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If you’re heading to Peru and wondering what activities or tours in Lima are actually worth it… here’s what I personally did and can vouch for. Some were spontaneous, others I booked in advance, but I consider all of them must-do activities.
I wanted to start off the list with a curveball. And although this isn’t technically in Lima, it ended up being the best tour in my time in Peru. In starts early morning with a pickup directly at your accommodation and ends with a drop off at the same spot after enjoy a day packed of adventures.
First we visited the Ballestas Islands (considered “Peru’s Mini Galapagos”) home to hundreds of sea lions, penguins, and other marine wildlife. And then we experienced what was our favorite activity: dunebuggy and sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis! Once you see the size of the sand dunes you’ll see why it’s so fun.
After sunset on top of the sand dunes, the same bus dropped us back at our hotel in Lima. It was a long day, but super easy and absolutely worth it. Check out the tour here.
A great way to get to know a little more about the history of Lima, Peru is by taking a tour of its historical center. Our guide shared both history and lots of little stories you’d never find on Google. The Main Square and Plaza San Martin were definite highlights. Plus, the tour was technically free — we just tipped what we thought it was worth at the end.
The meeting point is at the Tourist Information Centers where you can find free travel help—maps/Wi-Fi, Free Walking Tour tips, great SIM/eSIM options, and the best nearby exchange rates.
I felt safe the entire time with the group, even in the busier areas, and it was a great way to meet other travelers on my first day. The tours run every day departing from the Tourist Information Center in Miraflores.
For me, food is one of my favorite things in the world which is why I signed up for Luchito’s Cooking Class. The class was small and friendly, which made it easy to follow along and ask questions.
We prepared some of Peru’s most iconic dishes — ceviche and causa de pollo — and even mixed our own pisco sour, the country’s most famous cocktail. Our teacher explained each step in a simple, fun way, and the food turned out amazing. Great way to start enjoying Peru’s cuisine.
A huge park with more than a dozen massive, colorful water displays. It’s an evening tour and I loved it.
There’s even a timed light and music show at the main fountain that’s way more impressive than I expected. Families, couples, and travelers all gathered around to watch. It felt lively but never too crowded.
The best part? It’s super affordable and felt completely safe. I’d definitely recommend this Magic Water Circuit tour it if you have a free night in Lima — it’s the kind of simple, fun experience that sticks with you.
This was a quick visit but totally worth it. Right in the middle of Miraflores, you’ll find these massive ancient ruins that date back to pre-Inca times. The guided tour gave great context, and it’s pretty awesome that you could literally see modern Lima in the background while standing on thousand-year-old adobe pyramids.
If you want to discover more of Lima’s food scene you definitely have to check out this food tour. It was such a fun way to explore the local street food scene without worrying about where to go or what to order.
We stopped at several places to try ceviche, anticuchos, and even churros. The guide also explained the history behind each dish and shared tips for finding authentic food around Lima. It was casual, filling, and a great way to meet other travelers too.
There is something for everyone in the bustling metropolis of Lima. From history and culture to food and pisco, you can find an endless number of incredible things to do in this one-of-a-kind city, dubbed “The City of Kings”. Get to know this place like a local, and enjoy all the finer things.
Remember, if you’re having trouble deciding which is the best way for you to tour Lima, then head over to Find Local Trips for inspiration. Or, you can visit the Tourist Information Center, located at:
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