amazing attractions in the modern part of Lima City.

Explore Lima's vibrant neighborhoods by bike on this half-day cycle tour. Visit the colorful Barranco district, Miraflores Boardwalk, and San Isidro neighborhood. marvel at the architecture and learn about the history and culture of each area from your knowledgeable guide. Traveling on two wheels is a great way to see the best of Lima in a short amount of time.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this fun half-day sandboarding tour. From Lima you’ll be driven to the huge sand dunes, where you’ll be briefed on how to use the sandboards best, and how to get the most from riding the dunes. Race your friends down the dunes several times, progressing to higher and more challenging dunes as you go. No experience is necessary.

See more of Lima with a bicycle rental and explore the city with ease on two wheels. Rent a bike for six hours and create your own sightseeing itinerary, whether its exploring Lima’s historic center, visiting the galleries of Barranco, or the creweries in Miraflores. Your rental includes a city map and recommendations on scenic routes and attractions to visit.