7 Best tours of Lima

One of the best things to do in Lima is undoubtedly to hire a guided tour of the capital. The City of Kings hides fun activities that you will surely love. You can get to know the historic centre or iconic neighbourhoods such as Miraflores or Barranco.

The best thing about getting to know the city with a planned tour is that you will always have a guide to explain which way to go and where to go, so you can constantly listen to the history and other curiosities of the places you visit. Do you like the idea? Get ready for your trip to Lima!

If you want to travel comfortably all over the city of Lima, I recommend you to take a panoramic bus tour. During the tour you will be able to see incredible panoramic views of Lima while you listen to all the fun facts that your guide will tell you. Another similar alternative, as it is done in a bus, is the Hop on Hop off Bus tour in Lima, however in this tour you don't have a guide and you can set your own route.

This type of tour starts in the Miraflores neighbourhood. From there you can travel to the most outstanding sites of the city. Among them is the historic centre of Lima. Right there you will have the opportunity to see the Paseo de la Republica, the Plaza San Martin and the Plaza Mayor.

Depending on availability, I recommend you to enter the Museum of Religious Art of the Cathedral of Lima and the convent of Santo Domingo. In any case, the bus will allow you to make a first approach to Lima and is perfect if you are short on time and want to see as many sites as possible. Are you going to miss it?

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 €.
• Duration: 4 hours.
• Means of transport: bus with panoramic views.
• Advantages of this option: audio guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: you will not be able to get on and off the bus as often as you wish.

During the day you can take a walking tour of Lima with a professional tour guide. You will learn about the history of the capital of Peru, walk through the historic centre and see iconic buildings of the city.

This walking tour usually starts at the Plaza San Martin. There you can admire the beautiful gardens and take a look around. From there you can go to the Jiron de la Union, a street you must see! You will be able to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view that will allow you to see the particular architecture of the city, its iconic wooden balconies and much more. If you sign up for this tour, you will possibly continue to Ucayali Street, Lampa Street and finally to the San Francisco Convent Museum and Catacombs. Take a brief tour of this museum and learn about the culture and traditions of the city's inhabitants during the colonial era.

The Government Palace is also another destination that is often included in this experience. Other sites that can be visited on this type of tour are the Cathedral of Lima, the Pasaje Santa Rosa, the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Finally, you can return to the starting point if you wish, or continue exploring the city on your own.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 51 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to get to know the historic centre of Lima in a few hours and in the company of a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: lunch is not included in this tour.

When you travel to Lima, a gastronomic tour of the city is a must. Although you can do a gastronomic tour on your own, I recommend that you hire a private service. This way you will be guided by a person who knows the city better and you will only focus on exploring the streets and restaurants.

In the bohemian district of El Barranco you will enjoy the emblematic ceviche, the good pisco sour and you will delight yourself with more than 15 typical dishes and Peruvian drinks.

Besides the sweet that you will taste, you will have the opportunity to walk around this bohemian district of the city. You will visit the Bridge of Sighs, the main square, among other places. Finally you can return to the starting point, or if you want you can continue exploring the city!

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 80 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: Private transport there and back.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit Lima's El Barranco neighbourhood and taste more than a dozen typical dishes.
• Disadvantages of this option: 18% local taxes are not included.

If you take a night tour of Lima with the Magic Water Circuit and catacombs you will see a different and very illuminated Lima. Many monuments are filled with light and you can also visit the Magic Water Circuit.

The tour usually passes by the Trujillo Bridge, the oldest bridge in Lima. From there you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the river and the Rímac municipality. You will pass the bridge and then enjoy the local street food. After the dinner break, you can return to the centre to visit the Plaza de Armas and its surroundings, so you won't miss anything!

To end the night in style, a visit to the Parque de las Fuentes de Agua, where you will find the Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit). There, in addition to the lights, you will enjoy a music show. This is an experience that I recommend you to do at any time of the year, but especially in December in Lima, as the city is filled with Christmas decorations that illuminate the capital of Peru during the night.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 56 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: walking tour
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to see the city from a different point of view and dine on Peruvian street food.
• Disadvantages of this option: the tour can be long for some people. Also, dinner is not included.

Do you want to fall even more in love with Lima? Then you can take part in a tour through the most bohemian side of the city: the neighbourhoods of Barranco and Callao. On this type of walking tour you will be accompanied by a tour guide who will tell you the history of these places and why they are famous.

The experience usually starts in the Callao neighbourhood, where you can walk through the streets and get to know the urban art while the guide explains the history of this place. During the tour you can take advantage of the time and visit some art galleries such as the Fugaz.

You can also visit the traditional neighbourhood of La Punta, another tourist destination you must visit, where you can admire its peculiar architecture and monuments. And of course, for a more lively place, a visit to the Barranco neighbourhood is the ideal destination. This is the most colourful area of Lima and undoubtedly the most bohemian neighbourhood of all. You will love to see the artistic life of its streets.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 50 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: walking tour and private vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: it allows you to see up to three different neighbourhoods in Lima and usually includes private transport.
• Disadvantages of this option: due to its duration, it does not usually include lunch or snacks.

Traveller tip
For walking tours it is always advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to move freely. It is also important to bring a bottle of water for personal use.

If you are not a fan of walking tours, I recommend you to take a bike tour around Lima, it will be a very fun experience! You will travel in the company of a tour guide through the popular neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.

You will cycle through the Miraflores neighbourhood, one of the most romantic places in the world and home to the famous statue of El Beso. Follow the route to the Miraflores Malecon to see some of Lima's beautiful beaches.

Take the time to stroll through the Barranco neighbourhood. Enjoy its colourful streets and urban art. Also visit the Bridge of Sighs and other highlights of this neighbourhood. At the end of the tour you can return to the starting point.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 24 €.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Means of transport: bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to tour popular areas of Lima without getting tired walking. Includes bottled water, coffee and tea.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include lunch.

Would you like to take a guided tour of the Pachacamac archaeological complex? If so, I recommend you prepare yourself to discover the vestiges of the ancient Inca civilisation while you explore this site. This type of experience is usually organised with a professional guide who will take you to visit the main temples and pyramids.

There you will be able to admire the impressive views of the Pacific Ocean from the imposing Pyramid of the Temple of the Sun. I suggest you complete this experience by tasting a traditional Peruvian snack that is usually sold in the area.

This excursion will allow you to get to know a breathtaking natural landscape. You will see sand dunes and vegetation of the Peruvian coast. This makes a beautiful contrast to the man-made structures of centuries ago.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 57 €.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: private vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: exploring an archaeological complex without going too far.
• Disadvantages of this option: lunch is not included.

Lima, also known as the city of the balconies, is one of the tourist destinations that every traveller should visit. It is a place full of culture, art and history. My first recommendation is to travel with enough time to get to know all its corners and take the time to enjoy all the details.

Keep in mind that many walks and tours are done on foot, so you will be constantly exposed to the sun. Don't be fooled! Although this city is generally cloudy, the sun's rays can damage your skin. It is important that you wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen to protect yourself whenever you go out, especially if you are travelling to Lima in summer.

Another recommendation you can keep in mind is to always explore the city with a professional guide. This way you won't have to worry about finding a good restaurant or finding the public transport you need to get to your destination. With a guide you will only have to concentrate on enjoying your trip.

Peru is a country full of beautiful tourist destinations worth visiting. One of them, without any doubt, is its capital. There you will get beautiful landscapes, colourful streets and fantastic people. Besides, the tourist activities in this city are very varied.

Keep in mind that Lima is a huge city, with almost ten million inhabitants and occupying a large area, so the option of doing tours with a professional guide is clearly the best for a person who does not know this big city.

In Lima you can take a tour to the coast and enjoy the beach atmosphere. You can also visit architectural complexes on the outskirts of the city or explore neighbourhoods full of art and culture. However, food is perhaps the star of every experience, as Peruvian cuisine is exquisite.